As the “car theft crisis” continues across Canada, drivers and insurers are both paying the price. Not only did the number of theft-related car insurance claims hit an all-time high, but their subsequent costs totalled over $1.5 billion in 2023.
So, it’s no wonder that many who worry about walking out of their house one day to find an empty spot in their driveway are doing whatever they can to protect their vehicles. What if your car happens to be a prime target for thieves?
The first step is to check if your make and model does appear on the list of the most stolen cars in Canada. You can do that below. Even if it doesn’t, it’s crucial to take your vehicle’s security seriously amidst the ongoing crisis by practicing preventative measures, staying vigilant, and installing anti-theft devices.
The most stolen cars in Canada
According to Équité Association’s annual list of the most stolen cars in Canada, the Toyota Highlander was the most stolen car in 2023, followed by the Dodge RAM 1500 series and Lexus RX series. While a few models have appeared and disappeared from the list over the years, many of the same makes and models remain, indicating that certain vehicles continue to be prime targets for thieves.
- Toyota Highlander
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Lexus RX Series
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda Civic
- Jeep Wrangler
- Land Rover Range Rover Series
- Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
Whether you currently own one of the vehicles on the list or are considering purchasing one, this might be a good time to assess its security features, explore additional anti-theft devices, and take steps to minimize your risk. Also, bear in mind that the price of car insurance may be higher for cars considered “high-risk,” so it can help to use a broker like YouSet who will compare multiple insurers to find you a policy that offers the coverage you need at the best price.
5 things the most stolen cars in Canada have in common
What makes a car more likely to be stolen? What are car thieves after when they choose their targets? If you take a closer look at the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada, you may notice a few patterns emerge. In fact, many of the cars on the list share similarities, including:
- High resale value, whether sold whole or for parts
- A newer model year
- A preference for SUVs and trucks
- Popularity among drivers
- Vulnerable anti-theft systems
1. High resale value
Cars that hold their value well, even as they age, are prime targets for thieves. The Honda Civic, which has consistently ranked among the most stolen vehicles in Canada, is a perfect example. Additionally, vehicles with interchangeable parts are even more appealing. The Honda Accord, for instance, has parts that fit multiple model years, allowing thieves to make up to three times the vehicle’s value by selling it for parts.
2. Newer models
With one exception (Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series), nearly all of the most stolen cars in 2023 are relatively new, with the oldest being the 2019 Honda Civic. This trend has persisted over the years, indicating that thieves specifically target newer vehicles.
Why? Some newer models have vulnerabilities in their theft prevention systems, particularly keyless entry, which can be easily hacked. According to the Équité Association, they also offer “maximum profit in overseas sales,” making them even more attractive targets.
3. SUVs and trucks
Nine out of the ten most stolen vehicles in Canada are SUVs or trucks, with only one sedan making the list. This trend isn’t new – back in 2022, nearly all of the most stolen cars were also SUVs and trucks, while sedans accounted for seven out of 10 spots on the least stolen vehicles list.
One major reason is their widespread availability. In 2023, over 1.5 million new trucks hit Canadian roads, compared to just 250,000 sedans. Eight of the 10 best-selling vehicles were classified as trucks, a category that includes SUVs, pickups, and minivans. With SUVs and trucks everywhere, thieves naturally become bigger targets.
4. Popularity
When a particular make or model is popular, as Honda’s and Toyota’s are in Canada, there are simply more opportunities for thieves to steal those cars. Additionally, as these cars become more common, the demand for their parts increases, making them even more enticing and lucrative for criminals to steal and sell for parts.
Granted, popularity alone doesn’t determine the likelihood of theft. Take the Dodge RAM 1500 series, for example. With over 500,000 insured, it was the second most stolen vehicle in 2023, yet its theft frequency is relatively low at just 0.59%. On the other hand, the Lexus RX series ranks third on the list, with fewer than 100,000 insured, but it has a much higher theft frequency of over 3%. All of this is to say that while popularity plays a role in which cars are targets, other factors can also significantly influence their likelihood of being stolen.
5. Vulnerable anti-theft systems
Équité Association, which tracks Canada’s most stolen vehicles, has pointed out that Canada’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations “haven’t been updated since before keyless and remote start technologies were introduced in vehicles.”
While the technology in our vehicles has evolved, anti-theft regulations haven’t kept up, leaving cars more vulnerable to theft. In fact, CBC’s Marketplace found that six of the 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada lack extra security features found in their UK counterparts – features that could make them harder to steal if included.