Is 2026 the beginning of a major comeback for sedans? American car buyers are looking for more affordable, fuel-efficient options as vehicle and gas prices rise.
Sedans are often more affordable and more efficient than larger and heavier SUV models, though they lack the same cabin and cargo space. Many drivers are realizing that even compact cars fulfill commuting and daily driving needs despite being much smaller than popular compact SUV models.
Japanese automaker Mazda is one of the brands winning big during the budding sedan resurgence in America. Here's why Mazda sedans are flying off of dealer lots.
The Mazda3 sedan is a sales hit this summer
Mazda's 3 compact car just boasted its best-ever August sales, according to a recent sales release from the company. The automaker sold 4,427
Mazda3 units in August. Sales have increased by a whopping 91.7% year-over-year from 2,309 units in 2025.
Mazda's sedan version of the Mazda3 experienced a sales bump of 113.9% year-over-year. Mazda3 hatchback sales increased by 40% compared to August of 2025.
The 2026 Mazda3 sedan starts at $24,650 and comes in five trims.
Mazda's compact car uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 186 horsepower. It achieves 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
Automotive Reporter Keith Laing tested the new Mazda3 for USA TODAY Cars back in June. He says it has "a strong value proposition, which propels it to the top of ranking lists" in his vehicle review.
Mazda Miata sales are also on the rise
The Mazda3 sedan isn't the only car that's experiencing a sales bump this summer. Mazda's MX-5 Miata is also more popular than it was in 2025.
The Miata is an affordable two-seat roadster with a huge fanbase of enthusiasts. MX-5 Miata sales increased by 10.1% year-over-year from 840 units to 925 units. Mazda sold 6,909 MX-5 Miata units as of August 2026.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at $30,430. It comes in three trims.
The Miata uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 181 horsepower. It achieves around 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Mazda's roadster is known for being lightweight and fun to drive. An increase in sales can signal a growing interest in Mazda car models like the Mazda3 sedan, hatchback and the Miata roadster.
What are American car buyers looking for in a new vehicle?
Many American car buyers are on the hunt for value-oriented new vehicles in 2026 because car ownership has become so expensive between high purchase prices and rising gas and maintenance costs. Cars like the Mazda3 sedan provide great value for the money because it's refined for a mainstream model, comes with great standard tech and doesn't break the bank despite being fun to drive.
SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Model Y may still be leading in sales compared to sedans, but American drivers are beginning to rethink their favorite vehicle segments. Smaller cars with better gas mileage numbers are helping average drivers navigate an increasingly turbulent new car market.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why are Mazda sales on the rise in 2026? It's all about affordability
