Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada: Toyota RAV4 is New No. 1

Published on November 18, 2025 in News by Guillaume Rivard

The Toyota RAV4 has replaced its larger sibling, the Highlander, as the most stolen vehicle in Canada according to the latest annual compilation released by Équité Association, which is based on the number of thefts reported in 2024.

Despite an overall 19% decrease in vehicle thefts nationwide—a result of multiple actions taken by governments, police forces and other stakeholders under the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, these thefts continue to cost Canadians over $1 billion in insurance claims each year, the organization notes.

“While we see early positive signs of progress, auto theft remains a national issue that has become a significant funding source for organized crime groups,” said Terri O’Brien, President and CEO of Équité Association.

Thefts of high-value ($200,000+) luxury vehicles have spiked 47.5%, which shows that “criminals are focusing on maximizing their payouts as auto theft becomes riskier due to strategic law enforcement and government resourcing,” explained Équité Association’s National VP of Investigative Services, Bryan Gast.

“We’re also seeing a shift towards stolen vehicles being “re-VINed” for sale or disassembled in illegal chop shops and sold for parts. As the cost to buy and maintain vehicles rises, we can expect to see this trend grow,” he added.

The next essential step in car theft prevention, according to Équité Association, is for Transport Canada and its U.S. counterpart to mandate the newly proposed harmonized ULC 338 (Vehicle Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems) standard. Adopting this unified, modern standard will help deter thieves while providing clarity for manufacturers and installers.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada in 2024

Newer-model SUVs, particularly those with keyless security vulnerabilities, remain prime targets for criminal networks nationally, especially in Quebec and Ontario. The RAV4’s strong demand, global serviceability and high resale value make it extremely attractive for car thieves, maximizing criminal profits from illegal domestic and international sales.