Why are sedans making a comeback in 2026? Plus 5 deals for you

With new cars costing more than $50,000 on average and gas prices at more than $4 a gallon, sedans are making a bit of a comeback.

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The average price of a mid-size sedan in August 2026 was $33,909, compared to an average price of a mid-size SUV at $50,315, according to Cox Automotive.

Among non-luxury car shoppers, 25% considered sedans in the first half of 2026, according to Cox. Among luxury brand buyers, the number was even higher, at 37%.

The findings come as many automakers have moved to eliminate their cheapest compact cars as shoppers flocked to larger SUVs and pickup trucks in the past decade. Detroit’s automakers have largely abandoned sedans altogether. Since 2024, none of the America’s largest automakers have offered new sedans for sale.

Erin Keating, an executive analyst with Cox Automotive, said it is reasonable that car shoppers are reacting to record high new car prices by searching for smaller, more affordable models. “New-vehicle price inflation is real, but automotive price increases have been moderate in recent years and remain below the long-term average of roughly 3%,” she said. “At the same time, many American households are under significant financial pressure, which is steering more shoppers toward lower price points. The continued strong growth of subcompact SUVs highlights how important affordability remains in today’s market.”

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team took a look at five of the best sedan deals on the market right now and compiled information on those vehicles for consumers. Here’s what to know.

1. 2026 Hyundai Sonata

Base Price: $27,450

Deal: Hyundai is offering $2,500 bonus cash on gas versions of the Sonata until Sept. 30.

What we said: Charles Singh of the USA TODAY Cars team said in a review of the 2025 Sonata that the vehicle “has several attractive qualities, but the fact is, this midsize sedan is designed for drivers who appreciate excellent fuel efficiency.”

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2. 2026 Volkswagen Jetta

Base Price: $23,995

Deal: Volkswagen is offering $2,000 bonus cash on 2026 Jettas until Nov. 2.

What they said: MotorTrend said in a review of the 2024 Jetta “Volkswagen’s conservative exterior styling and its ‘bargain Audi’ cabin make it a nice below-the-radar but still relatively luxurious option.”

3. 2026 Mazda3

Base Price: $24,650

Deal: Mazda is offering $1,500 bonus cash on the 2026 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback until Sept. 30.

What we said: When I reviewed the Mazda3 in June, I said “the 2026 Mazda 3 offers a smooth, comfortable ride and it gets excellent gas mileage. It handles well and its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun.”

4. 2026 Kia K5

Base Price: $27,690

Deal: Kia is offering 1.9% APR on the 2026 Kia K5 until Sept. 30.

What we said: Charles Singh said in a story “Kia’s K5 is an affordable midsize sedan that offers enough space for small families. It starts at just $27,690 and is incredibly well-balanced.”

5. 2026 Subaru WRX

Base Price: $32,495

Deal: Subaru is offering 1.9% APR for 48 months on WRX Limited until Sept. 30.

What they said: Car and Driver said in a review “the WRX is one of two performance models remaining in Subaru’s lineup, and the only one that offers the brand’s signature all-wheel drive.”

Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why are sedans making a comeback in 2026? Plus 5 deals for you

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Reporting by Keith Laing, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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This story was originally published September 21, 2026 at 6:30 AM.