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12 vehicles thieves stole most, led by 21,732 Hyundai Elantras in 2025

Theft rankings come from two different yardsticks: raw counts of stolen vehicles, and insurance claim rates measured against an average. Both show where thieves have focused, from compact sedans to full-size pickups and a muscle car. Here are twelve vehicles that appear near the top of those lists, with each figure tied to its source.

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1. Hyundai Elantra: Most Stolen Model

Hyundai Elantra — Image Credit: AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: AIMHO’S REBELLION 8490s – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen model in the country in 2025, with 21,732 reported thefts, according to NICB figures reported by Insurance Journal.

That count is the highest on this list, and it covers reported thefts of the model as a whole rather than any single model year. Owners of older Elantras can ask their insurer about anti-theft discounts, and park in well-lit, busy spots when possible. Rankings like this shift from year to year, so the latest NICB report is the best place to confirm current standings.

2. Hyundai Sonata: A Close Cousin

Hyundai Sonata — Image Credit: Elise240SX - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Elise240SX – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

NICB ranks the Hyundai Sonata third among the most stolen vehicles of 2025, with 17,687 thefts, as summarized by Insurance Journal.

Sharing the top tier with the Elantra puts two Hyundai sedans among the most targeted models. A steering wheel lock and a habit of removing valuables from view are simple deterrents, and a quick VIN check for open recalls is a worthwhile step for used buyers. Rankings can change annually, so checking the newest report is wise for anyone weighing a purchase.

3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Pickups Draw Thieves Too

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — Image Credit: Kevauto - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Kevauto – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks fourth among 2025’s most stolen vehicles, with 16,764 thefts reported to NICB, according to the Insurance Journal summary.

Full-size pickups are often left in driveways and work sites, so the rank is a prompt for owners to lock tailgates and tool boxes. Parking inside a garage or in a well-lit spot, and using a visible deterrent, are inexpensive ways to lower the odds. Insurance quotes for a pickup can reflect local theft patterns as well, so comparing quotes is reasonable.

4. Kia Soul: Soul Slips Into View

Kia Soul — Image Credit: Kevauto - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Kevauto – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Kia Soul recorded 21,001 thefts in 2023, which placed fifth on NICB’s list for that year, according to the NICB report on imports.

This figure comes from 2023 rather than 2025, so it is not directly comparable with the Elantra’s total. It still shows how heavily thieves targeted certain Kia models, and owners can ask a dealer whether any software or security updates apply to a given VIN. Counts from different years should be read side by side only with care.

5. Kia Optima: Optima In The Top Ten

Kia Optima — Image Credit: Vauxford - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Vauxford – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Kia Optima was the sixth most stolen vehicle of 2025, with 11,521 thefts, according to NICB data shown on the Informed for Life list.

Used Optima shoppers can find out whether a car has a history of theft damage, such as a repaired ignition or steering column. A pre-purchase inspection can also reveal signs of tampering, and an insurer can explain how theft history affects coverage. Local police or an insurer can say whether a neighborhood has seen similar thefts.

6. Ford F-150: A Popular Truck Targeted

Ford F-150 — Image Credit: Mr.choppers - CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Mr.choppers – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons

NICB data on Informed for Life’s most-stolen page puts the Ford F-150 seventh among 2025’s most stolen vehicles, with 10,102 thefts.

Popularity can work against a vehicle, since a large number on the road gives thieves more chances. Locking valuables out of sight, parking carefully and keeping a spare key secured at home are practical habits for owners. Insurers weigh local conditions as well, so quotes can vary by area.

7. Toyota Camry: Camry Makes The List

Toyota Camry — Image Credit: Damian B Oh - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Damian B Oh – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Toyota Camry ranks eighth among the most stolen vehicles of 2025, with 9,833 thefts reported to NICB, per the Informed for Life ranking.

A mainstream sedan with many examples on the road can draw thieves simply because it is common. Owners can use a visible steering lock, and buyers of used Camrys can ask for documentation of any past theft recovery. Rates of theft also differ by region, which an insurer can usually explain.

8. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: A Muscle Car Stands Out

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 — Image Credit: Calreyn88 - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Calreyn88 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 tops an insurance-loss ranking from HLDI, with whole-vehicle theft claim frequency 39 times the all-vehicle average for 2022-24 models, according to an IIHS news release.

This is a claim rate compared with an average, not a count of cars stolen, so it measures risk differently from the NICB tallies. Owners of high-performance cars can ask insurers about tracking devices and secure parking. Parking in a locked garage remains one of the most effective steps at home.

9. Acura TLX: Acura TLX 4WD

Acura TLX — Image Credit: Mr.choppers - CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Mr.choppers – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons

For the 4WD Acura TLX, HLDI measured theft claim frequency at 2,138 against an average of 100, about 21 times higher, for 2022-24 models, according to the IIHS report.

The figure applies to the all-wheel-drive version, so other trims may differ. Shoppers can ask an insurer for a quote on the exact configuration before buying, and keep key fobs away from doors and windows at home. Rare trims can skew a ratio, so the number says more about that version than the whole model line.

10. GMC Sierra 2500: Heavy-Duty Pickup Risk

GMC Sierra 2500 — Image Credit: Kevauto - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: Kevauto – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The GMC Sierra 2500 crew cab 4WD posted a theft claim frequency of 1,023 against an average of 100 for 2022-24 models, according to HLDI data in an IIHS release.

Heavy-duty trucks often carry equipment, which can make them attractive targets beyond the vehicle itself. Locking cargo, parking in secured areas and confirming insurance covers tools stored inside are sensible precautions. Rates like this can swing widely when a trim is produced in small numbers.

11. Kia Sportage: Sportage After Soul

Kia Sportage — Image Credit: LuvsMG481 - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: LuvsMG481 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Kia Sportage had 15,749 thefts in 2023, tenth on NICB’s list that year, according to the same NICB report.

As with the Soul, this count is from 2023, so it sits outside the 2025 totals above. Owners of Kia models from this period can contact a dealer to ask about theft-prevention updates, and check recall status by VIN at NHTSA. Comparing years is a poor fit, so the totals above are better read separately.

12. Nissan Altima: Altima Rounds Out Ten

Nissan Altima — Image Credit: MercurySable99 - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons
Image Credit: MercurySable99 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

The Nissan Altima was the tenth most stolen vehicle of 2025, with 8,445 thefts, according to NICB figures cited by Insurance Journal.

That is the lowest count among the 2025 NICB entries here, yet it still represents thousands of vehicles. Used Altima buyers can inspect the ignition and steering column for damage, and owners can park in secure locations and avoid leaving spare keys inside. Rankings can shift in later reports, so recent data deserves a look before any decision.

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