The 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada in 2022

This article has been updated from a previous version.

Do you drive a Ford F-Series or RAM pickup truck? What about an SUV with a keyless remote entry fob? If so, you might want to be a little more cautious where you park it.

According to the Équité Association (Équité)’s 2022 Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Canada list, which relies on 2021 data, high-end vehicles, including pick-up trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars continue to be a top target for thieves. Car thieves’ tactics have become more sophisticated, with organized crime networks exporting a higher number of stolen vehicles internationally and making electronic vehicle theft a being a continued problem nationwide. Vehicles with keyless remote fobs are highly sought-after among thieves, as they can capture key fob signals through the door of a house using a wireless transmitter in what is known as a “relay attack.”

This year, the Honda CR-V was Canada’s most stolen vehicle, and the Lexus RX series had a higher theft percentage of 6.4% rate. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) says auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion annually. These costs can trickle down to the average driver if your vehicle has a high theft rate, resulting in higher car insurance premiums. “Not only is auto theft costly, it places a burden on our criminal justice system and creates undue personal and financial hardship for Canadians who have been a victim of this type of crime,” Équité notes in their press statement.

Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada for 2022:

  1. 2016-2021 Honda CR-V
  2. 2016-2021 Lexus RX Series
  3. 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Series
  4. 2016-2021 Honda Civic
  5. 2013-2019 Toyota Highlander
  6. 2011-2018 RAM 1500 Series
  7. 1999-2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500
  8. 2018-2021 Honda Accord
  9. 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  10. 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

Why these models are at risk for theft

One reason the vehicles listed are vulnerable to theft may be because they don’t have an ignition immobilizer. An ignition immobilizer is an advanced anti-theft device that can prevent thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle, and without it, it’s easier for a thief to gain access to and control cars.

Motor vehicle thefts in Ontario and Alberta

Équité uses nationwide theft data from the IBC to compile its annual list. However, there are regional variances, and the most stolen vehicles in Ontario and Alberta differ slightly from the national list.

Most stolen vehicles in Ontario in 2022

High-end SUVs are the vehicle of choice among criminals in Ontario. According to Équité, these are the vehicle models' thieves target most often:

  1. 2016-2021 Lexus RX Series
  2. 2016-2021 Honda CR-V
  3. 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Series
  4. 2013-2019 Toyota Highlander
  5. 2016-2021 Honda Civic
  6. 2015-2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  7. 2018-2021 Honda Accord
  8. 1999-2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
  9. 2009-2018 RAM 1500 Series
  10. 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma

Most stolen vehicles in Alberta in 2022

In Alberta, where pickup trucks are common, Ford F-Series and Dodge Ram pickup trucks remain the most popular targets for theft in 2022:

  1. 1997-2007 Ford F-350 Series
  2. 2009-2018 RAM 1500 Series
  3. 1999-2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series
  4. 2009-2014 Ford F-150 Series
  5. 1999-2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
  6. 2015-2020 Ford F-150 Series
  7. 1997-2007 Ford F-250 Series
  8. 2007-2013 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
  9. 2019-2021 RAM 1500 Series
  10. 2009-2020 Dodge Journey

How to protect your vehicle from theft

No matter what vehicle you own, you can make it harder for thieves to target it. The IBC encourages you to pay special attention to where you keep your car’s key fob. Don’t leave your key fob in the car or near the entrance of your home. Placing your key fob in a Faraday key fob protector box or bag can block the key fob’s signal from being hacked by a thief.

Other ways to deter theft of your vehicle include:

  • Don’t keep valuables stored in your vehicle
  • Park your vehicle in a garage or well-lit area
  • Install an ignition immobilizer to prevent crooks from hot-wiring your vehicle
  • Get a mechanical anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel or brake pedal lock
  • Close and lock windows, doors, and sunroofs any time you leave the car
  • Don’t keep the engine running when the vehicle is unattended

It’s also worth determining how much insurance costs for the vehicle you own, as the price can vary by make and model. Or, if you plan to purchase a new set of wheels, compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers in a single search to find the lowest premium.

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