It looks like the auto industry may be reversing course in some ways. After years of steadily increasing average transaction prices and the near-constant cancellation of four-door sedans, Hyundai just offered some evidence that American customers still want inexpensive, honest-to-goodness cars, rather than SUVs or crossovers. Sales of both the Elantra and Sonata were up slightly in April 2026, with the entry-level four-door experiencing a decent uptick ever since the beginning of the year. The Aspiring Small Sedan The current Elantra, which was facelifted in 2024, has been a strong draw for the brand, with impressive year-over-year sales improvements ever since 2023 (even for the hot-and-heavy N model). That trend may continue, because so far in 2026, Hyundai has found 47,841 homes for its entry-level four-door, up 3 percent over the same time period last year. April was a particularly good month, with 14,778 Elantra sales compared to 13,125 in April 2025, an improvement of 13 percent. HyundaiFor the 2026 model year, the Elantra is Hyundai's second-cheapest offering, starting at $22,625. The only way to get a cheaper brand-new car from the company is to go for the subcompact Venue crossover, whose $20,550 starting price comes with the advantage of a higher seating position, a bit more cargo space, and little else. Spending an extra 2 large on the Elantra sedan nets much-improved fuel economy (35 miles per gallon combined versus 31 for the Venue, despite the SUV's lighter weight and smaller engine), plus slightly better performance and more front and rear legroom. The Sonata Starts To Rebound The Sonata midsize sedan hasn't enjoyed the same good fortune as its kid brother. Sales were in freefall for much of the early 2020s to a rock-bottom 45,344 units in 2023, likely owing to COVID-19–related production interruptions. Things bounced up to around 69,000 units in 2024 but took a tumble yet again in 2025; last year, only 60,000 Sonatas moved across the showroom floor, a decline of 13 percent from before.HyundaiBut April 2026 was a decent month for the midsize four-door, its 7,105 sales representing an uptick of 18 percent compared to the same month last year. Overall 2026 sales are still down 1 percent compared to this time in 2025, but if the Sonata continues its sales streak, it could signal changing consumer tastes as shoppers move back to sedans. That's especially compelling considering some of Hyundai's most popular crossovers took a bit of a tumble last month.For example, the Santa Cruz unibody pickup saw a 24 percent sales decrease in April 2026 compared to the same month the previous year, with overall 2026 sales falling by more than 30 percent so far. Likewise, the midsize Santa Fe took a 27 percent hit last month, with year-to-date 2026 sales down 3 percent compared to 2025. Even the inexpensive Kona, which starts at about $2,000 less than the Sonata, is suffering from declining numbers – 15 percent fewer sales last month and 3 percent fewer year-to-date sales compared to the same time periods last year. Hyundai's best-selling product remains the Tucson small SUV, although sales are flat so far in 2026. Is It Time For Sedans To Make A Comeback? Despite years of declining sales, there are some signs of life among traditional sedan offerings. Ford, which has nearly abandoned the car market entirely in favor of trucks and SUVs, has been rumored to reintroduce a four-door to its lineup, potentially as a member of its Universal EV Production System family. Last month, Subaru's only sedan, the sporty WRX, posted strong sales gains. With their lower suggested prices relative to similarly sized and equipped crossovers, four-doors could be the salve that American consumers need to get through the current period of rising fuel and commodity costs. And Hyundai's latest sales report is another data point that supports continued four-door development, meaning the company's next-generation Sonata, due later this year, and Elantra, due for 2028, will have some great momentum going for them.Source: Hyundai
