Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Claim #1 and #2 on 2026 American-Made Index for Sixth Straight Year

For the sixth year running, Tesla has locked down the top positions on Cars.com's annual American-Made Index — and for 2026, the Model 3 has reclaimed the number one spot, nudging the Model Y into a still-impressive second place. Out of 379 light-duty passenger vehicles evaluated, only 86 qualified for the final ranking, and Tesla's two mass-market sedans and crossovers beat out every truck, SUV, and legacy nameplate in the country.

What happened

Cars.com released its 2026 American-Made Index, now in its 21st year of publication. The index scores vehicles on a 100-point scale using five criteria: final assembly location, percentage of U.S.- and Canadian-sourced parts, country of origin for the engine or drive unit, country of origin for the transmission, and the total size of a brand's U.S. manufacturing workforce. Tesla's Model 3 finished first overall, with the Model Y right behind it in second — a slight reshuffling from 2025, when the Model Y held the top spot and the Model 3 was runner-up. The rest of the top ten included the Jeep Gladiator (3rd), Jeep Grand Cherokee (4th), Honda Ridgeline (5th), Honda Odyssey (6th), Lexus TX 350 (7th), Honda Accord (8th), Acura MDX (9th), and Honda Passport (10th).

Why it matters

Tesla's dominance on this index isn't accidental — it reflects years of deliberate investment in domestic production at Gigafactory Texas and the Fremont, California plant, along with deep vertical integration of its supply chain. That localized sourcing is what allowed two all-electric mass-market vehicles to outrank an entire field of trucks and SUVs that have traditionally dominated "buy American" conversations. It's worth noting that Tesla previously held five top spots on this same index back in 2024, but the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X in January made both vehicles ineligible for the 2026 ranking, trimming the brand's representation to its two strongest sellers.

Meanwhile, legacy automakers are clearly paying attention. The Jeep Grand Cherokee jumped 66 spots in a single year after increasing its local parts content by 14% — a sign that domestic manufacturing pressure is reshaping supply chain decisions across the entire industry.

What this means for EV owners

If supporting domestic manufacturing is part of your buying criteria — and for a growing number of shoppers it very much is — the 2026 data makes the case for Tesla's two most popular vehicles as clearly as ever. The Model 3 and Model Y aren't just the most accessible Teslas; they're also the most American-made vehicles you can buy, full stop. That's a meaningful talking point whether you're finalizing a purchase decision or simply feeling good about a car you already own.

And once you've got your Tesla, outfitting it with quality accessories keeps that investment in great shape. Browse our full lineup of Model 3 accessories or check out the Model Y collection to find everything from interior protectors and trunk organizers to frunk mats and charging essentials — all curated specifically for your vehicle.

"This marks the sixth consecutive year that Tesla has claimed the title of most American-made vehicle." — NotaTeslaApp, reporting on the Cars.com 2026 American-Made Index

The bottom line

Six consecutive years at the top of the American-Made Index is a remarkable streak, and the 2026 results show Tesla isn't coasting. With Gigafactory Texas continuing to scale and Cybercab production ramping up, the structural advantages of Tesla's domestic manufacturing footprint look durable for years to come. For EV owners and shoppers alike, the message is straightforward: when it comes to buying American and going electric at the same time, the Model 3 and Model Y remain the gold standard.