Arizona recorded 12,686 vehicle thefts in 2025, according to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. The figures show that certain cars and trucks were stolen far more frequently than others across the state.
The Chevrolet Silverado recorded the highest total, followed by the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata. Kia models also appeared prominently, while pickup trucks accounted for several positions in the ranking.
This list ranks the 10 most stolen vehicle models in Arizona by the total number of reported thefts during 2025. The numbers provide a useful picture of which vehicles appeared most often in Arizona auto theft reports during that year.
1. Chevrolet Silverado: 627 Stolen
The Chevrolet Silverado ranked first among Arizona’s most stolen vehicles in 2025, with 627 reported thefts. The Silverado has held the top position in the state’s theft statistics, and the model’s high theft volume continued into 2025. The figure includes Silverado variants tracked by Arizona’s Auto Crime Tracker database.
The pickup’s position is important because its theft total was substantially higher than the totals recorded for the vehicles immediately below it. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has previously reported that Silverado thefts occur across a broad range of model years, rather than being limited to a single generation or production period.
The Silverado’s popularity among Arizona thieves has several documented factors. According to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, certain Silverado model years can have security vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to theft.
The agency’s vehicle theft investigators have also reported that Silverados are attractive to organized criminal groups because of demand for these pickups in Mexico.
This does not mean every Silverado is equally vulnerable. Theft patterns vary according to model year, location, vehicle condition and security equipment. Arizona data from 2024 showed that 2005 and 2006 Silverados were particularly common among stolen examples, while newer trucks were also represented in theft reports.
The 2025 total of 627 represents a significant decline from the 929 Silverados reported stolen in Arizona during 2024. Even with that reduction, the Silverado remained at the top of the annual ranking.
The broader decline in thefts across Arizona means the drop cannot be viewed separately from statewide trends. Arizona reported 17,010 stolen vehicles in 2024 and 12,686 in 2025, marking a reduction of roughly 25 percent.
Silverado thefts therefore followed the wider downward movement while continuing to account for more reported thefts than any other individual model listed by AATA.
For Silverado owners, the statistics highlight the value of basic theft prevention measures. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority recommends parking strategically, removing keys and key fobs from vehicles, locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight.
2. Hyundai Elantra: 418 Stolen
The Hyundai Elantra ranked second in Arizona in 2025, with 418 reported thefts. The compact sedan was the second most frequently stolen model in the state’s annual AATA figures, trailing the Chevrolet Silverado by 209 thefts.
Hyundai and Kia vehicles have featured heavily in recent vehicle theft statistics, particularly certain model years that were sold without an engine immobilizer. An immobilizer is a security system designed to prevent an engine from starting unless the correct key or authorized signal is present.
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has specifically identified this issue when discussing theft patterns involving certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
The Elantra’s position is important because it demonstrates that Arizona’s theft problem is not limited to large pickup trucks. Compact passenger cars can also appear frequently in stolen vehicle reports. The Elantra was manufactured in many generations and configurations, so the risk profile can vary significantly by model year.
Owners should therefore avoid assuming that every Elantra has the same security characteristics. Checking the vehicle identification number, model year and manufacturer’s security information can provide a more accurate understanding of the equipment fitted to a particular vehicle.
Hyundai theft patterns have received national attention because some older vehicles lacked electronic engine immobilizers. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority states that Kias and Hyundais were over-represented in the state’s theft statistics for certain 2011 through 2022 model years without this feature.
This is a specific equipment issue rather than evidence that every Hyundai vehicle is equally vulnerable. Later vehicles can have different security technology, while some earlier vehicles may have received manufacturer security updates or other changes. Owners should consult Hyundai or a qualified dealer for vehicle-specific information rather than relying solely on a general model ranking.
The 418 Elantra thefts recorded in 2025 also need to be viewed against Arizona’s statewide decline. Total vehicle thefts fell from 17,010 in 2024 to 12,686 in 2025.
3. Hyundai Sonata: 323 Stolen
The Hyundai Sonata ranked third, with 323 vehicles reported stolen in Arizona during 2025. The midsize sedan followed the Hyundai Elantra by 95 thefts and remained part of a larger pattern involving Hyundai and Kia models.
Sonata theft numbers have been elevated in Arizona’s recent statistics, particularly in relation to vehicles from model years affected by the absence of an engine immobilizer. The model’s third-place position means that more than 300 Sonatas were reported stolen during the year, giving it a substantial presence in the state’s vehicle theft records.
Like the Elantra, the Sonata has been sold across multiple generations, with significant changes to its technology and security equipment over time. That makes model year an important consideration when interpreting theft statistics. A broad statement about the Sonata can obscure meaningful differences between individual vehicles.
Security equipment, key technology and factory-installed anti-theft systems can differ depending on production year and trim. Anyone researching a particular Sonata should therefore look at the vehicle’s exact model year and equipment instead of treating the entire model line as having identical theft exposure.
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has repeatedly pointed to the lack of engine immobilizers in certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles as a factor in their representation among stolen vehicles. An immobilizer helps prevent the engine from starting when an unauthorized key or signal is used.
This security technology became a major point of discussion in vehicle theft prevention because vehicles without it can have different vulnerabilities compared with vehicles equipped with modern electronic theft deterrents. The AATA’s data identifies the affected Hyundai and Kia model years as an important part of the state’s theft picture.
4. Kia Soul: 309 Stolen
The Kia Soul ranked fourth among Arizona’s most stolen vehicles in 2025, with 309 reported thefts. Its total was only 14 thefts lower than the Hyundai Sonata, making the fourth position relatively close to the third.
The Soul is a compact crossover with a distinctive design, but its presence on Arizona’s theft list is more closely connected to vehicle security characteristics and the broader pattern affecting certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The AATA’s annual figures show that the Soul remained a significant part of Arizona’s vehicle theft statistics during 2025.
Kia theft patterns have been closely associated with vehicles that were produced without engine immobilizers. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has stated that certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles from the 2011 through 2022 model-year range were over-represented in Arizona theft statistics when they lacked an engine immobilizer.
The presence or absence of this feature can vary by vehicle, so Soul owners should identify the exact model year and check applicable manufacturer information. A model name alone does not establish the security specifications of an individual vehicle.
The 309 thefts recorded for the Soul also demonstrate how several different vehicle categories appear together in Arizona’s theft statistics. The first four positions included a full-size pickup, two sedans and a compact crossover. This variety means vehicle theft prevention cannot be reduced to a single vehicle type.
Thieves may target vehicles based on availability, security characteristics, parts demand and other factors. The AATA’s data provides the number of reported thefts, while individual circumstances can vary considerably between cities and model years.
Arizona’s statewide theft reduction provides additional context for the Soul’s 2025 figure. The state recorded 12,686 stolen vehicles in 2025, compared with 17,010 in 2024. That was a 25 percent decrease and represented a new record low for the AATA’s tracking period.
Even within this lower statewide total, the Soul remained among the most frequently reported stolen models. This shows that a statewide reduction does not necessarily change which individual models appear most frequently in theft reports.
5. GMC Savana: 278 Stolen
The GMC Savana ranked fifth in Arizona with 278 reported thefts in 2025. The full-size van was the highest-ranking GMC vehicle in the state’s top 10 list, finishing ahead of the GMC Sierra pickup.
Its inclusion also makes the ranking more diverse, showing that Arizona vehicle thefts involve commercial-style vans as well as passenger cars, SUVs and pickups. The Savana’s 278 thefts put it 31 vehicles behind the Kia Soul and 29 ahead of the Kia Optima.
The Savana serves a different role from many vehicles on this list. Full-size vans are widely used for transportation, business operations, equipment hauling and passenger applications. Their utility can contribute to demand in the used vehicle market and for vehicle components.
The Arizona ranking itself does not identify a single reason for every Savana theft, so it would be inaccurate to assign all 278 thefts to a particular cause. The statistics show frequency, while the circumstances behind individual theft reports can differ.
The Savana’s fifth-place ranking is also here because four pickup or truck-based vehicles eventually appear in Arizona’s top 10. The Chevrolet Silverado leads the entire list, while the GMC Sierra, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 also make the rankings.
The Savana adds another larger vehicle platform to the group. This pattern suggests that trucks and commercial vehicles represent a substantial portion of Arizona’s high-volume theft records, even as compact sedans and crossovers occupy several leading positions.
6. Kia Optima: 268 Stolen
The Kia Optima ranked sixth, with 268 vehicles reported stolen in Arizona during 2025. The model was only 10 thefts behind the GMC Savana, placing it within a closely grouped portion of the ranking.
The Optima, which has since been replaced in Kia’s lineup by the K5 nameplate in the U.S. market, appears in Arizona’s theft data as a commonly stolen vehicle. Its position reflects the broader representation of Kia models in the state’s vehicle theft statistics.
The Optima’s theft history is relevant to the discussion of engine immobilizers. The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has identified certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles from 2011 through 2022 that lacked engine immobilizers as being over-represented among stolen vehicles.
The specific security equipment of an Optima depends on its model year and configuration. Vehicle owners should therefore check their individual vehicle rather than assuming that every Optima has the same vulnerability or protection.
The Optima’s sixth-place position also shows the continuing presence of Kia vehicles in Arizona’s theft rankings. Four Kia and Hyundai models occupy positions within the first six places when the two brands are considered together: Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Soul and Kia Optima.
This concentration is significant in the raw theft data, though it should not be interpreted as evidence that every Kia or Hyundai is equally likely to be stolen. Model year, security equipment and local conditions can affect individual vehicles.
Owners of Optima models can check their vehicle identification information and contact Kia for applicable security guidance. Owners of older vehicles may also want to determine whether their vehicle has an immobilizer and whether any manufacturer security update applies.
Basic precautions remain important regardless of technology. Taking the key or fob with you, locking the vehicle and choosing secure parking can limit opportunities for unauthorized access. The AATA specifically recommends these measures for Arizona drivers.
7. Ford F-150: 252 Stolen
The Ford F-150 ranked seventh in Arizona with 252 reported thefts in 2025. The F-150 is a full-size pickup and joins the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 in the state’s top 10.
Pickup trucks therefore account for a substantial share of the highest-volume vehicle theft models in Arizona. The F-150’s 252 thefts were 16 fewer than the Kia Optima and 35 more than the GMC Sierra.
The F-150’s appearance on the list is consistent with the large number of pickups registered and used throughout Arizona. Full-size trucks serve personal, commercial and recreational purposes, giving them a broad presence on the state’s roads.
A high raw theft count can partly reflect how common a particular model is. For that reason, a total-volume ranking should not be confused with a theft rate. This article ranks models according to the number of vehicles reported stolen, as requested.
The presence of the F-150 also provides an interesting contrast with the Hyundai and Kia models above it. Those vehicles have been strongly associated with specific security issues involving certain model years, while pickup theft involves a broader mix of vehicle generations and circumstances.
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has reported that Silverado thefts, for example, are not restricted to a single model year. Similar caution is useful when interpreting other high-volume truck models. A vehicle’s year and security equipment matter when assessing its individual circumstances.
8. GMC Sierra: 243 Stolen
The GMC Sierra ranked eighth in Arizona, with 243 reported thefts during 2025. The Sierra was separated from the Ford F-150 by only nine thefts and from the Honda Civic below it by seven. This makes the middle portion of Arizona’s top 10 particularly close.
The Sierra also continues the strong representation of pickup trucks in the state ranking, joining the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
The Sierra and Silverado share a broader corporate connection through General Motors, but they are listed separately in the AATA’s model ranking. The Silverado recorded a much larger theft total, with 627 reported thefts, while the Sierra recorded 243.
The difference between the two demonstrates that individual vehicle models can show substantially different theft volumes even within the same manufacturer group. Model availability, vehicle population, security characteristics and demand can all affect the number of theft reports.
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has specifically discussed pickup theft when reporting on the state’s 2024 data. Four of the top 10 vehicles were pickups, including the Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. The agency has also noted that certain truck model years can have security vulnerabilities.
These observations show why truck owners should pay attention to the specifications of their exact vehicle instead of relying on a general assumption about all pickups.
Sierra owners can take the same foundational security measures recommended for other vehicles. Lock the doors, remove keys and fobs, avoid leaving valuables in view and use secure parking when available.
Owners of older trucks can review their model’s factory anti-theft equipment and ask a qualified automotive professional about additional security options. For work trucks, key management can be particularly important when several people have access to the vehicle.
9. Honda Civic: 236 Stolen
The Honda Civic ranked ninth among Arizona’s most stolen vehicles in 2025, with 236 reported thefts. The Civic was only seven thefts behind the GMC Sierra and 28 thefts ahead of the Ram 1500. Its inclusion gives passenger cars another place in the lower portion of the top 10, alongside the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.
The Civic has been sold in Arizona for many years and exists across numerous generations, meaning theft characteristics can vary significantly between model years.
The Civic’s ninth-place ranking should not be interpreted as meaning that every Civic has the same theft risk. Older and newer generations can have very different security systems, key technology and factory equipment.
A raw model-level statistic combines vehicles across the model’s different production years. Consumers researching a Civic should therefore consider the exact model year, equipment and local conditions when assessing security. The statewide total simply indicates how many Civics were reported stolen in the AATA database during 2025.
The Civic also demonstrates that Arizona’s top theft models are not limited to vehicles associated with recent Kia and Hyundai security concerns. The model appears in the ranking alongside four pickups and several other passenger vehicles.
Different models can enter theft statistics for different reasons, and the available annual ranking does not provide a specific explanation for every individual theft. It is more accurate to use the figures as a measure of theft frequency rather than assigning a single cause to each model’s position.
Civic owners can reduce common opportunities by taking their keys or fobs with them, locking the vehicle whenever it is unattended and selecting secure parking when possible. Owners can also review the anti-theft equipment installed in their particular vehicle. Older vehicles may have different security technology from newer Civics.
If an owner is uncertain about the equipment, a Honda dealer or qualified automotive technician can help identify the vehicle’s factory-installed security features.
10. Ram 1500: 208 Stolen
The Ram 1500 completed Arizona’s top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2025, with 208 reported thefts. It was the fourth pickup truck to appear in the top 10, following the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra.
The Ram’s total was 28 thefts lower than the Honda Civic and 35 lower than the GMC Sierra. Its position rounds out a ranking that contains a mixture of full-size pickups, sedans, a crossover and a full-size van.
The Ram 1500’s appearance is consistent with the broader presence of pickup trucks among Arizona’s most frequently stolen vehicles. Full-size pickups are widely used for personal transportation, work, commercial activity and outdoor travel, giving them a substantial presence on Arizona roads.
Their popularity also means there are many examples in circulation across the state. When a vehicle has a large number of units on the road, theft reports can naturally represent a significant total.
The Ram 1500 is offered in several configurations, with differences in cab style, bed length, engine options and equipment. This variety has helped make the truck suitable for different types of owners, from daily drivers to people who use their vehicles for hauling and other practical tasks.
Its strong presence in Arizona’s theft statistics does not mean that every Ram 1500 faces the same level of risk. Theft patterns can vary according to vehicle year, location, security features and individual circumstances.
Arizona’s climate and geography also contribute to the popularity of trucks such as the Ram 1500. Drivers may choose pickups for their ground clearance, cargo capacity and towing capability, particularly in areas where roads, work sites or recreational activities require a versatile vehicle.
As a result, the Ram 1500 remains a familiar sight throughout the state. The 208 reported thefts show that it represents a meaningful share of vehicle theft reports, even though its total was lower than several vehicles ranked above it.
