Équité Association has released its annual lists of the top 10 most stolen vehicles nationally and provincially. Auto theft continues to be a growing issue across Canada, with a car stolen in Ontario every 48 minutes. There are a few reasons why theft is becoming so common. There’s the increasingly sophisticated nature of organized criminal networks, the high demand for stolen parts, and the ease of hacking through keyless entry systems. All this combined has created what many are calling a national crisis as more and more vehicles are being stolen. Specific models are being targeted more than others, which is shown on Équité Association’s newest top 10 lists.
The lists highlight the most stolen vehicles in 2022. If your vehicle made the ranking, you may face higher insurance rates. We’ll explain more but first let’s start by looking at 2022’s most stolen vehicles in Ontario.
What are 2022’s most stolen vehicles in Ontario?
Ontario saw historical highs for stolen vehicles last year, with Ontario increasing by 48% and Quebec up by 50%.
Here are 2022’s most stolen vehicles in Ontario:
| Rank | Make/Model | Year | Type | Thefts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda CR-V | 2020 | SUV | 2,684 |
| 2 | Lexus RX Series | 2020 | SUV | 1,707 |
| 3 | Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2022 | Truck | 1,405 |
| 4 | Toyota Highlander | 2021 | SUV | 1,344 |
| 5 | Land Rover Range Rover | 2020 | SUV | 1,225 |
| 6 | Ford F150 Series | 2020 | Truck | 901 |
| 7 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | SUV | 766 |
| 8 | Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | SUV | 689 |
| 9 | Honda Civic | 2019 | Sedan | 630 |
| 10 | Acura RDX | 2021 | SUV | 459 |
| 1Équité Association – Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles | ||||
Vehicles that seem to be most targeted in 2022 include newer models, big vehicles, SUVs, and pickups. The CR-V topped both the Ontario and national lists most likely due to the sheer quantity of them on the road, as well as their serviceability globally.
What are 2022’s least stolen vehicles in Ontario?
For the first time, Équité Association shared details about the least stolen vehicles across the country. Information like this can assist in keeping Canadians safer in the face of organized crime. Here’s Ontario’s list, ranked by number of thefts:
| Rank | Make/Model | Type of Vehicle | # of Insured Cars in ON | # of Thefts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cadillac XT5 | SUV | 11,483 | 1 |
| 2 | Fiat 500 | Sedan | 10,913 | 5 |
| 3 | Ford/Lincoln Escape/Corsair | SUV | 19,347 | 6 |
| 4 | Buick Verano | Sedan | 11,706 | 6 |
| 5 | Chevrolet Impala | Sedan | 14,781 | 7 |
| 6 | Buick/Chevrolet Encalve/Traverse | SUV | 14,346 | 7 |
| 7 | Toyota Yaris | Sedan | 12,597 | 7 |
| 8 | Volvo XC60 | SUV | 10,603 | 7 |
| 9 | Nissan Micra Hatchback | Sedan | 10,160 | 7 |
| 10 | Hyundai Kona | SUV | 27,030 | 8 |
| 1Équité Association – Top 10 Least Stolen Vehicles | ||||
What are the most frequently stolen vehicles in Ontario?
The most stolen vehicles may be a good indicator for insurers to use when it comes to rating vehicles based on their theft likelihood, but theft frequency may serve as a better indicator of what vehicles are most at-risk for drivers. Équité Association’s 2022 list also included the top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2022 ranking by theft frequency. Here is the Ontario list:
| No. | Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | Theft Frequency (%) | # of Vehicles Insured | # of thefts | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land Rover Range Rover | 2021 | 5.9% | 20,743 | 1,225 | SUV |
| 2 | Jeep Gladiator | 2002 | 4.1% | 3,580 | 145 | Truck |
| 3 | Lexus RX Series | 2020 | 3.0% | 57,753 | 1,707 | SUV |
| 4 | Toyota Highlander | 2022 | 2.2% | 60,326 | 1,344 | SUV |
| 5 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2020 | 1.6% | 47,981 | 766 | SUV |
| 6 | Acura RDX | 2021 | 1.2% | 37,235 | 459 | SUV |
| 7 | Honda CR-V | 2022 | 1.2% | 224,311 | 2,684 | SUV |
| 8 | Dodge Durango | 2022 | 1.2% | 11,829 | 136 | SUV |
| 9 | Land Rover Discovery | 2019 | 1.1% | 4,539 | 51 | SUV |
| 10 | Jeep Wrangler | 2022 | 1.1% | 63,443 | 689 | SUV |
| 1Équité Association – Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles by Frequency | ||||||
Does having a vehicle on the most stolen list impact your insurance rates?
Last year, Canadian insurers paid a record breaking $1.2 billion in auto theft claims. As car theft rates continue to climb, insurance companies have had to increase premiums to combat claims costs, especially for vehicles that are at higher risk of being stolen. Some insurers have also begun adding a $500 high-theft surcharge to the most stolen vehicles. Installing a tracking device, like Tag, may help to negate this surcharge and can keep your vehicle safer.
The Tag tracking system costs around $400 to install, but some insurers will offer the installation for free or at a discounted cost.
Facing common auto theft challenges
Car thieves are getting bolder, and there have been reports of some Canadians having their cars stolen several times in the span of a few months, or of thieves attempting to steal people’s vehicles multiple times over the course of a couple of days. We’ve seen this at Mitch with one client having their truck stolen, replacing it with the same make and model and then having their new vehicle taken a week after it was purchased.
Although private driveways and underground parking have historically been viewed as being more secure than street parking or public parking lots, thieves don’t seem to be discriminating and we’ve heard of multiple theft attempts that have occurred in residential driveways.
Regardless of what kind of car you own, it’s important to take proactive measures to keep it safe.
Here’s what to do if your vehicle is on Ontario or Canada’s most stolen vehicle list
Auto theft can be distressing, inconvenient, and seriously impact your daily life. Here’s some tips to discourage theft, especially if your vehicle is on Ontario or Canada’s most stolen list:
1. Install a tracking device or alarm system
Not only will specific tracking devices and alarm systems qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance, they act as a visual deterrent for thieves. Alarm systems can alert you as well if nearby individuals are tampering with or attempting to enter your vehicle.
2. Use a steering wheel lock
Steering wheel locks are another visual deterrent for thieves. And while thieves can remove them, they do make your car a less attractive target.
3. Hide all valuables
Avoid leaving your phone, wallet, electronics, or purse out where thieves can see them. They may act as an incentive for thieves to break your windows and cause serious property damage.
4. Park in well-lit or secure areas
The best place to park your car is in a private, closed and locked garage. If that isn’t an option, or you’re out-and-about, try to park in areas that are well-lit and populated. Thieves may be less likely to go after vehicles that are in areas with high visibility or have security cameras.
5. Lock your car
This should seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to lock your car even if it’s being left unattended for a short period of time. Make sure all of your windows are closed and your sunroof (if applicable) is shut and secured. If your vehicle is being left unattended at all, it’s a good idea to turn it off. Yes, Canadian winters are cold, but it’s not worth risking your vehicle.
6. Keep your keys in a safe place
If you have a keyless fob, keep it away from your front door and secure it in a closed metal box or Faraday bag. Some thieves are able to copy the signal of your keyless fob and replicate it to break into your vehicle.
Thanks to Mitch Insurance’s Jesica Ryzynski, registered insurance broker since 1997, for her input on this post.
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Pretty useless information. It is the rate of theft that matters, not the number of thefts. You could steal every Bentley in Canada and not make the list.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the input. Équité Association does release a list of the most (and least) stolen vehicles by frequency, which we’ve updated in our article. Keep in mind that insurance companies will still look at the most stolen list by number when determining rates, as higher theft numbers will still influence the number of claim payouts.
Where can one get info re the likelihood of specific vehicles being targeted — e.g. Lincoln Nautilus or Aviator? Thank you.
Hi Derek,
Unfortunately, Équité Association only releases info about the most and least stolen cars across the country. There’s no database for checking the theft rates for other vehicles.
How about have the Police do their job and work with them to HAVE these TRACKED VEHICLES OUT OF THE CONTAINERS BEFORE THEY LEAVE MONTREAL. ITS ALMOST LIKE YOUR IN BED WITH THE THIEVERY. Too many people are getting scr**ed by your flawed polices. wake up and take the vehicles back before they head overseas.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We understand that the situation is frustrating, especially for policyholders whose vehicles are heavily targeted.
Earlier this month, the federal government held a National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft that brought together different levels of government, law enforcement, border and port authority officials, car manufacturers and insurance companies to discuss solutions to the auto theft crisis. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and we’re hopeful that this is a move in the right direction.
Those are just an excuse to spend taxpayer money. Nothing is ever accomplished from those summits.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for sharing your perspective. We understand your skepticism. While every step counts in addressing auto theft, we’re also realistic about the challenges ahead. We remain hopeful that the upcoming summit will yield tangible solutions, but acknowledge the uncertainty of when and how change will occur.