Cars that aren't stolen often have strong built-in security, advanced technology (like EVs), are less common in certain areas, or are simply less desirable to thieves, with recent data showing Tesla Model 3/Y, Volvo XC90/XC40, GMC Acadia, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Subaru models (Outback, Crosstrek) consistently appearing on least-stolen lists, alongside some luxury brands like BMW 3 Series and Audi A4/Q5, notes Cars.com, Forbes.
Which cars have the lowest theft rates? Vehicles with advanced security features and lower market desirability tend to have the lowest theft rates. Notable examples include the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, and Subaru Ascent.
The least stolen cars consistently include Tesla models (Model 3, Model Y), Volvos (XC90, XC40, XC60), and some electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and VW ID.4, often due to advanced security, lower desirability for thieves, or being garaged for charging. Non-luxury models like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Subaru Crosstrek, and Mini Cooper, along with some Buick and GMC models, also appear on lists from sources like the HLDI and Consumer Reports.
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Generally, the least stolen vehicles tend to be older models with manual transmissions or less flashy, utilitarian designs think base model pickups, economy sedans, or anything without push-button start.
Tesla, Volvo, and Subaru consistently rank as some of the hardest car brands to steal, thanks to advanced tech like GPS, Sentry Mode (Tesla), and robust factory security, alongside luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Lexus (e.g., XC90, A6, RX), with some GM models (GMC Acadia) also showing low theft rates due to sophisticated immobilizers and tracking. Generally, modern EVs and well-equipped luxury SUVs are tough targets.
8 out of 15 of the most stolen cars of the last ten years are made by Japanese automakers. American models tend to be the most common target when it comes to stolen pickup trucks. From 2019-2021, Ford full-size pickups were the most stolen vehicles in the nation. Pickups are the main target of car thieves in 32 states.
White cars statistically get pulled over the most because they are the most common vehicle color on the road, followed by red, gray, and silver, but red cars might be ticketed at a higher rate relative to their numbers. While white cars account for the highest total stops due to sheer volume, red cars, often associated with sports cars, are ticketed more often than their percentage of cars on the road would suggest, indicating a disproportionate stop rate.
Subaru cars are difficult to steal in comparison to other cars out there. One of the ways that you can't steal a Subaru car is by hotwiring. The technology itself of a Subaru vehicle is completely digital and so revolutionary that something as simple as jump-starting a Subaru is not even an option.
The NHTSA recommends the following:
Lock your doors and close your windows. Try to park in well-lit areas. Don't leave valuables in your car.
White is generally considered the safest car color due to its high visibility in various conditions, followed closely by silver, yellow, and cream/beige, with studies showing white cars have significantly lower crash risk than darker colors like black. These lighter colors provide better contrast against roads and blend in less with backgrounds, especially at night, dawn, and dusk, making them easier for other drivers to spot and reducing accident potential.
It may seem unlikely, but older vehicles can be very tempting targets. They often lack advanced antitheft technology, which makes them easier to steal.
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Thieves most often break into cars at night, particularly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., with peak times often cited as 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., when people are asleep and darkness provides cover. These crimes are often crimes of opportunity, targeting unlocked cars or those with visible valuables, especially in residential areas like apartment complexes and shopping centers.
Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:
Subaru's are very low risk of theft. Even if someone tries newer models are outfitted with immobolizers. Of course if someone wants to steal a car they're going to... but their first pick probably isn't a subie.