Kia March 2025 Sales Performance: Carens Climbs as Seltos and Sonet Slow Down
Kia India has released its March 2025 sales report, showing a mix of growth, stability, and emerging competition pressures. While the MPV Carens delivered strong year-over-year (Y-o-Y) growth, both the Seltos and Sonet, Kia’s top-selling SUVs, saw significant Y-o-Y declines. Meanwhile, new models like Syros and the EV9 are helping Kia broaden its portfolio and stake a claim in premium and electric segments.
With competition heating up in every automotive segment, the Kia March 2025 sales numbers offer a compelling look into the brand’s strengths, product momentum, and future challenges.
Kia March 2025 Sales Snapshot
| Model | Mar’25 | Mar’24 | Y-o-Y % | Feb’25 | M-o-M % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seltos | 6,525 | 7,912 | -18% | 6,446 | +1% |
| Carens | 5,512 | 4,737 | +16% | 5,318 | +4% |
| Syros | 5,425 | 0 | – | 5,425 | 0% |
| Sonet | 7,705 | 8,750 | -12% | 7,598 | +1% |
| EV6 | 6 | 1 | +500% | 6 | 0% |
| EV9 | 230 | 0 | – | 239 | -4% |
| Carnival | 122 | 0 | – | 127 | -4% |
Top Performer: Kia Carens Continues to Gain Ground
-
March 2025 Sales: 5,512
-
Y-o-Y Growth: +16%
-
M-o-M Growth: +4%
The Kia Carens, with its flexible three-row seating, continues to be a key growth driver. It stands out in the competitive MPV space thanks to value-for-money pricing, spacious interiors, and features like a sunroof and connected tech.
Its Y-o-Y growth suggests that demand for mid-size MPVs is healthy, and the Carens is effectively defending its turf against rivals like the Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Renault Triber. The slight M-o-M increase shows continued traction among both families and fleet operators.
Declining Momentum: Seltos and Sonet Face Market Pressure
Seltos
-
March 2025 Sales: 6,525
-
Y-o-Y Decline: -18%
-
M-o-M Growth: +1%
The Kia Seltos, once the brand’s volume king, continues to face challenges from strong contenders like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder. Despite recent facelifts and feature additions, the Y-o-Y decline indicates demand saturation or increasing competition in the midsize SUV category.
A marginal M-o-M uptick shows some stabilization, but if Seltos wants to regain its former dominance, a more aggressive value proposition or new variant strategy may be needed.
Sonet
-
March 2025 Sales: 7,705
-
Y-o-Y Decline: -12%
-
M-o-M Growth: +1%
The Kia Sonet, though still one of the top performers in its segment, is also showing signs of pressure. The 12% decline compared to March 2024 suggests the sub-compact SUV space is becoming increasingly competitive, with rivals such as the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Maruti Brezza eating into its market share.
However, its monthly performance has remained consistent, indicating that the Sonet still holds appeal for a sizeable chunk of urban buyers.
New Entrant Spotlight: Kia Syros Makes a Solid Debut
-
March 2025 Sales: 5,425
-
Y-o-Y: N/A
-
M-o-M Growth: 0%
Kia’s all-new model Syros (positioned possibly between the Seltos and Carens or as a stylish crossover) has posted 5,425 units in March, matching its February figures. This suggests a healthy launch with consistent dealer dispatches, and it will be interesting to watch whether it can sustain this demand through Q2.
As consumer preference shifts toward crossover SUVs with coupe-like styling, the Syros could carve out a strong niche if it’s backed by tech and performance enhancements.
Electric Segment: EV6 and EV9 Steady but Niche
EV6
-
March 2025 Sales: 6
-
Y-o-Y Growth: +500%
-
M-o-M Growth: 0%
The Kia EV6, while low in volume, continues to serve as a halo product for Kia’s EV lineup. Its sales remain limited due to its premium pricing, limited availability, and competition from more affordable EVs like the MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV Max.
EV9
-
March 2025 Sales: 230
-
M-o-M Decline: -4%
The recently launched Kia EV9 is positioned as a full-size luxury electric SUV. While a 4% decline may seem minor, it’s crucial that Kia supports the EV9 with robust infrastructure, battery performance enhancements, and premium after-sales service. Still, a monthly volume of over 200 units in this price bracket is a positive indicator of growing acceptance for high-end EVs.
MPV Revival: Carnival Returns Quietly
-
March 2025 Sales: 122
-
M-o-M Decline: -4%
The Kia Carnival returned to Indian showrooms recently in a refreshed avatar. With 122 units sold, it’s clearly positioned as a niche offering, targeting business buyers, chauffeur-driven executives, and luxury family movers. Its real challenge will be competing with Toyota’s Vellfire and the Innova Hycross in premium MPV circles.
Kia March 2025 Sales: Key Observations
Top Performers
-
Carens leads with 16% Y-o-Y growth, driven by consistent demand for practical MPVs.
-
Syros has had a strong debut, hinting at Kia’s successful expansion into new design-forward crossover spaces.
Stable Models
-
Sonet and Seltos are holding month-to-month but declining Y-o-Y, highlighting stiff competition and market fatigue.
-
EV6 maintains a niche footprint, acting as a tech flagship.
Emerging Segments
-
EV9’s entry into the luxury EV market marks Kia’s ambition in the premium space.
-
Carnival returns with modest numbers, and its growth depends on how it’s positioned over the next few quarters.
Conclusion: Kia Balancing Core Strengths with Portfolio Expansion
The Kia March 2025 sales report reflects the brand’s dual strategy: reinforcing its core strength in compact and midsize SUVs (Sonet, Seltos, Carens), while also exploring premium and EV segments with new models like EV9, Carnival, and Syros.
While volume leaders are showing signs of stagnation, Kia’s expanding product portfolio suggests it is future-proofing its lineup for evolving consumer preferences. The key to sustained growth in the upcoming quarters will lie in refreshing aging models, investing in EV infrastructure, and maintaining the brand’s value-led perception.