Tips for Buying An SUV in Ireland
If I Was Buying An SUV, Here’s What I’d Be Looking For
SUVs remain hugely popular with Irish buyers, both new and used. From compact crossovers to large family SUVs and electric models, there’s an SUV for almost every lifestyle and budget, and plenty of value to be found on the used car market too.
Some of the most popular SUVs on the Irish new car market in 2026 are the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Qashqai.
I recently shared some quick SUV buying tips in a short video, but here’s a more detailed breakdown of the things I’d genuinely focus on if I was buying an SUV today.
Watch The Video
1. How Big Is The Boot?
Boot space is one of the biggest reasons people move into an SUV in the first place, but appearances can be deceptive.
Some SUVs look massive on the outside yet don’t offer as much usable luggage space as you’d expect. Others are cleverly packaged and surprisingly practical.
If I was buying an SUV, I’d be thinking about:
- Weekly shopping
- Family holidays
- Buggies and prams
- Sports gear
- Dog space
- Rear seats folding flat
A powered tailgate and adjustable boot floor are nice bonuses too.
2. How Comfortable And Spacious Is It For Passengers?
A good SUV should be comfortable for everyone, not just the driver.
Rear seat space varies hugely between models, so I’d always check:
- Rear legroom
- Headroom
- Ease of getting in and out
- Middle seat comfort
- Rear air vents and USB ports
If you regularly carry adults or teenagers, rear passenger comfort becomes very important on longer journeys.
And if you need seven seats, make sure the third row is actually usable.
3. What Sort Of Features Does It Have?
Modern SUVs are packed with technology, but not all trims come equally equipped.
Some of the features I’d look for include:
- Heated seats
- Keyless entry
- Reversing camera
- Parking sensors
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Adaptive cruise control
- Heated steering wheel
- Panoramic roof
A good reversing camera is especially useful for parking and for safety when reversing.
4. How Efficient Is It And What Will Running Costs Be Like?
Running costs matter just as much as the purchase price.
I’d be looking closely at:
- Fuel economy
- Motor tax
- Insurance
- Tyre costs
- Servicing costs
The right engine depends on your driving and preferences.
Electric
Electric cars are rising in popularity and range anxiety is not such an issue anymore with many new vehicles capable of 400-500 kilometres real-world range and more.
Buying an electric SUV will require installing a charge port at home for convenience and keeping costs down.
Diesel
Still makes sense for high motorway mileage and long-distance drivers.
Petrol
Petrol cars are a good option if you do a lot of short trips and lower annual mileage.
Hybrid
A great middle ground for many Irish families at the moment with good fuel economy and flexibility for longer trips.
Efficiency can vary massively between SUVs, so check the brochure and also Irish car reviews for real-world fuel economy.
5. How Does It Drive?
Not every SUV is enjoyable to drive.
Some feel composed, refined and easy to manoeuvre. Others can feel heavy and awkward, especially around town.
During a test drive, I’d pay attention to:
- Visibility
- Steering feel
- Ride comfort
- Road noise
- Parking ease
- Acceleration
- Body roll in corners
And always test drive the exact engine and trim you’re considering.
6. What Sort Of Warranty And Reliability Record Does It Have?
Long-term peace of mind is hugely important when buying any car.
Before buying, I’d check:
- Length of warranty
- Service intervals
- Reliability reputation
- Battery warranty for hybrids and EVs
- Car history check for used cars
Some brands offer warranties of up to seven years, which can make a big difference when ownership costs are considered over time.
Reading owner reviews and reliability surveys can also give useful real-world insight.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Toyota BZ Touring arrives in Ireland!
Toyota Ireland has welcomed the new Toyota BZ Touring to Ireland, priced at €44,356.
Based on the Toyota BZ electric SUV, it's longer and taller, adding more space, more range and rugged styling in the shape of a practical estate-car. But with plenty of SUV-inspired design cues like new chunky roof rails, raised ride height and extensive cladding around the wheel arches that help it stand out as a distinct model of its own in the Toyota line-up.
The BZ Touring is part of Toyota's expansion into electric vehicles that also includes the new C-HR+ and the BZ. The latter was the brand's first pure EV to reach Ireland and is rising in popularity, doubling registrations year-on-year.
BZ Touring adds a bigger boot, with a volume of 669 litres, up from 452 litres in the BZ and bigger than rivals like the Skoda Enyaq. It also has more headroom for rear seat passengers thanks to being a bit taller than the standard BZ.
The battery is also bigger than the BZ's to give a little more range - 591km (WLTP) from a 74.7kWh battery, up from 567km. It's covered by Toyota's extended battery warranty of up to ten years or 1 million kilometres.
Toyota has also added more insulation to improve refinement overall.
Toyota is the bestselling car brand in Ireland for a sixth year running, with over 10,000 new cars already registered this year and the Toyota Yaris Cross becoming Ireland's bestselling car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA launched in Ireland
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA has arrived in Ireland, the third generation of the popular four-door coupé.
Built on a new platform, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA debuts an all-electric version for the very first time. The sleek aerodynamic design contributes to a 793 kilometre (WLTP) range possible in the flagship CLA 250+.
There is also a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol mild hybrid available with a number of different power outputs and fuel consumption as low as 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres.
4MATIC all-wheel drive is available, and the stylish CLA Shooting Brake will join the range later in 2026.
Though styling has quite subtly evolved, the new CLA is in fact larger in all directions, which makes it a little more spacious inside. Design highlights include a ‘star-studded’ grille, and ‘star-shaped’ headlights and taillights to give it even more visual appeal.
Inside, it gets a brand new interior design that is dominated by an upgraded MBUX infotainment system with new operating system and the option to add a dedicated passenger display.
Other features include a wireless charging pad and optional electrically operated and adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, and heated seats with 4-way lumbar support.
Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing for Ireland
The petrol CLA range is priced from €57,960, with a number of variants (CLA 180, CLA 200 and CLA 220) and power outputs ranging from 156hp to 211hp.
The new electric CLA starts from €53,425 after SEAI grants and is available in four versions: CLA 200, CLA 250, CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC. It also features 800-volt electric architecture for rapid charging up to 320kW.
The CLA Shooting Brake estate will start from €59,540 for the mild hybrid petrol and €65,010 for the electric.
Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Ireland, said:
“The debut of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA represents a pivotal milestone for the brand, launching an ambitious product offensive that will define the brand’s direction over the next three years.
As a key model in our lineup, CLA plays a crucial role in setting the tone, welcoming customers into the next generation of Mercedes-Benz through its distinctive design, advanced innovation and outstanding efficiency. It stands as a confident expression of the brand’s future vision.”
Hyundai Ioniq 3: New electric hatchback launching in October
Hyundai is preparing to expand its growing electric vehicle line-up in Ireland with the arrival of the all-new Ioniq 3, a compact electric hatchback due in showrooms this October and starting from under €30,000.
Positioned as a practical, family-friendly model in the B-segment but offering space closer to a larger C-segment car, the Ioniq 3 has been designed from the outset as an electric vehicle. It features a distinctive aerodynamic hatchback profile, with a low front end and a sharply defined roofline aimed at maximising efficiency and driving range.
Range up to 490km
Hyundai says the car will be available with two battery options. A Standard Range version is expected to deliver up to 344km (WLTP), while a Long Range model is targeting up to 490km, class-leading for its segment. Fast charging capability will allow the battery to charge from 10-80% in around 29 minutes, with AC charging up to 22kW available.
The Ioniq 3 will also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power external devices directly from the car.
Inside, Hyundai is focusing on comfort and space. Despite its compact footprint, the Ioniq 3 offers five seats, a flat floor and a relatively high roofline over the rear passengers to improve headroom. The cabin design takes inspiration from 1970s Italian furniture, with soft, natural materials intended to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. “Relaxation seats” that can fully recline will also be available.
Boot space is 441 litres, including additional storage under the boot floor.
New infotainment system
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3 introduces the brand's new infotainment system based on an Android operating system, with either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch display depending on trim. A driver display positioned above the steering wheel and the retention of physical buttons aim to balance digital functionality with ease of use.
On the outside, Hyundai’s signature pixel lighting returns, this time featuring a four-dot motif representing the letter “H” in Morse code. Wheel sizes will range from 16 to 19 inches, with a sportier N Line version offered at the top of the range.
Five trim levels are planned, with a heat pump fitted as standard on all but the entry-level model - a move Hyundai says reflects its focus on real-world efficiency.
Hyundai leads EV sales in Ireland
The new model arrives at a time of strong momentum for Hyundai in selling plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The brand is currently the bestselling electric and plug-in hybrid manufacturer in the country, holding a 16.5% share of the PHEV market and leading EV sales ahead of Volkswagen and Kia.
Hyundai already has more than 8,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads, with models such as the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 contributing to its strong performance.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
DS N°8 launched in Ireland
DS Automobiles has introduced the flagship DS N°8 luxury electric car to Ireland, with pricing starting from €56,495.
The DS N°8 is part of a revamped DS line-up of cars and SUVs that also includes the DS N°4 hatchback. Before the end of the year, the new DS N°7 family SUV will join too.
The charismatic DS N°8 fastback features the best of the French premium car brand, with an elegant, aerodynamic design and luxurious interior with premium materials like Nappa leather and Alcantara.
It's available with the choice of two different batteries: the 73kWh with up to 550 kilometre range and the 97kWh with up to 750 kilometres.
There are front wheel drive versions on sale, along with all wheel drive reserved for the top of the range 97kWh with 350hp.
DS N°8 is available in Ireland in two trim levels: Pallas and Etoile. Standard features include a 16-inch central touchscreen, 12.25-inch instrument cluster, head-up display and digital rear view mirror. There's also 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Etoile versions add active scan suspension for more comfort, 21-inch alloy wheels and the option of a black bonnet.
DS N°8 Pricing for Ireland
PALLAS
- FWD 230hp (Standard Range): €56,495 (After State Subsidies)
- FWD 245hp (Long Range): €64,995
ÉTOILE
- FWD 230hp: €62,995
- FWD 245hp: €67,995
- AWD 350hp: €73,995
Alan Kilroy, Managing Director of DS Automobiles Ireland, said:
“DS N°8 and DS N°4 mark a major step forward for DS in Ireland, showcasing our commitment to electrification, design and comfort. With the new DS N°7 SUV arriving later this year for 271 registration period, we will have a fully refreshed line-up, giving Irish customers a compelling premium alternative across every key segment.”
DS N°4 on sale in Ireland
DS Automobiles has enhanced its line-up in Ireland with the arrival of the new DS N°4 compact hatchback.
It's a significantly updated version of the former DS4 from the French luxury carmaker that's been on sale since 2022.
The DS N°4 now gets the new face of the brand, just like the newly launched DS N°8 flagship executive car. It features a bold new front design with an illuminated grille and distinctive light signature, as well as DS badge that can light up for the very first time.
There are two trim levels for the DS N°4 range in Ireland in 2026: Pallas and Etoile.
Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the Etoile adds more luxurious features like Alcantara seat upholstery, power adjustment for the front seats, matrix LED headlamps and a head-up display.
For 2026, DS Automobiles has also adjusted the engine line-up. The plug-in hybrid has been removed from sale and there's no diesel option for now. Instead buyers can choose from the Hybrid 145 with fuel consumption as low as 5.2-litres per 100 kilometres, or a full battery electric with up to 450 kilometres of range from a 58kWh battery.
The hybrid range starts from €35,995 for the Pallas and from €42,995 for the Etoile.
The electric starts from €44,010 for the Pallas and from €49,870 for the Etoile.
Kia Seltos for Ireland: First Look, Engine Options & What to Expect
Caroline previews the new Kia Seltos, expected in Ireland this summer with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
If you haven’t heard of the Kia Seltos yet, you’re not alone, but that’s about to change. The Kia Seltos is actually Kia’s second bestselling car globally, behind the ever-popular Kia Sportage.
Now, for the first time, it’s arriving in Europe and it’s set to land in Ireland in 2026.
Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Sportage?
The Seltos sits in the compact SUV segment, similar in positioning to the Kia Sportage, but slightly smaller. It measures around 4.4 metres in length. However, it still offers seating for five and a generous boot.
When it arrives, it will rival other SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Dacia Bigster and the Renault Symbioz. It’s aimed at buyers who want practicality, value for money, SUV styling and space, but who aren’t quite ready to switch to a fully electric car like the EV3 or EV5.
What engine options will the Kia Seltos have?
The Seltos is likely to arrive in Ireland from this summer with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine (180hp) and choice of manual or automatic gearbox. Later in 2026, the petrol will be joined by a more powerful and fuel-efficient full hybrid (154hp) that also includes a handy vehicle-to-load feature. This allows other devices to be powered directly from the car's battery from a socket in the boot (3.6kW).
Kia Seltos Design
The Seltos design takes inspiration from the Kia EV3 and the Sportage. At the front, the Seltos get a wider grille and unique lighting signature that helps it stand out. Kia's star-map lighting at the rear adds a stylish touch. 16-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels are available. There's contrasting cladding and satin silver colour finishes that add to its chunky SUV charm.
There will be three trim lines available:
- Baseline
- GT-Line (sportier styling, body-coloured trim and interior upgrades)
- X-Line (extra rugged with dark gun-metal trim)
There are also Europe-exclusive colours, including Tan Beige, Denim Blue and Pale Grey.
Kia Seltos Interior
Inside it features familiar tech from other models in the Kia range with dual 12.3-inch displays and 64-colour ambient lighting. The material finish feels more durable than luxurious, with a lot of grey plastic on display so it's not as impressive inside overall as the Sportage. However it does get Kia's relaxation seats with synthetic leather finishes available. Other available features include a panoramic roof and premium audio system.
Kia Seltos Practicality
It's narrower than the Sportage and that's most apparent in the back seat, which will be most comfortable for passengers on the outer seats. Legroom is more generous than a Corolla Cross and it feels more family-friendly. The rear seats can also recline for more comfort.
How much boot space does it have?
The Kia Seltos offers a competitive 536 litres of boot space, along with an adjustable boot floor for added flexibility.
Kia Seltos Price Ireland
Kia Ireland has not announced pricing yet for the Seltos in Ireland but expect it to undercut the Sportage.
Final thoughts
The Kia Seltos might be new to Ireland, but globally it’s already one of Kia’s biggest success stories. With its mix of practicality and powertrains, it’s likely to be a very relevant option for Irish buyers in 2026. If you’re not quite ready to go electric but still want something modern and efficient, this could be one to watch.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Fiat Grande Panda arrives in Ireland: Pricing, specs and range
Fiat Ireland has launched the all-new Fiat Grande Panda on the Irish market, strengthening the brand's offering of small cars and SUVs.
The Grande Panda is positioned as a practical and budget-friendly small SUV and sits on a new platform that introduces full electric and petrol hybrid powertrains.
Fiat Grande Panda price in Ireland
The range kicks off from an attractive €22,995 for the electric, which is available in three trim levels: Pop, Icon and La Prima. It uses a 44kWh battery with a city-friendly range of up to 320 kilometres (WLTP) and 100kW DC fast charging.
A longer range battery will join the Grande Panda range before the end of the year with up to 400 kilometres.
The hybrid range starts from €25,800 in the Icon trim, rising to €28,880 for the top of the range La Prima. Based around a 1.2-litre, three cylinder petrol engine, the hybrid has 110hp and fuel consumption as low as 5 litres per 100 kilometres.
The hybrid is the best for boot space at 412 litres, while the electric drops that to 361 litres.
What sort of equipment does the Grande Panda have?
Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, digital driver display, air conditioning and rear parking sensors. Most buyers are expected to opt for the Icon trim, which adds aero covers to the wheels, LED headlamps, cruise control and touchscreen.
The top of the range La Prima brings styling upgrades including 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, and roof rails, as well as special fabric upholstery, parking camera and wireless smartphone charging.
A petrol manual is expected to arrive before the end of the year.
The new Fiat Grande Panda will help to strengthen the brand's position in Ireland alongside the Fiat 500 and the Fiat 600.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
BYD Sealion 5 arrives in Ireland
BYD is expanding its line-up of electric cars and hybrids in Ireland with the arrival of the new BYD Sealion 5.
The new mid-size SUV comes as a plug-in hybrid with two different specifications - Comfort and Design - and rivals the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan Qashqai and the Hyundai Tucson in the compact SUV segment.
BYD Sealion 5 Price and Trim Levels
Comfort models start from a competitive €36,990 with an EV range up to 62 kilometres, while the Design offers up to 86 kilometres and even more equipment, from €40,990. Both versions have a healthy 212hp.
The five-seat SUV comes with a practical 463 litre boot. Another handy feature is vehicle-to-load technology as standard, allowing external devices like a coffee machine or portable fridge to be powered at up to 3.3kW.
Standard features include metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, LED headlights and LED rear lights. There's also a digital instrument panel, 12.8-inch touchscreen, electrically adjustable front seats and rear parking sensors.
Design versions of the Sealion 5 add front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, electric tailgate, heated front seats and a 15W wireless smartphone charging pad.
BYD’s Growing Line-Up in Ireland
The new BYD Sealion 5 brings the brand's Irish range to eight cars in total alongside models such as the Seal, Seal U and Dolphin Surf. It's the fourth BYD model to offer the brand's clever 'Super Hybrid' technology alongside the Seal U, Seal 6 and Seal 6 Touring.
BYD has had a great start to the year in Ireland, with registrations up 98% on last year and the brand among the bestselling electric car brands alongside Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia and Tesla.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
How to use Ionity Chargers in Ireland (2026 Guide)
If you drive an electric vehicle in Ireland, chances are you’ve come across Ionity chargers at Circle K service stations.
But how do they actually work? Are they worth using? And how fast (and expensive) are they?
This guide explains everything you need to know about using Ionity in Ireland, including locations, pricing, charging speeds and tips.
What Is Ionity?
Ionity is a European high-power EV charging network designed for rapid motorway charging your electric car. The network has over 800 locations across Europe in 24 different countries.
In Ireland, most Ionity chargers are located at Circle K service stations along major routes like the M7 and M11.
These chargers are built for long-distance travel, offering significantly faster charging speeds than standard public chargers. With up to 350kW charging possible, they are among the fastest EV chargers you can find in Ireland.
Where Are Ionity Chargers Located in Ireland?
Ionity chargers can be found at seven locations around Ireland, mostly at Circle K service stations:
- Ionity Athlone (6 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Citynorth (6 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Cashel (6 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Dublin North (12 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Gorey (6 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Kill North (6 EV charging bays)
- Ionity Kill South (6 EV charging bays)
Since the network has expanded in recent years, it’s best to check a live map via your car’s navigation system or a charging app. Ionity's own dedicated app shows the locations of the chargers and also how many chargers are available or in use at each location.
How fast are Ionity Chargers?
The short answer? Very fast. Though that does depend on the rate of charge your car can accept. Ionity chargers are capable of delivering up to 350kW charging speeds.
In practical terms, most drivers can expect 10% to 80% charge in around 20–35 minutes but speeds can vary depending on battery level, temperature and charger availability.
How much does Ionity cost in Ireland?
Ionity offers a great service but it is generally one of the more expensive EV charging options in Ireland if you pay directly.
Pricing typically depends on:
- Pay-as-you-go rates: Currently 81 cent per kWh if you pay at the machine with your credit or debit card without signing up or subscribing. This is the most expensive way to pay for Ionity charging. However, if you pay through the app, the cost is reduced to 77 cent per kWh and there is no subscription or membership fees.
- Membership plans: You can sign up for a special membership plan that gives rates as low as 46 cent per kWh, however there is a standard monthly fee. But these plans can offer good value if you are a frequent user of Ionity chargers.
- Car manufacturer partnerships: Discounted rates may apply through the manufacturer's public charging scheme you signed up to.
Because pricing can change, do check the latest rates in the Ionity app or at the charger before starting a session.
How to use Ionity Chargers in Ireland
Using an Ionity charger is easy when you know how!
- Pull up to an available charger
- Plug in your car
- Start the session using:
- Contactless payment
- Charging app
- RFID card
- Charging begins automatically
When finished, unplug and continue your journey.
Is Ionity worth it?
As a car reviewer, I frequently test electric cars and that means I frequently use public EV chargers. In my own experience, Ionity is easy to use and reliable, though sometimes charge points can be offline.
For this reason, it's always good to check in the app before arriving to make sure there are available, working charge points. The app is very useful and definitely worth downloading. It can give you an indication of how busy the location is too.
You can also start a charge and stop a charge from the app.
Ionity is not the cheapest EV charging option and the locations might not be of use to you. But in my experience the network offers some of the fastest charging speeds available, making it good for a motorway stop.
Ionity charging hubs also tend to be well-designed, with large enough parking spaces to get in and out safely. However, I haven't come across one in Ireland that is covered and offers shelter from the weather.
There is also 24 hour customer service, which is very responsive if you are having difficulties. When you ring, you will be asked to give the number of the charger you are using.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year