In 2019, the NHTSA estimated that the value of stolen vehicles was a whopping $6 billion, a $1.5 billion increase since 2014. In the first half of 2022 alone, thieves stole more than 500,000 vehicles in the US, with an estimated worth of about $4.5 million. Due to these thefts, many car companies have dialed things up to 11 regarding safety features. Take Tesla, for example; the brand's cars are literally impossible to steal. In 2016, the company had a 100% return percentage on stolen vehicles. It'll be great if car companies can replicate such a record in the future.

Updated September 2023: We have updated this article with new cars to avoid buying to minimize the risk of theft and those you should probably splash the cash on for relatively theft-free ownership.

However, the sad reality is lots of older used cars with decreased technologies are still around and will remain in existence for a long time. It is up to the drivers to find a proper anti-theft device to protect their ride, especially those who own expensive luxury cars, sports cars, and even muscle cars.

RELATED: How Thieves Are Now Stealing Your Car…And What You Can Do To Stop Them

23 Never Gets Stolen: Audi A6

2017 Audi A6
Audi

Audi makes some of the best German luxury cars that give the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz a run for their money. Audi is always looking for ways to upend the competition, so it has invested millions in developing some of the industry's best anti-theft devices.

Surprisingly, despite a large quantity of Audis out on the road, the brand remains at the bottom of the list for the likelihood of its cars getting stolen. In Canada and the US, Audi is rarely visible on any top theft list. Leading the charge for the ride that is least likely to get stolen is the Audi A6. According to CBC statistics, only one Audi is a victim of theft per 2,000 cars. Those are some pretty good odds, wouldn't you say?

22 Easily Stolen: Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Driving On A Highway
Dodge

Dodge muscle cars have been topping an IIHS list for quite some time, but it isn't something to be proud of. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) Insurance Report for 2020–22 states that the most stolen vehicles in the US are two powerful Dodge muscle cars—the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and the Charger HEMI V8. The SRT Hellcat tops the list with 60 times more frequent claims than the average value for all 2020–22 cars.

Dodge Chargers are easily stolen because of easy access to vital components like engines, gearboxes, and wiring. For every 1000 insured vehicle years, there were 25 whole-vehicle theft claims for Dodge muscle cars. This is a steep increase as compared to 18 for 2019.

21 Never Gets Stolen: Tesla Model S

2022 TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE front third quarter view
Autohunter

Tesla undoubtedly makes some of the best electric cars. Tesla aims to be not just a vehicle manufacturing company but also a technology company, which is why it offers some of the most advanced features, such as Summon, Autopilot, and over-the-air updates. Tesla also provides industry-leading anti-theft technologies. Thinking of stealing a Tesla Model S or any Tesla?

According to MarketWatch, this is a lot easier said than done. Teslas are pretty impossible to steal. Managing Editor of MarketWatch, Quentin Fottrell, explains, "The recovery of stolen Teslas is notable in an industry where the overall recovery rate for stolen vehicles was just 58.4% in 2016. Tesla had a 100% recovery rate that year, thanks in part to its GPS tracking technology." Since Tesla's emergence, only a handful of stolen cars have remained unrecovered. That's a phenomenal feat, one no other car companies can replicate.

20 Easily Stolen: Kia Rio

2023 Kia Rio 5-door
Kia

Since the turn of the century, the popularity of Korean cars has increased drastically in the US. However, as the number of Korean cars on the road continues to rise, car thieves have found vulnerabilities that make it much easier to steal them. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Kia Rio made it to the top 20 stolen vehicles for model years 2019 to 2021. The Highway Loss Data Institute agency reported that the non-inclusion of engine immobilizers in some older models of the Kia Rio is responsible for the high theft rate.

The HLDI report pinpointed the 2015 to 2019 Kia general models, including the Rio model, as the worst affected. A social media challenge on TikTok and YouTube has also led to increased incidents of stolen Kias as it teaches people ways to break into the car using just a USB cable and a screwdriver.

19 Never Gets Stolen: Nissan Leaf

white 2022 Nissan Leaf quarter front
Nissan

This might not come as a surprise because there is very little to be desired from the Nissan Leaf regarding performance and visual appeal. Being the first-ever all-electric five-door family hatchback made by a major manufacturer, the Leaf was solely built for efficiency and environmental saving efforts. There is no performance nor any visual appeal that contributes to its affinity to be stolen.

According to the HLDI report of cars from 2020-22, the Nissan Leaf is one of the least stolen cars in America. Of over 32,000 vehicles registered during this period, there were just two claims for vehicle theft. A major reason why the Leaf is theft-proof is that it is devoid of a conventional engine and powertrain. Once you are out of the car, it basically switches off like an iPhone going into safe mode.

18 Easily Stolen: Alfa Romeo Giulia

A white 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia parked
Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is one of the most gorgeous Italian cars of the 21st century. This beauty is sure to turn heads everywhere you go, and with a fire-breathing twin-turbo V6 under the hood cranking out over 500 hp, it's easy to see why it's expensive. However, what if we told you that a device sold via Amazon or eBay can unlock the car with just a click of a button? Alfa Romeo isn't the only company that should worry about this.

As Luke Smith of The Express explains, "Keyless entry cars could be at risk from con artists using radio transmitters to steal vehicles. The Sun revealed vehicles from 30 manufacturers that thieves can unlock and start using one simple hack." Making matters more troubling, a video showed a group of guys stealing a ride with the device in less than a minute. Yikes!

17 Never Gets Stolen: BMW 3 Series

Blue 2022 BMW 3 Series driven on the road
BMW

There's a myth that luxury cars are the easiest to steal. We're not sure if this is entirely the case, especially in Canada and the US. Compared to car brands like Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, the theft numbers do not compare for BMW.

Granted, a lot of the car nabbing has to do with taking parts of cars; however, BMW car models tend to be on the safer side. For example, the BMW 3 Series is the least stolen vehicle in the US, according to Highway Loss Data Institute data.

16 Easily Stolen: Lexus RX 350

2010 Lexus RX 350 in Red
Lexus

This one isn't all that surprising, as Lexus SUVs are prone to theft, especially in Canada. The RX is one of the most stolen cars in Canada as well. The RX, a mid-size crossover SUV, has a high rate in Quebec in particular. In 2017, three versions of the ride made the top 10 in the list of stolen vehicles.

The 2013 model of the RX 350 ranked at number four overall, while the 2014 and 2015 models also made it to the top 10. The overall value might be the reason for the theft. Notably, the ride is a luxury mid-size crossover SUV at a more than decent retail value. The new 2024 RX retails at a modest $49,950. Ironically, this ride once had a reputation for being the least likely for theft. However, those numbers have shifted drastically.

15 Never Gets Stolen: Volkswagen CC

The 2008 Volkswagen CC parked on the road.
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Comfort Coupe isn't easy to steal. In fact, according to CBC, the car has one of the best anti-theft rates at 0.6 stolen per 1,000 units. Compare that to an Escalade, for example, that's stolen 10.6 times per 1,000 cars on the road!

The Volkswagen CC has been around since 2008. It enjoyed a near decade-long run, ending production in 2017. Assembled in Germany, China, and Russia, the CC is among the more prestigious Volkswagen at a high price point of over $56,000, while some models actually cost more. Nonetheless, the thieves don't seem to care.

14 Easily Stolen: Infiniti Q30

2017 Infiniti Q30 Sport
Youtube Via YouCar

The Infiniti Q30 is just one of the other luxury cars that thieves can gain easy access to with just the click of a button. That's pretty alarming, especially for a luxury ride. As The Express indicates, the problem has to do with keyless entry. Keyless entry can be a cool and convenient feature, but things can quickly turn sour if there are any vulnerabilities in the networks that car thieves can exploit.

Making matters worse, the device that unlocks the Q30 sells on Amazon and eBay for pretty cheap. Devices that thieves use to do this are widely available online on sites such as Amazon and eBay. Thieves can apparently buy the device used in the test for $100. The issue occurred with more than 100 cars from 27 car manufacturers. Hopefully, this issue will be solved sooner rather than later.

13 Never Gets Stolen: Chevrolet Equinox

2023 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet

Chevrolet doesn't have the best luck when it comes to stolen cars. In a single year, the Chevrolet Silverado disappeared a grand total of 27,771 times! That's extremely alarming, and it ranked number four on the list in terms of quantity. The Malibu, Impala, and Cruze are other models that get stolen with a lot of frequency – especially the newer models.

It seems like the Equinox is immune for whatever reason. The car has one of the best percentages at 0.6 stolen per 1,000 units. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Equinox ranks fourth on the list of the least stolen cars, with a relative claim frequency of 15 vehicles. Some might argue that it's superior to the Cruze, Malibu, and Impala.

12 Easily Stolen: BMW i3

BMW-i3-Front Side
BMW

It's shaped like a hybrid Mini Cooper, though most would take the BMW i3 without blinking an eye. Here's the issue – as you will find out later in this article, the Mini Cooper is among the least stolen cars, while a device can actually start the BMW i3, even though it's hard to gain entry into it.

It's good that thieves can't unlock the car, but much worse that they can start it with the device. Most of us would much rather get broken into than have the vehicle get started and driven away. Repairing broken glass is easier than trying to recover your stolen vehicle.

11 Never Gets Stolen: Saturn Vue

Front 3/4 view of a red Vue Red Line
Saturn

The Saturn Vue leaves a lot to be desired regarding design and performance. However, GM nailed it when discussing the safety features. Not only does the car have technological advances in the area, but it is also less likely to get stolen.

Perhaps the weight has something to do with it? Or maybe nobody wants a car that drives like a boat? Nonetheless, the ride gets stolen 0.6 times per 1,000. This is a good thing compared to the Chrysler 300, which gets stolen at a 7.1 rate per 1,000 cars. No wonder Saturn is among the defunct carmakers we'd love to see make a glorious comeback.

10 Easily Stolen: Nissan Altima

2016 Nissan Altima SR Front View
Nissan

Nissan Altima ranked at number one in the category of new stolen cars. Compared to used cars, the number of rides that vanished is quite low. However, it is still quite telling that the Altima finished first with over 1,000 units completely vanishing.

The Altima is an easy target due to its efficient resale costs. As Jim Gorzelany of Forbes discusses, newer cars are typically resold, "New cars are more often taken and resold intact, usually with doctored paperwork. Though they account for far fewer numbers, higher-end sports cars are typically driven off and shipped abroad for resale." Notably, these are some of the best Altima models to buy used.

9 Never Gets Stolen: Chevrolet Aveo

Front 3/4 view of a gray Aveo 
Chevrolet

Props to Chevy once again for finding themselves on this side of the list. The Aveo accounts for only 0.6 stolen cars for every 1,000 units. That's extremely low, especially when assessing some of the other models.

Canada is another place with lots of stolen Chevrolet rides. In Ontario alone, the Tahoe, Avalanche, and Silverado made it into the top 10 list for cars with the most theft frequency. Clearly, it all depends on the Chevy models, with some having a terrible crime rate while others, like the Aveo and previously mentioned Equinox, seem to be immune.

8 Easily Stolen: Ford F-Series Trucks

2017-Ford-F-Series_Super_Duty-Fourth-Generation-Side-View
Ford

In Canada and the US, stealing a Ford F-Series truck isn't the hardest. It's among the most frequently stolen pickup trucks. This isn't really a surprise, as the F-Series has been one of the best-selling vehicles for decades.

The numbers are truly alarming. In the US alone, nearly 30,000 trucks vanished in a single year. So, it must be pretty easy to steal these pickups. Of the most stolen rides in Canada, the Ford F-Series ranked eighth out of 10. The F-350 seems to be the most popular choice for theft, with models 2001 to 2007 typically stolen. If you have a Ford F-150, we have resources with vital information on some of the steps you can take to prevent car theft or break-in.

7 Never Gets Stolen: Audi Q5

Audi Q5 Front Quarter Manhattan Gray Metallic
Audi

The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV less likely to get stolen. That's good, especially when assessing the SUV's popularity, which keeps growing due to its sleek handling and great styling. The fact that it isn't prone to theft makes it much better.

Performance is ample, with a turbo four-cylinder sending power to all four wheels. The driving dynamics are good, and luxury levels are Audi-worthy.

RELATED: 10 Proven Anti-Theft Methods To Prevent Car Thefts and Break-Ins on Any Vehicle

6 Easily Stolen: Honda Civic

2003 Honda Civic Sedan - Front Quarter
Honda

Honda has a lousy track record when it comes to theft. Much of that concern the value of some of its parts, as they are well worth it. In particular, the 1998 Honda Civic has a lot of value due to its parts that are in high demand. For that reason, the Civic accounted for nearly 50,000 stolen units. That's a staggering number.

Security issues are a big reason why this vehicle gets stolen with so much ease. Thankfully, Honda has upgraded their anti-theft protection throughout the years. However, the Civic remains vulnerable unless the driver implements anti-theft precautions. In this car, it's necessary!

Related: 10 Proven Anti-Theft Methods To Prevent Car Thefts and Break-Ins on Any Vehicle

5 Never Gets Stolen: Mercury Mariner

2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA Edition
Ford Archives

In Canada, SUVs and trucks tend to vanish a lot more frequently. However, the Mercury Mariner didn't get that particular memo. The compact crossover SUV has the lowest theft rate, with just 0.5 stolen per 1,000 cars. That's a pretty good rate compared to a vehicle like the Chevrolet Avalanche, which gets stolen 6.4 times per 1,000 cars on the road.

For the curious gearheads, the Mariner isn't in production any longer. Hence, interested gearheads would have to settle for an older model. The car debuted in 2004, and its production ended six years later in 2010.

4 Easily Stolen: Chevrolet Silverado

Silverado-HighStrength-SteelBed-Advantage-01
Chevrolet

A long-running pickup, Chevrolet built the Silverado for the working man. Like the Ford F-150, the Silverado is a huge commercial success for Chevy, as it's the automaker's best-selling model. Unfortunately, this pickup was among the most stolen in the US. In terms of used models, Forbes indicates that 27,771 units completely vanished in a single year. Those are some terrible numbers for Silverado owners to glance at.

On the bright side, the same problem doesn't hold true in Canada. Perhaps that has to do with fewer sales north of the border. Along with the Ford F-Series, the Toyota 4Runner is among the most stolen rides in Quebec and Ontario.