Top 10 most stolen vehicles: the Toyota RAV4 tops the list in Quebec and in Canada
The Toyota RAV4 is the most stolen vehicle in Quebec for the second year in a row and now ranks ahead of its big brother, the Highlander, as the most popular vehicle among thieves across Canada. This is according to the latest rankings released by Équité Association, based on thefts reported in 2024.
Despite a 19% decrease in vehicle thefts across Canada as a result of several measures adopted by governments, police forces, and customs authorities as part of the National Action Plan to Combat Vehicle Theft, these thefts exceed $1 billion annually in terms of claims, the organization notes.
“While we are seeing positive signs of progress, auto theft continues to be a national problem that has become a significant source of funding for organized crime groups,” said Terri O'Brien, President and CEO of Equity Association.
Another finding: thefts of luxury vehicles (valued at $200,000 or more) increased by 47.5% nationwide last year, demonstrating that “criminals are increasingly looking to maximize their profits as auto theft becomes more risky due to strategic resources from law enforcement and government,” explains Bryan Gast, National Vice President of Investigative Services at Equitas Association.
“We are also seeing a shift toward stolen vehicles being ‘re-VIN'd’ for sale or dismantled in illegal chop shops and sold for parts,” he adds. "As the cost of purchasing and maintaining vehicles increases, we can expect to see this trend grow.
The next essential step in prevention, according to Équité Association, is for Transport Canada and its U.S. counterpart to make the proposed new harmonized standard ULC 338 (Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Systems and Devices) mandatory, which will deter thieves and provide more clarity to manufacturers and installers alike.
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Quebec in 2024
Newer SUV models, particularly those with vulnerabilities related to keyless security mechanisms, remain the primary targets for sophisticated criminal networks nationwide, especially in Quebec and Ontario. The RAV4 is a vehicle in high demand, easy to maintain, and with a high resale value.
Number of thefts: 921 – Theft rate: 0.64%
Number of thefts: 398 – Theft rate: 0.34%
Number of thefts: 392 – Theft rate: 0.19%
Number of thefts: 267 – Theft rate: 0.83%
Number of thefts: 215 – Theft rate: 1.17%
Number of thefts: 214 – Theft rate: 0.26%
Number of thefts: 158 – Theft rate: 0.23%
Number of thefts: 158 – Theft rate: 0.20%
Number of thefts: 157 – Theft rate: 0.18%
10. Toyota C-HR 2021
Number of thefts: 113 – Theft rate: 1.32%
