Are you worried about losing your vehicle to car thieves? New data released by Équité Association shows that, despite a national decline in auto theft, specific auto brands continue to be favoured by criminals, with Toyota and Honda dominating the top 10.
According to Équité Association, an organization working with law enforcement on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Canadians continue to bear the brunt through financial and emotional costs, as auto theft losses amounted to more than $1 billion nationally in 2024 alone.
Additionally, the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2024, compiled by the not-for-profit organization, revealed that Toyota RAV4 owners were most at risk, as 2,080 vehicles of that make and model were targeted by car thieves last year.
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Top targets: Why your vehicle may matter
Data shows that the vehicles favoured by criminals aren’t just old beater cars, but SUVs and luxury trucks. Nationally, Toyota dominated the top 10 list with RAV4, Highlander and Tundra emerging as criminal favourites.
The Honda Civic and Honda CR-V made the top 5 most stolen cars nationally, with the Ford F-150 Series and Jeep Wrangler joining them in being the most popular vehicles targeted by thieves.
A list of the most-stolen vehicles in Canada in 2024, by Équité Association.
The Dodge RAM 1500 Series was the second most stolen vehicle across Canada in 2024 after the Toyota RAV4, with Ford, Lexus and GMC models completing the list.
The model year for the majority of the vehicles on the list fell between 2020 and 2024, with only the Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series dating back to 2006, which accounted for 1,192 thefts in 2024.
What about auto thefts specifically in Ontario?
Équité Association paints a similar picture on a provincial level for Ontario, except Honda’s CR-V models from 2024 were reported as the most stolen vehicles last year, accounting for 1,309 thefts.
A new addition to this localized list was the 2019 models of the Land Rover Range Rover Series, ranking number 10 among the most stolen vehicles in the province for 2024, resulting in 708 thefts.
A list of the most-stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2024, by Équité Association.
Impact on drivers and insurers
The implications of auto theft are serious for average Canadians, as they are impacted not just emotionally, but also see weight added to their wallets with insurance premiums on high-theft models spiking. Reports from 2024 reveal that companies began surcharging drivers who owned “hot list” models unless they installed legitimate anti-theft systems.
Stay alert, stay informed
Even with the number of auto thefts on a decline, it’s a risk worth taking seriously, especially with high-value SUVs and trucks that continue to dominate theft statistics. The models targeted, the areas affected, and the rising costs of theft all point toward one conclusion: preventive action isn’t optional anymore — it’s necessary.
Safety tips:
Park in a well-lit area or in your garage
Use aftermarket immobilizers and tracking devices, steering wheel locks, and Faraday pouches
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Toronto’s young, new male drivers could face premiums of $13,000 a year: Report
How auto parts tariffs could raise car insurance premiums in 2025
Canada targets auto theft and organized crime with stricter bail laws and tougher sentencing laws
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Joy Joshi is a senior editor and writer at Yahoo News Canada.