To Colorado car thieves, a Hyundai or Kia can look like a drive-thru special: cheap, easy, and gone in 60 seconds.

The two brands account for nearly one-in-five vehicles stolen statewide this year, according to data from the Colorado State Patrol.

The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, or CATPA, recently released its annual list of the most stolen vehicles in the state and is urging owners to take immediate steps to protect their cars, especially older models that use physical keys and lack modern anti-theft features such as engine immobilizers.

Colorado’s Most Stolen Vehicles 

Stealing cars is just the beginning, CATPA said. The agency warns that stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes, including reckless driving, burglaries, and other offenses throughout the Denver metro area.

Many of the vehicles on Colorado’s list share a common trait: They are relatively easy to steal and highly profitable when stripped for parts.

Hyundai and Kia models built before November 2021 — including the Elantra, Sonata, Optima, Soul, and Sportage — are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of engine immobilizers and push-button ignition systems, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

As of 2022, only 84% of Hyundai and Kia models had immobilizers, compared with 96% of vehicles from other manufacturers. All new Hyundai and Kia vehicles now include immobilizers as standard equipment.

The issue gained national attention with the rise of the “Kia Challenge,” a viral TikTok trend that showed how some models could be started using a USB cable and basic tools, according to a report by Business Insider.  Some cities reported thefts of Hyundais and Kias increased by more than 1,000% after the videos circulated.

In response, several cities, including Seattle, filed lawsuits against the automakers. Seattle officials accused the companies of failing to install basic theft deterrents long after other manufacturers had adopted the technology, Axios reported.

Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra pickups, and Ford F-150 and F-250 trucks are also top targets. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that full-size pickups consistently rank among the most stolen vehicles in the country.

“Used car values are at historical highs,” NICB President and CEO David Glawe said in 2022. “We have seen a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation. Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.”

Older models are especially at risk. Many trucks older than 10 years lack advanced ignition security systems, making them easier to hotwire or tow.

Honda Civics also remain a consistent target. For over a decade, the NICB has ranked them among the most stolen vehicles in the United States due to their popularity, widespread availability, and parts interchangeability.

How to protect your vehicle from theft in Colorado

Authorities say all drivers should take steps to prevent theft. The message is urgent for owners of any vehicle on Colorado’s top 10 list, especially older Hyundai and Kia models.

CATPA and the Metropolitan Auto Theft Taskforce recommend the following:

• Lock your car every time you park.
• Remove your keys, and never leave a running vehicle unattended.
• Park in garages, secure lots, or well-lit, high-visibility areas.
• Keep the interior clean and free of visible valuables.
• Check with your dealer to see if your Hyundai or Kia qualifies for a free security software update.
• Use deterrents such as steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and aftermarket alarms.
• Enroll in local recovery programs such as DenverTrack or MetroTrack.
• Visit LockDownYourCar.org for more prevention tips and victim support.

“If you own a vehicle in Colorado’s ‘Top Ten’ list, you have to do more,” the CATPA advisory reads.

Although auto thefts trended down across the state in 2024, officials warn that drivers of the most frequently targeted models remain at elevated risk.

Colorado State Patrol emphasizes that taking extra steps today could keep your car from becoming tomorrow’s crime statistic.