What cars Cannot be flat towed?

Flat towing, or four-down towing, means towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. For most modern cars, four-down towing is not advised and can risk severe damage, so many vehicles must be transported on a tow dolly or a flatbed. The bottom line: most cars with automatic transmissions, hybrids, and many all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive models cannot be flat towed; always consult the owner's manual for exact guidance.

This article examines why flat towing is restricted in modern vehicles, identifies the categories most likely to be non‑flat-towable, and shows how you can verify towing compatibility for your specific car before attempting to move it.

Why flat towing is restricted in modern cars

Automakers design transmissions, lubrications, and onboard electronics to rely on the engine running or certain drivetrain conditions during movement. Four-down towing can cause oil starvation, gear damage, or electronic faults if the transfer of motion across the drivetrain is not correctly managed. Because the requirements vary widely by model and by generation, a blanket rule does not apply; the official guidance from the manufacturer is the only reliable standard.

Vehicle categories that commonly cannot be flat-towed

Below are the main categories where flat towing is usually prohibited or discouraged. This list reflects prevalent industry guidance and consumer experience, but exceptions do exist for specific models or special procedures. Always refer to the exact vehicle manual.

• Most cars with automatic transmissions, including many newer conventional automatics, are not approved for flat towing unless the manual or manufacturer explicitly allows it.


• Hybrid and plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs/PHEVs) often cannot be flat towed four-down because their drivetrains and lubrication pathways are designed for specific towing configurations.


• Electric vehicles (EVs) and many high‑tech powertrains with single‑speed or complex drive systems are typically not flat‑towed and are generally recommended to be transported on a flatbed or with the drive wheels elevated.


• All‑wheel‑drive (AWD) and four‑wheel‑drive (4WD) vehicles that use a center transfer case or electronically controlled coupling may be damaged by four‑down towing unless the manufacturer provides a specific approved procedure.

These categories cover vehicles most likely to be non‑flat‑towable. Because manufacturers continually update towing guidance, there are occasional deviations, so checking the exact model is essential.

How to verify for your specific car

To avoid costly damage or warranty issues, follow a careful verification process tailored to your model.

Check the owner's manual for towing instructions

The manual or the official towing section provides the definitive answer on whether four‑down towing is allowed and under what conditions (for example, engine running, gear in Neutral, or wheels off the ground).

Look for a towing chart or manufacturer guidance online

Many automakers publish towing guides or PDFs on their official sites. If the vehicle isn’t listed, contact the dealer or factory support for written instructions.

Assess the recommended towing method if flat towing is not allowed

If four‑down towing is not approved, your options typically include towing on a dolly with the drive wheels off the ground or using a flatbed trailer. Some vehicles may require special equipment or modifications; follow the manufacturer’s guidance explicitly.

Steps to verify in practice often involve cross‑checking the manual, the official manufacturer towing guide, and, if needed, speaking directly with a dealer. Do not rely on third‑party sources alone for this critical safety information.

Summary

In short, there is no universal list of cars that cannot be flat towed. The vast majority of modern automatics, hybrids, and EVs are not approved for four‑down towing, and many AWD/4WD models have restrictions as well. The only reliable source is the vehicle’s official manual or towing guide. If flat towing is not approved, use a tow dolly for the driven wheels or a flatbed for safe transport. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer to protect the vehicle and your warranty.

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 vehicles should not be flat towed?

Avoid vehicles with CVT, AWD without neutral, or electronic parking brakes that don't disengage. You can modify some cars for flat towing, but it's complex, costly, and can void your warranty. Best flat tow vehicles in 2025 include the Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150, Chevy Colorado, Ford Bronco, and more.

What cars cannot be towed?

Vehicles That Cannot Be Flat Towed
Most hybrid and electric vehicles. Most modern vehicles with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Most FWD vehicles with automatic transmissions. Most AWD (All-Wheel Drive) vehicles without a neutral mode.

Are AWD vehicles flat towable?

You can flat tow some all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, but it depends entirely on the specific make and model, as many modern AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) vehicles cannot be flat-towed without causing damage. To determine if your vehicle is flat-towable, always consult your owner's manual under the "Recreational Towing" or "Dinghy Towing" section. Many manufacturers require a flatbed trailer or wheel dollies for AWD vehicles that aren't specifically designed for flat towing.
 
This video explains how to flat tow a vehicle behind an RV: 47sChasing Our SunshineYouTube · Jan 20, 2022
How to know if your AWD vehicle can be flat-towed

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information. Look for specific instructions for recreational towing or flat towing behind an RV. 
• Look for specific features: Some vehicles are designed for flat towing and include features like a transmission disconnect or a neutral position in the transfer case. Some modern vehicles, like a 2015 Ford Edge AWD, are towable, but require specific procedures, as mentioned in this YouTube video. 
• Understand why many AWDs can't be flat-towed:
  • CVT transmissions: Most vehicles with a CVT cannot be flat-towed because the internal components are not lubricated correctly when the wheels are on the ground, leading to damage. 
  • Lack of a disconnect: Many AWD systems don't have a way to disconnect the drivetrain from the wheels, so the transmission and other components will turn and wear out while being towed. 

Alternatives if your vehicle can't be flat-towed

• Use a flatbed trailer: This is the safest option, as the entire vehicle is lifted off the ground, causing no strain on the drivetrain. 
• Use wheel dollies: These lift the front or rear wheels off the ground. This YouTube video shows how to use dollies to tow an AWD vehicle. 

You can watch this video to learn how to use wheel dollies to tow an AWD vehicle: 59sLife Wit EbYouTube · Sep 3, 2023