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.

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…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/