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Kia America Sales Reach New September and Q3 Records

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Kia America closed September 2026 with its best monthly sales total ever, while the third quarter also set a new company record.

Kia posts its strongest September and quarter ever

Kia America has reached another major sales milestone in the United States.

The automaker sold 77,009 vehicles in September 2026, an 18% increase over its previous September record. Retail sales reached 70,429 units, up 19% from the previous high.

The September result also pushed Kia to a new quarterly record.

Sales for the third quarter totaled 236,659 vehicles, an 8% increase over the previous third-quarter record. Retail sales reached 221,664 units, up 9%.

Kia says the performance keeps the brand on track toward a fourth consecutive annual sales record.

The 2027 Telluride was one of Kia America’s strongest performers during September, with 11,927 units sold.

The Telluride posted 11,927 September sales. That represented a 42% year-over-year increase.

Its year-to-date total reached 110,038 units, up from 92,498 during the same period last year.

The result is especially important because the 2027 Telluride is a new-generation model. Kia has expanded the SUV with a larger footprint, more interior space and its first available hybrid powertrain.

Eight Kia models posted double-digit growth

Kia’s September results were not driven by a single vehicle.

Eight key models recorded double-digit year-over-year growth. That group included the Seltos, Niro, K4, Telluride, Sorento, Carnival, K5 and Sportage.

The Seltos recorded one of the biggest increases.

Kia sold 7,682 Seltos vehicles in September, a 66% jump from September 2025. Its year-to-date total reached 58,207 units, compared with 40,065 a year earlier.

The Sportage remained Kia’s biggest seller for the month, with 16,033 units. That was a 10% increase year over year.

The second-generation 2027 Seltos recorded a 66% year-over-year sales increase in September.

The K4/Forte combination also performed strongly.

Kia reports 12,658 September sales, up 43% year over year. The group has reached 111,212 units through the first nine months of 2026.

The Sorento added 8,939 units in September, an increase of 37%. The Carnival followed with 6,804 units, up 21%, while the K5 reached 6,070 units, up 15%.

Electrified Kia models are gaining momentum

Electrification was another important part of the September result.

Kia says hybrid sales increased 152% year over year, while total electrified vehicle sales rose 60%. Both categories reached new September and quarterly records.

The Telluride HEV was a key contributor after launching earlier this year.

Other hybrid models also posted significant gains. Sorento HEV sales rose 112%, Sportage HEV sales increased 53%, and Carnival HEV sales grew 47% year over year.

The Sportage remained Kia’s highest-volume model in September, with 16,033 vehicles sold.

Kia’s EV lineup also showed a mixed picture.

The EV9 recorded 1,955 September sales, while the EV6 reached 835. The new EV3 recorded 514 units in its first September sales report, taking its year-to-date total to 520 units.

The EV3 is one of Kia’s newest U.S. products.

Kia America has also highlighted the all-electric 2027 EV3 after it received the 2026 Green Car of the Year award.

Kia’s 2026 U.S. sales continue to rise

Through September, Kia America has sold 667,386 vehicles.

That compares with 636,148 units during the first nine months of 2025. The difference represents an increase of about 4.9%.

Sportage leads the year-to-date ranking with 145,746 units.

The Telluride follows with 110,038, while K4/Forte has reached 111,212 units. Sorento stands at 77,205 and Carnival at 61,540.

The year-to-date figures also show continued strength across several gasoline and hybrid SUVs.

Kia’s strategy is therefore covering multiple powertrain types rather than relying only on EV growth.

Safety and new products add to the momentum

Kia also announced that the 2027 Telluride earned the IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

That gives Kia five models carrying the TSP+ designation for the 2026 rating year: the Telluride, K4, EV9, Sorento and Sportage.

The company is also expanding its hybrid lineup.

Kia describes itself as having the second-largest hybrid lineup in the industry, with models such as the Telluride, Sportage and Carnival. The company launched a new campaign in September to highlight those vehicles.

That product mix is becoming increasingly important as Kia enters the final quarter of 2026.

The company now has strong volume from SUVs, sedans, minivans, hybrids and EVs.

Kia heads into the fourth quarter with record momentum

The September numbers provide a strong snapshot of Kia’s U.S. business.

77,009 September sales and 236,659 third-quarter sales both represent all-time company records, while electrified models continue to grow quickly.

With 667,386 vehicles sold through September, Kia America is heading into the final quarter of 2026 with several major models driving its sales performance.

The Kia America sales record for September and the third quarter also shows how the brand’s expanding mix of SUVs, hybrids and EVs is contributing to its U.S. growth story.

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Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer Get Big Changes for 2027

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Chevrolet is giving its most affordable SUVs more standard safety technology, larger screens and new trim options for the 2027 model year.

Chevrolet is making major changes to the Trax and Trailblazer for 2027. Both compact SUVs receive more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, larger displays and built-in Google technology with Gemini.

The updated SUVs are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in spring 2027. The changes come after the Trax and Trailblazer recorded their strongest combined sales performance yet.

Chevrolet says it has delivered more than 250,000 Trax and Trailblazer SUVs combined this year, giving the two models an increasingly important role in the brand’s lineup.

The 2027 Chevrolet Trax receives updated styling, new technology and additional standard safety features.

More Than 20 Safety Features Become Standard

The biggest upgrade for both SUVs comes from an improved electrical and software architecture. It allows Chevrolet to offer more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features across the 2027 Trax and Trailblazer lineup.

New systems include Reverse Automatic Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Front Park Assist and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking.

Several existing features also remain standard. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Park Assist, Safety Alert Seat and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

The broader standard equipment should make the two SUVs more competitive with newer rivals, particularly for buyers who place a high priority on driver assistance without moving into more expensive trims.

Bigger Screens and Google Gemini

Chevrolet is also giving the Trax and Trailblazer a more modern cabin. Every 2027 model comes with an 11.0-inch driver information display and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen.

The infotainment system features Google built-in with Gemini, bringing Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology directly into the vehicle’s interface.

Chevrolet is also including 12 months of OnStar One for new buyers. The service adds features such as an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and video streaming alongside the standard OnStar services.

The updated cabin features larger displays and built-in Google technology with Gemini.

Trax Gets a Simpler Lineup

Chevrolet is simplifying the 2027 Trax lineup to three versions: the entry-level model, RS and Activ.

The Trax also receives several exterior updates. These include a redesigned grille, new wheels, all-LED taillamps and a redesigned liftgate.

For the first time, buyers can also choose a power liftgate.

Each trim has its own visual identity. The entry-level version gets higher-contrast wheels, while the RS features 19-inch wheels, the largest wheel size available across the Trax lineup.

The Activ retains its distinctive front-end design. Both the Trax and Trailblazer also introduce a new Storm Sky Gray interior color.

Chevrolet says the Trax remains the segment leader and accounts for roughly one-fifth of the brand’s volume in its class.

Trailblazer Adds the Z71 Trim

The biggest change for the 2027 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the arrival of the Z71 trim.

Chevrolet has used the Z71 name for decades. The badge first appeared in 1963 and became associated with the brand’s off-road-oriented trucks before expanding to SUVs and other vehicles.

The Trailblazer Z71 brings a more adventure-focused setup. All-wheel drive comes standard, along with an off-road-tuned suspension, a skid plate and sport-terrain tires.

The cabin also receives a specific treatment. The Z71 combines Jet Black and Storm Sky Gray with orange accents to create a more rugged appearance.

The new Trailblazer Z71 adds standard all-wheel drive and hardware aimed at adventure-focused buyers.

Chevrolet Is Strengthening Its Affordable SUV Lineup

The 2027 updates give the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer more technology without fundamentally changing their roles in the lineup.

The Trax continues to focus on accessible urban and everyday driving, while the Trailblazer gains a more distinctive personality with the new Z71.

More standard safety technology is arguably the most important change. Larger screens, Google Gemini and additional connected services also bring the two SUVs closer to the technology levels expected from newer vehicles.

With both models arriving at dealerships in spring 2027, Chevrolet is positioning its two most affordable SUVs for another strong year.

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BMW iX4 Brings 603 HP and 428 Miles of Range

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BMW’s new iX4 brings coupe-inspired styling to the Neue Klasse family, with up to 603 horsepower and as much as 428 miles of range.

BMW is expanding its Neue Klasse electric lineup with the new BMW iX4, a sleeker sibling to the recently introduced iX3. The electric SUV combines a coupe-like roofline with BMW’s latest EV technology and two all-wheel-drive powertrains.

Production is scheduled to begin early next year. The lineup will initially include the iX4 50 xDrive and the performance-focused iX4 M60 xDrive.

The BMW iX4 combines a sporty silhouette with the latest Neue Klasse design language.

The BMW iX4 Offers Up to 603 HP

The entry-level BMW iX4 50 xDrive uses two electric motors to produce 463 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph.

The iX4 M60 xDrive takes performance much further. Its dual-motor setup generates 603 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, matching the output of the iX3 M60.

That extra power cuts the 0-60 mph time to just 3.7 seconds. The M60 also has a higher top speed of 149 mph, giving the electric SUV a much stronger performance focus.

ModelPowerTorque0-60 mphTop speed
iX4 50 xDrive463 hp475 lb-ft4.7 sec.130 mph
iX4 M60 xDrive603 hp645 lb-ft3.7 sec.149 mph


Up to 428 Miles of Electric Range

Both versions use a 112.2-kWh usable battery pack. BMW estimates that the iX4 50 xDrive can travel up to 428 miles on a single charge.

The automaker has not yet released an official range figure for the iX4 M60. Its larger wheels, performance hardware and higher output are likely to result in a shorter range.

The iX4 also offers practical capability. With the optional trailer hitch, the electric SUV can tow up to 4,400 pounds.

The iX4 brings BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive technology into a coupe-style electric SUV.

Neue Klasse Design Meets BMW M Hardware

The iX4 follows BMW’s latest design direction, including the brand’s familiar kidney grille and twin-headlight arrangement. Every version comes with the M Sport Package as standard.

The package includes 20-inch M wheels, while M Sport brakes with blue calipers are available as an option.

The M60 adds a more aggressive appearance. It features a black diffuser, black M mirror caps and dedicated M badging. It also rides on standard 21-inch wheels.

The performance model can also be equipped with BMW’s M Yellow Lights. An M-specific spoiler adds additional rear-axle downforce, reinforcing the M60’s sportier character.

The M60 Gets a More Focused Chassis

BMW has given the iX4 M60 more than additional electric power. The performance version comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension, featuring electronically controlled dampers and variable-ratio sport steering.

The suspension also receives bespoke spring and damper tuning, along with anti-roll bar links at the front axle.

An electronically controlled M Sport differential helps improve traction. The M60 also introduces two dedicated drive modes, M Sport and M Sport Plus, which modify the steering and chassis settings for a more performance-oriented driving experience.

Inside, the M60 receives an M Sport steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker. The standard seven-speaker audio system is replaced by a 13-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The iX4 M60 adds distinctive M details and chassis technology to the Neue Klasse SUV.

BMW iX4 Targets the Premium Electric SUV Market

The new BMW iX4 gives BMW another way to approach the rapidly expanding premium electric SUV segment. Its coupe-inspired body separates it visually from more traditional SUVs, while the Neue Klasse technology keeps it closely related to BMW’s latest EV strategy.

The iX4 50 xDrive focuses on a balance of performance, practicality and long-distance range. Its 428-mile estimated range makes it the more efficiency-oriented choice.

The M60, meanwhile, puts performance at the center of the package. With 603 hp, a 3.7-second 0-60 mph time and a 149-mph top speed, it becomes one of the most aggressive electric SUVs in BMW’s new lineup.

BMW is expected to begin production of the iX4 early next year, adding another important model to its expanding Neue Klasse family.

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RACING

Russell Will Start From the Back in Singapore

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George Russell will start from the back of the grid in Singapore after Mercedes confirmed a power-unit penalty following his engine failure in Sepang.

George Russell’s fight in the 2026 Formula 1 championship has become even more difficult. After retiring from the Malaysian Grand Prix with an engine problem, the Mercedes driver will now face a grid penalty at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Russell had been in contention for a podium in Sepang before the failure ended his race. The retirement also cost him valuable points in his battle with Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Now, Russell arrives at Marina Bay 84 points behind Antonelli. Starting from the back of the grid will make his championship challenge even more demanding.

George Russell faces a difficult Singapore weekend after Mercedes confirmed a power-unit penalty.

Russell Will Start From the Back of the Grid

Mercedes has confirmed that Russell will need additional power-unit components in Singapore after the failure in Sepang.

The British driver has already used four power units during the 2026 season. As a result, another component change will trigger a 10-place grid penalty.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that Russell will therefore start from the back of the grid on Sunday.

The timing is particularly difficult.

Russell lost a potential podium in Malaysia when his engine problem occurred late in the race. Instead of scoring a major result, he left Sepang without the points he had been fighting for.

Now, Mercedes must give him the strongest possible car for a recovery drive.

The situation also creates an interesting comparison with Antonelli.

The Italian driver received a similar penalty at Monza last month. Despite starting 19th, Antonelli won the race and overcame the disadvantage.

Russell will now face a similar challenge in Singapore.

Mercedes will need to support Russell closely as the driver starts the race from the back.

Mercedes May Have to Change Its Engine Plan

The penalty could also affect Mercedes’ original power-unit strategy.

The team had planned to wait until the United States Grand Prix in Austin before introducing an upgraded engine component.

That plan would have allowed Mercedes to use the updated power unit after Singapore and accept the associated grid penalty at a circuit where overtaking opportunities are generally more favorable.

The engine failure in Malaysia has changed that situation.

Mercedes now has to decide whether to introduce the updated component in Singapore or continue with its available power-unit allocation.

The decision could have implications for the remaining races of the season.

It also highlights one of Mercedes’ biggest challenges in 2026: managing power-unit reliability while competing for the championship.

Power-Unit Reliability Has Become a Mercedes Concern

Mercedes has enjoyed a highly competitive season, but reliability problems have repeatedly interrupted its progress.

Antonelli experienced a power-unit issue in Barcelona.

Russell then suffered problems while leading in Canada and again while fighting for a podium in Sepang.

Those failures have created additional pressure on the team’s power-unit allocation.

For Russell, the consequences are now especially significant.

A driver already trying to close an 84-point championship gap will start from the back at a circuit where track position can be difficult to recover.

That makes every qualifying and Sprint result particularly important for Mercedes this weekend.

Singapore’s narrow street circuit will make Russell’s recovery drive particularly challenging.

Mercedes Still Has Questions About Its Latest Upgrade

Russell’s power-unit penalty is not Mercedes’ only concern in Singapore.

The team is also still trying to understand whether its latest aerodynamic package actually delivered the expected performance gain.

The upgrade debuted in Malaysia, but the weekend produced mixed results.

Mercedes found additional aerodynamic load in some corners, yet the car did not show the expected straight-line advantage.

The team also struggled with balance and tire management.

That has prompted Mercedes to compare the latest package with the previous specification during the Singapore weekend.

The two cars could potentially run different configurations to give the engineers a clearer comparison.

Singapore should provide useful information because its characteristics are very different from those of Sepang.

The Marina Bay circuit features mostly low- and medium-speed corners, along with bumps, curbs and high temperatures.

That could help Mercedes determine whether the Malaysian problems were caused by the new package, the setup or the track conditions.

Russell Faces a Major Recovery Mission

The Singapore Grand Prix now presents Mercedes with two objectives.

The team needs to understand its latest upgrade while giving Russell the tools to recover from the back of the grid.

For Russell, the championship situation is becoming increasingly difficult. The Sepang retirement already created a significant points deficit, and the Singapore penalty adds another obstacle.

But the Antonelli example from Monza shows that a back-of-grid start does not automatically eliminate the possibility of a strong result.

Mercedes will therefore need to maximize every opportunity.

Russell’s Singapore weekend may be one of the most important recovery challenges of his 2026 season.

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