These Are The Most- And Least-Stolen Rides On The Road Among 2020-22 Models

In previous posts we’ve shared lists of the vehicles most likely to fall victim to theft, and they’re most typically older cars being taken or dismantled on the spot for their components, especially catalytic converters that contain precious metals that bring a tidy sum from recyclers.

But those numbers don’t necessarily tell the whole story, especially in terms of what the industry calls “whole thefts.” These are vehicles that are driven off intact by thieves, either for joy-riding or title washing and illicit resale either here or abroad. Here, high-horsepower muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger and Charger have made a rapid rise to top the charts in that regard, according to a study conducted by the insurance-industry-supported Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).

Specifically, the Charger SRT Hellcat was taken more than 60 times more frequently than the national average among all 2020-22 models, relative to their numbers on the road, with 25 whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years. That comes down to a claim frequency of 6,128 units. An insured vehicle year is considered as one vehicle insured for one year, with a frequency of 100 being average.

“If you own a Hellcat, you better check your driveway,” says HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. “These numbers are unbelievable.”

How fast are the Hellcats’ fortunes—or lack thereof—rising in this regard? According to HLDI’s 2019 pre-pandemic theft report, the ride most taken intact from the 2016-2018 model years was the coveted BMW 3-Series, which registered only a single claim for whole-vehicle theft over nearly 105,000 insured vehicle years.

Also becoming increasingly popular among crooks are models from Kia and Hyundai, due largely to social media posts showing would-be crooks how to start up and subsequently drive off models that lack critical engine immobilizer technology. Luxury SUVs are also hot for the wrong reasons these days, especially Range Rover models.

At the other end of the spreadsheet, many of the models having the least whole-vehicle theft reports are full-electric cars, including each of the four Teslas. HLDI opines this is probably because EVs are most-likely parked overnight in well-lit and secure areas for charging. Also frequenting the least-wanted list are models from General Motors.

All drivers can help reduce their chances of being victims in this regard by always parking in well-lit areas, locking the vehicle when unattended and never leaving the keys or a remote key fob in a storage cubby or cup holder. It’s also helpful to install an anti-theft device—at the least a hidden “kill switch”—for an additional layer of vehicular security. A better solution is to use a tracking device—Apple’s AirTag can suffice at the least—or an automaker’s telematics system that leverages GPS for remote monitoring of a vehicle via a smartphone or personal computer.

Here are the most- and least-recorded whole vehicle thefts from the 2020-22 below, according to the HLDI, with each model’s relative claim frequency noted:

Most Whole-Vehicle Thefts 2020-222