Having your car stolen is a major inconvenience and expense that no owner wants to deal with. Fortunately, some vehicles prove far less enticing to thieves than others. While no car is completely theft-proof, several key factors determine which rides have the slimmest chances of getting swiped. Read on to discover the cars and truck statistically least likely to be stolen.
What Car is Least Likely to Be Stolen?
Here is the detailed guide what car is least likely to be stolen.
Least-Stolen Car – Toyota Corolla
The ubiquitous Toyota Corolla compact sedan is America’s runaway best-selling car. Ironically, it’s also the least targeted car by thieves, with a theft rate of just 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles. There are some good reasons why:
- Extremely common – With millions sold, the Corolla blends into the background, making each example less unique or tempting.
- Boring reputation – The Corolla is known as basic, economical transport, not a flashy head-turner to grab attention.
- Slow appreciation – Values depreciate gradually but don’t inspire big resale demand. Why steal to chop for parts?
- Minimal luxury features – Even upper Corolla trims lack specialty hardware or tech to strip and sell.
- Beefy security – Features like engine immobilizers came standard on Corollas earlier than many models.
For thieves, targeting a Corolla often seems like more trouble than it’s worth. They look for quicker, bigger payouts.
Least-Stolen Trucks – Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma
Modern pickups combine rugged capability with ample power, making them prized targets. But midsize trucks like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma have remarkably low theft rates, at 0.2-0.4 per 1,000 vehicles. Why aren’t thieves grabbing these trucks?
- Smaller size – Not as roomy for illicit hauling versus full-size pickups.
- Lower resale value – Midsize trucks depreciate faster than full-sizers, making them less profitable to flip.
- Hard to quickly part out – Market for custom midsize truck parts and accessories is smaller scale.
- Less peak horsepower – Hot rod thieves may view midsize trucks as underpowered.
- Tight knit owner base – Midsize truck fans form communities that look out for each other.
While handy, midsize pickups don’t stoke thief greed. Full-size trucks carry far bigger theft risks.
Other Very Low Theft Rate Vehicles
Beyond the Corolla, Frontier and Tacoma, other vehicles posted impressively low 2020 theft rates near 0.2 per 1,000 units:
- Subaru Forester SUV
- Lincoln Town Car sedan
- Jeep Patriot SUV
- Buick Encore SUV
- Volkswagen Beetle coupe
- Subaru Tribeca SUV
- Mazda CX-9 SUV
- Ram 1500 pickup
Diverse body styles prove hard-to-find specialty models tend to fly under thief radar.
Why Some Vehicles Are Frequent Theft Magnets
On the flip side, certain vehicles attract car thieves like moths to a flame. Let’s examine the main reasons some rides get targeted far more aggressively:
High Resale Value
Thieves partly steal to profit from selling the vehicle or parting it out. Rides that hold value at resale tempt for big money. Luxury SUVs are a prime target.
Customization Potential
Tuner cars with massive aftermarket parts support like Honda Civics invite theft for illegal street racing and reselling modded parts.
Sparse Security Features
Cars from earlier eras lacked advanced anti-theft tech like immobilizers, GPS and remote disablers which are now common. Those are easier pickings.
High Horsepower
Fast cars are alluring for joyriding thieves seeking cheap thrills before ditching the vehicle. Sports cars and big SUVs with major power tempt these joyriders.
General Popularity
When a vehicle saturates an area, examples will inevitably get stolen simply because there are so many. Pickups are a big one in heartland regions.
Parts Reuse Value
Some brands retain high parts reuse value long after vehicles age. Japanese imports and luxury vehicles especially hold parts appeal.
While no ride is immune, high desirability factors spike certain vehicles to the top of thieves’ hot lists year after year.
How Automakers Combat Auto Theft
Vehicle manufacturers implement sophisticated anti-theft technologies to help deter opportunistic thieves and keep owners safe:
Immobilizing Engine Systems
Prevent hotwiring by disabling ignition or fuel pump unless a programmed key fob is detected. Greatly increased the difficulty of stealing older cars.
Steering Wheel Locks
Deter wheeling away the car by electronically or physically locking the steering wheel without an authorized key present.
Alarm Systems
Sensors can trigger a loud alarm if vehicle is broken into or moved without the key. Alerts owner and neighborhood.
GPS Tracking
Some systems use factory GPS to track a stolen vehicle location in real-time and assist police in recovery.
Smart Keys
Required to be in proximity to unlock doors and start ignition. Reduces relay attacks.
Remote Disable Capability
Allows owner or police to remotely block ignition and disable vehicle if stolen. Helpful if tracking GPS location.
Together these electronic safeguards put multiple theft deterrence layers in thieves’ way, complicating quick thefts. While not foolproof, they reduce temptation by introducing obstacles.
Which Cars Are the Smartest Picks Today to Avoid Theft?
Given all we know about theft rates, technology and desirability, what are the best choices today for theft-averse car shoppers? Consider these advantageous categories:
Affordable Sedans – Common compact and midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry offer solid anti-theft tech without huge theft appeal.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles – EVs and hybrids still aren’t huge theft targets as niche segments.
Family Crossovers – Medium crossovers from non-luxury brands provide security along with practicality.
Midsize Pickups – Compact trucks are far less enticing than full-sizers to opportunistic thieves.
Specialized Work Vans – Nondescript work vans deter thieves lacking lucrative part-out or resale value.
While flying under the radar helps, modern anti-theft features are still pivotal by introducing multiple theft barriers. Doing homework on theft rates, safety tech, ownership experience and insurance rates for your selected model brings peace of mind.
Conclusion
Avoiding auto theft begins with selecting statistically proven low-theft models, while pairing that research with the latest anti-theft technologies packed into your chosen ride. Everyday cars and trucks like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Frontier and Subaru Forester crossover rank among the least likely to be stolen, while fast cars, pricey SUVs and customizable tuners face far higher theft risk. Fortunately, immobilizers, alarms and other electronic safeguards have made stealing modern vehicles a much tougher prospect across the board. While vigilance is always prudent, focusing on unassuming vehicles provides that extra layer of theft protection. Do your homework to find a vehicle that discourages thieves while suiting your everyday needs and budget.