Vehicle hijacking remains a significant concern for motorists in South Africa. Even though recent police data show a slight year-on-year decline in hijacking incidents, the numbers are still alarmingly high — with thousands of vehicles targeted every quarter and an average of about 50 hijackings reported daily. BusinessTech

Using combined data from the South African Police Service (SAPS), tracking companies, security firms and insurers, analysts have identified the top 10 vehicle models most frequently targeted by hijackers in 2025. These insights help motorists understand risk profiles and consider additional protective measures. BusinessTech

Top Vehicles Targeted by Hijackers in South Africa (2025)

According to the latest compiled data, the following models are most commonly hijacked:

1. Toyota Hilux – A perennial top target due to its popularity, high resale value and strong demand for parts. BusinessTech
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – One of SA’s most driven vehicles, making it a frequent target for theft or parts stripping. BusinessTech
3. Toyota Fortuner – A high-value SUV with strong resale potential, consistently attractive to criminals. BusinessTech
4. Ford Ranger – Another favourite double-cab bakkie, sought after for parts and resale. BusinessTech
5. Hyundai H100 – Commercial vehicles like this one are targeted due to their utility and parts demand. BusinessTech
6. Nissan NP200 – Widely used for business and deliveries, its practicality also means higher theft risk. BusinessTech
7. Kia Picanto – A newer entry on hijackers’ radars, likely due to increased numbers on the road. BusinessTech
8. Toyota Corolla Cross – Relatively new but already a significant target, especially in common colours that blend easily in traffic. BusinessTech
9. Isuzu D-Max – A popular double-cab with strong resale value. BusinessTech
10. BMW 3 Series – Even premium models are not immune, with parts and whole vehicles valuable in illegal markets. BusinessTech

Why These Vehicles Are Targeted

The vehicles on this list generally share one or more of the following characteristics:

High Popularity

Criminals often target vehicles that are common on South African roads. Vehicles that blend in easily help hijackers go unnoticed during theft or escape. BusinessTech

Strong Resale or Parts Demand

Models with high resale value or strong demand for spare parts consistently attract criminal syndicates, both locally and across borders. These vehicles can be stripped for parts or re-registered illegally. BusinessTech

Commercial Utility

Work and fleet vehicles like bakkies and panel vans are often hijacked not just for the vehicle but also for cargo or ease of resale. BusinessTech

Security analysts note that a vehicle’s popularity among legitimate buyers — reflected in high sales figures — often correlates with its attractiveness to criminals. In other words, the more of a model on the road, the more opportunities there are for hijackers to target it. BusinessTech

What This Means for Motorists

While this list highlights the most targeted vehicles, it’s important for all drivers to recognise that no vehicle is completely safe. Hijackings and thefts often occur opportunistically — meaning vigilance and proactive protection matter regardless of make or model. BusinessTech

Here are practical steps drivers can take to mitigate risk:

• Stay alert on the road, especially at intersections, traffic lights and in unfamiliar areas.
• Keep valuables out of sight, and avoid stopping unnecessarily in isolated or high-crime zones.
• Install advanced security features, such as tracking devices and immobilisers.
• Consider professional panic or tracking services that connect to response teams.
• Vary daily routes where possible to avoid predictability.

If confronted by hijackers, security experts strongly advise compliance — resisting can increase the risk of injury. BusinessTech

Final Thoughts

Statistics from tracking firms, insurers and SAPS make it clear: vehicle hijacking remains a serious risk in South Africa, driven by criminals exploiting demand for certain models and parts. Being informed, cautious and protected — both through smart driving habits and appropriate vehicle insurance — is key to reducing your exposure to this threat. BusinessTech