10 most stolen vehicles in Canada and Ontario lists released

The list of the 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada and Ontario was just released.

Équité Association published its Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada list for 2023 on Tuesday morning. The national, not-for-profit organization focused on insurance crime and fraud prevention, releases the lists annually.

In 2023, the Toyota Highlander overtook the Honda CR-V as the nation’s most stolen vehicle, Équité said in a press release. Honda CR-V had topped this list for the past two years.

The Toyota Highlander is a popular model in Canada and criminals continually shift demand to maximize their profits from the illegal sale of vehicles, Équité said.

The Dodge Ram 1500 Series and Lexus RX Series are in the next two spots and the Honda CR-V was in the fourth place.

Équité notes that nearly all of the vehicles on the list have vulnerabilities that come with keyless ignitions, particularly as these vehicles do not come equipped with anti-theft devices aligned to the ULC 338 Anti-theft Standards.

“In order to sustainably address the auto theft crisis in Canada, solutions must evolve from focusing on the recovery of stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place,” said Terri O’Brien, president and chief executive officer of Équité Association.

O’Brien called for an update to Canada’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.

The top most stolen vehicles in Ontario list shares similarities with the national ranking. The Lexus RX takes the top spot followed by the Toyota Highlander and Dodge Ram 1500.

The report also notes the increase in thefts across Canada.

Between 2021-2023 auto theft increased 48.2 per cent in Ontario, 57.9 per cent in Quebec, 34 per cent in Atlantic Canada, and 5.5 per cent in Alberta.

There have been several initiatives to stop vehicle theft including a Vehicle Crimes Conference held in Mississauga this year.

Public Safety Canada announced its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft in May 2024, Équité noted.

While there has been a national decrease in auto theft in 2024, Équité calls for continued vigilance.

“The most crucial step in fighting auto theft is stopping it before it starts,” said Bryan Gast, vice president, Investigative Services of Équité Association.

Gast also notes issues with keyless ignitions.

“One of the most common trends we’re seeing on the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles list includes newer vehicles with keyless ignitions,” Gast said.

Technology, already developed, patented and in use in other countries, should be implemented in Canadian vehicles, Équité said.

Équité recommends using anti-theft devices, vehicle immobilizers and tracking devices.

See the full report from Équité here.