10 foreign-built “Detroit” vehicles Pr. Trump’s tariffs will smack in April
Your SUV might say “Jeep” on the grille and play country on the stereo, but if it was built in Mexico, it’s about to get the red, white, and tariffed treatment. Don’t let the heartland marketing fool you—some of Detroit’s hottest rides are made in places like Canada, China, or Korea. President Trump’s April 3rd tariff might not just sting foreign automakers—it could smack “America’s” SUV right in the price tag.
What President Trump’s tariff actually does to vehicles
On March 27, President Trump signed a proclamation to slap a 25% tariff on all foreign-assembled vehicles and select auto parts. “We’ll effectively be charging a 25% tariff,” he told automakers from the Oval Office. “But if you build your car in the United States, there is no tariff.” The tariff hits on April 3.
This is essentially a tax that the automaker must pay. But automakers’ margins are tight, and we’ll probably see this 25% cost reflected in MSRPs very soon.
According to the White House, it’s not just about trade—it’s about national security. The fact sheet claims the move “aims to ensure the U.S. can sustain its domestic industrial base.” It also warns that “only 25% of the vehicle content can be categorized as Made in America,” citing a $93.5 billion auto parts trade deficit in 2024.
“Detroit” models could take a tariff hit
Here are ten vehicles from GM, Ford, and Stellantis that could see price bumps under the new detroit Trump tariff—because they’re not made in the USA:
- Ram 2500/3500: Every one of these heavy-duty workhorses—including every one with a Cummins diesel—is built in Saltillo, Mexico.
- Jeep Compass: The most “trail-rated” crossover for city folks? Made in Mexico.
- Ford Bronco Sport: Iconic name, off-road cred, Hermosillo, Mexico-built.
- Ford Maverick: The least “American-made” pickup comes from south of the border—despite having the most star-spangled name.
- Chevrolet Trax: Your budget-friendly Chevy crossover? Built in South Korea.
- Buick Envista: A stylish compact crossover… also from Korea.
- Buick Envision: The OG of tariff-magnet—it’s still made in China.
- Lincoln Nautilus: Ford’s luxury flagship crossover is now a China export.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500: Some trims are assembled in Silao, Mexico.
- Chrysler Pacifica: The minivan that replaced “Imported from Detroit”—made in Canada.
According to CBS News, “Very few, even from U.S.-based manufacturers, are made with 100% U.S. content.” That means this tariff might hit closer to home than most buyers expect. Turns out, buying American isn’t as easy as looking at the logo. If Trump’s tariff goes through, your next Detroit-branded SUV could come with a side of sticker shock. Check the fine print—and the factory. Learn more about just how global the Detroit Three have become in the video embedded below:
