These cars were stolen the most in 2023

Top 10 according to the insurance industry
These cars were stolen the most in 2023

The number of car thefts in Germany rose significantly last year – by almost 20 percent. Around 15,000 fully insured cars were stolen. This is according to the German insurance industry's vehicle theft report. And the thieves are picky: Japanese SUVs are at the top of the list.

SUVs and off-road vehicles are not only popular with car buyers. They are also very popular with thieves: Among the ten most stolen cars in Germany in 2023, eight were off-road vehicles or crossovers, according to statistics from the insurance association GDV. Particularly in demand: cars from the Toyota Group. A ranking of the most stolen models by cases per 1,000 registrations.

1. Toyota Land Cruiser – 160 thefts per 1000 vehicles

Not quite as expensive and prestigious as a Range Rover, but extremely popular with thieves: Unlike most lifestyle SUVs, the off-road vehicle is not overwhelmed by difficult terrain, but combines robustness with good asphalt suitability and, if desired, lavish comfort features. New last cost just under 60,000 euros, and Toyota is currently changing models to the new generation, which will be launched in the autumn.

2. Lexus NX – 157 thefts per 1000 vehicles

What applies to the Toyota brand applies even more to its premium subsidiary Lexus: it is very popular in Eastern Europe and in many regions enjoys the same prestige as Mercedes and others. The fact that the mid-range SUV is so high up the theft rankings could also be linked to the brand's sales ban in Russia, Toyota in Cologne suspects. The vehicles have not been available to buy as new cars since the Ukraine war. In Germany, the dealer is asking just under 53,000 euros.

3. Lexus UX – 136 thefts per 1000 vehicles

The smaller brother of the NX (from 43,700 euros) is hardly less popular with thieves. According to Toyota, the high theft rate has nothing to do with poor theft protection, but probably also with the high prestige value in Eastern Europe. Surprisingly, the Lexus flagship RX, which in its top variants comes close to the 100,000 euro price limit, does not appear in the GDV statistics (top 50). It is possible that people are not quite so keen on buying stolen goods in the target markets either.

4. Range Rover Sport, Generation 2 – 121 thefts per 1000 vehicles

With a starting price of just under 100,000 euros, this is the most expensive model in the ranking so far. The British models are traditionally at the top of the list of thieves' favorites, but are considered difficult to steal. Mainly because the brand protects its keyless locking systems against misuse more than most competitors.

5. Kia Stinger – 110 thefts per 1000 vehicles

The first non-SUV in the ranking. Kia brought the four-door coupe to Europe in 2017 primarily as an image booster – with a racy design and, if desired, a powerful V6 engine (from around 60,000 euros). This not only caught on with customers, but apparently also with criminals, even though the model was discontinued after only six years.

6. Toyota RAV4, Generation 5 – 91 thefts per 1000 vehicles

For years it has been at the top of both the global SUV sales charts and theft hit lists.

Something like the VW Beetle of stolen cars: always runs, can be sold all over the world even after years.

7. Hyundai Santa Fe, Generation 4 – 90 thefts per 1000 vehicles

The same applies here: large SUVs are a hit in Eastern Europe. The Korean car focuses more on comfort than off-road capability, but is solid enough, especially in the all-wheel drive versions, to cope with long-term poor roads and higher trailer loads.

8. Jeep Grand Cherokee, Generation 4 – 87 thefts per 1000 vehicles

Also a classic off-road vehicle. Edition five has been on the market since 2022, but the predecessor is still at the top of the list.

The fourth generation is more widespread, often very well equipped and always lavishly motorized.

9. Range Rover – 68 thefts per 1000 vehicles

This is where things get really luxurious: the SUV icon now costs a higher six-figure sum, cuts a fine figure both in front of the opera and in the gravel pit, and in true British style avoids overstatement.

10. Toyota Prius+ – 66 thefts per 1000 vehicles

Perhaps the most surprising representative in this ranking. In Germany, the hybrid van enjoyed rather limited success as a new car (from around 30,000 euros) during its ten years of production (2011 to 2021).

In other parts of the world, the family-friendly combination of good space and low fuel consumption could make it popular.

The German average is 4 thefts per 1000 vehicles.