Kia has moved ahead of Toyota in India’s passenger vehicle sales for August 2026, taking fifth place among the country’s top car manufacturers. The South Korean carmaker sold 29,042 units in the domestic market last month, while Toyota recorded sales of 28,410 units.
The difference between the two manufacturers was 632 units. While the margin is not very large, the result is notable as Kia has managed to move ahead of Toyota again after more than two years.
Kia’s August 2026 car sales also showed strong year-on-year growth. The company dispatched 19,608 units in August 2025, meaning sales increased by 48.1 per cent this year. It was also Kia India’s best-ever wholesale performance for the month of August.
The Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet continue to be the main contributors to the company’s sales. The Seltos has maintained an average of more than 10,000 units per month in 2026, while the Sonet remains an important model in the compact SUV segment. The Kia Carens has also added to the company’s overall sales.
Kia’s expanding electric vehicle range is another factor supporting its presence in the Indian market. Models such as the Syros EV and Carens Clavis EV have added more options for buyers looking for electric cars.
Toyota, meanwhile, continues to have a strong portfolio that includes the Innova HyCross, Fortuner, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Glanza. Toyota’s January-August 2026 domestic sales stood at 2,44,592 units, which is still higher than Kia’s 2,20,991 units during the same period.
Whether Kia can retain fifth place will depend on its performance during the coming months. With the festive season approaching and the upcoming Kia Sorento launch, the competition between Kia and Toyota could remain close.
