Key facts
- Hyundai Motor Group surpassed Honda Motor in U.S. hybrid sales for the first time in the first half of 2026.
- Hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. increased by nearly 20% year-over-year in the first half of 2026.
- Hybrids accounted for a record 15.4% of the U.S. auto market share in the first half of 2026.
- Toyota, Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda collectively control about 86% of the U.S. hybrid market.
- Toyota remains the largest seller of hybrids in the U.S., with over 600,000 units sold in the first six months of 2026.
Hyundai Motor Group has overtaken Honda Motor for the first time in U.S. hybrid vehicle sales during the first half of 2026, according to reports. This milestone for the South Korean automaker comes as hybrid sales in the U.S. have surged by nearly 20% year-over-year, capturing a record 15.4% of the market share.
Data from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), cited by CNBC, indicates that hybrids are the only major vehicle segment experiencing growth, while gasoline, diesel, and fully electric vehicles have seen declines. The growing popularity of hybrids is benefiting automakers that have consistently invested in the technology.
Toyota, Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis), and Honda collectively dominate the U.S. hybrid market, accounting for approximately 86% of sales, according to Baum & Associates. Toyota remains the leading seller, with over 600,000 hybrids sold across its brands in the first six months of 2026. Hyundai Motor Group's expansion of hybrid offerings across a wider range of vehicles, including larger SUVs, contributed to its rise above Honda.
Several factors are fueling consumer interest in hybrids, including sustained high gasoline prices, fuel savings, and concerns about electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and driving range. While hybrids have a higher upfront cost than comparable gasoline models, buyers can often recoup this through lower fuel expenses within a few years. Automakers like Toyota and Honda, with decades of investment in hybrid technology, are now reaping the rewards.