[비즈한국] In January 2026, while the top 10 list for domestic and imported passenger cars experienced a 'monthly adjustment,' temperature differences were distinct by vehicle model. Among domestic cars, the dominance of top-tier SUVs and RVs persisted; the Carnival and Ray (Kia000270) showed a month-over-month rebound, while the Palisade (Hyundai Motor005380) saw a sharp increase compared to the previous year. For imports, while the E-Class (Mercedes-Benz) and 5 Series (BMW) maintained the top two spots, the NX (Lexus) and BYD created an upward growth trend.
Top-tier SUV/RV Stagnation… Domestic Cars Divided by 'Rebound' and 'New Car Effect' Amid Monthly Adjustments
According to CarIsYou statistics (passenger cars, excluding trucks and special-purpose vehicles), the #1 spot in the January domestic passenger car top 10 went to the Sorento (Kia, 8,976 units), which, despite a 210-unit decrease from the previous month, saw a 570-unit increase compared to the same month last year. The #2 Grandeur (Hyundai Motor, 6,656 units) showed a significant year-start volume adjustment (-3,763 from previous month, -34 from previous year). The #3 Sportage (Kia, 6,652 units) also saw a downward trend both month-over-month and year-over-year (-1,018 from previous month, -1,341 from previous year).
The #4 Carnival (6,064 units) was one of the models in the top 10 with a notable month-over-month rebound (+449 from previous month, -627 from previous year). Given the nature of RVs, which cater to multi-passenger, family, and business needs, monthly fluctuations are common depending on delivery timing, and January showed a clear recovery compared to the previous month.
Next, the #5 Avante (Hyundai Motor, 5,638 units) decreased both month-over-month and year-over-year (-646 from previous month, -381 from previous year), but it maintained its trend of holding the 'floor' for subcompact demand, which gathers as maintenance cost burdens increase.
The #6 Palisade (5,138 units) saw a slight decrease from the previous month (-253), but experienced the largest year-over-year increase (+2,974). It is natural to view the Palisade's performance as having a strong 'new car effect,' where pent-up demand converts into deliveries following the introduction of a new model.
The #7 Ray (4,853 units) showed positive growth both month-over-month and year-over-year (+560 from previous month, +665 from previous year). This serves as numerical confirmation that there is solid 'lifestyle demand,' including urban second-car needs and self-employed utility.
The #8 Sonata (Hyundai Motor, 4,770 units) and #9 Tucson (Hyundai Motor, 4,492 units) decreased both month-over-month and year-over-year (Sonata: -419 from previous month, -430 from previous year; Tucson: -390 from previous month, -510 from previous year).
The #10 Seltos (Kia, 4,397 units) also decreased compared to the previous month and year (-611 from previous month, -782 from previous year). As a new Seltos model is scheduled for sale starting in February, it is highly likely that registrations were temporarily suppressed in January due to increased wait-and-see demand.
'Basic Demand' for E-Class and 5 Series… Imported Cars See Growth Trend Led by NX and BYD
The top 10 imported passenger cars were led by the #1 E-Class (2,220 units), #2 5 Series (1,951 units), and #3 Model Y (Tesla, 1,559 units). The E-Class saw a 1,280-unit decrease from the previous month, but an increase of 782 units compared to the same month last year. The 5 Series saw a slight decrease month-over-month (-83) but an increase year-over-year (+147).
The #3 Model Y experienced a large month-over-month decrease (-1,919 from previous month, +1,559 from previous year). Electric vehicles tend to show significant fluctuations based on monthly promotions, supply volume, and shipping schedules, and the January figures highlight this volatility.
The #4 GLC (Mercedes-Benz, 809 units) decreased by 311 units from the previous month but increased by 168 units compared to the previous year. The #5 NX (802 units) had an overwhelming growth rate (+698 from previous month, +530 from previous year). This is interpreted as the NX absorbing a large amount of demand amidst the strengthening trend of preference for hybrids.
The #6 X3 (BMW, 689 units) increased both month-over-month and year-over-year (+104 from previous month, +157 from previous year), and the #9 X5 (BMW, 602 units) also increased by both metrics (+72 from previous month, +38 from previous year). This signifies that demand for SUVs remains robust in the import market as well. The #10 3 Series (BMW, 568 units) saw a slight decrease month-over-month (-26) but an increase compared to the previous year (+180).
Meanwhile, two BYD models entered the top 10 simultaneously: the #7 Sea Lion 7 (656 units) and the #8 Atto 3 (634 units). The Sea Lion 7 increased by 15 units from the previous month (+15 from previous month, +656 from previous year), and the Atto 3 increased by 175 units from the previous month (+175 from previous month, +597 from previous year). This is read as a sign that price and specification competition is beginning to operate more directly in the imported electric vehicle market.