Toyota Highlander Canada’s most stolen vehicle

The Toyota Highlander has been named Canada’s most stolen vehicle of 2023, replacing the Honda CR-V, which held the top spot for two consecutive years, according to Équité Association’s annual ranking.

The Highlander, a popular model known for its high resale value domestically and internationally, is in demand among criminals looking to maximize profits through illegal sales. In the rankings, the Highlander saw 3,414 thefts in 2023, with the Dodge Ram 1500 Series in second with 3,078 and Lexus RX Series third with 3,037.

The Highlander shares traits with other vehicles on the list — most are 2019 or newer and equipped with keyless ignition systems that lack anti-theft devices meeting ULC 338 standards.

“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of stolen vehicles to preventing vehicles from being stolen in the first place, starting with updating Canada’s outdated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (i.e., ULC 338 Standards),” said Terri O’Brien, president and CEO of Équité Association.

Auto theft in Canada rose significantly from 2021 to 2023, with increases of 48.2 per cent in Ontario, 57.9 per cent in Quebec, 34 per cent in Atlantic Canada and 5.5 per cent in Alberta, according to Équité’s 2023 Auto Theft Trend Report.

In May 2024, Public Safety Canada announced its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, which Équité said marked a turning point. While government investments and law enforcement efforts have contributed to a decline in auto theft this year, the association says continued collaboration is needed to maintain this progress.

“The most crucial step in fighting auto theft is stopping it before it starts,” said Bryan Gast, vice-president of investigative services at Équité Association. “One of the most common trends we’re seeing on the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles list includes newer vehicles with keyless ignitions. The provincial and federal governments have already committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investments to respond to the auto theft crisis with positive results through enforcement. However, there is much more to be done to combat auto theft; the crisis is far from over in Canada.”

Gast said modernizing vehicle security standards to align with ULC 338 and addressing vulnerabilities in-vehicle electronic systems are critical to preventing thefts.

Équité emphasized that existing technology, already in use in other countries, could help manufacturers enhance vehicle security and protect Canadians.

For drivers, the association recommends a layered approach to preventing theft. This includes simple steps, such as locking doors and parking in well-lit areas, using anti-theft devices and vehicle immobilizers and installing tracking devices.

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