Tesla builds the most American-made cars, according to the 2024 Made in America Auto Index from American University’s Kogod School of Business. The study ranks Tesla’s vehicles highest for the second year in a row.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance scores 87.5% for domestic content, leading all models. This shows that Tesla uses more parts and labor in the U.S. than any other automaker.
How the Kogod Index Works
The Kogod index, now in its 12th year, looks at over 500 vehicle models sold in the U.S. It checks where parts come from, where cars are built, and how much labor and research happen domestically.
Frank DuBois, a professor at Kogod, runs the study to help people see which cars support the U.S. economy most. Tesla takes the top five spots this year.
The Model 3 Performance is first at 87.5%. The Model Y Long Range and standard Model Y follow at 85%. The Cybertruck comes in at 82.5%, and the Model S and Model X tie with some Ford Mustang GT versions at 80%.
2024 Made in America Auto Index Rankings
| Rank | Vehicle Model | Domestic Content (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 Performance | 87.5% |
| 2 | Tesla Model Y Long Range | 85% |
| 2 | Tesla Model Y | 85% |
| 3 | Tesla Cybertruck | 82.5% |
| 4 | Tesla Model S | 80% |
| 4 | Tesla Model X | 80% |
| 4 | Ford Mustang GT (automatic transmission) | 80% |
| 4 | Ford Mustang GT (5.0-liter) | 80% |
| 4 | Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium | 80% |
| 5 | Honda Passport AWD | 76.5% |
| 5 | Honda Passport Trailsport | 76.5% |
| 6 | Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | 76% |
| 6 | Jeep Wrangler Sahara | 76% |
| 7 | Volkswagen ID.4 AWD 82-kWh | 75.5% |
| 7 | Chevrolet Colorado (2.7-liter) | 75.5% |
| 7 | GMC Canyon AT4 Crew Cab 4WD | 75.5% |
| 7 | GMC Canyon Denali Crew Cab 4WD | 75.5% |
| 7 | Chevrolet Colorado LT Crew Cab 2WD (2.7-liter) | 75.5% |
| 7 | Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4WD (2.7-liter) | 75.5% |
| 8 | Volkswagen ID.4 RWD (962-kWh) | 74.5% |
| 9 | Volkswagen ID.4 RWD (82-kWh) | 74% |
| 9 | Honda Odyssey | 74% |
| 9 | Honda Ridgeline | 74% |
| 9 | Honda Pilot | 74% |
| 10 | Lincoln Corsair | 73.5% |
Tesla’s U.S. Factories Lead the Way
Tesla’s U.S. factories drive these high scores. Plants in Fremont – California, Austin- Texas, and Sparks, Nevada make batteries, motors, and other key parts. This fits with laws like the Inflation Reduction Act and the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which push for more American-made components.
However, Tesla still uses some parts from China. DuBois told Kelley Blue Book that the Model 3 Long Range has up to 40% Chinese content, like seats and dashboards, not counting motors and batteries. The Cybertruck has about 20% Chinese parts.
“Tesla still has Chinese content in their vehicles,”
he said, pointing out that global supply chains affect every car.
Other Brands in the Top 10
Other brands show up in the top 10 too. Honda’s Passport scores 77%, tying with Volkswagen’s ID.4 (82 kWh version). The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara hit 76%. Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups match some ID.4 variants at 73-74%, alongside the Honda Odyssey, Ridgeline, Pilot, and Lincoln Corsair.
The study comes as President-elect Donald Trump plans a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico starting January 20, 2025. DuBois thinks this could shake up how much U.S. content cars have in the future.
Beyond Basic Requirements
The Kogod index digs deeper than the American Automotive Labeling Act, which tracks U.S. and Canadian parts, assembly sites, and engine origins. Kogod adds profit margins, labor, and research locations for a fuller picture.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on X on December 11, 2024, saying,
“Teslas have the highest amount of American content.”
The Fremont factory employs over 20,000 people and has the biggest output of any U.S. car plant ever. Austin’s plant added 7,000 jobs and can now make 1 million vehicles a year.
With trade policies shifting and buyers caring more about where cars come from, Tesla’s lead in the 2024 index highlights its focus on U.S. production. The full list and methods are on the Kogod School of Business website for anyone wanting to check it out.
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