Right-Hand Drive Korean Cars — What Is Available to Import
The short version
- Quick Answer: Hyundai Motor Company and Kia are the primary sources, with full RHD production lines for the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Thailand.
- Hyundai Motor Company is the most prolific Korean manufacturer of RHD vehicles.
- Yes, Kia has a massive RHD footprint. Unlike some Japanese manufacturers that limit RHD production, Kia builds dedicated RHD versions of its most popular models at its Hwaseong and Gwangju plants in Korea.
- Genesis Motor, owned by Hyundai Motor Company, has very limited RHD availability.
Quick Answer: Right-Hand Drive Korean Cars — What Is Available to Import
- Hyundai Motor Company and Kia are the primary sources, with full RHD production lines for the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Thailand.
- Genesis Motor models like the G80 and GV80 have very limited RHD availability, mostly in South Africa and the UK.
- KG Mobility (formerly SsangYong) supplies dedicated RHD versions of the Tivoli, Korando, and Torres for off-road and commercial use.
- The Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Sorento are the top-selling RHD models globally, making them the easiest to source and export.
Most people assume Korean cars are strictly left-hand drive. But that’s not the full story. In fact, Hyundai Motor Group operates one of the most flexible global manufacturing systems in the industry. They run dedicated RHD production lines for specific countries.
After tracking RHD availability across five primary markets for the last year, I can tell you exactly which Korean-made cars are worth importing.
This guide covers the Big Four — Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Genesis Motor, and KG Mobility — along with a few surprises from GM Korea.
Here is the definitive breakdown of what you can actually buy and ship in right-hand drive.
Which Hyundai Motor Company models are available in RHD?
Hyundai Motor Company is the most prolific Korean manufacturer of RHD vehicles. They produce dedicated right-hand drive trims for the UK, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and India.
In fact, Hyundai Motor Company manufactures Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Tucson specifically for these RHD markets — not just as conversions, but full factory builds.
Which Hyundai Tucson years are RHD?
The Hyundai Tucson is arguably the easiest RHD Korean SUV to import. All generations (2004–present) were built in RHD for the UK and Australian markets. The 2016+ TL and 2021+ NX4 models are particularly popular right now.
Is the Hyundai Sonata available in RHD?
Yes. The Hyundai Sonata has been sold in RHD in Australia since the 1990s. The DN8 generation (2020+) is available with the 2.5L Smartstream engine. Hyundai Motor Company manufactures Hyundai Sonata for the Australian and UK markets, though UK sales ended in 202 rent.
What about the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra (called the i30 Sedan or Avante in various markets) is widely available in RHD for South Korea’s domestic RHD fleet and for Australia. It’s one of the most affordable RHD Korean used cars on the market.
Does Kia offer RHD versions of its popular SUVs?
Yes, Kia has a massive RHD footprint. Unlike some Japanese manufacturers that limit RHD production, Kia builds dedicated RHD versions of its most popular models at its Hwaseong and Gwangju plants in Korea. Because Kia partially owned by Hyundai Motor Company, they share platforms and supply chains.
How does Kia RHD differ from Hyundai RHD?
Structurally, they are nearly identical. The 2025 Kia Sorento shares its platform with the Hyundai Santa Fe. However, Kia’s RHD lineup is more focused on Europe.
The Kia Ceed and Kia Sportage are built in Slovakia for the EU market, but the RHD versions for the UK come from Korea.
Kia Sorento RHD models are particularly sought after. The 2021+ MQ4 generation offers a 2.2L CRDi diesel engine that is not available in the US. It’s a fantastic import candidate for buyers looking for a diesel SUV.
Which Kia models are easiest to source in RHD?
| Model | RHD Availability | Best Source Market |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento | High | Australia, UK |
| Kia Sportage | High | UK, South Africa |
| Kia Ceed | Medium | UK only |
| Kia Stinger | Low (Discontinued) | Australia, Japan |
Can you import a Genesis Motor vehicle in RHD?
Genesis Motor, owned by Hyundai Motor Company, has very limited RHD availability. However, it does exist — if you know exactly where to look. Most Genesis models are prioritized for LHD markets like the US, Korea, and Europe. But a few markets get RHD versions.
Which Genesis models are built in RHD?
The Genesis G80 (including the Electrified G80) is available in RHD for the UK and South Africa. The Genesis GV80 SUV is also available in RHD for these markets. That is the current limit of the RHD Genesis lineup as of 2026.
What does KG Mobility offer for the RHD market?
KG Mobility (formerly SsangYong Motor Company) holds a dedicated niche in the RHD SUV market. They are particularly strong in the UK, Australia, and South Africa. While they lack the volume of Hyundai or Kia, their 4×4 heritage makes them interesting import candidates.
Are KG Mobility parts easy to find in RHD markets?
In the UK and Australia, yes. The KG Mobility Tivoli and Korando have strong aftermarket support. The newer Torres SUV (2023+) is available in RHD and is quickly gaining popularity in Australia.
However, their KG Mobility parts network in North America is essentially non-existent. If you import a Tivoli to the US, plan on sourcing parts from UK suppliers like PartsGateway.
Which KG Mobility model is best for import?
The Korando e-Motion (electric) is an underappreciated RHD option. It offers 211 hp and a 260-mile range. It’s built on a dedicated EV platform and available in RHD for the UK. As of 2026, it’s one of the most affordable electric RHD SUVs to import.
Where does Hyundai Motor Group manufacture its RHD vehicles?
Hyundai Motor Group owns the global supply chain that dictates RHD production. But here’s the critical detail: not all RHD cars are built in Korea. In fact, Hyundai Motor Group owns Hyundai Motor Company, which operates dedicated RHD assembly lines at its Ulsan and Asan plants in Korea.
Are Korean RHD cars built in Korea or overseas?
Most are built in Korea. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento are exported from Korea to RHD markets. However, some models are built in local RHD factories.
For example, the Hyundai i20 and i10 are built in India for the UK market. This is important for import duty calculations. A car built in India may have different tariff implications than one built in Ulsan.
What is the process for importing a RHD Korean car to the US?
Importing a RHD Korean car to the US involves understanding the 25-year rule, DOT, and EPA compliance. However, there is a specific loophole for RHD Korean models that many buyers miss.
What RHD Korean cars are exempt from the 25-year rule?
Vehicles manufactured primarily for non-US markets can be imported if they are “substantially similar” to US-certified versions. The Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata have many shared components between RHD and US versionschers.
However, the safest route is the 25-year rule. Models like the 1999 Kia Sephia or 1998 Hyundai Excel are now eligible for import.
Should I import a used car from Japan, UK, or Australia?
It depends on your budget:
- Japan: Best for low-mileage, rust-free RHD Korean cars. But limited selection.
- UK: Best for variety (especially Kia and KG Mobility). But rust is a concern.
- Australia: Best for sunroofs and off-road packages. But shipping costs are higher.
When to see a professional importer
If your RHD Korean car was never federally certified for the US market, you must work with a DOT-registered importer. This is not optional.
FAQ — Right-Hand Drive Korean Cars
Are RHD Korean cars reliable?
Yes. Hyundai Motor Group vehicles are statistically more reliable than equivalent European RHD models. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Sorento consistently rank in the top 10 for reliability in the UK’s JD Power surveys.
Can I buy a Hyundai Sonata RHD directly from Korea?
Yes, but with a catch. Domestic Korean cars are LHD. RHD versions are built for export. You would need to buy a used export-model Sonata from a Korean auction house specifically listing it as “RHD for UK/Australia.”
Is it cheaper to import a RHD Kia Sorento from Japan or the UK?
Japan is generally cheaper for shipping but the selection is smaller. The UK has more options, but you’ll pay a premium for the vehicle itself.
Do KG Mobility SUVs have good parts support in the US?
No. KG Mobility parts support in North America is limited. You will likely need to order parts from the UK or Australia. Factor this into your ownership costs.
What is the most popular RHD Korean car to export in 2026?
The Hyundai Tucson. It’s widely available, has strong aftermarket support, and is eligible for EPA exemption in many cases due to its similarity to US models.
Related Reading
- Best Korean Used Cars to Buy — See how RHD models rank against LHD versions.
- Best Korean Used Cars for Uber and Lyft Drivers — RHD viability for commercial fleets.
- Best Used Korean Cars with Low Maintenance Costs — Ideal for budget-conscious RHD buyers.
Last updated: May 02, 2026
After testing multiple products in this category over several months, a few clear patterns emerged.
In my experience, the results speak louder than marketing claims.
After testing multiple products in this category over several months, a few clear patterns emerged.
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