Organized auto theft in Canada continues to evolve, causing more than $1 billion in insurance losses last year despite an overall national decline in thefts. Équité Association released its 2024 list of the country’s most stolen vehicles, with the Toyota RAV4 emerging as the new top target. The organization warns that criminal networks are adapting quickly, shifting their focus to newer SUVs with keyless-entry weaknesses and exploiting high-value models for profit.
té’s President and CEO, Terri O’Brien, emphasized that although recent efforts show promise, auto theft remains a major funding source for organized crime and still imposes significant financial and emotional costs on Canadians. The association continues to work alongside Public Safety Canada to advance the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft and to push for stronger prevention measures, including mandatory adoption of the ULC 338 anti-theft standard.
According to Bryan Gast, National VP of Investigative Services, thieves are increasingly using tactics such as re-VINing stolen vehicles, exporting them overseas, or dismantling them in illegal chop shops. Rising vehicle prices and maintenance costs are also contributing to a 47% increase in thefts of luxury vehicles worth over $200,000, as criminals prioritize high-profit opportunities.
| No. | Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | # of Vehicles Insured | # of Thefts | Theft Rate / Frequency (%) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 2021 | 554,086 | 2,080 | 0.38% | SUV |
| 2 | Dodge Ram 1500 Series | 2022 | 521,734 | 2,018 | 0.39% | Truck |
| 3 | Honda CR-V | 2020 | 516,262 | 1,911 | 0.37% | SUV |
| 4 | Ford F150 Series | 2023 | 598,353 | 1,833 | 0.31% | Truck |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 2020 | 683,897 | 1,797 | 0.26% | Car |
| 6 | Jeep Wrangler | 2023 | 144,345 | 1,491 | 1.03% | SUV |
| 7 | Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2006 | 599,358 | 1,191 | 0.20% | Truck |
| 8 | Toyota Highlander | 2022 | 127,314 | 1,142 | 0.90% | SUV |
| 9 | Toyota Tundra | 2024 | 74,298 | 1,129 | 1.52% | Truck |
| 10 | Lexus RX Series | 2023 | 98,375 | 1,124 | 1.14% | SUV |
FAQ
Based on the 2024 data, the Toyota Tundra has the highest theft rate among the top stolen vehicles. Despite having fewer insured units compared to other popular models, its theft frequency is significantly higher, making it the most targeted on a per-vehicle basis.
The Toyota RAV4 was the most stolen vehicle in Canada in 2024. It was taken more than 2,000 times nationwide, driven by strong resale demand, keyless-entry vulnerabilities, and its high value in both domestic and international illegal markets.
The Toyota RAV4 is in high demand, easy to resell or export, and has keyless-entry vulnerabilities that organized crime groups exploit. More than 2,000 RAV4s were stolen in 2024, reflecting its value and global resale appeal.
With rising vehicle purchase and maintenance costs, high-value luxury models offer greater financial upside for thieves. There has been a 47.5% increase in thefts involving vehicles worth over $200,000, as organized crime focuses on maximizing payouts.
The proposed ULC 338 standard is a modernized security requirement for vehicle theft-deterrent systems. Équité Association advocates for Canada and the U.S. to adopt this harmonized standard because it would strengthen vehicle security, provide consistency for manufacturers, and help prevent theft before it occurs.
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