A look at the most stolen cars in Canada

What happens to stolen cars?

Nowadays, theft rates in Canada make it seem like anyone’s car is at risk of being stolen. Despite the Government’s increasing efforts to deter and penalize offenders, thieves seemingly always manage to find loopholes.

But what is their motivation behind stealing cars?

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, there are three most likely reasons:¹

1. Shipped overseas. Unfortunately, Canada’s weak oversight over its ports has made it significantly easier for thieves to smuggle stolen cars out of the country. Many stolen vehicles are exported abroad to be sold at a significant markup.
2. Re-VINed vehicles are sold to unsuspecting customers in Canada. This is another common scheme. A thief steals a car, alters its vehicle identification number (VIN), and sells it to an interested buyer. Unfortunately, many buyers are unaware of this risk when buying from private sellers or even unlawful dealerships. Criminal organizations also frequently use this method to conceal their vehicles’ identities.
3. Disassembled in ‘chop shops’ and sold for parts. A chop shop is an illegal business that disassembles stolen cars and sells their parts for profit. These operations are often hidden in residential garages or commercial spaces where no one suspects this is happening. Oftentimes, they’ll counterfeit the serial numbers of the individual parts so that they can’t be traced back to the original vehicle.

Thieves can steal cars for many other reasons, whether it’s to commit other crimes, to get somewhere else, or simply for enjoyment. In any case, car theft of any sort is illegal and punishable by law.

Sometimes, thieves work alone. But the real force behind the skyrocketing theft rates is organized crime groups.

A few other patterns stand out when we look at the cars specifically.

Top 10 most stolen cars

Canada’s theft rate decreased by 17% in the first half of 2024.² While that’s a promising sign, the broader trend remains a concern. Over the past decade, auto theft claims have surged by an astonishing 138%, and the value of these claims skyrocketed by 442%.³

More needs to be done to bring theft rates down. However, hoping the problem fixes itself isn’t a solution. To truly protect your car, you need to understand how much theft exposure it faces so you can act accordingly.

The Équité Association publishes its rankings of the 10 most stolen vehicles every year. The rankings are based on the number of theft claims recorded by insurance companies. The latest findings are for 2023:⁴

Make/model	Year	Cars insured	Thefts	Frequency	Type
1. Toyota Highlander	2021	123,532	3,414	2.76%	SUV
2. Ram 1500 Series	2022	524,837	3,078	0.59%	Truck
3. Lexus RX Series	2022	96,400	3,037	3.15%	SUV
4. Honda CR-V	2021	487,962	2,988	0.61%	SUV
5. Toyota RAV4	2021	507,451	2,690	0.53%	Compact car
6. Honda Civic	2019	697,143	1,654	0.24%	SUV
7. Jeep Wrangler	2021	141,379	1,641	1.16%	SUV
8. Land Rover Range Rover Series	2020	34,615	1,533	4.43%	SUV
9. Chevrolet/ GMC Suburban/ Yukon/ Tahoe Series	2023	62,877	1,488	2.37%	SUV
10. Chevrolet/ GMC Silverado/ Sierra 1500 Series	2006	595,765	1,383	0.23%	Truck

In 2023, trucks and SUVs accounted for nine of the ten most stolen cars—similar to 2022. All of the models (except the Chevrolet/ GMC Silverado/ Sierra 1500 Series) are 2019 or newer, another pattern from previous years.

Équité Association’s rankings report also highlights the most stolen cars in certain Canadian regions:

• Alberta: Chevrolet/ GMC Silverado/ Sierra 2500 Series (2007 model)
• Ontario: Lexus RX Series (2022 model)
• Quebec: Toyota RAV4 (2021 model)
• Atlantic Canada: Ram 1500 Series (2022 model)

Based on these findings, thieves often target high-value, late-model vehicles, with a preference for SUVs and trucks.

Noticeably, there are no electric vehicles (EVs) on the list.

EVs are still fresh to the market. They are prevalent in some regions but not as widespread as gas-fueled cars. Plus, EVs rely on access to charging stations, which are uncommon in overseas markets where stolen vehicles are shipped, like West Africa.⁵ It’s difficult to say whether or not they’ll become targets in upcoming years, but for now, they’re far less likely to be snatched than non-EVs.

What makes these cars desirable to thieves?

Professional car thieves tend to operate based on market demand; they rarely steal vehicles randomly. Most vehicles in the top 10 list are widely used and serviceable in global markets, which makes them prime candidates for illegal export. Criminals often take advantage of this demand to turn a hefty profit, particularly with vehicles with strong resale value.

For example, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was the most stolen car in 2023, surpassing the Honda CR-V, which previously topped the list. Buyers like the Highlander for its reliability, impressive safety features, and roomy interior. However, thieves also like it because of its broad market appeal and high resale value (both domestically and internationally). The opportunities make it an irresistible target for criminals chasing big gains.

Going by thefts per insurance policies issued, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series ranks highest, with a theft frequency of 4.43%. Theft frequency means it’s the most stolen model relative to the number of them on the road. When that 2020 Range Rover was new, its starting price was more than $100,000 — almost triple the price of the Toyota Highlander.⁶ An experienced thief might be able to sell it at even higher prices.

Many of these thefts exploit a central weak point in late-model vehicles: keyless ignition systems.

With the right equipment, thieves can hijack a car without the manufacturer-supplied key. A common theft tactic is the ‘relay attack,’ where thieves use a specialized device to capture your vehicle’s key fob signal nearby. You won’t suspect it’s happening, and they’ll be long gone before you realize it.

Thieves have many other tactics, almost all of which involve sophisticated technology. But since there’s no foolproof solution to these devices yet, criminals are making the most of them while they can.

What does this mean for car owners?

First things first, if you’re worried about your car getting stolen, consider what you can do to make it a less appealing target. Learn about its safety features, alarm systems, access points, and other vulnerabilities that thieves might exploit. Park securely in a closed garage if you can; keep your windows up and your doors locked; and never leave your keys in the car.

For extra security, it might help to install some visual deterrents. Use what’s practical for you, but a good set of tire clamps, or a quality steering-wheel-to-pedal lock, can help deter thieves who move on to another vehicles that’s less trouble for them.

You should also consider any valuable parts that might attract them, as they might not always want the whole car. High-value upgrades like expensive wheels can be attractive to thieves. Catalytic converters are another common target as they’re a pricey component. Vehicles with more ground clearance, such as SUVs and trucks, make it easier for a thief to crawl under and cut the converter off. While it’s no guarantee, try to park in busier lots where it’s tougher for a thief to work unseen.

Thieves are mostly looking for easy opportunities, so do your best not to give them one. For more tips, be sure to check out our guide on how to protect your car from theft.

Most importantly, if your car is a known target, consider protecting yourself with additional insurance coverage. Your insurer may offer theft protection through different car insurance coverages, usually comprehensive coverage, specified perils coverage, and all perils coverage. Each insurer has different limits for theft coverage, so verify with your respective provider.

Often, this coverage applies to theft. But some policies also cover attempted theft. That means, if you’re lucky and your car is recovered, your policy could cover repairs of damage caused by the thieves.

Your insurer may offer a settlement based on the vehicle’s fair market value if it’s not recovered. Insurers usually wait 30 days before settling your claim, just in case the vehicle is found. You’ll have to pay a deductible, and any payout from the insurer will be capped at your policy’s limit.

And in case it wasn’t obvious, your policy will only cover the loss if you carried theft coverage before the incident happened.

Commonly asked questions

What is the recovery rate of stolen vehicles in Canada?

As of Équité Association’s 2024 Auto Theft Trends report, the national recovery rate of stolen vehicles was 59%.

Year-end data from some provinces and regions are also available. The recovery rates for 2024 are as follows: Ontario (51%), Quebec (47%), Atlantic Canada (64%), Western Canada (77%).

So, while recovery of stolen vehicles is possible, it’s not always guaranteed.

Does owning a commonly stolen car affect insurance rates?

It might, but it mostly depends on the insurer.

Vehicle theft claims amounted to $1.5 billion in 2023, a 254% increase since 2018. Many insurance companies have started adding a premium surcharge on high-risk vehicles to compensate for this surge in theft insurance claims. Car owners might also see their rates increase in regions with exceptionally high theft rates.

Fortunately, many insurers offer car insurance discounts for drivers who install aftermarket tracking devices (like Tag) onto their vehicles. They’re highly effective at deterring thieves and aid significantly in recovering stolen vehicles. A system like Tag costs about $400 to install, but you’ll quickly offset that with lower premiums.⁷

Keep in mind that all insurers calculate premiums differently, so make sure to shop around and compare quotes from various providers.

Sources

1. Insurance Bureau of Canada. “End Auto Theft.” ibc.ca, ibc.ca/issues-and-advocacy/auto-insurance/end-auto-theft. Accessed 9 May 2025.
2. Équité Association. “2024 Auto Theft Trend Report.” equiteassociation.com, 12 Feb. 2025, cdn.prod.website-files.com/673f22d617fe90219dc4cba4/67c0838ad76fa3e095e76097_%C3%89quit%C3%A9%20Association %27s%202024%20Auto%20Theft%20Trend%20Report%20-%20Media.pdf.
3. Insurance Bureau of Canada. “New data shows auto theft continues to soar above historical levels.” ibc.ca, 2 Oct. 2024, ibc.ca/news-insights/news/new-data-shows-auto-theft-continues-to-soar-above-historical-levels.
4. Équité Association. “Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles.” equiteassociation.com, equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles. Accessed 9 May 2024.
5. Toronto Star. “Here are Canada’s most stolen vehicles — and there’s a reason why EVs aren’t making the list.” thestar.com, 19 Nov. 2024, thestar.com/news/canada/here-are-canadas-most-stolen-vehicles-and-theres-a-reason-why-evs-arent-making-the/article_e1e8f0c8-a675-11ef-b4fd-83826429af5d.html.
6. Driving. “2020 Land Rover Range Rover.” driving.ca, driving.ca/land-rover/range-rover/2020. Accessed 9 May 2025.
7. The Canadian Press. “Insurance is high on frequently stolen vehicles. Here’s how to reduce your premiums.” CTV News, 15 Apr. 2024, ctvnews.ca/business/autos/article/insurance-is-high-on-frequently-stolen-vehicles-heres-how-to-reduce-your-premiums.

Want to learn more? Visit our vehicle owner resource centre for dozens of helpful articles. Or, get an online car insurance quote in under 5 minutes and find out how affordable personalized coverage can be.