Sedan sales rise in US through Q3 2026, led by Honda and Toyota
Many sedan models posted year‑over‑year gains through the first three quarters of 2026, with Honda’s passenger cars up 15.6 percent and Toyota’s Camry and Corolla among the best performers.
By CarNews247 Reporter ·
Sedan demand in the United States strengthened through the first three quarters of 2026, with multiple models and brands reporting year‑over‑year sales increases even as SUVs and trucks remain the dominant body styles.
Honda’s cars, hatchbacks and sports cars collectively recorded a 15.6 percent increase versus the same period last year, while the brand’s SUVs and trucks rose by just 0.3 percent. Honda said the third quarter of 2026 was its best quarter for passenger‑car sales since 2020.
Toyota and Honda supplied some of the biggest volume gains among mainstream models. Camry sales were up 11.2 percent to 260 684 units through Q3, while Accord sales rose 32.7 percent to 145 520 units. The Corolla and Civic each sold about 195 000 units — Corolla 195 141 (up 8.4 percent) and Civic 195 135 (up 5.4 percent).
Korean manufacturers that have retained sedan lineups also saw increases. The Hyundai Elantra was up 11 percent through Q3 despite nearing the end of its lifecycle ahead of a 2027 redesign, and Hyundai’s Sonata and the Kia K5 posted double‑digit gains among mid‑size sedans.
Several compact and luxury sedans posted particularly large percentage gains: the Mazda 3 rose 42.3 percent, the BMW 3‑series 37.3 percent, the Acura Integra 37.3 percent and the Lexus IS 51.7 percent.
Not every manufacturer benefited. Nissan’s trucks and SUVs grew 14.4 percent through the first three quarters, while its cars fell about 25 percent over the same timeframe.
The article suggests the shift toward sedans is being driven largely by affordability and fuel economy. It notes that models such as the Accord and Civic have base prices under $30 000 while the CR‑V starts just over $32 000, and that hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord are rated at over 48 mpg combined versus about 40 mpg combined for the CR‑V Hybrid.
Observers will be watching fourth‑quarter figures to see whether the sedan uptick continues and whether automakers adjust lineups or production in response to the changing mix of buyer demand.
