New 4x4s, pick-ups and electric cars to see at Ploughing 2026

There’s somewhat of a return by motor companies to the National Ploughing Championships this year, with Nissan and Isuzu back after a few years’ absence. Their return adds more variety and substance for visitors to the motoring area, which has been dominated by Toyota in recent years.

There will be five significant car brands on show, from BMW at Colm Quinn Motors to Dacia and Nissan, which are now part of the Cedar Motor Group. The Harris Group display will include 4x4s from the Isuzu and Maxxus range while Toyota Ireland will be focussing on the new Toyota Hilux.

New Hilux is the Toyota highlight

Toyota’s highlight for Ploughing 2026 will be the new Hilux, now available with a more economical hybrid diesel engine. The company will also feature its latest Bz all-electric car range including a spacious long range touring or estate version as well as Toyota Ireland’s Kinto leasing finance offer.

This new Toyota Hilux that you will see combines a 48-volt hybrid drive with a 2.8 litre turbo-diesel engine, the same power set-up that’s currently available on the Toyota Land Cruiser. In visual terms, this new Hilux is more modern and stylish, while the interior has improvements in both layout and comfort. The double cab interior is completely new and is similar to that of the Land Cruiser.

The comfort is enhanced by new padding material and a thicker upholstery covering for the front seat cushions. The eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat on Invincible grade has a longer cushion section. A new head rest design claims to provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

There is a new slim and lightweight new instrument panel. It includes a larger 12.3-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia display. Entry DLX grade model has a smaller nine-inch Toyota Touch display. Easy smartphone setup is enabled on all Hilux versions with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while a wireless charger is provided on SR5 and Invincible grades.

The more important change is the move to a diesel hybrid engine. This new hybrid engine has the same rating in terms of power, performance as the older non-hybrid version. The towing rating remains unchanged at 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, while the payload is the same at 1 tonne, across a slightly larger rear pick-up area. Entry prices will be from around be €65,200 including VAT.

Harris gives pick-up choices

The Harris Group will be back at Ploughing 2026 with some interesting pick-up choices. The well-known and new version Isuzu D-Max will be a highlight on the Harris stand, which will be complemented by diesel and battery electric models of the Maxxus 4x4 pick-up and van ranges.

This upgraded D-Max features an improved 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine that is designed to deliver 3.5 tonnes towing ability along with a 1.1 tonne payload in the pick-up area. This new D-Max comes on what Isuzu claims is an improved and strong ladder chassis.

Seat adjustment options are good and so too is rear legroom. The doors feel wider than in the past to give good rear access for three passengers.

The D-Max responds well on the road making it a good pick-up to drive.

This D-Max provides for easy engagement of the rear differential lock and lower gear selection. It is easy to move from wet sandy challenges to rocky outcrop areas, and then back to road mode, using the dash-mounted off-road transmission dial.

Isuzu has lifted the level of safety kit on board the new D-Max to comply with the latest European safety standards. And to prove its worth, the 4x4 pick-up has achieved a recent Euro NCAP five-star rating.

Every model in the three-model range is equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). These ADAS features include the new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, working in conjunction with Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, new Turn Assist, new Rear Cross Traffic Braking, improved Lane Keep Assist and Attention Assist.

From the Maxxus stable, Harris Group will be showing the T60 diesel-powered, twin-cab 4x4 pick-up with its 3.5 tonnes towing ability. This T60 is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine and comes with a five-year factory warranty with prices starting from €53,000, including VAT.

For the electric power option, the Maxxus range will offer the eTerron 9 model with a 429km battery-electric range and 3.5 tonnes towing capacity.

These are modern and smart looking 4x4 pick-ups that will put the competition to the test in terms of value for money and back-up within the country. The battery versions come with an eight year warranty as standard.

New tougher X-Trail joins third-generation Leaf for Ploughing

The return of Nissan to the Ploughing coincides with the launch of the third generation all-electric Nissan Leaf, the Micra and models from the Nissan van range, along with a new tougher Nissan X-Trail N-Trek.

For those who prefer a tougher outdoor challenge, you will get to see the updated Nissan X-Trail N-Trek at this year’s Ploughing. This new N-Trek grade returns with a bolder, and tougher stance, bespoke detailing and materials chosen for harsher, more frequent use.

This X-Trail continues to be offered with e-POWER, Nissan’s unique hybrid solution. e-POWER delivers full electric motor drive for instant torque, smooth acceleration, and EV-like quietness without the need for charging. Paired with e-4ORCE all-wheel control, X-Trail enjoys exceptional grip, stability, confidence, and comfort across varying road conditions.

The N-Trek grade also features unique styling details, black roof rails, full LED lighting and an electric panoramic sunroof, reinforcing its position as the most adventure-focused X-Trail in the range. Pricing has yet to be announced but they might give you a hint if you call to the Nissan stand.

The new Nissan has two battery options starting with a 52kWh battery which offers above 440 kilometres range, while the 75kWh battery offers a top range of up to 622 kilometres. Both variants support DC fast-charging up to 105kWh and 150kWh, respectively.

Nissan claims that this new Leaf tackles the barriers to EV adoption, delivering a motorway range of up to 330 km at 130kph and up to 430km at 110kph, and an energy consumption as low as 13.8kWh per 100 kilometres.

At Ploughing 2026 you’ll be able to see the two models, available in four grades. The 52kWh model starts at €34,995 for the Engage grade, at €36,495 for the Engage+ grade, at €39,795 for the Advance grade, and at €41,295 for the top-of-the-range Evolve grade. The 75kWh battery option meanwhile, starts at €39,995 for the Engage grade, at €41,495 for the Engage+ grade, at €45,795 for the Advance grade, and at €48,295 for the Evolve grade. All pricing is inclusive of applicable VRT Relief and the €3,500 SEAI grant.

The car comes with a suite of onboard technology including NissanConnect with Google built-in is at the heart of this connected experience, offering Google Maps with In Car Route Planner, Google Assistance for hands-free control over navigation, media, climate and more, and Google Play for apps, streaming, and productivity tools.

The second important new car on the Nissan stand will be the new sixth generation Micra, which is also a battery-electric-only car. This is a compact hatchback car with a top range of 416 kilometres and a starting price of €25,995 for the entry Engage models.

The Micra comes with two battery options. The 40kWh battery has a claimed range of up to 317 kilometres, while the 52kWh battery offers a top range of 416 kilometres. Both variants support DC fast-charging up to 80kW and 110kW, respectively.

This Micra comes with Google Maps, Assistant and Play Store built-in, along with voice control and the most up to date navigation. The NissanConnect app allows you to set the cabin temperature, check your battery status remotely, and plan your route with charging stops already built in.

Dacia to strike with new SUV model

Dacia Ireland will be displaying its new C-segment SUV called the Striker alongside the better known models such as the Duster, Jogger and Bigster models. Designed to complement Bigster, Striker is a crossover with the same Dacia DNA and is expected in Ireland for the 2027 market.

The Dacia Striker combines the high driving position and outdoor capabilities of an SUV, claims the versatility and convenience of an estate and the efficiency and performance of a saloon. With a range of electrified powertrains, Striker aims to deliver value for money in its segment.

This new Striker Hybrid 155 is powered by a 109hp 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors (a 49 hp motor and a high-voltage starter/generator), a 1.4kWh battery (280V) and an automatic electric gearbox with four gears for the engine and two others for electric operation. This combined technology is made possible by the absence of a clutch.

Combining regenerative braking with the high energy recovery capacity of the battery and the efficiency of the automatic gearbox, Striker is said to remain in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in the city.

Further, it always starts up in all-electric mode. Striker Hybrid 155 has CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

Striker Hybrid 150 4x4 version claims to offer four-wheel drive for efficiency and peace of mind. This new powertrain combines a 1.2-litre 48V mild-hybrid engine producing 103kW (140 hp) / 230Nm, coupled with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles on the front axle. On the rear axle, an electric motor developing peak output of 23kW (31 hp) and 87Nm of torque with a two-speed automatic gearbox, which can be disengaged.

BMW offers power choices with luxury

Athlone and Galway-based BMW dealer Colm Quinn Cars will be hosting the BMW and Mini ranges at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. BMW is one of the few brands that still offers engine choices that includes diesel power, with seven models in the X series offering the option of diesel power in addition to hybrids and up to 14 fully battery electric car options.

For rural drivers who want to stick with diesel for another while, the X1 entry model priced at €53,335 is the first choice. But don’t be overwhelmed by the battery electric BMW options which are now so impressive in terms of range and economy, that they just must be considered an option, if your pocket stretches that far.

Take, for example, the BMW iX3 which offers a modern style SUV with what BMW call Neue Klasse design and technology features. The car is distinctive to look at and clearly the BMW style heritage is strong, so you won’t mistake it for any other brand.

This BEV is fitted with a large capacity 108.7kWh battery that delivers all-wheel-drive power and acceleration pace through two electric motors. This is a fast car if you want it to be and with some tweaking, it can also be a very economical one.

And you won’t experience range anxiety as the fully powered up battery pack can deliver up to 800km driving range that you can be reasonably confident of.

With entry prices starting at €66,985, these BMW electric cars with serious performance and range are getting closer to being affordable, when you consider them against other less luxurious cars. So take a closer look at Ploughing 2026.