Most Stolen Cars in Canada: Insights into Vehicle Theft

Auto thefts continue to surge across Canada, and the financial repercussions are becoming increasingly evident. Owners of some of Canada’s most frequently stolen vehicles are paying the highest price in the form of soaring insurance premiums. According to Rates.ca, thieves continue to target SUVs and vehicles with remote keyless ignition systems because they are among the easiest vehicles to steal. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 most commonly stolen vehicles nationwide, the ones most sought after by car thieves.

What Are the Most Stolen Cars in Canada?

The most stolen cars in Canada as of 2026 are:

1. Toyota RAV4
2. Dodge RAM 1500 Series
3. Honda CR-V
4. Ford F-150 Series
5. Honda Civic
6. Jeep Wrangler
7. Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
8. Toyota Hylander
9. Toyota Tundra
10. Lexus RX Series

Thieves continue to target SUVs and pickup trucks because international buyers highly demand them, and criminals can often steal them using relay attack technology. International buyers highly value SUVs and pickup trucks, and thieves often target them because they can easily steal these vehicles using relay attack technology.

The vehicle theft rankings in this article are based on data from Équité Association, Canadian insurers, law enforcement agencies, and industry theft reports. Rankings may change as new annual theft data becomes available.

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Why is there a surge in vehicle theft?

Organized crime networks and the profitable market for specific vehicles and parts drive the surge in vehicle theft across Canada. 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. Criminals use major ports in cities like Toronto and Montreal to ship stolen vehicles overseas, where demand remains high.
• Demand for parts: Demand for specific vehicle models and their parts is driven by both local and global markets. Luxury SUVs and popular trucks are particularly sought after. Thieves often dismantle stolen vehicles and sell the parts individually, increasing their profits and making it more difficult for authorities to recover the vehicles.

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. 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 at much higher prices.
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 its valuable parts, such as catalytic converters, airbags, and rims.
5. Insurance Fraud – In some cases, people fake a car theft to claim insurance money.

What Are the 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada?

What are The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Ontario?

Why Are These the Most Stolen Cars in Canada?

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 than for 2018 models. Increased claims of theft have even led some insurers to impose a $300 to $500 surcharge on high-risk models at renewal, which is removed only 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 shift from recovering stolen vehicles to preventing them from being stolen in the first place.  Équité Associations cites that 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, take a few preventive steps to 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. You can block thieves from getting your key fob’s signal with Faraday boxes or bags.
• Never leave your car running while unattended.
• Install a visible or audible anti-theft device to deter thieves.
• 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.

Commonly Asked Questions about Stolen Cars, Explained

Are newer vehicles easier to steal than older vehicles?

Final Thoughts on Most Stolen Cars 

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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