Importing a Hyundai Ioniq from the USA: the original Ioniq, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, model years and customs

"Hyundai Ioniq" means three completely different cars that share one name. The first is the original Ioniq (AE, 2017–2022), a liftback in three forms: hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full electric (Ioniq Electric). The second is the IONIQ 5 (2022+), an all-new electric crossover on an 800V platform. The third is the IONIQ 6 (2023+), an electric sedan. All of them are in demand in Georgia because the electric versions clear customs at 0% excise — only VAT remains. All three appear on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). Below are the generations, model years, versions and what to check before you buy.

The three Ioniqs — an overview

Original Ioniq (AE), 2017–2022

A liftback in three forms. Hybrid: 1.6L GDI petrol plus an electric motor, ~139 hp, a 6-speed DCT, ~4.1 L/100 km. The PHEV was added for 2018 (8.9 kWh, ~47 km / 29 mi of pure electric). The Ioniq Electric launched in 2017 (28 kWh, ~200 km / 124 mi EPA); the 2020 facelift grew the battery to 38.3 kWh (~273 km / 170 mi). The technical sibling of the Kia Niro.

IONIQ 5 (NE), 2022+

An all-new electric crossover on the E-GMP 800V platform — ultra-fast charging. Standard Range ~58 kWh, Long Range 77.4 kWh (~480 km / 303 mi EPA), RWD or AWD. The 2025 facelift grew the battery to ~84 kWh and added a NACS charging port. A high-performance IONIQ 5 N (~641 hp) also exists.

IONIQ 6 (CE), 2023+

An electric sedan with an extremely aerodynamic shape (0.22 cd). SE Standard Range 53 kWh (~386 km / 240 mi), Long Range 77.4 kWh — up to ~581 km / 361 mi EPA on RWD, one of the best ranges in its class.

Ioniq year by year — 2017 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026. Remember: the excise on any electric Ioniq is 0%.

Ioniq 2017

The US launch of the original Ioniq — hybrid and Ioniq Electric (28 kWh, ~124 mi / 200 km). In 2026 it is 9 years old → the triple excise on the hybrid, though the small 1.6L engine keeps the figure low; on the Electric version it is 0%.

Ioniq 2018

The PHEV version was added — an 8.9 kWh battery, ~29 mi / 47 km of pure electric, then it runs as a hybrid. In 2026 it is 8 years old → a higher excise on the petrol-based versions, 0% on the EV.

Ioniq 2019

Minor updates. Importing a 2019 Hyundai Ioniq from the USA pays off most in the Electric form: an electric car clears Georgian customs at 0% excise, so its 7-year age no longer matters.

Ioniq 2020

A major facelift — a refreshed front end, a 10.25" screen and more technology. The Ioniq Electric battery grew to 38.3 kWh (~170 mi / 273 km). In 2026 it turns exactly 6 — a borderline excise on the petrol/hybrid version (confirm with the calculator), while the EV is still 0%.

Ioniq 2021

Minor changes and updated trims. In 2026 it is under 6 years old → a low excise on the hybrid, 0% on the EV.

Ioniq 2022

A double year: the final year of the original Ioniq and, at the same time, the US launch of the new IONIQ 5 (58 / 77.4 kWh, RWD/AWD). Importing a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq from the USA means choosing between the last liftback and the first IONIQ 5 — both electric versions are 0% excise.

Ioniq 2023

The IONIQ 6 electric sedan arrived (Long Range RWD ~361 mi / 581 km). The IONIQ 5 carries on. In 2026 both are 3 years old → a very low excise and, as EVs, 0%.

Ioniq 2024

A carryover of the IONIQ 5/6, with the high-performance IONIQ 5 N (~641 hp) added. One of the newest Ioniqs at auction. In 2026 it is 2 years old → a minimal excise, and as an EV 0% in any year.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules and the EV customs guide, or use the calculator.

Version — which to choose

• Hybrid (original Ioniq only): 1.6L plus electric, no plugging in. Best if you have no charging setup. The small engine means a low excise.
• PHEV (original Ioniq only): ~47 km of pure electric, then hybrid. Good for city commutes if you can charge at home.
• Ioniq Electric (original): 28 / 38.3 kWh, ~200–273 km. 0% excise, but the range is small — a city car.
• IONIQ 5: an electric crossover, 800V fast charging, ~480 km, more space and clearance. 0% excise.
• IONIQ 6: an electric sedan, one of the best ranges in its class (~581 km). 0% excise.

What to check before bidding

• High-voltage battery (all EV/PHEV): battery health (SOH) is decisive — check it with diagnostics.
• ICCU (IONIQ 5 / IONIQ 6): a known failure of the integrated charging control unit (a recall) — the car may fail to move. Check by VIN that it has been fixed.
• Damage history: most auction cars carry a salvage title — check the damage type and frame.
• Charging port and cable: the 2025+ IONIQ 5 uses a NACS port, earlier ones CCS; a damaged port or a missing cable.
• Recalls: a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

• ICCU (IONIQ 5/6): failure of the integrated charging control unit — charging stops and the 12V battery drains; covered by a recall.
• 12V battery: known drain issues — check it.
• Original Ioniq Electric battery: the range is small to begin with, so SOH matters especially.
• DCT (hybrid/PHEV): low-speed hesitation or jerks.

Range and efficiency

The hybrid uses about 4.1 L/100 km — one of the most efficient. The PHEV runs nearly pure-electric on short daily trips. The original Ioniq Electric does ~200–273 km (a city car). The IONIQ 5 does ~480 km, the IONIQ 6 ~581 km (Long Range RWD). At auction, 60,000–130,000 km is a good balance; on an EV, battery SOH matters more than mileage.

Ioniq vs the rivals — Kia Niro, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kia Niro is the original Ioniq's sibling (same platform), but in a crossover shape. The Tesla Model 3 is the IONIQ 6's direct rival; the Model 3 is strong on software and its charging network, while the IONIQ 6 answers with 800V ultra-fast charging and comfort. The Hyundai Kona Electric is an alternative to the Ioniq Electric in a small EV. If you want an efficient car with low or zero customs, the Ioniq family is one of the best.

Why the Ioniq is popular in Georgia

The 0% excise on the electric versions and low running costs are the main argument. The original Ioniq Electric is an affordable city EV; the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 are modern, long-range, in-demand cars. Hyundai parts are available and service is cheap.

Customs and price

The Ioniq's customs depend on the version. Every electric version (Ioniq Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6) pays 0% excise at any age — only VAT remains, making it the cheapest option. The hybrid and PHEV (original Ioniq) pay a low excise thanks to the small 1.6L engine, though the figure rises past 6 years of age. For details see the EV customs guide and the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.