The Most American-Made Cars of 2020: Insights and Rankings

The automotive industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, with vehicles being produced by both domestic and foreign automakers. One of the most intriguing annual reports is the American-Made Index (AMI), which ranks vehicles based on their level of American manufacturing involvement. MotorVero brings you the latest insights into the 2020 rankings, shedding light on which cars are the most American-made, the dominance of foreign automakers, and the surprising results of the 2020 rankings.

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The American-Made Index: An Overview

MotorVero’s American-Made Index (AMI) is a comprehensive analysis that helps car shoppers understand the true origin of the vehicles they drive. The AMI takes into account several key factors:

• Final Assembly Location: Where the vehicle is assembled, whether in the U.S. or abroad.
• Parts Origin: The country of origin for major vehicle components, including the engine, transmission, and other critical parts.
• Employment Levels: The number of Americans employed by automakers in the U.S. at the factory level.
• Automaker’s Global Presence: The country of origin for the automaker and its manufacturing footprint in the U.S.
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The Top 2020 American-Made Vehicles

For the second consecutive year, the Jeep Cherokee claimed the title of the most American-made car. This iconic SUV, known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, is produced in the U.S. at FCA’s (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Despite the association of Jeep with American automotive pride, the 2020 list of most American-made vehicles reveals an interesting trend: a significant number of vehicles at the top are from foreign automakers.

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The Surprising Dominance of Foreign Automakers

When thinking of American-made cars, many people immediately think of domestic brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, or Jeep. However, the AMI has shown that foreign automakers such as Honda, Toyota, and their luxury marque, Acura, have a substantial presence in the rankings. In fact, these brands have consistently outperformed American automakers in terms of the percentage of their vehicles built in the U.S. and with American-made components.

For example, the 2020 Honda Passport, a midsize SUV, made an impressive appearance in the top 10 most American-made vehicles. Honda’s manufacturing plants in Ohio are central to its U.S. production efforts, with the Passport being assembled in the state. Toyota’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing is also reflected in its top-ranking vehicles, such as the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Sequoia. Similarly, Acura’s models, including the Acura MDX, are built in America and feature a high percentage of American-made parts.

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Why Are Foreign Automakers Dominating the U.S. Market?

The dominance of foreign automakers in the AMI rankings can be attributed to several factors. First, many of these automakers have made significant investments in U.S. manufacturing plants, which has allowed them to produce a large number of vehicles locally. For instance, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai have all established production facilities in the U.S., contributing to both job creation and the overall percentage of American-made components in their vehicles.

Moreover, these automakers have streamlined their supply chains and focused on building strong partnerships with U.S. suppliers for key parts. This strategy has helped them achieve a higher level of localization, ensuring that their vehicles can be considered more “American” than many might expect.

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How the American-Made Index Impacts Consumers

For consumers, the AMI provides valuable insights into which cars are the most American-made and supports informed purchasing decisions. The index helps potential buyers align their values with their purchase choices, particularly those who prioritize supporting U.S. manufacturing and American workers. With a large number of foreign-built vehicles ranking high on the AMI, the distinction between “American” cars and “foreign” cars is becoming increasingly blurred.

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2020’s Least-American Cars: A Closer Look

While the AMI highlights the most American-made vehicles, it’s equally important to examine those that didn’t make the cut. The least-American cars of 2020 tend to be those that have a lower percentage of U.S. content or are assembled outside of the country. For example, the luxury cars produced by European automakers, like the BMW X7 or Audi A7, often feature many parts imported from overseas, making them less “American” according to the AMI’s criteria.

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Spotlight on Popular 2020 Models: Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride

Two standout models in the 2020 automotive lineup were the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. Both of these vehicles gained substantial attention for their stylish designs, spacious interiors, and robust performance. While these SUVs are assembled in the U.S. (Hyundai in Alabama and Kia in Georgia), their inclusion in the AMI rankings also highlights the increasing global reach of foreign automakers in the American car market.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade, a new addition to the midsize SUV category, impressed both critics and consumers with its luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology, and high safety ratings. While Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Alabama plays a crucial role in the Palisade’s production, the vehicle also benefits from a mix of globally sourced parts. Nevertheless, Hyundai’s significant investment in the U.S. helps the Palisade secure a spot in the top ranks of American-made vehicles.

The 2020 Kia Telluride

Similar to the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride offers a compelling mix of features, including a spacious cabin, impressive towing capabilities, and a smooth ride. The Telluride is assembled in the U.S., but much of its parts are sourced from both U.S. and overseas suppliers. Despite its international origin, the Telluride is one of the most popular vehicles among American car buyers due to its quality and value proposition.

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What Does This Mean for U.S. Manufacturing?

The increasing dominance of foreign automakers in the AMI rankings raises questions about the future of U.S. automotive manufacturing. While American automakers continue to play a vital role in the U.S. car market, foreign automakers’ significant investments in U.S. manufacturing plants demonstrate their commitment to the American economy. This shift underscores the importance of globalization in the automotive industry and how international companies have become integral to American car production.

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Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of American-Made Cars

In conclusion, the 2020 American-Made Index offers valuable insights into the complexities of American car manufacturing. While traditional American brands like Jeep continue to top the list, foreign automakers such as Honda, Toyota, and Kia are proving that the line between “American-made” and “foreign-made” is increasingly blurred. For consumers, the AMI provides a clearer understanding of where their cars come from, offering them the information they need to make more informed decisions about their vehicle purchases.