Estonian new car market surged in March – sales jumped 82%, but the real picture is more complex.

Taking into account last year’s low sales figures and the challenging market situation, a more realistic picture is provided by comparing March 2023 and March 2024. In March 2023, 2,317 passenger cars were registered, while in March 2024 the number was 1,717. This shows that compared to 2023, the market is still about 24% lower, but compared to 2024 it is roughly at the same level.

For the third consecutive month, sales figures have been increasing, indicating a slow but steady recovery of the market. When planning to buy a car, it is worth checking the currently available new cars on Autoportaal.ee.

March car brand ranking – who won, who lost?

Top 3 manufacturers:

1. Toyota – 362 cars
2. Škoda – 225 cars
3. Renault – 207 cars

 

Toyota sold 362 cars in March, achieving a market share of 20.5%. This result brought Toyota its first monthly win of the year and also placed it at the top in the year-to-date ranking.

Škoda, the leader of the previous two months, took second place this time with 225 cars sold and a market share of 13%.

Renault ranked third with 207 cars sold and a market share of 12%.

Compared to the same period last year, the growth figures for the top three brands are as follows: Toyota +41%, Škoda +54%, Renault +405%.

Best-selling models in March

Top 3 models:

1. Toyota Yaris – 136 cars
2. Toyota Corolla – 106 cars
3. Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid – 95 cars

 

In the model ranking as well, March was very successful for Toyota, securing a one-two finish. Toyota sold 136 Yarises and 106 Corollas.

Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid ranked third with 95 units sold.

It is interesting to compare March results with March 2025, when Toyota also led the ranking with two models – Yaris Cross and RAV4. This means Toyota has now led the March model ranking with two models for the second consecutive year.

March electric vehicle statistics

A total of 119 electric cars were sold in March, which is 53 more than in February and 43 more than in January. This indicates a noticeable upward shift in the EV market.

Top 3 EV brands:

1. Toyota – 22 cars
2. Ford – 15
3. Škoda – 10

 

Toyota took first place with 22 units sold (19% market share). Ford followed with 15 cars (13%), and Škoda ranked third with 10 cars (8%).

Ford and Škoda are new entrants in the top three. As observed earlier, competition in the EV market is very tight, and the ranking changes frequently. Large fluctuations are also due to the relatively small overall market volume. You can also explore currently available electric cars
 on Autoportaal.ee.

Most popular EV models:

1. Toyota bZ4X – 13 cars
2. Ford Capri / Toyota C-HR – 9 cars
3. BYD Seal U / Renault 5 E-Tech Electric – 4 cars

 

For the fourth consecutive month, the Toyota bZ4X was the most popular EV, with 13 units sold in March.

Second place was shared by Ford Capri and Toyota C-HR (9 units each). Third and fourth places were also shared by BYD Seal U and Renault 5 E-Tech Electric (4 units each).

Fuel type ranking:

1. Hybrid – 1,196 cars +91%
2. Petrol – 294 cars +60%
3. Diesel – 154 cars +103%
4. Electric – 119 cars +45%

 

Hybrid cars continue to dominate the market, and the first months of 2026 have not changed this trend. Petrol cars remain in second place, with their share gradually increasing.

At the same time, the beginning of the year has brought some changes. The share of diesel cars has slightly increased, while the share of electric cars has somewhat decreased.

Market is recovering

Overall, March results indicate that the Estonian car market is moving towards a cautious recovery. Although the annual growth rate is high, it is largely due to last year’s low comparison base. In the longer term, the market is stabilizing and sales volumes are gradually increasing. On Autoportaal.ee, you can also search for cars by monthly payment , helping you find a vehicle that fits your budget.