*This blog was recently updated with new information
For many drivers in Canada, a car is much more than a mode of transportation.
A car is something that we save tirelessly for; a car is something that we care for, maintain, and love. That's why it's so heartbreaking to learn that your vehicle has been stolen.
Although any car can be stolen, certain models are more prone to vehicle theft than others. To learn if your vehicle is on the list of the most stolen cars in Canada, be sure to continue reading.
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Most stolen cars in Canada in 2025
Many drivers assume that most stolen cars are luxury models. Although there is one high-end model on the list, the majority are typical vehicles that we see on the road every day.
The latest list from Équité Association, released in 2024, reveals the Toyota Highlander as the new #1 stolen vehicle in Canada. This model has a strong resale value (here and abroad) and is easily serviced worldwide, making it a high theft target.
“One of the most common trends we’re seeing on the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles list includes newer vehicles with keyless ignitions....,” says Bryan Gast, Vice President, Investigative Services of Équité Association, in their latest report. “...the crisis is far from over in Canada.”
Here are the top ten most stolen vehicles in Canada:
- 2021 Toyota Highlander
- 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series
- 2022 Lexus RX Series
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Toyota RAV 4
- 2019 Honda Civic
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series
- 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series
- 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
As you can see, most of the vehicles listed above are considered "regular" vehicles, which leads us to believe that they are more prone to theft than luxury cars.
“A modernized vehicle security standard aligned to the ULC 338 Standards is needed to address current methods of theft across all manufacturers,” Gast goes on to explain in the report.
As you can see, most of the vehicles listed above are 2019 or newer, with certain vulnerabilities to security. Many of these models feature keyless ignitions, and thieves are aware of the lack of built-in anti-theft devices.
Why do people steal cars in Canada?
There are several reasons why a person might feel inclined to steal a vehicle from another driver in Canada. Some of the most common reasons are:
To make a profit
One of the primary reasons car thieves do what they do is to earn profit. It costs practically nothing for a car thief to steal a vehicle, which means they can generate thousands of dollars in a single instance.
However, this begs the question, "Who's buying all of these stolen vehicles?".
In most cases, these vehicles are being sold to unsuspecting drivers on the private market. Car thieves will generally offer the car at a price that seems "too good to be true" in an attempt to attract unwitting customers.
In contrast, some car thieves will look overseas to make their profit. This is due to the fact that many North American models are sold at higher prices in various countries, allowing the car thief to generate even more profit.
Joyride
It's not uncommon for car thieves to steal a vehicle simply because they want to go on a joyride.
For those who've never heard the term, joyriding is the act of driving recklessly in a stolen vehicle. In most cases, joyride culprits are teenagers or young adults trying to show off to their friends.
You may be asking yourself, "How is this different from traditional auto theft?", and the answer is the intent. In most traditional car theft cases, the thief has no intention of returning the vehicle. On the other hand, if someone is joyriding, they generally intend to return the vehicle to its rightful owner.
Regardless of the reasoning or temporary nature of the event, joyriding comes with severe consequences in Canada — you may face summary conviction if you're charged with joyriding.
To commit a crime
Despite what Hollywood has shown us over the past several decades, most criminals don't have a getaway driver waiting for them at the crime scene. Many criminals will steal a third-party vehicle in an attempt to evade the authorities.
In most cases, these cars turn up in 48 hours or less; however, they're usually thoroughly damaged. If you don't have sufficient car insurance, you will have to pay for any repair costs out of pocket.
What should you do if your car is stolen?
First things first — you need to contact the authorities and let them know that your vehicle has been stolen. Updating the police about the auto theft lets them know that they need to keep an eye out for a specific vehicle model and can help them find the suspect.
Afterwards, you'll need to get in touch with your car insurance provider. If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage, then your car insurance provider will cover all or a portion of the repair or replacement costs (depending on your level of coverage).
Bonus tip — If your car was found immediately after being stolen, you can contact your insurance provider right away. On the other hand, if your stolen car hasn't turned up, you may have to wait. Most car insurance providers in Canada require drivers to wait a minimum of 30 days before submitting a stolen car claim.
Want to save on car insurance in Canada?
Speaking of car insurance, we know how expensive it can be for drivers in major Canadian cities. Thankfully, when you team up with a Surex insurance advisor, you can save a significant amount on car insurance. Our insurance brokers work shoulder-to-shoulder with the top providers in Canada, which gives them the ability to find the most competitive quotes in the country.
Don't believe us? Contact one of our advisors today to learn how you can save 25% (or more) on your car and home insurance by bundling your policies.
Protecting your car from thieves
There are several things that you can do to protect your car from thieves. Some common and effective methods include:
Park your car in a garage
If possible, we suggest parking your vehicle in a garage. Doing this will significantly decrease the chances of car theft because thieves won't be able to access it in the first place.
Bonus tip — A garage is a fantastic place to store your car for the winter.
Use a wheel lock
If you can't park your car in a garage, you may want to invest in a protective device, like a wheel lock. Installing a wheel lock will make your vehicle less attractive to thieves, as they'll have to deal with the device before escaping.
Always lock your doors and close your windows
Whether you park in a garage or on the street, you should always lock your doors and close your windows before turning your car off.
Leaving your doors unlocked or windows open makes your vehicle a "sitting duck," so to speak. All a thief has to do is open the door, and voila, they have access to your vehicle.
What have you learned about car theft in Canada?
Whether you own one of the top stolen cars in Ontario or a run-of-the-mill ride, you should do everything that you can to protect it.
Remember, if you want to minimize the chances of your vehicle getting stolen, we suggest parking in a garage, getting a wheel lock, and locking your doors at night.
