Top 5 Least-Sold Kia Models of All Time
While Kia has produced many best-selling models, not every vehicle in its lineup has been a hit. Over the years, a few Kia models failed to gain traction in the market, whether due to niche appeal, tough competition, or timing issues. In this blog, we count down the top 5 least-sold Kia models of all time, from #5 to #1.
5. Kia Borrego – The Short-Lived Full-Size SUV
Introduced in 2008, the Kia Borrego was Kia’s attempt at a full-size, body-on-frame SUV. Unfortunately, it launched during the economic recession, when gas prices were high, making fuel-hungry SUVs less appealing.
Why It Struggled:
- Poor timing due to rising fuel costs
- Tough competition from established brands like Ford and Toyota
- Limited marketing and awareness
Total Sales: Less than 40,000 units in the U.S.
Worst-Selling Year: 2010 – Only 5,000 units sold in the U.S. Competitor Comparison:
- Ford Explorer (2010): 60,687 units sold
- Toyota 4Runner (2010): 46,531 units sold
4. Kia Amanti – The Luxury Sedan That Never Took Off
The Kia Amanti, launched in 2003, was Kia’s first attempt at a full-size luxury sedan. While it offered premium features at an affordable price, it struggled to compete with brands like Lexus, BMW, and Acura.
Why It Struggled:
- Bland styling compared to competitors
- Lack of brand recognition in the luxury segment
- Sluggish performance for its class
Total Sales: Around 115,000 units worldwide before discontinuation in 2009.
Worst-Selling Year: 2009 – Only 3,600 units sold before discontinuation. Competitor Comparison:
- Lexus ES (2009): 48,485 units sold
- Buick LaCrosse (2009): 24,038 units sold
3. Kia Cadenza – The Forgotten Premium Sedan
Introduced in 2010, the Kia Cadenza was designed as a near-luxury sedan positioned above the Optima. While it had a sleek design and upscale features, it failed to find a strong customer base.
Why It Struggled:
- Competition from the Kia K5 (Optima) and the Stinger
- Declining sedan sales in favor of SUVs
- Lack of consumer awareness
Total Sales: Estimated 130,000 units before being phased out in 2021.
Worst-Selling Year: 2020 – Only 1,265 units sold before being phased out. Competitor Comparison:
- Toyota Avalon (2020): 18,421 units sold
- Nissan Maxima (2020): 16,386 units sold
2. Kia K900 – Kia’s Attempt at a Luxury Flagship
The Kia K900, launched in 2012, was Kia’s most ambitious luxury sedan, competing with BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class at a fraction of the price. Despite its impressive features and powerful V8 option, sales remained low.
Why It Struggled:
- Kia’s brand perception didn’t align with luxury buyers
- Limited dealership availability
- Competition from well-established luxury brands
Total Sales: Only a few thousand units per year before it was discontinued in 2020.
Worst-Selling Year: 2020 – Only 305 units sold before discontinuation. Competitor Comparison:
- BMW 7-Series (2020): 12,276 units sold
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2020): 10,807 units sold
1. Kia Venga – The MPV That Never Gained Popularity
The Kia Venga, a subcompact MPV, was launched in 2009 and aimed at European markets. While practical, it failed to capture consumer interest as demand shifted toward SUVs.
Why It Struggled:
- MPVs were declining in popularity
- Bland styling and underwhelming performance
- Strong competition from crossovers and compact SUVs
Total Sales: Estimated 150,000 units before being discontinued in 2019.
Worst-Selling Year: 2018 – Only 2,423 units sold in Europe before being discontinued. Competitor Comparison:
- Renault Scenic (2018): 29,753 units sold
- Volkswagen Touran (2018): 34,748 units sold
Final Thoughts
While these Kia models didn’t break sales records, they each played a role in Kia’s evolution. Some, like the K900 and Cadenza, showed that Kia could produce luxury vehicles, while others, like the Borrego, were ahead of their time. Today, Kia continues to refine its lineup, focusing on models that resonate with consumers.
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