Can a Subaru BRZ be flat towed?
The Subaru BRZ should not be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground. Manufacturer guidance from Subaru and Toyota emphasizes towing the BRZ on a flatbed or trailer to protect the drivetrain. This article explains what flat towing involves, what the BRZ’s manuals say, and safer options for moving or transporting the car.
Understanding flat towing and the BRZ
Flat towing means towing a vehicle with all four wheels rotating on the ground behind another vehicle or RV. For a BRZ, which uses a rear-wheel-drive layout and either a manual or automatic transmission, the risk of lubricating and cooling issues in the transmission and engine makes flat towing problematic. Below are the key factors owners should consider.
Consider these central points when evaluating whether flat towing is appropriate for a BRZ:
- Drivetrain layout and transmission design: The BRZ uses a rear-wheel-drive setup with a manual or automatic transmission, connected to the engine in a way that isn’t intended for four-wheel-down towing.
- Lubrication and cooling concerns: When towed with the engine off and four wheels down, the transmission and associated components may not receive proper lubrication, increasing the risk of damage.
- Manufacturer towing guidance: Official manuals for BRZ models typically discourage four-wheel-down towing and recommend alternatives such as a flatbed transport.
- Warranty implications: Ignoring official towing recommendations can affect warranty coverage if damage occurs during improper tow procedures.
In short, these factors help explain why flat towing is generally not advised for the BRZ and why safer options are recommended.
What Subaru and Toyota say about BRZ towing
Subaru’s BRZ owner’s manual and Toyota’s guidance for the related GR86/86 platform align on a common point: four-wheels-down towing is not recommended for these cars. The preferred method is to transport the BRZ on a flatbed trailer or tow vehicle that keeps all wheels off the ground. This guidance applies across multiple model years and configurations, including both manual and automatic transmissions.
Model-year and transmission notes
Across BRZ model years (from the original 2012 design through the 2022 refresh and subsequent versions), the core towing stance has remained consistent: flat-towing with all four wheels on the ground is not advised. If you’re planning to tow a BRZ behind an RV or relocate one, consult the specific owner’s manual for your exact year and transmission type, and contact the dealer if you’re unsure.
What to do instead is clear: use a flatbed trailer or a tow service that can lift the car completely off the ground rather than towing it with the wheels contacting the road.
Consequences and safer alternatives
Attempting to flat-tow a BRZ can expose the vehicle to drivetrain stress and potential damage, which is why the recommended approach is to use ground-free transport. Here are the safer alternatives and considerations for owners and prospective buyers.
- Safer alternative: Transport the BRZ on a flatbed trailer so all four wheels are off the ground during movement.
- Special cases: If you need to move the BRZ a very short distance for a diagnostic or repositioning, check with a professional tow operator about the exact method, but do not assume four-wheel-down towing is acceptable.
- Professional guidance: When complex towing is required (e.g., behind an RV), rely on a qualified towing service that handles flatbed or wheel-lift setups to protect the drivetrain.
Ultimately, the safest and most consistent approach is flatbed transport, which minimizes drivetrain wear and aligns with manufacturer guidelines.
Practical tips for owners planning to tow or transport a BRZ
Before arranging any movement of a BRZ, verify year-specific guidance and consider professional towing support. The following steps are commonly recommended by manufacturers and reputable tow professionals.
- Check the exact towing instructions in your BRZ’s owner’s manual or with a Subaru/Toyota dealer, noting transmission type and model year.
- Plan to transport the BRZ on a flatbed trailer or a suitable car trailer to keep all wheels off the ground.
- Avoid DIY flat-tow setups behind RVs or large tow vehicles unless explicitly approved by the manufacturer for your year and trans type.
- Ensure proper securing of the vehicle on the trailer with correct tie-down points and wheel straps, following the trailer manufacturer’s guidelines.
Following these guidelines helps ensure the BRZ is moved safely without risking drivetrain damage or voiding warranty coverage.
Summary
For most Subaru BRZ models, flat towing with all four wheels on the ground is not recommended by the manufacturer. The preferred method is to transport the BRZ on a flatbed trailer or similar ground-free setup to protect the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Always consult the specific owner's manual for your year and transmission, and when in doubt, enlist a professional towing service to ensure safe and compliant transport.
Can you flat tow a brz?
So like I said if you have a manual transmission you're in luck. But I also have bad news for that in 2024. And up they only offer a manual transmission in the WRX.
How do I know if my car can be flat towed?
Important: Follow the guidelines outlined in the Towing section of your Owner's Manual for safe towing. To see if your vehicle can be flat towed: Visit the Manuals, Guides, and Certificates page on the Fleet website. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or year, make, model, and trim.
What is the easiest car to flat tow behind a RV?
Here are some of the most popular flat tow vehicles:
- Jeep Wrangler JL.
- Ford F-150.
- Jeep Wrangler JK.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Jeep Cherokee.
- Chevrolet Colorado.
- Honda CR-V.
Which subarus can be flat towed?
Subarus that can be flat-towed are those equipped with a manual transmission and have had the proper base plate and other necessary equipment installed. This is because automatic transmissions in Subarus are not designed for the stress of being towed on four wheels, and flat-towing an automatic Subaru is not recommended.
Key factors
- Manual transmission: The most important factor is that the vehicle must have a manual transmission, as it allows the drivetrain to be disengaged by putting the transmission in neutral.
- Automatic transmission: Vehicles with an automatic transmission must be towed with all four wheels off the ground, such as on a flatbed truck or with a tow dolly.
- Manufacturer recommendations: While older manuals were explicitly endorsed for flat-towing, many newer models may no longer be officially supported due to changes in design, even if they are manual. Always consult the owner's manual for the specific vehicle and year to ensure it is safe to do so.
- Drivetrain: Even with a manual transmission, other models may still have limitations on how they can be towed. Always check your specific vehicle's owner's manual for explicit instructions.
What to do
- Check the owner's manual: Always check the owner's manual for your specific model and year to confirm if it can be flat-towed.
- Consider the drivetrain: If your Subaru has an automatic transmission, you will need a flatbed tow truck.
- Contact a dealer: If you are unsure about whether your vehicle can be flat-towed, contact a dealership for clarification.
- Install the necessary equipment: If your manual-transmission Subaru can be flat-towed, make sure you have the correct tow bar and base plate installed before you begin towing.
