- The Land Cruiser remains Japan’s most stolen vehicle by a large margin in 2025.
- Toyota’s Prius ranks second and is reportedly used to assist in other vehicle thefts.
- Authorities recommend using alarms, wheel locks, and car covers to deter criminals.
As with other countries around the world, car theft in Japan remains an ongoing issue, and the Toyota Land Cruiserr continues to be a prime target. For the fifth year running, it’s on pace to claim the title of Japan’s most stolen vehicle. The numbers keep rising, underscoring the SUV’s unfortunate popularity among car thieves.
But while the Land Cruiser draws the most attention, it’s not the only Toyota that’s routinely targeted, as the Prius has also secured a spot near the top of the list.
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According to new data from Japan’s National Police Agency, the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the first half of 2025 look very similar to previous years. Nine of the ten are either Toyotas or Lexuses, with only the Suzuki Carry breaking the streak in 10th place. It’s another clear sign that Japan’s car thieves have a strong preference for domestic brands, particularly those from Toyota.
Quiet, Common, and Convenient
The Prius has climbed in the second spot with 289 units stolen so far in 2025. As reported by Creative Trend, criminals often use the hybrid as a means of transportation to commit other vehicle thefts. Its whisper-quiet powertrain helps them slip into neighborhoods late at night without drawing attention.
While silent operation is typical of hybrid and electric models, the Prius stands out as a go-to choice. It’s easy to find in Japan, known for its reliability, and comes only in hybrid or plug-in hybrid form, making it an efficient tool for low-profile crimes. It’s not far-fetched to imagine some of these stolen Priuses were used to help steal even more valuable targets, including Land Cruisers.
Japan’s National Police Agency
Land Cruiser Thefts Could Break Records
The Land Cruiser’s numbers are on track to hit a new high. With 765 units stolen in just six months, it may surpass 1,000 thefts by year-end, a threshold it’s never crossed before. For comparison, the General Insurance Association of Japan reported 688 thefts in 2024 and only 383 in 2023.
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This figure includes all major versions of the model: the Land Cruiser 300, 250 (also known as the Prado), and the 70 Series. Among them, the larger 300 Series likely makes up the bulk of the cases. Meanwhile, its luxury cousin, the Lexus LX, holds fifth place on the list with 120 thefts this year.
Other Notable Shifts in the Rankings
The Toyota Alphard, a large minivan, dropped to third place with 191 thefts, down from 303 the year before. On the other hand, the Crown Series moved up to sixth with 107 stolen units, a sharp increase likely linked to the expansion of the lineup. The Crown nameplate now includes the Crossover, Sedan, Estate, and Sport, giving thieves more options to target.
To combat the surge in thefts, Japanese authorities prompt vehicle owners to use alarm systems in combination with anti-theft devices such as steering locks and GPS trackers. Another idea is to keep the vehicle covered in order to prevent thieves from identifying its make and model, reducing the chances of it getting targeted.
