• by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday

Despite a myriad of factors that would seem to threaten vehicle sales, many automakers reported record-breaking sales in June.

American Honda June sales were up 17% on 133,781 units, its best June in five years. The automaker posted sales of 756,920 units in the first half of 2026 (+2.4%), its best first half and quarterly result since 2021. The sales increase was achieved with a balanced lineup of sedans and SUVs, which includes numerous fuel-efficient, affordable models, according to the automaker. 

“At a time when affordability is more important than ever, the exceptional value offered by Honda and Acura is helping us retain customers and attract buyers from competing brands,” says Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto aales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in a release. “Our commitment to fuel efficiency is also resonating with consumers, with hybrid models accounting for about 30% of Honda sales as customers increasingly seek more efficient vehicle options.”

Notably, the Honda CR-V outsold the Toyota RAV4, one of its main competitors, as well as the Ford F-150.

“Honda’s CR-V has capitalized on inventory shortfalls at Toyota and Ford to become America’s bestselling light vehicle in the first half of 2026,” notes Automotive News. 

Despite the shortfall with the RAV4, Toyota Motor North America still reported strong June sales. The automaker’s June 2026 U.S. sales totaled 212,793 vehicles, up 10.1% on a volume basis and up 5.7 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to June 2025. 

Toyota sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 122,063, up 35% on a volume basis and up 29.6% on a DSR basis, representing 57.4% of total sales volume.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best-ever June total sales of 77,555 units, an 11% increase compared with June 2025. This result contributed to Hyundai's record-setting performance for both the second quarter and first half of 2026.

Record June results were achieved for several models and segments, including Santa Fe HEV (+12%), Sonata HEV (+246%), Tucson HEV (+14%), the Tucson overall (+20%) and Elantra N (+18%). Hybrid vehicles were the primary driver of total sales growth during the month increasing 74%.

Hyundai’s sibling brand Kia also achieved new records for both June and the first half of the year.  The company sold 70,507 vehicles in the U.S. last month, a 10% year-on-year increase. Kia has now moved 430,727 vehicles in 2026 so far, an increase of 3% and a new record for the first half of any year.  In June, the automaker attained the following model-specific sales records: Sportage Hybrid (+134%), Carnival Hybrid (+54%), Telluride (+20%), Seltos (+13%) and Sorento Hybrid (+13%).

“The results illustrate our ability to react to shifting market demands by resetting our showrooms with the right mix of ICE, hybrid and electrified models,” says Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America, in a release. “As we enter the second half of the year, we expect our momentum to continue, driven by strong anticipation for the all-new Seltos, which will begin full-scale sales nationwide in July, alongside the continued success of the 2027 Telluride, the expansion of our hybrid lineup, and the launch of the all-new EV3.”

Stellantis also saw an increase. The automaker, whose brands include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, reported second-quarter sales rose 6% compared with the year ago period. It is the company’s fourth consecutive quarter of sales growth in the United States.

Not all automakers saw increases for the second quarter, and those that didn’t were lacking in hybrid models.

“Second-quarter U.S. vehicle sales are turning into a tale of haves and have nots, as automakers that have hybrid models are outperforming those that don’t amid high gas prices and a decline in demand for all-electric vehicles,” according to CNBC. “General Motors, which offers a broad EV lineup but only one hybrid, a low-volume Corvette, reported a 4.2% decline in second quarter sales.”

Ford Motor Co. also took a hit. 

“Ford Motor Co. reported its sales in the second quarter and for the first half of the year said they are down compared with year-ago periods as the automaker phased out two popular small SUVs — Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair — and has seen a steep decline in commercial fleet sales,” according to the Detroit Free Press.