The 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada for 2025

The Toyota RAV4 has claimed the top spot as Canada’s most stolen vehicle, surpassing the Toyota Highlander, according to Équité Association’s newly released report.  

The report, which ranks the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada in 2024, highlights the ongoing risk to newer SUVs with keyless ignitions — prime targets for thieves nationwide.

The auto theft crisis doesn’t just impact owners of stolen cars — auto insurance customers everywhere have seen insurance costs rise in recent years resulting directly from car thefts.

Data from Rates.ca has found that comprehensive insurance for the most stolen vehicles is up to 60% higher for 2024 models compared to 2018. Some insurers have even introduced surcharges of $300 to $500 on high-risk models, which can only be waived with the installation of anti-theft devices like a Tag tracking system or a steering wheel lock.

The insurance crime and fraud prevention organization emphasized the ongoing need for collaboration with Public Safety Canada to sustain progress. In a statement, it said it will “leverage the momentum from the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft on this critical Canadian safety issue” and push for preventative measures like mandating the ULC 338 anti-theft standard.

Changes in most stolen vehicles this year

While auto theft dropped 19% nationally from 2023 to 2024 — thanks in part to the National Action Plan to Combat Auto Theft launched in May 2024 — losses still exceed $1 billion annually. Organized crime continues to exploit keyless entry systems and target high-value vehicles.

As a case in point, topping the list is the Toyota RAV4, which saw over 2,000 instances of theft last year. The car’s reliability, global serviceability, and high resale value make it a prime target for organized crime, which profits from illegal sales both locally and internationally.

Like many vehicles on the list, the RAV4 includes 2019 or newer models with keyless ignition systems, which are particularly vulnerable to theft due to the lack of anti-theft devices meeting modern security standards.  

The list is also dominated by SUVs and trucks, which occupy nine out of 10 spots. Not only are they popular among Canadian drivers, but they also appeal strongly to thieves. 

Here’s Canada’s top 10 most stolen vehicles: 

"The Toyota RAV4's appearance at the top of the list is a clear sign that organized criminal networks are not slowing down; they are simply shifting their tactics," explains Bryan Gast, national VP, investigative services at Équité Association in a press release.  

“As the cost to buy and maintain vehicles rises, we can expect to see this trend grow. We’ve seen a 47.5% spike in thefts of high-value ($200K+) luxury vehicles which shows that criminals are focusing on maximizing their payouts as auto theft becomes riskier due to strategic law enforcement and government resourcing,” he says.

For those concerned about theft and rising insurance costs, opting for a used vehicle could be a practical solution. According to Rates.ca, the total cost of ownership for a 2018 Toyota RAV4 is significantly lower than for a 2025 model, with annual costs of $10,966 versus $12,636—a 15% difference. Insurance premiums for newer models are also higher, making used vehicles not only more affordable but potentially less attractive to thieves. Additionally, older models often depreciate less rapidly, further reducing long-term costs.

It’s important to consider both theft risk and total cost of ownership when choosing a vehicle. For high-risk models like the RAV4, installing anti-theft devices or opting for a used version could save money and provide peace of mind.

Related: The best (and cheapest) cars to insure in Canada 

Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Ontario

Auto thefts in Ontario have seen a significant decline, dropping 25.9% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Toronto Police Service (TPS) reported a 29.5% year-to-date decrease, while York Regional Police (YRP) and Peel Regional Police (PRP) recorded even steeper drops of 34% and 69%.

This decline can be attributed to a combination of heightened public awareness, law enforcement efforts, and new technologies.  

For instance, TPS has deployed automated license plate recognition technology to scan plates in real-time and flag stolen vehicles. Meanwhile, the federal government’s 2024 action plan has enhanced cargo searches, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement collaboration.  

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has already intercepted 666 stolen vehicles in 2025, following 2,277 recoveries in 2024. However, there’s still much to be concerned about – particularly for owners of high value cars.  

In Ontario, criminals tend to seek these vehicles:

Luxury auto thefts spiked in 2024

The 2024 Honda CR-V, 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Series, and 2019 Honda Civic top the list for the highest number of vehicle thefts in Ontario. However, the 2024 Lexus TX Series stands out as the most frequently stolen vehicle in the province, with nearly one in four stolen last year. 

Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Alberta  

In Alberta, pickup trucks dominate the list of most stolen vehicles, with the top five spots occupied entirely by trucks.

Unlike Ontario and Quebec, where auto theft is often driven by the demand for newer, high-value vehicles destined for illegal international resale, Alberta sees a different trend. Older models, such as the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ford F350 Series, are frequently targeted. These vehicles are often stolen for use in local crimes and then abandoned. 

How to protect your vehicle from theft

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a vehicle is stolen every five minutes in Canada. Consider these tips to avoid falling victim to auto theft:

• 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.
• Install an electronic vehicle immobilizer to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car, truck, or SUV.
• Install a tracking device that emits a signal to police, enabling them to locate your vehicle.
• Don’t be an easy target for auto theft. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area or garage and ensure all the windows are closed and the doors are locked.
• Have a visible or audible device that tells thieves your vehicle is protected, and never leave your car running when unattended.
• Get a steering wheel or brake pedal lock. For more tips refer to our guide here.

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.

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