The "Made in USA" label is a vital factor for car manufacturers amid escalating trade tensions and tariffs. However, paradoxically, many models with the highest US localization rates currently come from foreign manufacturers. This year's American-Made Index report from Cars.com highlights this trend, with Japanese brands particularly prominent.

The top spots in this year's ranking are held by two Tesla models: the Model 3 and Model Y. Both electric vehicles are produced at the Fremont factory in California. The Jeep Gladiator and Grand Cherokee, two robust American models, follow in the third and fourth positions.

However, the landscape shifts dramatically from the 5th position downwards, with foreign automakers claiming seven consecutive spots. The Honda Ridgeline and Odyssey, assembled in Alabama, rank 5th and 6th, respectively, followed by the newcomer Lexus TX 350 at 7th. The Honda Accord, Acura MDX, Honda Passport, and Toyota Camry complete the top 10.

Overall, the report reveals that 12 models in the top 20 are not from US brands. Out of 86 eligible vehicles, Toyota accounts for 14, and Honda for 13. In contrast, domestic giants show a weaker presence: General Motors (GM) has only 13 vehicles on the list, Ford has 9, and Stellantis trails with just 6. This is partly due to Stellantis's reliance on Canadian and Mexican production lines.

Further illustrating this, the Cadillac Lyriq, an American model, has a lower "American-made" score than some luxury vehicles like the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, and Infiniti QX60. The Lyriq also ranks below the Acura MDX and several BMW models manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The Tesla Model 3 is the most localized car in the US. Photo: *UnpluggedTesla*

The 2026 study evaluated 379 models based on five key factors: final assembly location, percentage of US and Canadian-sourced components, engine and transmission origin, and the US manufacturing workforce. It is important to note that the index focuses solely on mass-produced light-duty vehicles. This excludes models with a gross vehicle weight rating above 3,855 kg, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and other heavy-duty vehicles, regardless of their manufacturing location.

The current tariff environment appears to be influencing localization efforts, with some models increasing their domestic parts content. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, for instance, climbed 66 spots due to a 14% rise in its US and Canadian-sourced components. Similarly, the Lexus TX 350 moved up 34 places as its engine and transmission are now produced in the US.

Conversely, the discontinuation of slow-selling electric vehicles has removed some previously high-ranking US-assembled models from the list. These include the Tesla Model S, Model X, and the Volkswagen ID.4. The ID.4, previously made in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is expected to return as an imported model.

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