Tesla has secured the top four positions on the Cars.com Made-in-America Index for 2025, an achievement that underscores the brand’s continued influence in the U.S. automotive sector. Interest in the Model 3 surged this year as it surpassed its counterparts to claim first place, a significant move considering the competitive electric vehicle market. The index offers consumers insights regarding which vehicles are most heavily produced using domestic labor and parts, yet it also highlights broader industry trends by taking into account a diverse range of more than 400 vehicles. Questions about supply chain dependence and qualification criteria for vehicles like the Cybertruck and Rivian R1T have also emerged, inviting deeper attention to how vehicles are evaluated for inclusion. This development may prompt automakers to review domestic sourcing practices, potentially affecting future rankings and purchasing decisions.
In previous rankings, Tesla consistently appeared among the top U.S.-made vehicles but did not manage to occupy all of the top four slots. Last year, the Tesla Model Y held first place, while the Model S and Model X achieved fourth and ninth, respectively, and the Model 3 did not enter the top 10. The latest results contrast with last year’s outcome and reflect a growing emphasis on domestic sourcing strategies in light of shifting supply chain dynamics. Other brands, such as Kia and Volkswagen, continued to perform well, but none matched Tesla’s clean sweep. The presence of multiple electric vehicles on the list points to the evolving landscape of automotive manufacturing in the United States.
How Did Tesla’s Models Rank This Year?
The 2025 index placed the Tesla Model 3 at the top, displacing the Model Y, which took second place. The Model S and Model X followed in third and fourth, ensuring that all Tesla models eligible for the analysis held the first four spots.
“Tesla continues to lead, claiming the top four spots and showcasing its commitment to domestic production,” said Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for the program.
The methodology used in this study excluded vehicles over 8,500 pounds, thereby leaving out models like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T.
What Other Models Made the Top 10 List?
Alongside Tesla’s dominant performance, two additional electric vehicles secured spots in the top ten. The Kia EV6 placed sixth, while the Volkswagen ID.4 occupied the tenth position. This diversification illustrates how both domestic and international automotive manufacturers are responding to market pressures toward greater U.S.-based production.
Is Complete U.S. Parts Content Achievable?
No vehicle on this year’s list achieved 100 percent domestic parts content. The Cars.com study recorded an average domestic content of 70.3 percent within the top ten vehicles, a decrease from 83.4 percent in 2006. This measure highlights the continued importance of global supply chains, even for brands recognized for domestic assembly efforts.
The Made-in-America Index, by analyzing 117 models out of more than 400 vehicles for sale, reflects not just how brands assemble vehicles domestically but also the extent to which they source materials and parts from within the U.S. Although the Tesla Cybertruck and similar vehicles did not qualify due to weight restrictions, their omission further points to the varied criteria that shape these rankings. Buyers seeking to prioritize American-made vehicles should consider not only final assembly location but also the proportion of domestic components and labor involved. This ranking may influence both consumer preferences and the sourcing decisions of manufacturers who aspire to improve their standings. The changing percentages of domestic content since 2006 reveal persistent challenges related to supply chain management and component sourcing, opening discussions among industry players on strategies to bolster American manufacturing in the face of global market forces.
