2025 Made in America Auto Index
Tesla continued its strong performance in 2025, capturing the top three spots on the Kogod Auto Index. The Model 3 Long Range ranked no. 1, followed by the Model Y and Model 3 Performance tied at no. 2, and the Cybertruck and Model S tied at no. 3. Jeep’s Gladiator and Dodge Durango rounded out the top five.
The 2025 Auto Index revealed notable shifts in the top ten lineup.
Tesla captured the top three spots on the list, solidifying its dominance in US manufacturing content
- The Model 3 Long Range ranked first, followed by the Model Y and Model 3 Performance tied at no. 2, and the Cybertruck and Model S tied at no. 3.
- At no. 4 and no. 5 were the Jeep Gladiator and Dodge Durango.
- Tesla’s Model X ranked no. 6.
- Jeep’s Grand Cherokee followed at no. 7.
- Chevy Express and GMC Savanna tied at no. 8.
- Rounding out the top 10 were the Jeep Wrangler and Kia EV6 at no. 9, and the Honda Ridgeline at no. 10.
More Key Takeaways:
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W’s substantial rise in U.S. content reflects the relocation of ID.4 EV production from Germany to its Tennessee plant. Looking ahead, revisions to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may incentivize more producers to reshore sourcing within North America. The agreement now requires that a higher percentage of hourly labor costs and steel and aluminum content originate in North America to qualify for duty-free access, with minimum North American content increasing from 62.5% to 75%.
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Additionally, tax incentives for EV purchases under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offered up to a $7,500 credit for qualifying vehicles, driving greater efforts to source EV batteries and minerals from U.S. and USMCA suppliers. However, with the repeal of this tax incentive on September 30, 2025, overall EV sales are expected to decline in 2026. Some models, such as VW’s ID Buzz, have already been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to high tariffs.
The following table shows a comparison in average TDC for the major manufacturers from 2015 to 2025.
Brand |
2015 |
2025 |
| FCA/Stellantis | 60 | 50 |
| Ford | 65 | 55 |
| GM | 66 | 53 |
| Honda | 50 | 56 |
| Hyundai/Kia | 17.5 | 33 |
| Nissan | 22 | 20 |
| Tesla | 77 | 84 |
| Toyota | 27.5 | 24 |
| VW | 8.2 | 28 |
As shown in the table, VW, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all increased their U.S. content, while GM, Ford, and Stellantis witnessed drops in domestic sourcing. Tesla, which offered only one model in 2015, now offers eight. This indicates a growing focus among foreign manufacturers on expanding their U.S. manufacturing footprint. Domestic manufacturers, with decades of experience in North American sourcing strategies since the ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, have increasingly relied on Mexican suppliers for parts and components. Ford, in particular, has expanded its manufacturing and sourcing from Mexico, with the Bronco Sport, Mustang Mach-E, and Maverick all assembled there.
Looking ahead to 2026 and Trump Tariffs
On November 25th president-elect Trump posted on Truth Social that on day one of his administration he would unilaterally apply 25% tariffs on goods shipped into the US from Mexico and Canada. In addition, 10% tariffs will be applied to Chinese imports. In March, this was increased to 25% with a 100% tariff on Chinese cars. Presently the policy has been rolled back to exempt USMCA compliant parts and components. As these policies are being implemented massive disruption is taking place in the US auto market, especially for domestic and foreign automakers with operations in Mexico and Canada. Depending on further clarification of policy, Ford, GM, VW, Nissan, Stellantis, BMW and Toyota will see significant impacts on the costs not only of vehicles shipped from Canada and Mexico but also parts and components shipped from suppliers in these locations. Likewise, Ford and GM both import cars (the Lincoln Nautilus and Buick Envision) from China and many manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese suppliers for parts and components. Ford sources transmissions for its Expedition from China and Tesla imports a significant amount of parts and components from Chinese suppliers. As such, in 2025 we are sure to see automakers rushing to develop alternative supply sources for parts and vehicles. Countries that are being targeted may also retaliate with tariffs of their own which will lead to job losses in export-oriented industries. Going forward, we expect that the next few years will result in significant changes in US content in cars sold in the US as automakers adjust to these new realities.
The Findings Explained: Key Data Points
Cars are ranked based on their score on US/Canadian content that is published by the US Government's National Highway and Transportation Administration. As legislated by the American Automotive Labeling Act of 1994 (AALA), all cars sold in the US market must report and display on the car four key pieces of information:
1. The percent of US/Canadian content exclusive
2. The engine and transmission
3. The location of assembly
4. The source of the engine and transmission
These four data points are used to calculate the total domestic content of cars sold in the US. We also visit as many dealerships as we can to confirm the accuracy of the data.