Cars least likely to be stolen often have advanced anti-theft tech (like Teslas, Volvos) or are less popular models, with electric vehicles (EVs) generally having very low theft rates, while common colors like white, black, and grey are targeted more by thieves than unique colors. Specific low-theft models from recent years include the Tesla Model 3/Y, Volvo XC90/XC40, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Vehicles with advanced security features and lower market desirability tend to have the lowest theft rates. Notable examples include the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, and Subaru Ascent.
Generally, the least stolen vehicles tend to be older models with manual transmissions or less flashy, utilitarian designs think base model pickups, economy sedans, or anything without push-button start.
What Are the Safest Cars?
Models Involved in a Large Number of Fatal Crashes (Due to Popularity):
Thieves often avoid high-end vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and newer BMWs because they are more difficult to steal, easily tracked, and too risky to sell or strip. These cars often come with multi-layered security systems, making them less attractive targets.
Subaru cars are difficult to steal in comparison to other cars out there. One of the ways that you can't steal a Subaru car is by hotwiring. The technology itself of a Subaru vehicle is completely digital and so revolutionary that something as simple as jump-starting a Subaru is not even an option.
The top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2023
Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving. Unlocked doors are easy targets. When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Ensure windows are fully closed to prevent a thief from trying to open the door from the inside.
Like the Camry, the Toyota Corolla is also a frequent member of the NICB Hot Wheels list. In 2020, the Corolla was the eighth-most stolen vehicle in the United States. A total of 12,515 Corollas were separated from their owners representing a 3.1% increase from 2019.
Fit good in-car security locks
Additional physical security can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry. There are a range of security rated products tested by Sold Secure that can help, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear stick locks.
The short answer is: they work as a deterrent, but they're not foolproof. Here's what the evidence shows. Cars with visible security devices experience fewer theft attempts, and steering wheel locks definitely make thieves think twice.
These models, along with specific trims of popular cars like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, are seeing significantly lower theft rates.
Engine problems can pop up in older or high-mileage used Subarus, especially if regular service was skipped. Two typical trouble spots are oil leaks and head gasket failures. Oil leaks may sound like a small problem, but they can lead to much bigger ones. Most leaks stem from worn gaskets, valve covers, or aging seals.
The least stolen cars are ones with bright colours such as orange, green, yellow, and pink. This is because they're uncommon, easy to notice, and hard to sell. Car thieves tend to go for vehicles in common colours, such as white, grey, and black.
Least Stolen Cars
The full top 10 list as reported by Équité:
This car is very low demand in the criminal market as parts are not widely as traded in chop shops and the brand does not have an established cross border resale route. So criminals don't prioritise it. And in first place the least hijacked car in South Africa is the Audi Q three.
The most dependable models—such as those from Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Toyota—have received high reliability ratings in various categories. Notably, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and Lexus NX Hybrid rank among the most reliable vehicles in the 2025 Consumer Reports survey.
What is the best age for a used car to buy? If you want the best balance of cost and dependability, a used car that's 2-5 years old is usually your best bet. Here's why: A car loses most of its value in the first 2-3 years, so buying nearly new avoids the steepest depreciation.