The 20 Late-Model Cars Most Likely to Be Stolen, According to Insurance Claim Data
Powerful, big-engined vehicles top the list compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has compiled a list of the late-model cars that are most likely to be stolen. Its Highway Loss Data Institute research arm (HLDI) records thefts of cars from the 2016–2018 model years in a list spun off "relative claim frequency"—not from the total number of thefts per vehicle. The problem with making lists like this is that bigger-selling vehicles would always tend to make up larger shares of reported thefts simply because there are more of them out in the world. To avoid that, the agency has created a method that calculates the more useful relative likelihood that a car might be stolen compared to the average frequency of thefts among all vehicles during the same time period. We've presented that likelihood here as the number of times more likely a car is to be stolen versus the national average. A few caveats: IIHS only reports on a car if the number of insurance claims for that model reach a certain threshold. So some models on this list are broken out into specific trims, while others are described more generally. Also, just because a car or truck doesn't make this list doesn't mean it's theft-proof or never stolen—it just isn't stolen frequently enough to crack the top 20. Swipe on to see which late-model cars are most likely to be grabbed out from under you.
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20. Infiniti QX80 AWD
2.36 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The humongous Infiniti QX80 makes this list twice (the all-wheel-drive version occupies the 20th spot), and it is the only full-size luxury SUV to make an appearance in the top 20. Surprisingly, the Cadillac Escalade doesn't land on the IIHS list at all, even though in previous years it topped the chart. According to IIHS, the Slade fell off the list because Cadillac began adding more anti-theft devices to that hulking SUV for the 2015 model year.
19. Audi A7
2.39 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
We have a theory as to why the fastback Audi A7 is more likely to be stolen than the average car: Just look at it.
18. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4x4
2.39 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Interestingly, multiple versions of both of General Motors' full-size half-ton pickup trucks make the IIHS top 20 (as well as one version of the Nissan Titan), but not a single late-model Ford or Ram truck did.
17. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2.41 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the only GM pickup entry to make the list that is not specified as being a four-door crew-cab model.
16. Nissan Titan Crew Cab Short Bed
2.50 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Based on our experience with the latest Nissan Titan, we don't really know why anyone would want to steal one.
15. Dodge Charger
2.66 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Surely the police could easily catch some of these stolen six-cylinder, base-engine Chargers—the Hemi-powered Charger is one of the most popular cop cars among U.S. police departments.
14. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4x4
2.69 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
While the Silverado 1500 has already been mentioned on this list, HLDI specifically calls out the four-wheel-drive crew-cab model as more likely to be stolen.
13. Range Rover
2.71 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The Range Rover is one of only two cars on the list that can top $100k.
12. Dodge Durango AWD
2.71 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The Dodge Durango is decidedly less luxurious than the Range Rover, yet it matches that SUV's likelihood of being stolen.
11. Dodge Charger AWD
2.74 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Who knew that thieves seek out the peace of mind and extra foul-weather traction all-wheel drive provides just like the rest of us? The proof is in the Dodge Charger: The all-wheel-drive version is more likely to be nabbed than the rear-wheel-drive model.
10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4Matic
2.91 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
IIHS points out that all of the vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz S-class's, um, class have higher than average likelihoods of being stolen, but the S-class easily tops the group.
9. Chrysler 300 AWD
2.92 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Who would have guessed that the full-size Chrysler 300 sedan is more frequently stolen than its much cooler Dodge-branded sibling, the Charger?
8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
3.20 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Another Chevy Silverado?! Indeed! According to IIHS, if you've got a rear-drive crew-cab Silverado, you chose the body style and drivetrain configuration that is more frequently coveted by thieves than, uh, four-wheel-drive crew-cab Silverado 1500s and generic Silverado 1500s.
7. Nissan Maxima
3.51 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
When something is described as the Four-Door Sports Car, which is what Nissan used to call its Maxima sedan, it apparently captures the attention of sporty-car thieves.
6. Dodge Challenger
3.58 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Remaining inconspicuous must not be a priority if you're a car thief, as they often choose the Dodge Challenger, one of the most outwardly flamboyant rides around.
5. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab
3.93 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The rear-wheel-drive, four-door crew-cab GMC Sierra 1500 holds the dubious honor of being the most stolen pickup truck on IIHS's list.
4. Infiniti QX80
4.22 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
The rear-wheel-drive Infiniti QX80 is the most stolen SUV on the list, almost twice as likely to be nabbed as its all-wheel-drive counterpart that appears earlier on this roundup.
3. Infiniti Q50
5.25 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Out of all the luxury models that make IIHS's top 20 most frequently stolen cars list, the Infiniti Q50 is the only compact sports sedan.
2. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
5.29 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Do you really need us to explain why someone might want to steal something with 707 horsepower? See the photo of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat above for an idea.
1. Dodge Charger Hemi
5.44 times more likely to be stolen than the average 2016–2018 model
Apparently, there are a bunch of thieves looking to steal something with rear-wheel drive that has a ton of horsepower—and with room for more than one accomplice. Among 2016 to 2018 model-year vehicles, the Hemi V-8–powered Dodge Charger is the most likely to be stolen.
Daniel Golson has been an avid car enthusiast since he was a toddler, and after spending a few years studying automotive design in college, he made the jump to Car and Driver in 2016. When not evangelizing about four-door coupes, he can be found watching The Real Housewives with his two cats.
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