Importing a Kia Niro from the USA: hybrid, PHEV and EV versions, model years and customs

The Kia Niro is a compact, efficient crossover offered in three forms — hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full electric (Niro EV). In Georgia it appeals to buyers who want low fuel costs and cheap customs. All three versions appear on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The key detail: the electric version (Niro EV) clears Georgian customs at 0% excise regardless of age — only VAT remains. Below are the generations, model years, versions and what to check before you buy.

Generations and model years

1st generation (DE), 2017–2022

The Niro's debut. A 1.6L GDI petrol engine plus an electric motor, ~139 hp combined, with a 6-speed DCT. The PHEV was added in 2018 (~42 km electric range), and the full-electric Niro EV in 2019 (64 kWh, ~385 km / 239 mi EPA). A light facelift arrived for 2020.

2nd generation (SG2), 2023+

An all-new design with a distinctive "Aero Blade" C-pillar. The hybrid stays ~139 hp, the PHEV grew to ~53 km of electric range, and the Niro EV uses a 64.8 kWh battery (~407 km / 253 mi EPA). A higher-quality cabin and more technology.

Niro 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 EV version's excise is 0% in any year.

Niro 2017

The US launch — hybrid only at first (FE, LX, EX, Touring). 1.6L plus electric, ~139 hp. In 2026 it is 9 years old → the triple excise on the hybrid, though the small 1.6L engine keeps the figure low.

Niro 2018

The PHEV version was added — an 8.9 kWh battery, ~42 km of electric range, then it runs as a hybrid. In 2026 it is 8 years old → a higher excise on the petrol-based versions.

Niro 2019

A big year — the full-electric Niro EV reached the US (64 kWh, ~239 mi / 385 km range). Importing a 2019 Kia Niro from the USA pays off especially in the EV form: an electric car clears Georgian customs at 0% excise, so its 7-year age no longer matters.

Niro 2020

A light facelift — a refreshed front end, new UVO multimedia and more standard safety. In 2026 it turns exactly 6 — a borderline excise on the petrol/hybrid version (confirm with the calculator), while the EV is still 0%.

Niro 2021

Minor changes and updated trims. In 2026 it is under 6 years old → a low excise on the hybrid, 0% on the EV. Importing a 2021 Kia Niro from the USA is a good balance of price and newness.

Niro 2022

The final year of the 1st generation — the most refined version. In 2026 it is under 6 years old → a low excise (hybrid), 0% on the EV.

Niro 2023

The all-new 2nd generation (SG2) — new design, improved EV range (~407 km) and an updated PHEV. In 2026 it is 3 years old → a very low excise, 0% on the EV.

Niro 2024

A carryover of the 2nd generation with minor changes — one of the newest Niros at auction. In 2026 it is 2 years old → a minimal excise, 0% on the EV.

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

Version and drivetrain — which to choose

• Hybrid (HEV): 1.6L plus electric, ~139 hp, no plugging in. Best if you have no charging setup. The small engine means a low excise.
• PHEV (plug-in): ~42–53 km of pure electric, then hybrid. Good for daily city commutes if you can charge at home.
• Niro EV (full electric): 64–64.8 kWh, ~385–407 km. 0% excise — the cheapest to clear, regardless of age (only VAT remains).

What to check before bidding

• High-voltage battery (EV/PHEV): battery health (SOH) is decisive — check it with diagnostics.
• DCT transmission (HEV/PHEV): the 6-speed DCT has known low-speed hesitation — test it.
• Damage history: most auction cars carry a salvage title — check the damage type and frame.
• Charging port and cable (EV/PHEV): 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

The Niro is generally reliable, but it has known weak spots:

• DCT (HEV/PHEV): low-speed hesitation or jerks; clutch wear on some examples.
• 12V battery: some known drain issues — check it.
• EV battery: mostly robust, but SOH drops with high mileage and heat — diagnostics are a must.
• UVO multimedia: software glitches on early years.

Fuel economy and range

The hybrid uses about 4.5–5 L/100 km in the city — the Niro's main strength. The PHEV runs nearly pure-electric on short daily trips. The Niro EV's real-world range is ~330–385 km (1st gen) and ~407 km (2nd). At auction, 60,000–130,000 km is a good balance; on the EV, battery SOH matters more than mileage.

Niro vs the rivals — Toyota Prius, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Ioniq

The Toyota Prius is the better-known hybrid, but the Niro offers more space and a crossover stance. The Hyundai Kona Electric is the Niro EV's sibling (same platform and battery) — a very similar choice. The Hyundai Ioniq has more of a sedan shape. If you want an efficient, practical crossover with low or zero customs, the Niro is one of the best.

Why the Niro is popular in Georgia

Low fuel costs and, in the EV form, 0% excise make it an economical choice. Its compact size suits the city, Kia parts are available and service is cheap. The electric Niro is especially in demand because both customs and running costs are low.

Customs and price

The Niro's customs depend on the version. The Niro EV pays 0% excise at any age — only VAT remains, making it the cheapest option. The hybrid and PHEV 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.