The Hardest Cars to Steal in 2023: Protecting Your Precious Ride
July 29, 2023

Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009. He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships. Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.
Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.
Fortress on Wheels: The Unyielding Security of 2023's Toughest Cars to Steal
Today, car theft has become an intricate task for criminals, as automakers employ sophisticated anti-theft systems to safeguard their vehicles.
Before you shop for your next vehicle, take a comprehensive look at the hardest vehicles to steal in 2023.
Table of Contents
- The Hardest Cars to Steal
- 1. Tesla Model S
- 2. BMW 7 Series
- 3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 4. Audi A6
- 5. Ford F-150
- Which of These Cars Is Least Likely to Be Stolen?
- Why Are These Cars So Hard to Steal?
- How to Further Protect Your Car From Being Stolen
- Driving the Least Stolen Vehicle in 2023
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Hardest Cars to Steal
1. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is one of the most advanced vehicles on the road today. With its keyless entry system, built-in GPS tracking feature, and continuous wireless communication with Tesla servers, the Model S leaves little room for thieves to exploit.
The car's biometric authentication feature ensures that only authorized drivers can operate the vehicle, making it extremely challenging for unauthorized access.
2. BMW 7 Series
The large-sized BMW is known for its innovative security features.
With a sophisticated engine immobilizer system, keyless ignition, and an encrypted key fob, this luxury sedan is incredibly difficult to hotwire or steal through electronic means.
The car's central locking system ensures that physical entry into the vehicle is nearly impossible without the original key.
Current BMW 7 Series Deals & Incentives
Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | BMW | 7 Series | $1,389/month for 36 months, $9,289 due at signing | 10/2/23 | ||
2024 | BMW | 7 Series | $1,159/month for 36 months, $7,859 due at signing | 10/2/23 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's BMW deals and average prices paid.
3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasts an array of high-tech security features.
Its keyless go system requires the presence of a unique fob to start the engine, and a proximity sensor prevents unauthorized access.
The car utilizes a multifactor authentication system, incorporating biometric data and PIN codes, making it a formidable challenge for potential thieves.
Current Mercedes-Benz S-Class Deals & Incentives
Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Mercedes | S-Class | ||||
2023 | Mercedes | S-Class | $1,619/month for 36 months, $11,033 due at signing | 10/2/23 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Mercedes-Benz deals and average prices paid.
4. Audi A6
Not only known for its amazing style, the Audi's A6 model incorporates a highly secure keyless entry system that utilizes rolling codes, making it nearly impossible for thieves to intercept and replicate the key fob's signals.
The car's immobilizer system is encrypted, preventing any bypass attempts. Plus, the Audi A6 is more of a niche luxury vehicle and not as attractive to car thieves.
Current Audi A6 Deals & Incentives
Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Audi | A6 | ||||
2023 | Audi | A6 | $5,000 | 6.49% | $549/month for 36 months, $6,139 due at signing | 10/2/23 |
2024 | Audi | A6 | 6.99% | 10/2/23 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Audi deals and average prices paid.
5. Ford F-150
The F-150’s keyless entry system employs rolling codes and ensures that only the authenticated key fob can start the engine.
Plus, many modern F-150 models are equipped with remote tracking systems, enabling swift recovery in the event of theft.
Current Ford F-150 Deals & Incentives
Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Ford | F-150 | $488/month for 48 months, $3,820 due at signing | 10/2/23 | ||
2023 | Ford | F-150 | $486/month for 48 months, $4,069 due at signing | 10/2/23 | ||
2023 | Ford | F-150 Lightning |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals and average prices paid.
Which of These Cars Is Least Likely to Be Stolen?
When it is all said and done, the Tesla Model S stands out as the least likely to be stolen.
Between its comprehensive security features, real-time GPS tracking, and biometric authentication, the Model S is simply too much for even the most experienced car thieves.
Tesla's continuous software updates also ensure that any emerging vulnerabilities are promptly patched, further bolstering the car's security.
Why Are These Cars So Hard to Steal?
The one thing that all of these vehicles have in common is that they have some of the most advanced anti-theft technology on the road today.
Car thieves are looking for easy targets. They know which vehicles have advanced anti-theft systems and simply pass them by.
And except for the F-150, these vehicles are low-volume sellers and are harder to sell once stolen.
How to Further Protect Your Car From Being Stolen
While modern cars are equipped with advanced security features, there are additional steps you can take to protect your vehicle from theft.
Here’s a look at five simple steps you can take to keep your vehicle secure:
- Park Wisely: Always park in well-lit and secure areas. If possible, use a garage or parking lot with surveillance cameras.
- Lock Your Car: It may sound obvious, but many car thefts occur due to owners leaving their vehicles unlocked. Double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked.
- Install a Security System: Consider installing an aftermarket alarm system that includes motion sensors, shock sensors, and a vehicle immobilizer.
- Use a Steering Wheel Lock: These physical deterrents may discourage thieves from attempting to steal your car, as they add an extra layer of complexity.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Do not leave any valuables or personal belongings visible inside the car, as it may attract potential thieves.
Driving the Least Stolen Vehicle in 2023
In 2023, cars like the Tesla Model S, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A6, and Ford F-150 stand out as some of the hardest cars to steal due to their advanced security features.
Despite these advancements, car owners need to remain vigilant and implement additional protective measures to safeguard their prized possessions from potential thefts.
Best Car Deals by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Cars Are Stolen Each Year In the US?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, approximately 750,000 cars were stolen annually in the United States. However, it is important to note that this number might have changed since then due to various factors like advancements in car security technology and changes in crime rates.
What Is The Number 1 Most Stolen Car?
The "most stolen car" rankings can change over time, and they can vary depending on different factors such as location and year. As of 2023, the Honda Civic and Honda Accord were among the most stolen cars in the US.
Are keyless entry systems safe from theft attempts?
Keyless entry systems have improved security features, but they are not completely immune to theft attempts. Thieves can use relay attacks or signal amplifiers to intercept and replicate the key fob's signals.
Can I track my car if it gets stolen?
Many modern cars come equipped with GPS tracking systems that can assist in locating your vehicle if it's stolen.
Are older cars less likely to be stolen than newer ones?
In general, older cars might be less desirable to thieves due to their outdated security features and reduced market value for spare parts. However, certain classic or vintage cars can still be targeted for their collectible value.
Posted in Car Research & Comparisons |