Alabama’s automotive industry earned national recognition after 21 vehicles manufactured in the state secured places on Cars.com’s 2026 American-Made Index, including three models that ranked among the top 10 in the country.
Three Alabama-Built Hondas Land in the Top 10
Cars.com’s annual American-Made Index evaluates vehicles based on several factors, including final assembly location, the percentage of U.S. and Canadian parts, engine and transmission sourcing, and the size of a manufacturer’s U.S. workforce. This year’s study examined 379 vehicles from the 2026 model year.
Among the highest-ranked Alabama-built vehicles were three Honda models manufactured at the company’s Lincoln facility. The Honda Ridgeline finished fifth overall, followed by the Honda Odyssey in sixth place and the Honda Passport in tenth.
According to reports, the Lincoln plant serves as the exclusive production site for the Ridgeline, Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot. Honda officials noted that the facility has produced more top-10 vehicles on the American-Made Index than any other plant during the ranking’s 21-year history.
Huntsville, Montgomery, and Lincoln Continue Strong Performances
Several additional Alabama-built vehicles earned high marks in the survey. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, assembled in Huntsville, ranked 20th nationwide and was the highest-ranked Alabama vehicle outside the top 10. Montgomery-built models also performed well, with the Hyundai Santa Cruz placing 24th, the Hyundai Tucson ranking 31st, and the Hyundai Santa Fe finishing 33rd.
Lincoln’s Honda Pilot secured the 32nd spot on the list, while Huntsville’s Toyota Corolla Cross ranked 54th. The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville also saw both the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and Mazda CX-50 make the rankings, placing 61st and 62nd respectively.
The results highlight the continued importance of North Alabama’s manufacturing sector, which produces a wide variety of vehicles for both domestic and international automakers.
Luxury Models from Tuscaloosa Also Earn Recognition
Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa facility contributed a significant number of vehicles to the index. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 ranked 68th, while the GLS 450 placed 73rd. Additional Tuscaloosa-built models included the GLE 450 at 93rd, the GLE 580 at 94th, the AMG GLE 53 at 95th, and the AMG GLE 63 at 96th. The GLS 580 came in at 99th, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 rounded out the list at 100th.
Montgomery also added two more vehicles to the rankings with the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Genesis GV70, further demonstrating the breadth of Alabama’s automotive manufacturing footprint.
According to online reports, foreign automakers accounted for roughly 65% of the vehicles included on this year’s American-Made Index. Analysts noted that changing supply chains, increased domestic manufacturing investments, and shifts in production strategies continue to influence the rankings. The report also pointed to ongoing adjustments within the industry as automakers respond to market conditions and evolving trade policies.
With 21 vehicles making the 2026 list, Alabama remains one of the nation’s leading automotive manufacturing states, producing everything from pickup trucks and family SUVs to luxury vehicles sold throughout North America.
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