We’ve combed through SIMIs latest motor stats to bring you the latest on the car industry in Ireland. Find out the most popular makes and models, fuel types and car type.
Quick Overview – Car Registrations Grow
5,900 more cars were registered in the period August 2025 – 2026 than the same period the year prior. This represents an increase of 5%, with SUVs taking up the largest portion of the market. Medium SUVs grew by 11.57% to 41,226 registrations, taking up over 33% of the market. Small SUVs made up the next largest share, with 31,387 new registrations.
Engine Types – EVs Grow
Electric vehicles grew in popularity, with 32,078 new registrations over the last year. This was a 55% increase on the year prior. Hybrid vehicles had 29,441 new registrations, an 11.4% increase on the year prior. Petrol cars actually saw a decline in registrations, with the 24,504 being 18.5% less than the year before. This signals a continued shift towards alternative fuel options.
The Most Popular Brands In Ireland
Toyota is the most popular car brand in Ireland, with 16,915 new registrations. This makes up around 14% of total new registrations. The rest of the top 4 are as follows:
| Make | New Registrations | % Market Share |
| Volkswagen | 14,253 | 11.7 |
| Skoda | 12,062 | 9.9 |
| Hyundai | 10,365 | 8.5 |
| KIA | 9,442 | 7.7 |
The Most Popular Car Models In Ireland
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the most popular car model in Ireland, with 3,712 new registrations between August 2025 and 2026. Taking up 3% of the market, the Yaris Cross is fast becoming the number one pick for Irish drivers. After the Toyota Yaris Coss, the following models rank at the top.
| Model | New Registrations | % Market Share |
| Hyundai Tucson | 3,298 | 2.7 |
| Skoda Octavia | 3,013 | 2.5 |
| Kia Sportage | 3,654 | 2.4 |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 2,806 | 2.3 |
Let’s take a look at what makes each model so popular with Irish drivers.
Toyota Yaris Cross – The Most Registered Car In Ireland
The Yaris Cross is a modern, compact SUV that’s perfect for families. With decent interior space and ride comfort, the Toyota Yaris Cross is well-suited to long drives, either with 2 or 4 passengers. The car is more than capable of holding 5, but adults might find it a squeeze in the back. In terms of drive quality, all levels of the Toyota Yaris Cross come with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. These two additions make the Yaris Cross a good option for motorway driving. A new Yaris Cross will cost around €29,000 for the entry-level model, and used options can be as cheap as €16,000.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is an affordable, compact family SUV that’s reliable and comfortable on motorways. When combined with the relatively low cost, it’s clear as to why this is the most registered model in Ireland over the last year.
Hyundai Tucson – Good Boot Space And Affordable Priced Used
The Hyundai Tucson costs around €11,000 for a used model and €24,000 for a new model. A low price for a mid-sized SUV, the Tucson is a popular choice for families. With lots of accents from more elegant cars, and a smart interior with leather finishes, the Tucson is great value for money. An elevated driving view and options for a sunroof and heated seating also contribute to a good end product that’s definitely worth the price.
Skoda Octavia – Practical And Solid
The Skoda Octavia is an estate car that’s pragmatic and reliable. With exceptional Skoda build quality and extra boot space, the Skoda Octavia is perfect for families, with the ability to comfortably navigate long distances often. The car itself isn’t going to wow you, but it does everything you need it to. Typical of Skoda, the Octavia is all about substance over style, and modern options have all the technology you could need.
A new Skoda Octavia can cost anywhere from €32,000 to €52,000 new, with used models starting around €22,000.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is Kia’s best-selling model, and for good reason. Practicality and build quality go alongside a low used price. Used prices start anywhere from €8,000, but a more modern option could cost around €12,000 – €15,000. In terms of value, this is a market leader.
If you have spare funds and are looking for a more modern option, you could pay up to €35,000, which is still exceptional value compared with alternatives.
Skoda Kodiaq
A mid-sized SUV that was hugely popular in its first generation, the Kodiaq relies on the Skoda standard build and reliability, making it a solid option for families. The Skoda Kodiaq is a safe and predictable car, making it a solid long-distance driving option. Where the newer model takes over is the sophisticated interior, with ambient lighting, seat heating and leather finishes. A large rear passenger area makes it a great option for larger families, with the option to recline rear seating. The latest Kodiaqs have advanced tech, bringing them firmly in line with modern drivers’ requirements. If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these newer models, you can expect to pay anywhere from €45,000 to €62,000.
Used options are comfortably cheaper, with prices starting from €12,000.
Final Word
The Irish car market is constantly growing, and the continued emergence of EVs is a clear sign of where demand will go in the next few years. If you’re interested in discussing potential finance on any of these cars, visit our car finance calculator page to see what finance could look like.
Alternatively, if you’re a car dealer looking to grow your finance portfolio, take a look at our partner page.