Some Attract More Attention Than Others
Car theft isn't limited to old sedans with worn-out locks anymore. There was a time when we all thought we were safe, especially as newer performance cars and expensive pickups dominated the market—but those are the very high-risk models you don’t want in your driveway. The Highway Loss Data Institute compared whole-vehicle theft claims for 2022–2024 models and found that horsepower, value, and, in some cases, specific security weaknesses can make certain cars attractive targets. These 20 vehicles had the highest theft claim frequencies in the study, and they might not be the ones you’re assuming.
1. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Nothing came close to the Camaro ZL1, which recorded a relative theft claim frequency of 3,949. To put that into perspective, 100 represents the average. HLDI says the ZL1's high horsepower and value make it appealing, but other reports also described thieves exploiting diagnostic ports to get key information on newer models.
2. Acura TLX 4WD
The all-wheel-drive Acura TLX posted a startling relative claim frequency of 2,138. Unlike the Camaro, this one doesn’t carry a specific security defect behind the numbers, but the report doesn’t lie. What is clear is that this premium sedan’s being nabbed at a rate far above the industry average.
3. Chevrolet Camaro
Don’t kid yourself the next time you’re on the lot—you don't need the ZL1 badge to attract unwanted attention. Theft frequency reached 1,287, and sixth-generation Camaros began climbing sharply in 2023. It doesn’t help that 2016 marked the introduction of keyless push-button starting for the generation, giving thieves an even easier time.
4. GMC Sierra 2500 Crew Cab 4WD
Everyone loves a heavy-duty pickup, especially those with sticky fingers. The four-wheel-drive Sierra 2500 crew cab came in at 1,023 claims, with the HLDI noting that eight pickups landed among the 20 vehicles with the highest whole-vehicle theft claim frequencies. Which ones were sought after the most? The most expensive and powerful models.
5. Acura TLX 2WD
Dropping the TLX's all-wheel-drive system doesn't make the car disappear from thieves' radar, as the two-wheel-drive version scored 805. That figure’s lower than the 4WD model's result, but there’s still reason to worry; it's more than eight times the normalized average.
6. GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 4WD
What do we have here? Another heavy-duty truck? You bet. The Sierra 3500 crew cab 4WD recorded a relative claim frequency of 742, making it one of America's biggest theft risks. These trucks combine hefty price tags with serious capability, so it shouldn’t surprise you that people want one for themselves.
7. Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 4WD
Chevrolet's biggest Silverado isn't far behind its GMC relative, posting a theft frequency of 662. As mentioned, heavy-duty pickups can cost serious money, and that only skyrockets once diesel engines and popular equipment are added. In other words, thieves aren't necessarily chasing sports cars when a Silverado’s nearby.
8. Dodge Durango 4WD
The four-wheel-drive Dodge Durango landed eighth with a relative whole-vehicle theft frequency of 592. But what’s to blame for such high numbers? It could be the high horsepower, or it could be that a family-sized SUV can attract the same unwanted attention as far flashier machinery. Either way, this one ranked higher than you might think.
9. Land Rover Range Rover 4WD
A Range Rover isn't exactly hiding in plain sight, and its 540 relative theft frequency shows that. It makes sense when you think about it, though—the luxurious price tag is enough to lure anyone into a five-finger discount. Its high replacement value also produced costly overall theft losses in the institute's insurance data.
10. Ram 1500 Crew Cab Short-Wheelbase 4WD
The Ram 1500 crew cab 4WD posted a relative frequency of 524, and while that’s lower than some of the more egregious numbers, it’s still more than five times the average result. Thieves want it for the same reasons you did: popularity, capability, and the value packed into one modern truck. All those valuable assets make it worth protecting.
11. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Crew Cab 4WD
To the surprise of no one, another Silverado made the list with a relative frequency of 402. If anything, the result just shows how heavily large and very large pickups influence poor choices. Don’t forget that a modern HD truck can represent a major financial prize, too, especially when it's fitted with an expensive powertrain and upscale equipment.
12. Ram 3500 Crew Cab Long-Wheelbase 4WD
Ram's enormous 3500 long-wheelbase crew cab might look difficult to slip into the night with, but its relative theft frequency still reached a staggering 387. It belongs to the same group of costly heavy-duty pickups we all know thieves want, and clearly, size isn't much of a deterrent.
13. Honda CR-V Hybrid 4WD
We know it sounds crazy, but this one clocked in higher than you’d think! The CR-V Hybrid is one of the more unexpected names here, registering a theft frequency of 340. HLDI itself recorded 325 claims over 214,666 insured vehicle years for 2023–2024 examples. Horsepower and cost always play a part for thieves, but so do reliable vehicles that blend into a crowd.
14. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 2WD
Even the two-wheel-drive Sierra 1500 crew cab appears well above average, earning a relative frequency of 324. Unfortunately, GMC's full-size trucks combine two sought-after traits: popularity and a high price tag. You don't need to own a heavy-duty diesel for a Sierra to warrant some extra caution in the parking lot.
15. Dodge Durango 2WD
Four-wheel drive isn't the only Durango on this list; the two-wheel-drive model scored 300 all on its own. That's three times the normalized average despite sitting well below the 4WD Durango. The reason for such high numbers is likely that it’s just as powerful as its cousin.
16. GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD
Switching to the four-wheel-drive Sierra 1500 crew cab produces another place on the list, with a relative claim frequency of 292. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which model you own. Between this one and GMC's 2500 and 3500 variants, Sierra owners have plenty of statistical reason to take theft prevention seriously.
17. BMW X7 4WD
BMW's largest SUV reached a relative theft frequency of 277, so not even luxury buyers are immune to sticky fingers. Then again, BMWs have always been a target, and today's theft problem extends well beyond older cars with older security systems.
18. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Long-Wheelbase 4WD
An S-Class offers plenty for buyers—and it offers plenty for those in the night, too. The long-wheelbase 4WD version scored 267 for theft frequency, while HLDI found its average theft claims were considerably more severe than the norm. Sure, thieves may have fewer S-Classes to choose from, but that hardly discouraged their motives.
19. Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab 4WD
Surprisingly, Jeep's pickup joined the list with a relative claim frequency of 264. Though it’s far lower than you’d think, it still sits at more than double the average vehicle. The Gladiator has long offered legitimate buyers everything you could want in a 4WD model, which is probably why so many other people ogle it.
20. Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD
Rounding out the top 20 is hardly reassuring when we’re talking about an Escalade ESV. Its relative theft frequency is 260, which isn't surprising given how expensive one of these bad boys can be to replace. High value is a recurring trait among these poor souls, and Cadillac's biggest SUV fits that pattern like a driving glove.
