The State of the Sedan In 2026

The sedan segment has seen its market share dwindle in recent years as drivers increasingly embrace larger options that offer increased utility, especially the new generation of crossover models. There is plenty of data to support the trend, but one statistic stands out as the key to the whole story. Back in 2005, sedans outsold SUVs by a two-to-one margin, but 20 years later that ratio has been dramatically flipped, with drivers flocking to SUVs by a four-to-one margin. Sedans have lost more than half of their market share over the past decade, now representing just around 18% of all new vehicle sales. It’s a tough time to be a traditional car, but the sedan is still alive and well as we move into 2026. Sure, there may not be quite as many options as there once were, but buyers still have plenty of choices when they visit their local car dealer near Matthews. Let’s review some of the holdouts in the sedan segment, explore some of the reasons behind their success, and check in on the status of the sedan segment in 2026.

Cadillac

The first name in American luxury still offers two compelling sedans for 2026. The compact CT4 delivers a sporty, responsive ride and is actually available in three different flavors for the new model year. The base model doesn’t disappoint with a 2.0L engine that produces 237 hp, but the CT4-V ups that figure to 325 hp thanks to its 2.7L mill, which sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. However, even this performance-minded model falls short of the CT4-V Blackwing and its twin-turbo 3.6L V6, which achieves the same speed in just 3.9 seconds.

The story is largely the same for the midsize CT5, which is also available in standard, CT5-V, and Blackwing formats. The first employs the same engine as the CT4 and produces the same 237 hp, while an available twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 archives 335 hp, and the CT5-V leverages a tuned version that’s rated for 360 hp. Again, the CT5-V Blackwing rules the roost with a supercharged 668-hp, 6.2L V8 that can hit 60 in as little as 3.4 seconds. Throw in a well-appointed cabin that reflects Cadillac’s luxury designation, and it's easy to see how these Caddies have survived the sedan culling, though 2026 will be the final year for the CT4.

Tesla

Even after nearly a decade on the market, the Tesla Model 3 is still going as strong as ever. The Model 3 wasn’t the company’s first groundbreaking electric vehicle (that distinction would be reserved for the $150,000 Roadster), but it was Tesla’s first affordable, mass-market model. There is still plenty of excitement surrounding the Tesla brand, which helps insulate the automaker from the decimation that has rocked the sedan segment. Offering a competitive 363 miles of range and a scintillating zero-to-60-mpg time of 2.3 seconds, the Model 3 still showcases everything there is to love about the modern EV.

If that sprint time of under three seconds isn’t good enough, Tesla also offers a true high-performance sedan in the Model S. When opting for the Plaid version, which can achieve 1,020 hp thanks to its three electric motors, drivers will be able to reach cruising speed in just 2.1 seconds. The Model S’s nearly $100,000 price tag might turn away some buyers, but the sedan justifies the price with a slick cabin that’s packed with a long list of luxury features.

Toyota and Lexus

The automotive industry has undergone significant changes in the last few decades, but there are a few stalwarts of the sedan segment that appear to be here for the long haul. The compact Corolla is the best-selling car of all time, with over 50 million units moved over the last 50-plus years. You just don’t mess with that kind of success, and odds are the Corolla will stick around until the day that flying cars become the go-to mode of personal transportation. The same goes for the compact’s midsize sibling in the Camry, which has actually been the country’s best-selling sedan over the last two decades and has gone entirely hybrid since 2025. Both models return largely unchanged for 2026, although Toyota has added a new FX Edition hatchback option to the Corolla and introduced a new Nightshade trim for the Camry. 

The newest addition to the lineup is the Crown, a full-size hybrid that sees Toyota zig further into sedan territory as other brands zag away from the segment. The trailblazing Prius hybrid also returns for the new year. While it’s lost some market share to a new generation of hybrid and EV crossovers, every electrically-assisted vehicle still owes a debt of gratitude to the original. Toyota’s luxury-focused Lexus brand also retains a solid stable of sedan options, including compact, midsize, and increasingly rare full-size options in the IS, ES, and LS. Offering a satisfying blend of performance, efficiency, and high-end design, these Lexus sedans demonstrate that sedan style remains alive and well in the luxury segment.

Honda and Acura

It’s challenging to find two brands that are quite as similar as Toyota and Honda. The Japanese compatriots have both carved out a solid reputation for reliability and affordability, while also being known for creating exciting, performance-focused models and customizable sedans that have earned a strong following from the tuner crowd. The Civic stands as Toyota’s compact offering, and continues to impress with its contemporary design and performance potential. The hybrid version imbues the compact with 200 hp, while the performance-focused Civic Si and Civic Type R models are basically ready-made racers, with their manual transmissions and the ability to achieve 315 hp.

The midsize Accord lacks a sporty offshoot, but makes up for it with its generous interior dimensions, comfort-focused design, and optional hybrid powertrain. The Accord adds an alluring new SE trim for 2026 that offers both style and substance thanks to its blacked-out exterior and added features like a dual-zone automatic climate control, a ten-way power driver’s seat, a power sunroof, and more. Honda's luxury offshoot also keeps the sedan dream alive with the 2026 Acura Integra, a premium compact that shares much of the DNA of the Civic Si. The Integra’s 200-hp turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine can log up to 37 MPG on the highway. It offers all the latest bells and whistles, including an ambient lighting system, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio sound system that lets you enjoy all your favorite tunes as you cruise around Matthews.

Nissan

Budget-friendly Nissan had been the standard bearer on the ultra-affordable end of the sedan segment up until last year, when the brand shed two-thirds of its roster. The midsize Altima and subcompact Versa both rode off into the sunset at the end of 2025, leaving drivers with one lone option in the compact Sentra. While other automakers continue to quietly discontinue their sedans or roll out the same old model year after year, Nissan is actually introducing an all-new ninth-generation Sentra for 2026. A thorough redesign sees the sedan strike a more refined pose. While the model’s low starting price precludes any true luxury features, the Sentra does punch above its modest MSRP with the top trim offering faux-leather upholstery, a power sunroof, a new 12.3-inch infotainment display, and Nissan’s Pro-Pilot driver assistance technology.

Dodge 

The Dodge Charger was a two-door sports car for much of its history, but reemerged in 2006 as a four-door sedan. The latest version of this muscle car retains its classic, sporty style, but has made concessions to the modern era with the Charger Daytona EV. This was the only version available from 2024 to 2025, featuring two electric motors that make AWD a foregone conclusion and a 15-second power boost that enables the EV to produce 670 hp. 

Dodge adds a coupe option for 2026 and brings back gasoline power, albeit with a twin-turbocharged I-6 that delivers as much as 550 hp to drivers, rather than a HEMI V8. However, rumor has it that a HEMI will enter the fray before too long. Interestingly, the Charger Daytona can still outpace the gas-powered version in a zero-to-60-mph sprint by 0.6 seconds.

Volkswagen

VW has also shed much of its sedan inventory in recent years, with the Passat and Arteon both leaving the lineup in the last five years, but the German automaker still offers more options than most. The compact Jetta has been its most popular sedan, and was just refreshed for 2025, so 2026 changes are limited to some new safety tech and an improved eight-speaker audio system for the upper trims. VW will also offer the Golf GTI and Golf R for 2026, though these two models technically fall under the “hatchback” heading.

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis 

Between its three brands, the Hyundai Motor Group is doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the sedan alive. The Elantra nears its 40th anniversary on the market, and the compact has aged quite nicely, thanks to its eye-catching style, well-equipped interior, and optional hybrid powertrain. Hyundai also offers a thrilling Elantra N sports sedan that provides as much as 276 hp when activating N Grin Shift (NGS) mode. The IONIQ 6 EV undergoes a thorough refresh for 2026. While it lacks a true performance counterpart, it can be styled as a track-ready model with the introduction of a new N Line trim. Finally, there’s the midsize Sonata, which also packs a 290-hp N Line trim, but is better known for its value and family-friendly design. 

Kia is also coming in strong with four sedans for 2026 in the Kia K5 and K4. The K5 offers Matthews drivers a versatile family vehicle that still knows how to have a little fun, thanks to a 290-hp GT trim. The K4 is surprisingly roomy for a compact, thanks to a back row that comfortably accommodates full-grown passengers. Both models benefit from a recent brand-wide refresh that’s seen Kia step up its design game to deliver some of the most alluring models in recent memory.

Luxury buyers can choose between the Genesis G70, G80, and G90, which range from a sporty compact to a full-size sedan. The G80 and G90 both offer AWD as a standard feature. The G90 even offers a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 and a 48-volt e-supercharger that combine to make 409 hp.

Mazda 

Mazda has come a long way over the years. The brand has always produced some fun vehicles, but has recently matured into a borderline premium brand that can go toe-to-toe with some of the market’s higher-end models. The Mazda 3 represents the company’s sole remaining sedan, but it packs a punch with its aggressive design, upscale interior, and dynamic driving potential. The 2026 version of the popular compact can be optioned with a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5L I-4, while the base 2.5L non-turbo engine can achieve up to 36 MPG on the highway. Throw in a head-up display, heated front seats, and leather upholstery, an Alexa voice-activated assistant, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and you’ve got a sedan that’s worth a test drive.

The Luxury Exception

Sedans are still alive and well on the more luxurious end of the automotive spectrum. There are a couple of simple factors driving this trend, but it largely comes down to the demographics and personal preferences of the average luxury buyer. Those who gravitate towards these high-end models tend to be older, affluent, and less trend-obsessed than the general populace. The comfortable, refined ride offered by the average luxury sedan makes for a more sophisticated driving experience, and the low-slung design allows such vehicles to accommodate aging drivers who might have trouble climbing into a towering SUV or pickup. There’s also an economic factor at play. While sales may not be as strong as they once were, luxury models remain lucrative, as they often allow automakers to enjoy a higher profit margin. 

As such, there are simply too many luxury sedans to name for 2026, but all the expected names are present and accounted for. BMW will offer more than a dozen sedans for 2026, ranging from the bestselling 3 Series and all-electric iM3 to the 2, 5, and 8 Series Gran Coupe, i3, i4, i5, and i7 EVs,and high-performance models like the M3, M5, and M8. Mercedes-Benz also puts together a solid starting six with the C-Class, E-Class, all-electric EQE and EQS, subcompact CLA, and the flagship S-Class. A relative newcomer joins these storied brands with Lucid, which introduces its Air sedan for 2026. An unusual pricing structure sees the base model priced around $70,000, while the range-topping Sapphire will set you back a cool $249,000. However, the latter justifies the price with 1,234 hp and a zero-to-60-mph time of 2.1 seconds, making it the world’s fastest-accelerating sedan.

Savor The Sedan at Hendrick Automotive Group 

While crossovers might drive the market, there are still plenty of quality sedans available when you shop with Hendrick Automotive Group. We stock a wide selection of new and used models, including the latest 2026 sedans. From affordable options like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra to exciting EV models from Tesla, Kia, and Hyundai, and bona fide luxury models produced by storied brands like Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, you’re always sure to find just what you’re looking for. It’s hard to say if the current sedan stagnation is just a passing phase or the new normal, but for a certain type of driver, the four-door car will always hold a unique appeal. Whether you value comfort and efficiency, appreciate the accessibility that a lower vehicle can offer, or want to carve through the corners in a sporty vehicle, the sedan is still here to serve.