Most Stolen Cars in Canada: Insights into Vehicle Theft

Auto thefts continue to surge across Canada, and the financial repercussions are becoming increasingly evident. Most notably, the high cost is being paid by owners of some of the country’s most stolen vehicles, who are facing soaring insurance premiums. According to Rates.ca, SUVs and cars with remote keyless ignition systems continue to be targeted as they are the simplest to steal. In this article, we will highlight the top ten most commonly stolen vehicles nationwide, which are most sought after by car thieves.

Reasons for the Surge in Thefts

The surge in vehicle theft across Canada is driven by a complex array of factors, including organized crime networks, the lucrative market for specific vehicles and parts. Here’s a more detailed look at the factors influencing vehicle theft in Canada:

• High resale value: Vehicles that are popular in both domestic and international markets are prime targets due to their valuable parts and strong resale potential. This appeal makes them attractive to thieves looking for quick profits.
• Technological weaknesses: Modern vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems are vulnerable to signal boosting attacks. Thieves can amplify the signal from a car key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, making it easier to steal without detection.
• SUV Popularity: SUVs have consistently been popular among both drivers and thieves.
• Organized crime networks: These sophisticated groups have become proficient in exporting stolen vehicles. Major ports in cities like Toronto and Montreal are used to ship these vehicles overseas, where there is high demand.
• Demand for parts: The demand for specific vehicle models and their parts is fueled by both local and global markets. Luxury SUVs and popular trucks are particularly sought after. Often, stolen vehicles are dismantled, and their parts are sold individually, thereby increasing the profitability for thieves and complicating recovery efforts for authorities.

What Happens to Stolen Vehicles?

When determining insurance premiums, how often your make and model are stolen is one of the factors insurers consider. Stolen cars from Ontario usually end up in various locations, depending on the thieves’ intended use for them. Here are the most common outcomes:

1. Shipped Overseas – A large number of stolen vehicles are smuggled out of Canada, especially through ports like Montreal. They often end up in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, where they are sold for a much higher price.
2. Re-Vinned and Sold Locally – Some cars are given a fraudulent Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and resold to unsuspecting buyers in Canada or the U.S. This is called “re-vinning” and is a common scam.
3. Used in Other Crimes – Some stolen cars are used for committing other crimes, like robberies or drug trafficking, and then abandoned or set on fire to destroy evidence.
4. Stripped for Parts – If a car is hard to resell, thieves might dismantle it and sell valuable parts like catalytic converters, airbags, and rims.
5. Insurance Fraud – In some cases, people fake a car theft to claim insurance money.

SUV’s among the most desirable vehicles

As of March 2025, the most recent data available is from 2023. According to the Équité Association, the top three most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2023 were:

• Toyota Highlander: This SUV consistently ranks high on stolen vehicle lists. In 2024, Equité Association reported that 3,414 Toyota Highlanders were stolen in Canada. This made the Highlander the most stolen vehicle in the country for 2024, according to AutoTrader.ca and CityNews Toronto.
• Dodge Ram 1500 Series: This pickup truck is a popular target for both domestic and international theft operations, and saw 3,078 thefts in 2024. 
• Lexus RX Series: This luxury SUV is often targeted due to its high resale value and popularity. Over 3,037 Lexus RX Series vehicles were stolen in Canada in 2024.
• Land Rover Range Rover Series: This luxury SUV is also a target for thieves, often due to its high resale value.
• Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4: According to Excalibur Insurance and CDSPI data, both the Honda CR-V (2,988) and Toyota RAV4 (2,690) are still popular choices for theft.​​
  

In addition to their high-end price tag, most of the cars on their list are targets because of their push-button ignition systems. If you own a high-end car, your vehicle will likely be a target. However, so are less expensive yet reliable vehicles, like Honda CR-Vs and Civics. This data is based on car theft claims made by car insurance companies. With the emerging popularity of SUVs (sport utility vehicles), it’s unsurprising to find SUVs at the top of the list of most stolen cars in Canada for 2021.

Here are the Top Ten Stolen Vehicles for 2024:

For 2024, the Toyota Highlander topped the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada, followed by the Dodge Ram 1500 Series and Lexus RX Series. SUVs continue to dominate the list, with seven out of the top ten being SUVs. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada for 2024, according to Excalibur Insurance:

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Ontario

Car theft costs everyone

Automobile theft is much more than just an insurance problem. Its reach is beyond merely inconveniencing drivers. According to government-approved estimates, auto insurance fraud – including theft – costs Ontarians up to $1.6 billion yearly. The rising theft rates have also impacted insurance costs. RATESDOTCA found that the cost of comprehensive insurance for the most stolen vehicles is up to 60% higher for 2024 models compared to 2018 models, for example. Increased claims of theft have even led some insurers to impose a $300 to $500 surcharge on high-risk models upon renewal, only removed upon installation of an anti-theft device, such as the Tag tracking system or a steering wheel lock.

These costs include:

• Fixing or replacing stolen vehicles
• Increases in health care and treatment costs, and
• Investigative and judicial costs linked to detecting and penalizing fraudsters and thieves

To sustainably address the auto theft crisis in Canada, solutions must evolve from focusing on the recovery of stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place.  Équité Associations cites sustainable solutions are necessary, starting with updating Canada’s outdated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (i.e., ULC 338 Standards).

Tips to Help Avoid Vehicle Theft

As a car owner, make yourself aware of a few preventative steps that can protect your vehicle. These include:

• Install a tracking device that emits a signal to police, enabling them to locate your vehicle.
• Don’t leave your keyless entry fob in your vehicle or near the front entrance to your house unprotected. Faraday boxes or bags can block the key fob’s signal from being relayed to thieves.
• Have a visible or audible device that tells thieves your vehicle is protected, and never leave your car running when unattended.
• Turn your wheels to the side to make your vehicle harder to tow

Did you know vehicle theft costs Canadians about $1 billion annually? More than 200 cars are stolen daily across Canada.

• When at home, utilize a parking garage (in a building) or your garage
• Don’t leave ownership or insurance cards in the vehicle when not in use
• Back into your driveway if you have a rear-wheel-drive car or park front-end first if you have a front-wheel-drive car
• Block vehicles with less-desirable cars
• Install an electronic vehicle immobilizer to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car, truck, or SUV.

Experts suggest using layered security measures as the best way to protect your vehicle. If you are concerned about the cost of your car insurance — whether it’s for your existing vehicle or a prospective one — take a few minutes to compare auto insurance quotes from several insurance providers. It could save you money on your annual premium. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or have to make a stolen car claim, contact an isure representative today.

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