Which Cars Are Most Difficult to Steal? A Data-Driven Look
By · Last updated: November 13, 2026
What Makes a Modern Car Difficult to Steal?
The difference between a car built today and one from 20 years ago is night and day when it comes to security. Older cars often relied on simple physical locks and ignition systems that were relatively easy for thieves to tamper with or bypass According to RACV. In contrast, as one Reddit user noted, newer cars are generally harder to steal because they have improved security systems A Reddit user in r/ reported.
Today’s vehicles are protected by multiple electronic layers that must work in harmony to allow the car to start. These systems represent a significant challenge for would-be thieves.
Key Security Technologies
- Engine Immobilizer: This technology prevents the engine from starting unless it detects the correct, electronically coded key. It makes bypassing the ignition alone insufficient to steal the vehicle According to RACV. The importance of this single feature was highlighted when a viral trend targeted Kia and Hyundai models that lacked them According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI).
- Coded & Encrypted Keys: Modern Car keys and fobs use unique digital codes to communicate with the car, making them difficult to copy According to RACV.
- Connected Services: Many new cars feature connected software that can include stolen vehicle tracking, alerts, and remote controls, allowing owners and law enforcement to monitor a vehicle’s location According to RACV.
However, the battle between automakers and thieves is ongoing. As soon as new anti-theft technology is developed, criminals work to find ways around it According to CarBuzz. For example, thieves quickly found ways to block the signals of early keyless entry systems, and devices to defeat electronic immobilizers can be purchased online for as little as $35 According to CarBuzz.
The Least Stolen Vehicles: A Look at the Data
To determine which cars are hardest to steal, the most reliable information comes from insurance claims data. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) publishes an annual report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) that analyzes these claims According to CarBuzz. The report measures theft by looking at the frequency of whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years. A low claim frequency indicates a car is stolen less often.
Based on the most recent report covering 2020-22 models, several categories of vehicles stand out for their low theft rates According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI):
| Vehicle Category | Key Finding | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Six of the 20 models with the fewest theft claims are EVs. | HLDI |
| General Motors Models | Six of the 20 models with the fewest claims are from GM. | HLDI |
| Volvo Models | Several high-end Volvo models rank among the least-stolen. | HLDI |
Researchers suggest one reason EVs may be stolen less is that they are often parked overnight in well-lit and more secure locations for charging According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI). This, combined with their advanced digital security, makes them less appealing targets.
Advanced Security Features on Today’s Cars
The cars that are hardest to steal often feature proprietary, deeply integrated security systems that go beyond the standard alarm and immobilizer. These systems are designed to make theft as difficult and conspicuous as possible.
For example, Tesla vehicles are equipped with ‘Sentry Mode,’ which uses external cameras to monitor the car’s surroundings According to RACV. Owners can also track their car’s location via a smartphone app. If a thief were to disconnect the tracker, a signal is sent directly to Tesla, alerting the company to a potential theft According to HotCars.
Other luxury brands have similar systems. The Jaguar XF includes the ‘InControl’ system, which features a Stolen Vehicle Locator to help police track and recover the car. The system also has a ‘double-lock’ feature that, once activated, makes it impossible to unlock the doors or start the engine According to HotCars. Land Rover is also tackling keyless entry vulnerabilities with Ultra Wide Band technology in models like the Defender According to HotCars. Having a fully functional key is essential to using these features, which is why keeping a Spare key fob is always a wise decision.
Real-world cases and reports
Real-world data provides a clear picture of which vehicles are targeted and which are ignored. While some cars are exceptionally difficult to steal, others have become notorious targets.
The Most Targeted: At the opposite end of the spectrum from hard-to-steal cars are the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Charger HEMI. For 2020-22 models, the Hellcat had theft claims more than 60 times the average for all vehicles, while the HEMI’s claims were over 20 times higher. An HLDI senior vice president commented on the numbers, saying, “If you own a Hellcat, you better check your driveway. These numbers are unbelievable” According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI).
The Immobilizer Vulnerability: A recent spike in thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models demonstrated the critical role of a single security feature. Thieves discovered that many of these vehicles lacked electronic immobilizers, making them easy to steal According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI). This led to a proposed class-action settlement, which a federal judge denied to approve in August According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI).
EVs Prove Resilient: Data from Victoria, Australia, supports the finding that EVs are a low target for thieves. For the year ending in December 2025, Crime Statistics Agency data showed only four Teslas were recorded as stolen (two Model 3s and two Model Ss). No Model X or Y vehicles were on the list, and other EV-focused brands like Polestar and BYD did not appear at all According to RACV.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric cars harder to steal?
Yes, the data indicates they are. According to the HLDI, EVs are stolen less frequently than other models According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI). This is attributed to their advanced digital security features and the fact they are often charged in secure, well-lit areas According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI).
What is an engine immobilizer and why is it important?
An engine immobilizer is an electronic security feature that prevents a car’s engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is detected. It’s a crucial anti-theft device because it makes it much harder to steal a vehicle by simply bypassing the physical ignition switch According to RACV. Many older, frequently stolen cars lack this technology According to CarBuzz.
Can thieves bypass modern keyless entry systems?
Yes. Thieves have developed sophisticated techniques, such as signal relay attacks, to get around keyless entry and push-to-start systems. This involves capturing the signal from your key fob (even from inside your house) and relaying it to the car to unlock and start it According to CarBuzz. Automakers are continually updating their technology to combat these methods According to HotCars.
What are the most stolen cars?
According to the HLDI report for 2020-22 models, powerful muscle cars and large pickup trucks are among the most frequent targets for thieves. The list is topped by several Dodge and Land Rover models. The table below shows the top five.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Type | Relative Claim Frequency (100 = average) |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat | Large car | 6,128 |
| Dodge Charger HEMI | Large car | 2,197 |
| INFINITI Q50 | Midsize luxury car | 878 |
| Dodge Challenger | Large car | 766 |
| Land Rover Range Rover 4WD | Large luxury SUV | 611 |
| Data source: Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI) | ||
The technology in your car key is a critical part of its security system. Whether you have a simple transponder or an advanced smart key, ensuring it works correctly is your first line of defense against theft. If you’re having issues, it’s important to address them promptly before your vehicle’s security is compromised. Learn more about what to do when your Key fob is not working.
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