Pick Your Tows Right
Hitting the road in your RV is awesome, but picking the right car to tow behind it? That’s where things get real. Not every vehicle can handle being flat towed, and choosing the wrong one could mean a hefty repair bill. The list ahead breaks it down: 10 to skip and 10 that make the cut.
1. Toyota Prius
Electric motors and regenerative braking may improve efficiency, but they complicate towing. The Prius uses an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and has no true neutral gear. Flat towing it risks severe damage to internal components, and Toyota explicitly prohibits flat towing.
2. Nissan Leaf
Towing the Leaf with all wheels down is a fast track to motor burnout. Without a mechanical disconnect or neutral mode, its electric drive system remains engaged. Nissan's documentation clearly states flat towing isn’t allowed. Therefore, use a flatbed trailer if long-distance travel is unavoidable.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on Wikimedia
3. Chevrolet Volt
GM's plug-in hybrid sports advanced features, but flat towing isn't one of them. The Volt’s complex Voltec powertrain merges gasoline and electric inputs through planetary gearsets, which require consistent electronic control. Towing it without powered lubrication can quickly seize components.
Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) on Wikimedia
4. Ford Fusion (Automatic)
It might look like a solid choice for road travel, but automatic versions of the Fusion are a no-go for flat towing. Transmission fluid circulation halts when the engine is off. While the hybrid variant has exceptions, standard automatics are not flat-tow approved by Ford.
Lord of the Wings© from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
5. Hyundai Elantra (CVT)
The Hyundai Elantra's Intelligent Variable Transmission, widely adopted from 2020 onward, trades towing ability for efficiency. Unlike manuals, this CVT lacks a passive lubrication mechanism when the engine’s off. Dragging it flat can result in transmission burnout. Hyundai strictly mandates flatbeds or dollies.
6. Kia Forte (Automatic)
In practice, drivers often assume smaller cars like the Forte are flat-tow friendly. That’s misleading. Its automatic transmission requires engine-driven lubrication, which stops once the ignition is off. Kia has never approved flat towing for the Forte, regardless of trim level.
7. Mazda3 (Automatic)
Mazda3’s SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission doesn't provide a mechanical neutral compatible with flat towing. The documentation specifies that towing should be done on a trailer. Only some discontinued manual trims from older models had safe flat-tow capability.
File:Mazda3 (BP) X e-Skyactiv-X IMG 9015.jpg: Alexander Migl derivative work: Zinnmann on Wikimedia
8. Volkswagen Jetta (Automatic)
Though often used for long commutes, the Jetta’s automatic version is incompatible with flat towing. Volkswagen’s dual-clutch and torque converter systems depend on constant fluid movement. Flat towing leads to internal wear due to a lack of lubrication, so VW advises either tow dollies or flatbed transport.
9. Subaru Impreza (CVT)
It’s all-wheel-drive and reliable until it’s flat towed. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT is not built for towing behind an RV. Subaru warns against flat-towing all CVT-equipped models and suggests using a flatbed trailer for long-distance transport.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
10. Honda Accord (Automatic)
Once upon a time, the manual Accord made a great towed vehicle. That era ended. Current automatic versions rely on internal pumps that shut down when the engine is off. This makes flat towing a mechanical risk. Honda’s official manuals state that flat-towing automatics will void the drivetrain warranty.
If that last list had you seeing red, this next one's probably going to be your green light. We're talking about the cars that are built to roll without resistance.
1. Honda Fit (Manual)
Compact and agile, the Honda Fit manual is a favorite among flat-tow enthusiasts. Its simple front-wheel-drive layout and true mechanical neutral make it ideal for flat towing. Honda verifies that manual models from various years are suitable for flat towing, ensuring reliability for RV owners.
2. Chevrolet Spark (Manual)
This tiny hatchback might not scream road warrior, but manual transmission Sparks are perfectly suited for flat towing. General Motors lists the Spark (manual only) as flat-tow compatible in the owner's manual. Its lightweight frame and low-cost maintenance add practicality.
3. Ford Fiesta (Manual)
Once a go-to subcompact, the Fiesta earned respect for how well it tows. Ford's documentation consistently cleared manual trims for flat towing without modification. Its lightweight body reduces drag, and the straightforward drivetrain keeps mechanical stress minimal. Many RV forums still praise its ease of setup.
4. Fiat 500 (Manual)
Flat-towing a Fiat 500 might seem unexpected until the specs are reviewed. Fiat approved manual versions for flat towing, thanks to their traditional gearboxes and low curb weight. Its short wheelbase and minimal resistance on turns make it a surprisingly strong match for RV travel conditions.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. Chevrolet Sonic (Manual)
For those who prefer a little more room without sacrificing towability, the Sonic (manual) delivers. GM’s technical bulletins explicitly okayed manual Sonics for flat towing. Owners favor it for its sturdier build and highway comfort compared to smaller hatchbacks. It blends usability and towing confidence.
6. Ford Focus (Manual)
Compact cars that can handle flat towing often feel like a compromise, but not the manual Ford Focus. It delivers a roomy interior and a transmission that cooperates fully with the tow bar. Ford’s official guidelines approved manual versions for flat towing across several years.
7. Chevrolet Cruze (Manual)
Not every sedan on the used market can be confidently flat towed, yet the Cruze (manual) is an exception. General Motors outlines it clearly in user guides. Its dependable clutch system and neutral gear operation make it ideal for this purpose.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
8. Mini Cooper (Manual)
Precision European engineering meets American road-trip flexibility. Manual Mini Coopers, especially pre-2015 models, are flat-tow approved when parked in neutral. Their low weight and quirky appeal make them a cult favorite. Towing setups with Coopers often need no more than a base plate and bar.
9. Buick Regal (Manual)
Rare but rewarding, the manual Regal combines midsize comfort with tow-ready credentials. GM’s early 2010s documentation confirms manual models are safe for flat towing. It appeals to drivers who want more cabin room and a quieter ride without surrendering flat-tow compatibility.
10. Chevrolet Malibu (Manual)
You won’t find many recent Malibus with a stick, but earlier models offered manual trims that towed well. Flat towing is viable when placed in neutral with key-on accessories disabled. Chevrolet documentation highlights this compatibility, though verifying the exact year and trim remains key.
