Are any Toyota vehicles flat-towable?
Very few, if any, current Toyota models are officially approved for flat-tow towing (towing with all four wheels on the ground). In practice, most Toyota vehicles should be towed on a dolly or trailer, or using another method recommended in the owner's manual and by RV towing guidelines. Always verify with Toyota and your RV manufacturer before attempting any flat-tow setup.
What flat-towing means for Toyota vehicles
Flat-towing, also known as four-down towing, involves pulling a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome. Modern automatics, hybrids, and some drivetrains require lubrication, cooling, and power-steering systems to be driven by the engine, which makes four-down towing risky or prohibited unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it. Toyota’s official guidance for its current lineup generally does not list 4-down towing as an approved option.
Before listing the specifics, note that the information below reflects current industry guidance and Toyota’s usual stance. Always check the exact model-year manual and any updates from Toyota or your RV’s tow equipment supplier, as policies can change and there are rare, highly specialized exceptions.
Below are the core points RV owners should understand about flat-towing Toyota vehicles.
- Official approvals: For most current Toyota models, flat-tow (four-down) towing is not listed as an approved method by Toyota in their owner manuals or towing guides. This means the practice is generally not recommended by the manufacturer for daily use.
- Drivetrain and transmission considerations: Even if a vehicle is front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, the transmission and related systems in many Toyotas require the engine to run or use a specific setup to avoid transmission damage when being towed. Four-down towing without that setup can risk serious damage.
- Hybrids and plug-ins: Toyota hybrids (for example, popular hybrid SUVs and sedans) are typically not approved for flat-tow behind a motorhome and may require special procedures or be unsuitable for 4-down towing.
- Historical context: A few very old Toyota models with particular manual transmissions may have existed in the far past as flat-towable, but these are not representative of today’s lineup and are not relevant to new purchases.
Conclusion: In practical terms, there are no widely supported, officially approved flat-towable Toyota vehicles in the current market. For RV travel, the safer route is to use a tow dolly for front-wheel-drive Toyotas and most AWD Toyotas, or to tow the vehicle on a trailer, while always following the manufacturer’s instructions and the RV tow equipment guidelines.
Practical guidance for towing Toyota behind an RV
How to proceed if you need to move a Toyota behind a motorhome
To minimize risk and stay within manufacturer guidance, consider the following approach. The steps below are to help you plan safely and avoid transmitting information that could damage your vehicle or void warranties.
Before using any towing method, prepare with the following steps:
- Consult the owner’s manual for your exact Toyota model-year to confirm towing recommendations and any required equipment (dolly, trailer, or alternative methods).
- Discuss your towing plan with both Toyota’s customer support and your RV manufacturer or tow-heiress equipment supplier to confirm compatibility and safety.
- If four-down towing is not approved, use a tow dolly (front wheels off the ground) for front-wheel-drive Toyota models and many all-wheel-drive models, or tow the vehicle on a trailer.
- Ensure the tow setup does not affect essential systems (transmission lubrication, steering assist, braking, and electrical systems). If the vehicle requires power or lubrication while moving, four-down towing is typically unsuitable.
- Keep a detailed maintenance and towing log to document the towing configuration and any service recommendations from Toyota or the dealership.
In practice, the recommended alternatives are straightforward: use a tow dolly for front-wheel-drive Toyotas, or tow the vehicle on a trailer, ensuring proper tie-down procedures and weight distribution. If you believe your situation might warrant a non-standard setup, consult a qualified dealership service department or a professional RV towing installer who can review model-specific requirements and warranty implications.
Summary
In short, there are no broadly approved flat-towable Toyota models in today’s lineup. For RV users, the safer and more reliable approach is to tow Toyota vehicles using a dolly or trailer, or to choose a vehicle explicitly approved for 4-down towing (if planning a long-term, frequent flat-tow setup) after thorough verification with Toyota and your RV equipment provider. Always verify the latest guidance in the vehicle’s owner manual and from Toyota customer service before towing.
