While U.S. electric vehicle sales declined sharply during the first half of 2026, a handful of models bucked the trend. According to Cox Automotive’s EV sales report, the Lexus RZ, Toyota bZ, and Kia EV9 posted the strongest year-over-year growth among EVs that were on sale throughout both 2025 and 2026.
U.S. EV Sales Decline in First Half of 2026
Electric vehicle sales in the United States fell 23.7% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. In volume terms, Americans purchased 144,680 fewer EVs than they did during the first half of 2025.
Although most electric models recorded lower sales, several vehicles posted significant gains. The comparison includes only EVs that remained on sale throughout both 2025 and 2026, while very low-volume models such as the Mercedes E-Sprinter were excluded.
Kia EV9 Continues to Build Momentum
The Kia EV9 recorded a 42.5% year-over-year sales increase, reaching 7,035 units sold in the first half of 2026.
Introduced in 2023 as one of the first three-row electric SUVs, the EV9 received only modest changes for the 2026 model year. Updates included a new North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port and the addition of a Nightfall Edition trim.
Kia also canceled the planned launch of the high-performance EV9 GT.
The related Hyundai Ioniq 9 posted a larger percentage increase of 379%, but it was not included because it entered the market several months into 2025, making year-over-year comparisons less meaningful.
Toyota bZ Benefits From 2026 Updates
According to the report, Toyota addressed the major criticisms of the original bZ with its 2026 updates, making the electric crossover more competitive while maintaining the ownership experience associated with the Toyota brand.
The improvements helped the Toyota bZ outperform competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E in sales.
Lexus RZ Records the Strongest Growth
The Lexus RZ ranked as the strongest performer among the vehicles highlighted in the report. Lexus sold 7,814 RZ models during the first half of 2026, up from 3,779 units during the same period in 2025.
When it first launched, the RZ was noted for its refined cabin and quiet ride, but its driving range, charging capabilities, and starting price limited its appeal. For the 2026 model year, Lexus introduced several upgrades:
- Maximum driving range increased from 266 miles to 301 miles
- New 402-horsepower variant
- New NACS charging port
- Faster charging capability
- More powerful base model
Following those updates, the report says the Lexus RZ has become one of the best-selling luxury EVs in the United States, surpassing the Cadillac Lyriq.
Established Brands Stand Out
Although Tesla remains the overall EV sales leader, the report states that it is no longer leading growth in the electric vehicle segment. Toyota’s updates to the bZ and Lexus RZ were followed by significant sales gains, while the Kia EV9 became the second-best-selling dedicated three-row electric SUV in the United States behind the Rivian R1S.
Despite a broader slowdown in EV demand, the Lexus RZ, Toyota bZ, and Kia EV9 all recorded notable sales growth during the first half of 2026. According to the report, all three models come from established mainstream brands with extensive dealer networks and longstanding consumer recognition, factors that may have contributed to their strong performance.
