Tesla vehicles, particularly the Model Y and Model S, are generally considered the hardest cars to steal due to their advanced, integrated security ecosystems. Key features include always-on GPS tracking, remote, app-based immobilization, and "PIN to Drive" capabilities, which render traditional theft methods like hot-wiring useless.
The Hardest Car Brands to Steal (and Why)
Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Chevrolet dominate the list of most-stolen vehicles, often because of their abundance and certain security vulnerabilities. Online trends have driven up theft rates in specific cars, particularly older ones without modern anti-theft tech.
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.
Want to purchase a car that will be safe from potential auto theft? You don't have to buy an ugly or even used car. Some cars, like the BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi are expensive and beautiful machines you can drive with pride, while still avoiding possible theft.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Right now, Ford and Land Rover vehicles are the most popular target for thieves, partly due to their popularity but also because they retain a decent amount of their value when resold.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), black, silver, white, green and gold are the colors most associated with vehicle thefts. Colors that more easily blend in with a crowd–white, gray, silver and black–tend to be reported stolen the most.
5 Of The World's Hardest To Find Classic Cars
It may seem unlikely, but older vehicles can be very tempting targets. They often lack advanced antitheft technology, which makes them easier to steal.
Dave Ramsey's core car rules emphasize paying cash, avoiding new cars (unless you're a millionaire), keeping your total vehicle value under half your annual income, and using a strict budget, often suggesting the 20/4/10 rule (20% down, 4-year loan, 10% total car expenses) as a guideline if financing, but preferring no debt at all to avoid depreciating assets trapping you. He stresses buying reliable, used vehicles to prevent debt and build wealth.
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.
Thieves often steal catalytic converters, tires and rims, tailgates, and infotainment systems, along with valuables like key fobs and electronics, due to their high resale value or ease of removal, with catalytic converters being particularly targeted for their precious metals.
The Top 5 secure vehicles on the market
UK vehicle regulations stipulate that all cars must meet certain standards regarding reflectivity and visibility. The extreme light absorption of Vantablack coatings likely falls outside these standards, rendering the vehicle non-compliant for road use.
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Black Cars
At least one study found that you're 47 percent more likely to be in a crash if you drive a black vehicle. Other studies also find that black is the most dangerous color, but offer a more reserved projection.