Car theft is a costly and frustrating crime, and in Canada, certain vehicles are significantly more likely to be stolen than others.
This blog post reveals the top models on Canada's most stolen vehicle list, exploring the reasons behind their vulnerability and offering practical advice to help you protect your car. From popular SUVs to coveted trucks, we'll uncover the trends and provide tips to reduce your risk of becoming an auto theft victim.
In Canada, the Toyota Highlander has claimed the title of the most stolen vehicle. Its global serviceability and high resale value, both domestically and internationally, make it a prime target for thieves seeking to maximize profits.
The majority of vehicles on the national list of most stolen cars are 2019 models or newer, often lacking sufficient anti-theft protection. Specifically, the absence of anti-theft devices meeting ULC 338 standards and keyless ignition vulnerabilities contributes significantly to this problem.
The most stolen vehicles in Canada are SUVs. They make up 7 of the top 10 most stolen vehicle models. The Honda Civic, which used to be the top stolen vehicle for years, is the only remaining car on the list.
Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada, from most stolen to least:
Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | # of Thefts | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 3,414 | SUV |
Dodge Ram 1500 Series | 2022 | 3,078 | Truck |
Lexus RX series | 2022 | 3,037 | SUV |
Honda CR-V | 2021 | 2,988 | SUV |
Toyota RAV4 | 2021 | 2,690 | SUV |
Honda Civic | 2019 | 1,654 | Car |
Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | 1,641 | SUV |
Land Rover Range Rover Series | 2020 | 1,533 | SUV |
Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series | 2023 | 1,488 | SUV |
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2006 | 1,383 | Truck |
The most stolen vehicles in Ontario are the Lexus RX Series, Toyota Highlander, and Dodge Ram 1500 Series.
Ontario drivers should be cautious if they have any of these SUVs, pickups, or cars. These models are the most stolen in the province and can come with a higher price tag for car insurance in Ontario:
Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | # of Thefts | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Lexus RX Series | 2022 | 2,852 | SUV |
Toyota Highlander | 2022 | 2,838 | SUV |
Dodge Ram 1500 Series | 2022 | 1,977 | Truck |
Honda CR-V | 2020 | 1,488 | SUV |
Land Rover Range Rover Series | 2020 | 1,411 | SUV |
Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series | 2023 | 1,136 | SUV |
Jeep Wrangler | 2023 | 1,106 | SUV |
Toyota RAV4 | 2021 | 999 | SUV |
Honda Civic | 2019 | 734 | Car |
Ford F150 Series | 2022 | 557 | Truck |
In 2024, the Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal reported a total of 9,570 auto vehicle thefts in the region - this number has decreased since 2023 when they saw the highest number of thefts since 2014, 12,501.
West Humber-Clairville is the neighbourhood with the highest number of events with 658 thefts related to automobiles reported. These higher numbers can impact Toronto car insurance costs for drivers.
According to a report by CityNews, the York Regional Police launched an auto theft prevention campaign in September 2023. Data from "Operation Auto Guard" has revealed that vehicle thefts have increased by almost 50% compared to last year.
The Honda CR-V topped the list as the most frequently stolen vehicle, with 654 reported thefts. Following closely were the Lexus RX 350 (418 thefts) and the Honda Civic (260 thefts).
While popular models like the Toyota Highlander and Ford F-150 also featured, their theft numbers were considerably lower. The data suggests a clear trend: certain makes and models are disproportionately targeted by thieves, highlighting the importance of understanding these risks when choosing a vehicle.
Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Toronto:
Vehicle | Number of Thefts |
---|---|
Honda CR-V | 654 |
Lexus Rx350 | 418 |
Honda Civic | 260 |
Land Rover Range Rover | 225 |
Toyota Highlander | 200 |
Ford F150 | 176 |
Honda Accord | 145 |
Toyota Corolla | 123 |
Toyota Rav4 | 70 |
Hyundai Elantra | 62 |
You may see higher Alberta car insurance if you drive a pick-up truck, notably the Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 and 1500 Series and the Dodge Ram 1500 Series. Here is an overview of the top vehicles stolen in Alberta.
Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | # of Thefts | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series | 2007 | 353 | Truck |
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2006 | 350 | Truck |
Dodge Ram 1500 Series | 2022 | 346 | Truck |
Ford F350 Series | 2006 | 270 | Truck |
Ford F150 Series | 2018 | 248 | Truck |
Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | 114 | SUV |
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Escape/Corsair/MKC/Mariner Series | 2017 | 106 | SUV |
Honda Civic | 2017 | 105 | Car |
Ford F250 Series | 2000 | 103 | Truck |
Dodge Ram 2500 Series | 2001 | 98 | Truck |
Lexus RX Series | 2021 | 98 | SUV |
Sedans and SUVs top the list of most stolen vehicles in Quebec. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have the most thefts in the province.
Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Toyota RAV4 | 2021 | 1,470 | SUV |
Honda CR-V | 2021 | 1,291 | SUV |
Honda Civic | 2016 | 609 | Car |
Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 481 | SUV |
Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | 459 | SUV |
Dodge RAM 1500 | 2022 | 395 | Truck |
Hyundai Tucson | 2020 | 390 | SUV |
Acura RDX | 2021 | 336 | SUV |
Tahoe series / Chevrolet / GMC / Suburban / Yukon | 2023 | 214 | SUV |
Kia Sportage | 2020 | 167 | SUV |
The East Coast has a mix of cars and pickup trucks that are top targets for thieves. All of the Atlantic provinces have been grouped to meet the minimum data collection threshold.
Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2022 | 116 | Truck |
Ford F150 Series | 2018 | 85 | Truck |
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/ Sierra 1500 Series | 2021 | 91 | Truck |
Honda CR-V | 2022 | 54 | SUV |
Honda Civic | 2015 | 77 | Car |
New vehicles with keyless fobs are a common target because thieves use radio frequency amplifiers to capture the fob signal and extend it to the vehicle. Avoid leaving keyless fobs near front doors and park in a garage when possible.
Criminals target vehicles for many reasons, including:
IBC reports that Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga have experienced the highest costs related to auto theft claims:
City | 2023 Auto Theft Claims Costs | Increase in Auto Theft Claims Costs (2018-2023) |
---|---|---|
Toronto | $371,815,072 | 561% |
Brampton | $93,186,518 | 719% |
Mississauga | $89,980,735 | 533% |
According to IBC, Whitby, Pickering, and Milton have seen the highest increase of auto theft claims between 2028 and 2023:
City | Increase in Theft Claims Costs (2018-2023) | 2023 Auto Theft Claims Costs |
---|---|---|
Whitby | 2269% | $12,145,932 |
Pickering | 1228% | $10,653,759 |
Milton | 1010% | $11,976,316 |
In Canada, a vehicle is involved in theft every three minutes, according to the IBC. Lower the risk of having your vehicle stolen with these six tips:
It only takes 30 seconds for a thief to steal your vehicle. By following these tips, you can lower the chances of being a victim of theft. It is also recommended to consider anti-theft devices, which can qualify you for insurance discounts.
The most stolen vehicles are the Lexus RX Series, Toyota Highlander, and Dodge Ram 1500 Series. These vehicles can result in higher auto insurance. A number of the different pickup models regularly appear on the list.
It’s estimated that about one-sixth of lost vehicles are never recovered. Many of these vehicles are shipped overseas or sent to chop shops to be dismantled for parts.
You can reduce the risk by preventing your vehicle from being stolen. Install an alarm, park in the garage, and always lock your doors. If you own an automobile that is often a target for theft, it will affect your auto insurance quotes in Canada. Make sure you have car theft included in your policy. If you have any questions, give us a call.
Sources:
*Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles — Ranking by Theft Frequency and Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles by Equite
**Insurance Bureau of Canada Reveals Ontario’s Top 10 Costliest Cities for Auto Theft Claims
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