What subcompact cars can be flat towed?
Very few subcompact cars are approved for flat-towing (four wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome. As of 2024-25, most subcompacts require towing with a dolly or are not approved for 4-down towing. Always consult the owner's manual and the latest manufacturer tow guides for your exact model and year.
Flat-towing, or 4-down towing, means the vehicle is pulled with all four wheels in contact with the road. A vehicle's towability depends on its drivetrain, transmission, electronics, and the RV's tug system. Among subcompacts, approvals are scarce and can change by model year; therefore, verify each car individually rather than relying on the general class.
How to verify whether a subcompact is flat-towable
Use this step-by-step verification to determine if a given subcompact is approved for 4‑down towing with your RV, and to understand any required procedures or equipment.
- Obtain the exact model year and trim level of your car and check the owner's manual for "towing" or "flat towing" instructions.
- Consult the official towing guide published by the vehicle manufacturer for that year; look for 4‑down towing or flat towing allowances. If the guide requires a neutral towing procedure or restricts speeds, follow it precisely.
- If the manual or guide is unclear, contact the manufacturer's customer support or your local dealer for written confirmation on capacity, required equipment, and any warranty implications.
- Assess if the transmission type (manual vs. automatic) affects towability; many automatics are not flat-towable, while some manuals or specific automatics with electronic neutral may be allowed with proper setup.
- Cross-check with your RV's towing resources (the RV owner club, Go RVing, or the tow-guide for your rig) to ensure compatibility of both vehicle and tow equipment.
Because towability can change with a model update, keep a copy of the manufacturer’s guidance and recheck anytime you consider a new year or trim. If 4‑down towing isn’t approved, you’ll typically use a tow dolly (two wheels on the ground) or tow the car in a trailerized arrangement.
Alternatives if flat-towing isn’t approved
For subcompact cars that cannot be flat-towed, the most common alternatives are tow dolly towing (front wheels on the dolly and rear wheels on the road) or transporting the car on a trailer. Each approach has implications for insurance, mileage, and wear, so plan accordingly.
- Tow dolly with the front wheels on the dolly and the rear wheels on the road; ensure the car's transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is released as directed by the manufacturer and the tow-dolly instructions.
- Transport the car on a small trailer or full trailer; ensure proper licensing, insurance, and trailer lighting are in place.
- Consider a dedicated flatbed trailer for occasional towing to eliminate drivetrain concerns entirely.
Each method has tradeoffs in cost, convenience, and potential wear on the vehicle, so choose the option that best matches your travel plans and your car’s warranty terms.
What this means for subcompact car buyers and RVers
If you plan to regularly tow behind an RV, focus on models and trims that manufacturers explicitly approve for 4-down towing. Many subcompact options are not suitable for flat towing, and the list of approved cars can vary by year and region. Always verify with current manufacturer guides and RV-towing resources before purchasing or planning trips.
Summary
Flat-towing capability in subcompact cars is limited and year/model dependent. Always verify with official manufacturer tow guides and the owner's manual. If flat-towing is not approved, consider a tow dolly or trailer transport. When planning a trip, confirm the exact towing requirements for your year and trim, and stay up to date with manufacturer notices and RV-community guidance.
