The Lexus RX has been named Ontario’s most stolen vehicle of 2023, according to a report by Équité Association, an insurance fraud prevention group. The findings highlight the growing auto theft crisis across the province and the country.
The 2022 Lexus RX ranked first on the list, while the 2022 Toyota Highlander—Canada’s most stolen vehicle overall—came in second for Ontario. The Toyota Highlander is a frequent target for thieves due to its global serviceability and high resale value, the report noted.
“Criminals continually shift demand to maximize their profits from the illegal sale of vehicles,” the report stated.
Bryan Gast, Vice President of Investigative Services at Équité Association, emphasized the need for proactive measures to combat the issue. “The most crucial step in fighting auto theft is stopping it before it starts,” Gast said, noting that newer vehicles with keyless ignition systems are especially vulnerable.
While significant investments have been made by provincial and federal governments to address auto theft, Gast said more action is required. He called for updated vehicle security standards aligned with ULC 338 Standards to counter evolving theft methods and better protect vehicle electronic systems.
Other vehicles featured on Ontario’s 2023 most stolen list include:
#4: 2020 Honda CRV
#5: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series
#6: 2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series
#7: 2023 Jeep Wrangler
#8: 2021 Toyota RAV4
#9: 2019 Honda Civic
#10: 2022 Ford F-150
The findings underscore the pressing need for enhanced security measures as auto theft remains a critical issue across Canada.