The #1 most stolen car depends heavily on the country, but in Australia, the Holden Commodore (VE models) was the most stolen for years, while the Toyota Hilux and newer SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 are now top targets, often due to advanced keyless theft. In Canada, the RAV4 recently took the top spot, while in the USA, Hyundai and Kia models (due to an easy-to-steal ignition flaw) dominate the list.
The Holden Commodore (VE models 2006-2013) has long been Australia's most stolen car model, consistently topping lists due to its popularity, affordability, and older security systems, though newer Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, LandCruiser, and RAV4 models are also prime targets for thieves, especially in regional areas, often stolen for parts or resale.
The top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2023
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.
Fidelity previously noted that hijackers most often targeted Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles, with targetted models including: Toyota Hilux Volkswagen Polo Toyota Quantum Nissan NP200 On top of these vehicles, security experts have also pointed to the following: Toyota Fortuner Toyota Etios Toyota Yaris Ford Ranger Ford ...
Want to purchase a car that will be safe from potential auto theft? You don't have to buy an ugly or even used car. Some cars, like the BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi are expensive and beautiful machines you can drive with pride, while still avoiding possible theft.
What Are the Safest Cars?
These robust security measures make Volvo vehicles less appealing to car thieves. While Tesla vehicles are known for their security, some BMW models also stand the test of time in terms of durability and reliability.
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.
These models, along with specific trims of popular cars like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, are seeing significantly lower theft rates.
Avoiding Vehicle Theft
While reliability varies, data from Australian roadside assistance shows popular models like the Toyota Corolla, Holden Captiva, Toyota Camry, and Mazda 3 frequently require help, often for battery, tyre, or engine issues, though older Holdens (Captiva/Cruze) are notorious for major failures. Factors like high sales volume for popular cars and known issues with certain models (like older Captivas) influence breakdown rates.
The frequency of whole-vehicle theft claims for the standard Camaro was 13 times as high as the average. “Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Australia's "25-Year Rule" allows importing classic and collectible vehicles (cars, motorcycles, light commercials) older than 25 years, under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws, by obtaining a Concessional RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles) approval to avoid strict compliance with modern Australian Design Rules (ADRs). This "rolling" rule means the vehicle must be at least 25 years old at the time of application, simplifying imports for enthusiasts but still requiring compliance with ADRs relevant to its original build year, plus some modifications for safety like VINs or child restraints.
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. This is because they have a higher demand, making them easy to sell.
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.
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.
There isn't one single "number 1" reliable car, as rankings vary, but Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus, along with Honda and Subaru, consistently rank at or near the top for overall brand reliability in studies from sources like Consumer Reports and What Car?. Specific models frequently cited for exceptional longevity and low running costs include the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry, known for being nearly "bulletproof" for daily driving.
There isn't one single car with the absolute worst crash rate, but recent studies point to the Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mitsubishi Mirage as having some of the highest fatal accident rates, often due to factors like small size (Venue, Mirage) or high performance (Corvette), increasing risk. Older models or those stripped of modern safety features, like the MG5 or certain Jeep Wranglers, also score poorly in crash tests.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins the 2026 The Car of the Year award. The German model wins in Brussels in the final vote with 320 points and takes the crown from the Renault 5 E-Tech as The Car Of The Year.
on accident risk. According to Kelley Blue Book, white is the most popular color choice for minivans, pickup trucks, sedans and luxury cars alike. White is also considered the safest color. In fact, in comparison to white vehicles, black cars are 12% more likely to be involved in an accident.
Criminals also have a preference when it comes to car colour, with black and grey being the top two most common colours of stolen vehicles. Ultimately, when it comes down to which vehicles are more likely to be stolen, convenience is an important factor.
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.