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Tariffs, shmariffs: These 10 fun and affordable US-built rides limit exposure and maximize value

Casey Williams, Tribune News Service on

Published in Business News

We don’t yet know how much tariffs will add the prices of vehicles made in the U.S., but imports will likely become more expensive.

Currently, tariffs apply to imported passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans and light trucks. However, the size of the tariff varies by country. Japanese and South Korean vehicles are subject to a 15% tariff, while those from the UK are subject to a 10% tariff. The EU will get a 15% tariff once it passes trade legislation favorable to the U.S. Auto imports from the rest of the world vary between 20% and 25%.

The tariffs affect key automobile parts like engines, transmission and electrical components. Some delay was given to auto parts compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020. Those components will remain tariff-free until the Secretary of Commerce “establishes a process to apply tariffs to their non-U.S. content.”

Components such as aluminum and steel have their own tariffs, and earlier this month President Donald Trump floated the idea of a 100% tariff on semiconductors. What these might add to the cost of manufacturing vehicles in the U.S. is anybody's guess at this point.

Whatever happens, let’s make the best of it. The rides we have here — from compact sedans to electric crossovers — are relatively affordable and assembled in the United States, even if source of parts varies. (Base prices listed are as of July 2025.)

Acura Integra

Assembled in Marysville, Ohio

Base price: $33,000

Sharing architecture with the Honda Civic that’s built in Greensburg, Indiana, Acura’s sporty compact is assembled in Ohio with a 200-horsepower turbo-four engine built in Ohio. Type S versions pack a 320 horsepower turbo-four. Crisp handling and an optional six-speed manual transmission encourage back road strafing! Wireless phone connections, head-up display, and safety tech are available. That, and it topped the 2025 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.

Nissan Altima

Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee

Base price: $27,000

Nissan built vehicles in Tennessee for forty years, including the affordable Altima mid-size sedan. It’s not the most advanced vehicle in its class, but is stylish, possesses agile handling, and enjoys long drives. Get it with front- or all-wheel-drive. All models harbor a 188 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a CVT. Fuel economy is rated 39 mpg highway. Wireless phone connections, Bose audio, and zero gravity seats add luxuries.

Toyota Corolla

Assembled in Blue Springs, Mississippi

Base price: $22,325

The best-selling automotive nameplate of all time hails from Dixie. Known for durability and efficiency, the Corolla has also become quite stylish with angry headlamps and aero body. Interiors boast premium materials, 10.5-inch screen, wireless charger, and power moonroof. Lane departure assist and deceleration assist come standard. Choose a 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 169 horsepower and 32/41 mpg city/highway or 53/46 mpg hybrid.

Kia Sportage

Assembled in West Point, Georgia

Base price: $28,690

Facelifted with upright grille and zagged driving lights, this crossover looks handsomely rugged in X-Line trim. Twin screens, wireless phone connections, and rear USB ports amp tech. Forward collision alert and adaptive cruise are standard. Choose a 187 horsepower four-cylinder engine (25/33 mpg city/highway), 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid with 231 horsepower (36/36 mpg), or plug-in hybrid with 268 horsepower, 30-miles EV range, and 74 mpge.

Ford Mustang

Assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan

Base price: $31,920

Built just south of Detroit, America’s favorite pony car vanquished all competitors. Most will come with a 315 horsepower 2.3-liter turbo-four connected to a 10-speed automatic that achieves 22/33 mpg city/hwy, but GTs get a 480 horsepower V-8 and optional 6-speed manual transmission. GTD versions pump 815 horsepower and reach 202 mph. Sophisticated infotainment screens provide drivers with a plethora of info. Get it with heated/ventilated seats.

 

Subaru Forester

Assembled in Lafayette, Inidana

Base price: $29,995

Forester arrives from Japan this fall looking suave. Interiors feature tablet touchscreens, wireless phone connections, and available vegan leather. Choose a 180 horsepower 4-cylinder or new 194 horsepower hybrid delivering 35/34 mpg. It’s capable with AWD and X-Mode off-road traction system. Wilderness trim adds ground clearance and tent-rated roof rack. Subaru’s EyeSight crash-avoidance system helps earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Toyota Camry

Assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky

Base price: $28,700

America’s favorite sedan was designed in California with Prius-like “hammerhead” styling. It arrives as a four-cylinder hybrid with or without AWD and up to 232 horsepower. Blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and safe exit alert come standard. SE trim adds tighter handling and black trim. A new Nightshade edition debuts for 2026 with 19-inch black wheels and trim. Heated/ventilated seats and wireless phone charging are available.

Ford Ranger

Assembled in Wayne, Michigan

Base price: $33,330

New for 2024, this global pickup features beefy styling, refined road manners, formidable off-road capability, in-bed outlets, and integrated box step. Flatscreen gauges, 12.4-inch touchscreen, automated parking, and trailer brake controller delight. Power out with a 270-horsepower turbo-four or 315 horsepower turbo V-6. Raptor editions add Fox shocks, selectable drive modes, and a 405 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V-6. Roomy cabs encourage long drives.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Assembled in Ellabelle, Georgia

Base price: $42,600

Looking like a 1980s sci-fi hatchback, this roomy electric crossover goes the distance with up to 310 miles range and ability to tap 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers. Interior lounges feature twin-screen dashboards, stretch-out legroom, standard wireless phone integration and console pod for charging and cupholders. A new RT model adds a one-inch suspension lift, digital camouflage side cladding, and black wheels with off-road tires. Charge and go!

Chevy Colorado

Assembled in Wentzville, Missouri

Base price: $31,900

Looking like a half-pint Silverado in Work Truck, LT, and Trail Boss trims, Chevy’s mid-sizer employs a 2.7-liter turbo-four dishing up to 310 horsepower and able to tow 7,700 lbs. properly equipped. ZR2 editions add a 3-inch lift for extreme offroading. Vastly improved interiors flaunt premium materials plus Corvette-style gauges and touchscreens. Wireless phone connections add convenience, as do 120v bed outlets and selectable drive modes.

Brand can be misleading

One lesson learned when trying to reduce automotive tariff exposure: Brand origin matters little. Seven out of 10 vehicles on this list are foreign brands, yet some like the Toyota Camry have higher domestic content than most domestics. Look beyond the label!

Considering style, features and base prices, you might be tempted by the Chevy Trax or Buick Envista, but both are developed and built in Korea. The popular Buick Envision crossover hails from China, as does the Lincoln Nautilus. Want a Ford Bronco Sport or Maverick pickup? Sorry, they’re assembled in Mexico, as is the Jeep Compass.

It turns out automotive tariffs run more than steel deep.


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