Analysis of Popular Car Models Chosen by Male and Female Consumers in Q1 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, a distinctive difference in preferred car models between male and female consumers in the South Korean automotive market caught attention.

According to News1 on the 28th, statistics compiled by the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA) and the Kaizyu Data Research Institute revealed that the most purchased car model by men was the Kia 'Sorento', while women predominantly chose the 'Seltos'.

For overall individual buyers, the Sorento ranked first with a total of 21,712 units sold. It was followed by the Kia 'Sportage' (16,821 units), Hyundai 'Avante' (13,366 units), Hyundai 'Santa Fe' (13,221 units), and Kia 'Carnival' (12,286 units).

When looking at the data by gender, the Sorento was the highest selling model among men with 17,458 units sold. It was followed by the Sportage (11,558 units), Santa Fe (11,215 units), Carnival (10,034 units), and Hyundai 'Tucson' (7,837 units).

On the other hand, among female consumers, the Seltos was the top-selling model with 6,118 units sold. It was followed by the Avante (6,049 units), Sportage (5,263 units), Sorento (4,254 units), and Kia 'Ray' (3,833 units).

Preference by Age Group and Growth of the SUV Market

When examining preferences by age group, the Hyundai 'Avante' ranked first among those in their 20s, but from the 30s through 60s and older, the Sorento maintained the top sales position across all age groups.

Notably, when focusing solely on male consumers, those in their 20s preferred the 'Sportage', those in their 30s favored the 'Sorento', while the 40s chose the 'Carnival'. In contrast, both the 50s and those over 60 favored the 'Sorento', reflecting Kia vehicles achieving the highest sales across all male demographics.

Image sources: Sorento / Kia, Seltos / Kia