Researchers examined Russia’s car theft patterns over the first nine months of 2022, drawing from insurance and crime data. The Hyundai Santa Fe emerged as the most stolen model, accounting for about 12% of all reported vehicle thefts in the country. The Mitsubishi Outlander followed, representing roughly 7%. Close behind were four vehicles tied in popularity with thieves: two Kia crossovers and two Hyundai models, each sharing a similar theft rate. This snapshot highlights which popular models have become prime targets and how theft risks can shift with market conditions and vehicle features. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)
The share of thefts in Russia (% of the total number of thefts)
- Hyundai Santa Fe 12%
- Mitsubishi Outlander 7%
- Hyundai Creta 4%
- Hyundai Tucson 4%
- Kia Sorento 4%
- Kia Sportage 4%
- Hyundai Palisade 3%
- Hyundai Sonata 3%
- Lexus RX 3%
Beyond the national picture, the Santa Fe also led theft stats in Moscow, with the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Sonata following in second and third places. When compared with the previous year, the overall number of thefts shows a downward trend, according to experts, though regional variations persist. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)
- Still, analysts caution that annual conclusions should wait for the full year results, since rising spare parts prices and shortages may spur a temporary increase in hijacking attempts at times. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)
- Updates and industry observations are summarized in the insurer’s public materials and regional crime reports. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)
In practice, these findings underscore broad dynamics that insurers, law enforcement, and vehicle owners in North America should watch. Devices like immobilizers, tracking systems, and secure parking play a substantial role in reducing risk, and modeled trends suggest that theft hotspots often coincide with popular new models and supply chains. For drivers in Canada and the United States, this translates into prioritizing security features and broader protective measures for commonly targeted vehicles. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)
For readers seeking practical context, insurance carriers often publish regional data or risk analyses that help owners understand how theft risk evolves with seasonality, price changes for spare parts, and shifts in vehicle popularity. While the specific models are Russian market data, the underlying lesson remains universal: staying informed about which vehicles are most attractive to thieves and investing in robust anti-theft technology can meaningfully reduce exposure. (AlfaStrakhovanie, 2022)