The latest figures highlight both progress and persistent vulnerabilities in the automotive landscape. While overall thefts are decreasing, the data shows clear patterns in the types of vehicles criminals prefer, often reflecting popularity and ease of access.
These trends also underline regional disparities, as large metropolitan areas continue to concentrate the majority of theft incidents. The figures provide a detailed snapshot of how vehicle theft evolved over the past year.
Hyundai and Honda Dominate the Most Stolen Models List
According to data reported by Motor1, citing the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), the Hyundai Elantra ranked as the most stolen vehicle in 2025, with 21,732 reported thefts. It was followed by the Honda Accord at 17,797 and the Hyundai Sonata at 17,687.
Other frequently targeted vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 16,764 thefts and the Honda Civic at 12,725. The Kia Optima recorded 11,521 thefts, while the Ford F-150 saw 10,102 cases. Rounding out the top ten are the Toyota Camry (9,833), Honda CR-V (9,809), and Nissan Altima (8,445).
Several of these models are also among the best-selling vehicles in the country, which partly explains their presence on the list. High circulation naturally increases exposure, making them more common targets.
Decline in Hyundai and Kia Thefts Continues
The report notes a continued decrease in thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles, which had previously been heavily targeted due to known vulnerabilities. According to the NCIB, these brands accounted for 14 percent of all vehicle thefts in 2025, down from 23 percent in 2023.
This marks the third consecutive year of decline for the two automakers. The earlier surge in thefts had been linked to the relative ease with which certain models could be stolen, making them especially attractive to criminals.
Although still present in the rankings, the reduced share suggests that mitigation efforts or increased awareness may be having an effect, even if the issue has not fully disappeared.
State Data Shows Concentration in Major Urban Areas
At the state level, California reported the highest number of stolen vehicles, with 136,988 cases. Nearly 54,000 of those incidents occurred in the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone, highlighting the concentration in dense urban regions.
Texas followed with 75,269 thefts, while Illinois recorded 28,327. Florida and New York completed the top five, with 27,142 and 24,206 cases respectively.
Some states experienced significant declines. Florida saw a 29 percent drop compared to 2024, while Washington recorded the sharpest decrease at 39 percent. Colorado reported a 35 percent decline, and South Dakota saw thefts fall by 32 percent.
Despite these reductions, the data shows that vehicle theft remains largely concentrated in major metropolitan areas, where population density and vehicle volume create more opportunities for such crimes.
A final observation from the report emphasizes that, although the numbers are still high, basic preventive measures, such as parking in well-lit areas and locking doors, can help reduce the risk, even if they do not eliminate it entirely.
