Irish Car of the Year 2026 kicks off with EVs dominating

46 new cars will compete for the title of Irish Car of the Year 2026, in association with Continental Tyres.

Voted on by jury members drawn from the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), a group made up of 29 of Ireland’s most experienced motoring journalists including this writer, the aim of the Irish Car of the Year awards is to highlight for consumers the best new cars launched in the country each year, taking into account the particular requirements of the Irish market.

A number of category winners will be awarded, with the winning cars going on to compete for the overall title at a gala awards ceremony held in Dublin on November 14th.

Mark Noble, Chairman of the MMAI, said:

“The fact that over half of the eligible cars for the 2026 Irish Car of the Year awards are electric is a clear reflection of where the market is going. Just a few years ago, EVs were a niche category – today, they are leading the field. This year’s line‑up shows the breadth of choice now available to Irish motorists, from compact city cars to large SUVs, all powered by electricity. It’s a milestone moment for the awards and for the Irish car market.”

Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres, added: 

“Continental Tyres is proud to once again support the Irish Car of the Year awards, which shine a spotlight on the very best cars available to Irish motorists. The dominance of electric models in this year’s field underlines the pace of change in the industry. For car buyers, it means more options than ever before to choose sustainable, high performing vehicles – and for us, it’s exciting to see how far the market has come in such a short time.”

Last year’s winner was the Renault Scenic, continuing a strong run for EVs in the competition in recent years.

The full field of candidates for the Irish Car of the Year 2026 awards is as follows: