What do you call a vehicle that has been taken unlawfully from its owner?

The term commonly used to refer to a vehicle that has been taken unlawfully from its owner is "stolen vehicle." This designation is recognized in legal contexts and law enforcement terminology. A vehicle is classified as stolen when someone has taken it without the owner's permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of its use.

Using "stolen vehicle" succinctly encapsulates both the unlawful appropriation and the criminal nature of the act, making it clear to both law enforcement and the public that the vehicle is not just unlawfully possessed, but is indeed taken as part of a theft. Understanding this classification is important in law enforcement so proper legal procedures can be followed in reporting and recovering such vehicles. Other terms like "stolen car" may refer to the same concept but are typically considered less formal. The other options do not appropriately convey the nature of the theft in legally accurate language.