Hyundai's Budget-Friendly Model Achieved a 141% Increase in Sales in May | Carscoops

      Sales of the standard Elantra and the performance-oriented Elantra N have surged this year.

      

      June 4, 2025, at 08:30

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Brad Anderson

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Hyundai has already sold more than 62,000 Elantras within just five months of 2025.

      The Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata continue to demonstrate strong demand and consistent sales growth.

      However, there has been a decline in sales for both the compact Santa Cruz pickup and the electric Ioniq 6 sedan.

      For years, the demand for sedans has been diminishing, leading many to claim that the sedan was effectively finished, prompting several brands to halt their production altogether. Nevertheless, Hyundai's latest sales report for the United States reveals that a well-rounded and reasonably priced sedan can attract buyers.

      Thus far this year, Hyundai has sold 62,356 Elantra sedans throughout the United States, marking a notable 24% increase compared to last year when it ranked as the brand’s second-best-selling vehicle. Sales continue to grow, with 15,741 Elantras sold in May, reflecting an 18% increase from May 2024.

      One of the more surprising highlights is the rising interest in the performance-oriented Elantra N. Hyundai has reported a staggering 141% increase in sales of the sportier version in May. While the company did not disclose specific figures for the N model, it’s clear that buyers are attracted to the combination of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 276 hp, the option of a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a starting price of $34,350. It seems that affordable performance is still appealing when not overshadowed by excessive markups.

      In total, Hyundai’s sales in America have increased by 11% this year, with 369,578 units sold between January and May. In May, Hyundai also surpassed 17 million vehicles sold in the U.S. since entering the market in 1986.

      HYUNDAI US SALES

      

      

      Strong Start to 2025

      It’s not solely the Elantra's appeal that has driven Hyundai's sales upward. Similar to last year, the Tucson continues to be the brand's top-selling vehicle, with 78,565 units sold in the first five months of 2025, a 23% boost compared to the same timeframe in 2024. In May alone, 19,905 Tucsons were sold.

      Additionally, sales of the Santa Fe have risen by 17% this year, with 54,848 units sold since January, positioning it slightly ahead of the Palisade, which recorded 47,944 sales, an 8% increase. The Sonata has also seen an 11% sales increase, totaling 27,981 units, while demand for the Venue has climbed 19%, with 12,879 sold.

      However, not every model is experiencing growth. The Santa Cruz, Hyundai's compact pickup, has seen a 19% decline in sales, amounting to 12,173 units sold so far this year. Similarly, the Ioniq 6, the company's stylish electric sedan, has also decreased slightly by 6%, with 5,621 units sold.