Kia American Made: 5 Million Vehicles Built in the U.S. and Counting
When you think of American-made vehicles, names like Ford, Chevy, and Jeep probably come to mind first. But Kia has quietly built one of the most impressive manufacturing stories in the country, and the numbers speak for themselves.
In February 2026, Kia Georgia celebrated producing its 5 millionth vehicle at its West Point facility, cementing the brand's place as a major force in American automotive manufacturing.
If you're shopping for a Kia American made vehicle at Earnhardt Peoria Kia, you're not just getting a great car. You're supporting thousands of American jobs and a growing domestic manufacturing footprint.
Kia's American Manufacturing Story
The 5 million vehicle milestone didn't happen by accident. It represents nearly 17 years of consistent investment in American workers, American communities, and American manufacturing.
Kia's U.S. manufacturing journey began in 2009 when the company opened its first North American plant. Since then, the West Point, Georgia, facility has grown into one of the most versatile automotive plants in the country. This has helped make Kia one of the largest employers in the southeastern United States. Here's what makes Kia Georgia stand out:
- Annual production capacity: Approximately 350,000 vehicles per year.
- Operations: The plant runs 24 hours a day across three shifts.
- Jobs: Kia Georgia directly and indirectly supports roughly 14,000 jobs in the region.
- Powertrain diversity: Now producing gasoline, all-electric, and hybrid vehicles, the West Point plant is one of the most flexible manufacturing facilities in the nation.
Is the Kia Telluride Made in America?
Often considered the "most American" Kia, the Telluride has become one of the most awarded vehicles in the industry since its introduction in 2019. It's designed, developed, and exclusively assembled in the United States. In fact, the West Point, Georgia, plant is the only facility in the world that builds the Telluride.
Already the crown jewel of Kia's American manufacturing operation, the all-new 2027 Telluride earned a special distinction in February 2026. As the 5-Millionth Vehicle in Kia’s American history, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid (HEV) was the start of production for the redesigned 2027 Telluride and the plant's first-ever hybrid assembly. This is why it was a "triple milestone" celebration for Kia in February 2026.
Which Kia Models Are Made in America?
If you're looking for American-made Kia models at Peoria Kia, you have five SUVs to choose from. At this time, each one is assembled at the West Point, Georgia plant: Kia Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, EV9, and EV6. That’s five SUVs in various sizes and at a wide range of price points, ensuring that there’s an American made Kia available for many types of buyers. Soon another plant is coming online that will expand this list even further.
2026 Kia Sorento
The midsize Sorento SUV (gas model) is assembled in Georgia. The Sorento has long been a popular choice for families in the Peoria area who need a versatile, comfortable SUV with room for the whole crew.
2026 Kia Sportage
Kia's compact SUV (gas model) has been rolling off the West Point assembly line since 2022 and is built specifically for the North American market. The Sportage earned the number 17 spot on the 2025 Cars.com American-Made Index, further proof of its American roots.
2026 Kia EV9
Kia's flagship all-electric SUV began assembly at the Georgia plant in 2024, making it the first electric vehicle assembled in the state of Georgia. The EV9 offers three rows of seating and a bold, boxy design that turns heads around Peoria.
2026 Kia EV6
The EV6 is arguably the most exciting name on this list when it comes to American-made credentials. Following a $217 million expansion at the West Point plant, the EV6 joined the production line in late 2024 as the plant's second all-electric model. But the real headline? The Kia EV6 has the highest U.S. and Canadian parts content of any vehicle sold in America: 80%. More on that in a moment.
Kia's American-Made Index Rankings
When experts evaluate how "American" a vehicle really is, two major indexes set the standard. Kia performs remarkably well on both. Cars.com American-Made Index (2025) The Cars.com AMI evaluates vehicles based on five factors: assembly location, parts sourcing, U.S. factory employment, engine origin, and transmission origin. In the 2025 edition, the index's 20th anniversary, five Kia models made the list:
- Kia EV6: Ranked 6
- Kia Sportage (Gas): Ranked 17
- Kia Sorento (Gas): Ranked 31
- Kia EV9: Ranked in the top 99
- Kia Telluride: Ranked in the top 99
With five vehicles in the top 99 and a promise of more American-made models going into production this year, Kia deserves recognition for the jobs it is creating here in the USA.
What's Next: Kia's Expanding U.S. Footprint
Kia isn't slowing down. The brand's commitment to American manufacturing is growing.
At a massive new facility in Bryan County, Georgia, Kia is expected to represent roughly 40 percent of the total production at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America. Significantly expanding the number of Kias made in the USA, the brand will produce hybrid vehicles starting mid-2026.
The brand’s American expansion comes at a particularly relevant time. Consumer interest in American-made vehicles has surged, with recent surveys suggesting that tariff concerns have motivated a growing number of shoppers to prioritize domestically built options.
A Cars.com survey found 70% of Americans consider American-made to avoid tariff costs. For buyers in the Peoria area, Kia's expanding U.S. production base is welcome news.
With the West Point plant already producing five models across gasoline, electric, and hybrid powertrains, and the Metaplant hybrids coming online later this year, Kia is positioned to be one of the most significant contributors to American automotive manufacturing for years to come.
Find Your American-Made Kia at Peoria Kia
Whether you're drawn to the award-winning Telluride, the all-electric EV6 with its class-leading domestic parts content, the popular Sportage, the versatile Sorento, or the three-row electric EV9, there's a Kia American made model that fits your lifestyle and your values.
Visit Peoria Kia today to explore our lineup of American-made Kia models, or schedule your test drive online. Have questions about which models are in stock? Contact Peoria Kia to learn more about available Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, EV9, and EV6 models.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.