Tesla Model 3 Tops Cars.com American-Made Index Again

The Tesla Model 3 has secured the top position in Cars.com’s American-Made Index for the sixth consecutive year, continuing its lead as the highest-ranked vehicle assembled in the United States. The rankings, released Tuesday as part of the publication’s 21st annual index, evaluate vehicles sold in the U.S. using factors such as final assembly location, parts sourcing, engine and transmission origins, and U.S. manufacturing employment.

Tesla claimed the first two positions in the 2026 rankings, with the Model 3 finishing ahead of the Model Y, which retained second place for the second straight year. The two Tesla vehicles were also the only fully electric models to appear in the top 10. Tesla, which exclusively manufactures electric vehicles, operates U.S. production facilities in Texas and Fremont, California.

The overall number of battery-electric vehicles included in this year’s index declined sharply after the federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September. The 2026 list features only five fully electric models, compared with 11 last year. Alongside the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the remaining EVs were the Kia EV9 in 17th place, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in 21st, and the Cadillac Lyriq in 77th. Models such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6 and Ford F-150 Lightning were no longer included.

Electrified vehicles overall, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, also accounted for a smaller share of the rankings, dropping from 30% to 24%. The BMW X5 50e was the only plug-in hybrid on the list, ranking 69th, while mild-hybrid models, including the Toyota Camry, which placed 11th, appeared more frequently throughout the rankings.

Rivian’s R1S and R1T electric vehicles did not qualify for the 2026 index. However, Cars.com representatives said they expect the company’s newly launched R2 electric SUV to be eligible for next year’s rankings.

Although no vehicle on the 86-model list was entirely American-made, Japanese automaker Toyota, including its Lexus luxury brand, had the highest number of vehicles represented with 14 entries. Honda and Acura followed with 13 vehicles, matching General Motors. Ford placed nine models on the list, while Stellantis had six.

“Notably, nearly two-thirds of this year’s list was produced by foreign automakers, about the same as in 2025, while the Detroit Three still holds approximately one-third of the vehicles,” Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for Cars.com’s American-Made Index, said in a statement.

The 2026 top 10 included the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L, Honda Ridgeline, Honda Odyssey, Lexus TX, Honda Accord, Acura MDX and Honda Passport.