The list of most stolen vehicles is out and the Honda CR-V has been bumped from the top of the ladder.

Équité Association, a non-profit organization committed to insurance crime and fraud prevention, has released its annual top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada list on Nov. 19.

The list is based on data from 2023.

While the CR-V still remains in the top 10, it is no longer No. 1, where it had been the previous two years.

Here are the most stolen vehicles, including how many were stolen and the theft frequency based on the number of insured vehicles:

1. 2021 Toyota Highlander – 3,414 thefts (2.76 per cent)
2. 2022 Ram 1500 Series – 3,078 thefts (0.59 per cent)
3. 2022 Lexus RX Series – 3,037 theft (3.15 per cent)
4. 2021 Honda CR-V – 2,988 thefts (0.61 per cent)
5. 2021 Toyota RAV4 – 2,690 thefts (0.53 per cent)
6. 2019 Honda Civic – 1,654 thefts (0.24 per cent)
7. 2021 Jeep Wrangler – 1,641 thefts (1.16 per cent)
8. 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series – 1,533 thefts (4.43 per cent)
9. 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series – 1,488 thefts (2.37 per cent)
10. 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series – 1,383 thefts (0.23 per cent)

Équité Association says the Toyota Highlander is a popular model in Canada and happens to be globally serviceable and has a high resale value domestically and internationally. The organization adds that criminals will shift with demand to maximize their profits from the illegal sale of vehicles.

Common factor

A commonality between the vehicles on the list, with the exception of No. 10, is that they are vehicles from 2019 or newer, which includes an added vulnerability as newer vehicles feature keyless ignitions. Models that don’t conform with ULC 338 anti-theft standards are particularly vulnerable, the organization says.

“In order to sustainably address the auto theft crisis in Canada, solutions must evolve from focusing on the recovery of stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place, starting with updating Canada’s outdated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (i.e., ULC 338 Standards),” said Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association, in a news release.

“Insurance crime, including auto theft, can have a devastating physical and financial impact for victims. On behalf of the property and casualty insurance industry, Équité works to combat insurance crime and keep Canadians safe.”

Vehicle theft prevention tips

The organization offers tips to vehicle owners to help prevent theft. It involves four layers of protection.

These include:

Layer 1: Simple steps

• Keep your car doors locked at all times
• Never leave your keys in the ignition or start your vehicle remotely – even on cold days
• Ensure your windows are closed completely when leaving your car
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
• Park your vehicle in a secure garage if possible

Layer 2: Install visible or audible anti-theft devices

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
• On board diagnostic (OBD) port lock
• Brake and/or wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on the vehicle
• Window etchings
• If possible, turn off key FOB or place inside an RFID-blocking pouch (e.g. Faraday bag) when not in use, even at home.

Layer 3: Install a vehicle immobilizer

• Install a quality aftermarket immobilizer device with an ignition disabler that protects against relay attacks, reprogramming attacks and CAN bus attacks. (Alterations to your vehicle may affect the vehicle’s warranty. Contact your vehicle’s manufacture/dealer for more information prior to installation.)

Layer 4: Invest in a tracking system

• Tracking services install multiple and difficult to locate tracking devices throughout a vehicle. In the event of a theft, these devices can help track a vehicle. (Alterations to your vehicle may affect the vehicle’s warranty. Contact your vehicle’s manufacture/dealer for more information prior to installation.)