Only 1 Jeep Landed on the American-Made List
Jeep is one of the most star-spangled brands in ‘Merica. From its roots helping secure an Allied victory during WWII to its status as the convertible off-roader for decades, it has become a symbol of the U.S.A. So it’s a bit surprising that when Cars.com compiled its latest list of the 20 most American-made vehicles, the Cherokee is the one model that earned a spot on the list as a Jeep made in America. But there’s more than one way to rank made in the U.S.A. ” Here’s exactly how “American-made” every Jeep model is.
What’s the most American-made Jeep?
The Cherokee, assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, is Jeep’s most American-made SUV. Cars.com compiles a yearly list of the most American-made vehicles. The Cherokee earned seventh place for most American-made. This is down from fourth place last year. But other experts gave the Cherokee an even higher ranking.
Cars.com looks at where each model is assembled to rank the most American-made vehicles. It also considers what percentage of that vehicle’s components are built in the U.S. or Canada. Why the U.S. OR Canada? Because the American Automobile Labeling Act requires manufacturers to disclose this information, but not the percentage of parts built in the U.S.A. alone.
So, what is more American-made than a Jeep Cherokee? Tesla’s model lineup dominated this year’s list. The Lincoln Corsair and Honda Passport also eeked out a win against the Jeep Cherokee.
Which models from Jeep are made in America?
While only the Jeep Cherokee earned a ranking on Cars.com’s Top 20 most American-made vehicles (number seven), rest assured that most of the brand’s lineup is assembled in the U.S.A.
The Jeep Gladiator hails from Toledo, Ohio. It earned #40 on the list. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is built in Detroit and came in at #41. Both the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are also from Toledo. They tied at #44. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer come from Warren, Michigan. They got #46. Finally, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (also from Toledo) got #69.
There are multiple ways to measure American-made
Not every expert agrees with the Cars.com ranking. The Kogod School of Business at American University maintains its own ranking of the most American-made vehicles. Instead of looking at where a vehicle’s components come from, it traces where the money you spend on a vehicle goes.
One significant difference with the Kogod method is that a company with headquarters or research facilities abroad won’t rank as high. This makes all the difference for vehicles such as the 4Runner, which is assembled in Texas by a foreign company. It also improves Jeep’s standing, even though Jeep loses a half point for being part of the international conglomerate, Stellantis.
Kogod gave the Jeep Cherokee (both the Latitude and Trailhawk) a ranking of five overall. This model has 72% parts from the U.S. and/or Canada. It earned points for having an engine, transmission, body, and interior all built locally.
Kogod gave the Grand Cherokee spot number nine. The Gladiator MT and AT earned #17. The Cherokee Limited came in with #25. The Gladiator Sport and Rubicon got #26. The highest score for a Wrangler went to the Sahara Unlimited with a Pentastar V6, which earned #32. All the Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers came in #33. The Jeep Wrangler 392, with its Hemi V8 engine built in Mexico, got a #43 and tied with the Wrangler 4xe PHEV.
The Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade are the least American-made models. Kogod gave them a #64 and #76, respectively. Both of these crossovers are built on Fiat chassis. Though Stellantis builds and sells them worldwide, North American models are assembled in Melfi, Italy. It’s harder than one might think to find a Jeep made in America, but it’s still considered an American brand.
Next, find out which full-size pickup truck made the American-made list or learn more about just how American your car is in the video below:
