Car theft has skyrocketed across Canada, becoming one of the country’s fastest-growing crimes. Organized theft rings target vehicles with high resale demand, weak security systems, and parts that can be swapped across models. The Insurance Bureau of Canada and provincial police forces have highlighted repeat offenders that dominate theft claim lists. Below are the twenty models Canadians need to be most cautious about, along with the production years most frequently stolen today.
Toyota Highlander (2013–2022)
The Highlander is a top theft target nationwide. Thieves love its popularity, shared parts with Lexus models, and high resale demand overseas. Organized groups in Ontario and Quebec in particular have made it their number one prize.
Dodge Ram 1500 (2011–2021)
Ram trucks are constantly at the top of theft charts. Late model examples are vulnerable to OBD hacking, while older ones are stripped for valuable HEMI engines and truck beds. Their sheer popularity in Canada guarantees parts will always sell.
Lexus RX (2016–2021)
Luxury crossovers like the RX are targeted heavily for export. The RX’s shared platform with Toyota models makes it a double win for thieves who want to profit from parts and prestige.
Honda CR-V (2016–2021)
The CR-V is one of Canada’s most stolen vehicles. With strong demand abroad, late model CR-Vs are often shipped out of the country within days of being stolen. Older ones continue to be chopped for engines and transmissions.
Toyota RAV4 (2017–2022)
The RAV4’s explosive popularity has made it a target. It is consistently high on theft claims because it is easy to resell and highly sought after in export markets.
Honda Civic (2016–2021)
The Civic has long been a favorite. Older Civics are stripped down for cheap parts while newer ones are taken whole and resold. With so many on Canadian roads, they’re an easy and profitable grab.
Jeep Wrangler (2016–2021)
Wranglers fetch strong prices used and have enormous aftermarket demand. Thieves know they can profit off body panels, engines, and axles alone, even if the vehicle can’t be sold complete.
Land Rover Range Rover (2017–2021)
Range Rovers are stolen for prestige as much as parts. Luxury SUVs are major export items, with many stolen in Ontario ending up in overseas markets within weeks.
Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon (2015–2021)
GM’s big SUVs are versatile theft targets. They’re prized in export markets for their size and value, and thieves know every component from their big engines to seats will sell fast.
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 (2014–2021)
Pickup trucks like the Silverado and Sierra are theft magnets. Their high resale value and demand for parts make them top targets in Alberta and Ontario especially.
Toyota Tacoma (2016–2021)
The Tacoma’s global reputation for toughness makes it a huge target. Thieves prize them because resale values in foreign markets are exceptionally high.
BMW X5 and X3 (2017–2021)
Luxury German SUVs are targeted for quick resale and valuable components. Electronics can be reprogrammed quickly, making them easy for professional thieves to move.
Ford F-Series (2013–2020)
The F-150 is Canada’s best selling vehicle, which also makes it one of the most stolen. Its sheer ubiquity ensures constant parts demand, and organized groups make it a regular theft prize.
Nissan Rogue (2018–2021)
The Rogue’s popularity in Canada means it is constantly on theft lists. Its parts fit multiple Nissan models, giving thieves more resale opportunities.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2018–2021)
The Santa Fe is increasingly targeted, especially newer ones. High demand and weaker anti theft systems make them easier to steal than some rivals.
Hyundai Tucson (2018–2021)
Like the Santa Fe, the Tucson has seen a surge in theft rates. Smaller than the Santa Fe but just as in demand, it’s a go to for theft rings looking for quick exports.
Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLC (2017–2021)
Prestige SUVs from Mercedes are magnets for theft. Whether exported whole or stripped down, they bring big profits and have been linked to major organized theft operations in Ontario.
Toyota Sienna (2016–2020)
Family minivans are stolen more often than people think. The Sienna’s AWD options and reliability make it highly valuable in both local and international resale.
Honda Odyssey (2015–2020)
The Odyssey remains a target for similar reasons as the Sienna. Thieves know minivans always have buyers, and parts like engines and transmissions are consistently in demand.
Subaru Outback and Forester (2016–2021)
AWD Subarus are Canadian staples, which means their parts are always needed. Late model Outbacks and Foresters are prime targets, particularly in snowy regions where demand is constant.
Why These Vehicles Get Stolen
Thieves focus on high demand vehicles that are easy to move quickly. Compact SUVs, pickups, and luxury crossovers dominate the list because they can be stripped for parts, resold domestically, or exported abroad. In Ontario alone, theft claims have doubled in recent years, costing insurers billions and leaving Canadian owners footing the bill through higher premiums.
How to Protect Your Car
To lower risk, Canadians are urged to store fobs in signal blocking pouches to block relay attacks, use OBD locks, and install aftermarket immobilizers. Visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and dash cameras help increase the time it takes for thieves to act, often discouraging them. Parking in secure garages or monitored areas is one of the simplest but most effective defenses.
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