Toyota is Ireland’s best-selling car brand for the first quarter of 2026 for the sixth consecutive year, securing a 13.75% market share. The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid was the country’s best-selling car model during the period. Between January 1st and March 31st, Toyota sold 8,936 passenger cars, finishing more than 2,415 units ahead of its nearest competitor.
Four Toyota models featured in Ireland’s top ten best-selling passenger cars with the Yaris Cross leading the market as number one best-selling model in Q1 2026, along with three other models including the Corolla Hybrid, Corolla Cross, Toyota C-HR Hybrid.
Toyota’s electrified line-up led the way in Q1, with Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Battery Electric vehicles accounting for 99.81% of passenger vehicle sales. Toyota’s Battery Electric Vehicles now represent 8.43% of Toyota’s sales mix, up 208.61% compared to Q1 2025, driven by the arrival of the Toyota C-HR+, and new Toyota bZ.
Across the wider market, electrified vehicles accounted for nearly two-thirds (65.86%) of all new car registrations in Ireland. Hybrid remains the most popular powertrain choice for Irish drivers, with demand up 11.07% compared to Q1 2025. Toyota sold 7,981 hybrid units in Q1, representing an 89.31% of its total sales, reinforcing both the continued shift towards lower-emission driving and Toyota’s leadership in electrified mobility.
Q1 2026 saw a notable surge in EV adoption, with Battery Electric Vehicles becoming the second-most popular powertrain, overtaking petrol. With a 40.55% increase in market share, electric vehicles continue to attract drivers ready to make the switch to fully electric. Toyota reflected this momentum, recording 753 EV sales in Q1 2026, an increase of 208.61% compared to 244 units in Q1 2025.
This trend was especially pronounced in March, which saw a 34.85% increase in EV sales compared to February, diverging from typical seasonal patterns. The uplift points to a growing consumer focus on the long-term economics of driving, with more motorists recognising the cost efficiencies and value offered by electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, diesel and petrol sales continued to decline, with only 8,391 and 13,797 units sold respectively in the first three months of 2026, marking a combined decrease of 45.04% compared to Q1 2025.
To celebrate the great start to 2026, Toyota is offering limited-time Trade-In Boosters across a range of best-selling models up to the 30th of April.
- Toyota bZ Premier Grade: €3,000 Trade-In Booster or APR of 3.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance
- Toyota bZ Sport Grade: €1,500 Trade-In Booster and APR of 5.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
- Toyota C-HR+: €2,000 Trade-In Booster or APR of 3.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
- Toyota C-HR Plug-In Hybrid: €2,000 Trade-In Booster or APR of 3.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance
- Prius Plug-In Hybrid: €2,500 Trade-In Booster or APR of 3.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
- Toyota C-HR Hybrid: €1,500 Trade-In Booster and APR of 5.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
- Corolla Hatchback: €1,500 Trade-In Booster and APR of 5.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
- Corolla Touring Sport: €1,500 Trade-In Booster and APR of 5.9% with Toyota Easy PCP Finance.
Toyota Ireland also has over 2,700 approved used vehicles available for purchase and will host dealership events nationwide from April 23rd to 25th for drivers to explore the range.
Speaking about the latest figures, Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs in Toyota Ireland, said: “The continued growth in electrified sales emphasises Irish drivers’ clear shift towards more cost-effective and lower-emission mobility, as well as their trust in Toyota to support this transition. Our strong start to 2026, maintaining our position as Ireland’s leading car brand for the sixth consecutive year, reflects the strength of our offering and the relevance of our multi-path approach.
“We are also delighted to see that the Yaris Cross is the best-selling model so far this year, providing electrified driving at an affordable price with excellent features. Electrified vehicles represent over 99.81% of our 2026 sales, with hybrids in particular continuing to lead as the most popular powertrain.
“As more drivers consider how best to balance performance, efficiency, and sustainability, Toyota’s broad range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles ensures there is an option to suit every lifestyle.”
All offers are available on Toyota.ie now.
