Kia Seltos

Importing a used Kia Seltos from the USA

The Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover that slots between the Soul and the Sportage, and importing a used example from the United States can be an interesting way to secure a well-equipped, all-wheel-drive small SUV. US-market Seltos models often carry generous standard kit and available AWD, and North American supply is healthy. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader sources, inspects and ships a Seltos to your specification and handles the German import formalities. Note that the Seltos is built in South Korea for the US market, so its customs treatment differs from a US-built car — more on that below.

From launch to today

The Seltos launched globally in 2019 and reached the US as a 2021 model. It sits on Kia's K2 platform, shared with the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul family, and was positioned as a boxier, more upright alternative to the curvy Soul. Kia gave the Seltos a facelift for the 2024 model year, updating the front and rear styling, the interior with a dual-screen dashboard, and adding driver-assistance features. Because the US Seltos only arrived for 2021, the used pool spans a compact but growing range of low-to-medium-mileage cars.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

US Seltos models offer two petrol engines. The base 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four (around 146 hp) is paired with a CVT and drives the front wheels or, on some trims, all four. The desirable SX and higher trims use a 1.6-litre turbocharged four (around 175 hp) with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive — the version to seek for German conditions and more spirited driving. Both run on regular US gasoline, so no fuel adaptation is needed. The turbo AWD combination is the stand-out import candidate for buyers who want traction and pace in a small footprint.

Trim levels and variants

The Seltos is a five-door subcompact SUV only. US trims ran LX, S, EX and the top SX, with the SX bringing the turbo engine, AWD, a larger touchscreen, Bose audio, a sunroof and full driver assistance. LX and S are typically the 2.0 with available AWD; the turbo is reserved for the upper trims. For the best equipment-to-effort ratio on an import, the SX Turbo AWD is the one to target.

Used availability in the USA

As a recent, popular small crossover, the Seltos is well represented in US inventory, especially in metropolitan areas. Typical import candidates are 2021–2023 cars with 20,000 to 60,000 miles (roughly 32,000–95,000 km), often still within or near the original warranty period in the US. Sourcing from drier states keeps the body and underside clean for German registration. We avoid Euro pricing here, but because these are young used cars, condition is generally strong and history straightforward to verify.

When importing makes sense

The Seltos suits buyers who want a compact, practical and well-equipped crossover with real all-wheel-drive capability and a lot of standard technology. It is ideal for city and suburban use where a smaller footprint helps, yet still offers usable rear space and cargo room. It is less suited to those needing towing muscle or a large family hauler. For someone who wants a modern, feature-rich small SUV that is uncommon in Europe, importing a used Kia Seltos from the USA is a sensible choice.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The Seltos is a young model with generally solid Kia Seltos reliability, but a few points deserve attention. The 1.6T dual-clutch transmission can feel jerky at low speeds and, on hard-used cars, benefits from a check of clutch behaviour and any software updates. The 2.0 with CVT is smooth but less engaging. Across Kia's turbo GDI engines of this era, carbon build-up and occasional oil consumption can appear if service is neglected, so oil history matters. Early cars saw minor infotainment and 12-volt battery quirks. As with any modern crossover, confirming that all driver-assistance sensors and cameras function is worthwhile. Overall the known Kia Seltos common problems are minor when service records are intact.

How US versions differ

US Seltos models lack a rear fog lamp and have headlight beam patterns for right-hand traffic, both of which must be corrected for German approval. The cluster reads in mph and US units. Equipment such as heated seats, a head-up display, Bose audio, wireless charging and Kia's driver-assistance suite is common on SX trims and transfers without issue. There is no diesel Seltos in the US, keeping emissions paperwork simple.

From US purchase to registration

We shortlist suitable cars and confirm the trim and drivetrain you want, then run a VIN and origin check to establish the build plant. Payment is protected through escrow, the car is moved to a US port and booked onto ocean freight (container or RoRo) to a German port such as Bremerhaven. On arrival we clear customs, arrange any modifications, present the Seltos for TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme) and support registration.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Two charges apply separately. EU import duty: the 0% preferential rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to vehicles of proven US origin imported directly (1 July 2026 to 31 December 2029). The Seltos sold in the US is built in South Korea, so it will generally not qualify as US-origin; in that case the standard 10% passenger-car duty applies, and the actual rate always depends on the real plant confirmed by VIN. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is due on the customs value in every case. As a broker, USCar Trader adds no margin to these government charges.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical TÜV work includes fitting or converting a rear fog lamp, adapting the headlights for right-hand traffic, and confirming rear lighting colours. The odometer is presented for documentation, and many owners convert the mph cluster reading to km/h. After the Einzelabnahme certificate is issued, German plates and registration follow.

Pre-purchase checklist

Verify the VIN against a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents and title branding. Confirm a clean (not salvage or flood) title. On turbo cars, test the dual-clutch at low speed for excessive jerkiness. Review oil-change history for the GDI engine. Inspect the underbody for corrosion, especially on cars from northern states. Confirm all cameras and driver-assistance sensors work. Check mileage consistency across records.

Import FAQ

Can a US-market Kia Seltos get 0% EU import duty?

Generally no, because US Seltos cars are built in South Korea, not the US, so they usually do not qualify as US-origin. The rate depends on the actual plant confirmed by VIN; the standard 10% duty typically applies.

Does the 19% import VAT still apply?

Yes, the German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to every import regardless of duty.

Which version should I import?

The SX Turbo AWD offers the best equipment and traction; the 2.0 CVT is the economical entry point.

Is the dual-clutch transmission reliable?

It is generally durable but can feel jerky at low speed; verify smooth operation and any software updates on a test drive.

Will a US Seltos pass TÜV?

Yes, after lighting adjustments and a rear fog lamp are fitted and the Einzelabnahme is passed.

Is there a diesel Seltos?

Not in the US market; all imported examples are gasoline.

How is it shipped?

By container or RoRo ocean freight to a German port, followed by customs clearance.

Are parts available in Germany?

Yes, the Seltos shares much with European Kia models, so most service parts are readily available.

Discover more in the Kia in the Carhub, compare the related Kia Sportage and Kia Soul, or browse the current Seltos listings.