Which US car to choose for Kazakhstan: age, Euro-5, engine size and winter

From 30 December 2026, Kazakhstan allows personal-use imports only for cars up to 5 years old and Euro-5 or higher. This is the main filter when choosing a lot on Copart and IAAI. Below: the selection criteria and the models that meet them. We do not list prices: they depend on the lot and the auction.

Filter #1: age by manufacture date

Age counts from the manufacture date, not the model year, at the moment of registration paperwork. For 2027 the rough guide is cars built in 2022 or later — and for 2022 cars the month matters too. The month and year are on the sticker in the driver's door jamb. A «2022 model year» car built in 2021 may not pass.

Filter #2: Euro-5 emissions class

US cars are certified to EPA standards and carry no «Euro» rating. The class is confirmed when the СБКТС is issued. Ask the lab or a broker about a specific model before bidding.

Filter #3: engine up to 3 litres

In Kazakhstan, excise is charged on engines over 3 litres. So models with engines up to 3.0 litres make more sense: 1.5–2.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbo engines. The good news: many current models have replaced large V6s with 2.4-litre turbos.

Filter #4: climate and drivetrain

Winters in Astana and northern Kazakhstan bring frosts of −30…−40 °C; Almaty is milder but has mountain roads. All-wheel drive (AWD) is a big plus. Look for heated seats and steering wheel, and check the battery. Hybrids work well in the cold, while EVs lose noticeable range in winter, and the charging network outside the big cities is still limited.

Filter #5: parts and service

Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet are widespread in Kazakhstan; Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet are assembled in Kazakhstan itself. Parts and service for these brands are easier to find.

Models that fit the rules

Toyota RAV4

A 2.5-litre engine (no excise), AWD and hybrid versions. There are many recent cars at auction. Generations in detail — in our Toyota RAV4 article.

Toyota Camry

The main engine is the 2.5-litre, there is a hybrid, and AWD versions from 2020. The 3.5-litre V6 versions fall under excise — better to avoid them.

Toyota Highlander 2023+

From the 2023 model year, a 2.4-litre turbo replaced the 3.5-litre V6: 7 seats, AWD and no displacement excise. Older V6 versions fall under excise. In detail — Toyota Highlander.

Honda CR-V

A 1.5-litre turbo or a 2.0-litre hybrid, AWD. In detail — Honda CR-V.

Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage

2.5-litre or 1.6 turbo (hybrid), AWD, and a wide service network in Kazakhstan.

Subaru Forester and Outback

AWD on every version. Forester — 2.5 litres; for the Outback choose the 2.5 or the 2.4 turbo. In detail — Forester, Outback.

Lexus RX 2023+

The new generation uses a 2.4 turbo and hybrids instead of the 3.5-litre V6. In detail — Lexus RX.

What to avoid

• Cars older than 5 years by manufacture date (for a personal import).
• Engines over 3 litres — V6 3.5, V8 — because of excise.
• Flooded (Water/Flood) and burnt (Burn) cars — hidden electrical problems.
• Serious structural damage: the car has to be repaired before the СБКТС is issued.

How to check a lot before bidding — in our Copart and IAAI guide for Kazakhstan buyers. Import rules — car customs in Kazakhstan 2026. Our service — cars from the USA to Kazakhstan.