The most stolen car in America is not a Kia or a Hyundai
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If you expected a Kia or Hyundai to be the most stolen car in America, you were wrong. In fact, these cars do not fall into the top five most stolen cars, but we have a list of cars that fall into the top five most stolen cars.
It seems like you hear almost every day about Kia and Hyundai cars being stolen. This is because it happens often. But in 2023, as in 2022, none of these brands’ models will be in the top five most stolen cars. That shameful title goes to the Dodge Charger.
We hear a lot about Kia and Hyundai cars being stolen because they lack engine immobilizers. Once word got out, thanks to Kia Boyz and social media, the great zeitgeist began stealing away Korean cars. But the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat sees the most thefts, according to Automotive News.
How bad are Dodge Charger thefts?
Its ratings are based on the number of thefts per 1,000 specific cars. Joining the SRT Hellcat is a Charger Hemi. Automotive News says, “A Hemi Charger is more than 20 times more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle.” The SRT Hellcat tops that, as it’s 60 times more likely than any car from 2020 to 2022.
The study comes from the Highway Loss Data Institute. Its data shows that charger thefts are not only continuing, but are actually on the rise. “If you own a Hellcat, it’s a good idea to check your driveway,” says Matt Moore, senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute. “These numbers are incredible.”
Are there any Kia cars on the “most stolen” list?
actually. As we said, the next three positions are lower than Hyundai and lower than Kia. After the Charger Hemi, the Infiniti Q50 came in third place, then the Dodge Challenger and Land Rover Range Rover. Why the thieves stole the Q50 to such an extent “remains a mystery,” says Moore.
The only South Korean car in the top ten is the Kia Sportage in sixth place, although this is for the two-wheel drive version. The all-wheel drive Sportage comes in eighth place. Two Kia vehicles, the Rio and Forte, rounded out the top 20, so any way you look at it, Hyundai and Kia still have a theft problem.
Which cars are less likely to be stolen?
But there is yin and yang in everything. Vehicles on the least likely list include six electric vehicles in the top 20. The dual-motor Tesla Model 3 and Model Y EVs come in first and second, with the fewest claims. Next up is the Volvo XC90, GMC Acadia, and another Tesla, the Model
The study found that the reason EVs have lower theft rates is because they are charged overnight. So they are either in the garage or in a well-lit area at night when most thefts happen. Automotive News reports that no GM product is on the “most likely” list. This could be considered either because they have better deterrents to stealing or because they are less willing to steal. You can decide which one answers why.
