Top 15 Flat Towable Vehicles Behind Motorhome In 2023

Are you planning to flat tow your car or SUV behind an RV? Don’t worry! With the list of cars that can be towed flat behind a motorhome. I will note down all possible queries related to flat towing with related FAQs.

First, let’s understand the mechanics behind towing a car and then I will show you a list of cars!

Towing flat behind a motorhome or RV depends on numerous mechanical factors. Our primary focus should be towing a car without damaging the transmission and other mechanical equipment.

However, there are selected cars that come with unique features like transmission disconnect or steering lockout override. That said, SUVs and crossovers are more compatible with flat towing as they feature AWD and other friendly features.

What is Flat towing?

Flat towing is a mechanism for attaching your vehicle to the back of your RV or Motorhome so that you can carry your car wherever you go.

What do I need to flat tow my vehicle?

Towing a vehicle behind an RV gives you the freedom to explore nearby areas. Simply put, it provides extra mobility.

What makes a vehicle perfect for RV towing?

Towing a vehicle requires essential mechanics otherwise, it can harm the transmission. Let’s understand what’s necessary in brief:

  • Transmission disconnect: Yes, not just neutral. There shouldn’t be any connection between the gearbox and the axles.
  • Steering lockout: This feature provides synchronization between car wheels and towing vehicles.

Note: I suggest you, please check your car owner’s manual before towing behind an RV. In addition, I’ve added the images of the 2022 models (just to look good). Some of these 2022 models are not flat-towable compared to earlier models.

1. Jeep Wrangler

Wrangler is the best-selling and best-towing Jeep behind an RV. It comes bolted with a 3.6-liter engine and an optional 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler (Photo: Brand)
  • Weight: 3,970* pounds                                   
  • Price: Starting from $28,900*

2. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Tagged as the most awarded SUV, Grand Cherokee is the next Jeep in the towing list. It has Jeep’s most tested and reliable 3.6-liter engine, which comes with 8-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (Photo: Brand)
  • Weight: 4,513 to 4,625 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $37,410*

3. Dodge Durango

You haven’t asked this, but Dodge is one of my favorite car brands. This SUV is probably the most aggressive and lets you enjoy everything off-roading. With a curb weight of 4,689 pounds, towing a Dodge behind a motorhome is entirely possible.

Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango (Photo: Brand)

Powering Dodge Durango is a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of power delivery, it churns 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm with an impressive combined fuel economy of 22 mpg.

  • Weight: 4,689 to 5,710 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $35,170*

4. Fiat 500

Small, maneuverable, and performance-biased, Fiat 500 is one of all hatchbacks you can buy today. The manufacturer offers 500 in four diff. models – New 500, 500, 500x, and 500L.

Fiat 500
Fiat 500 (Photo: Brand)

As I experienced, Fiat 500 is reasonably equivalent to the Mercedes S Class but on a small scale. Yes, this cute-looking car comes loaded with many features. Depending on the model you pick, Fiat 500 comes with different powertrain options. The most common is a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that churns around 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque with a 5-speed manual transmission. That’s not all, one of the models features a single, twin, and sports tubed turbocharger.

  • Weight: Starts at 2,500 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $22,495

5. Chevrolet Spark

Spark is one of the lightest cars to tow behind a motorhome. This cute little Chevy looks pretty exciting at first look and comes with class-leading connected features.

The manufacturer offers a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder ECOTEC engine with a CVT gearbox as standard. This powertrain delivers pretty good fuel efficiency of 30/38 mpg on the city and highway.

Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet Spark (Photo: Brand)
  • Weight: Starts at 2,312 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $16,795

6. Fiat 500 Abarth

In case you don’t know, Abarth is the performance version of the Fiat 500. Depending on power requirements, you can pick among seven regular or special editions. Today, Fiat offers 5g5, 5g5 Turismo, 5g5 competizione, and 595 esseesse. Etc models.

Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat 500 Abarth (Photo: Brand)

Mechanically, it comes power-packed with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder T-JET engine. The incredible machine pulls out mind-blowing 145 horsepower and 206 Nm of max. torque. Matching to this powerful engine is a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Everything you see in 500 Abarth is custom-made and performance-oriented. That’s not all, Abarth offers a configurator to make your own personalization.

  • Weight: Starts 2,518 lb* (weight can be diff. depending on configuration)
  • Price: Starting from $20,745

7. Chevrolet Malibu

Another Chevy hatchback is on the list! It looks like Americans have good options for cars for towing behind motorhomes.

Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu (Photo: Brand)

As the name suggests, Malibu is a synonym for comfort, and Chevrolet promises every passenger. The practical midsize sedan comes fitted with bright interiors and tech. packages. As standard, Malibu comes equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, which is well-tuned for efficiency and delivers 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.

Chevrolet also offers special editions that offer blacked-out accents. That’s not all, you get 19-inch black-painted wheels, black front and rear bowtie emblems, a black grille, etc.

  • Weight: 3,051 to 3,142 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $35,465

8. Ford F-150

F-150 is the bestselling and most capable half-ton truck for travel trailers as well as 5th wheels. Seeing the company’s stats, the new Ford F-150 is more rigid and more intelligent than its predecessor models. Not only RVs, one can efficiently utilize F-150 for other industries or towing work, and you won’t notice this machine is tired.

Ford F-150
Ford F-150 (Photo: Brand)

Mechanically, F-150 gets a capable 3.3-litre V6 motor that generates adequate power numbers. Also, it gets best-in-class towing and payload capacity.

  • Weight: 4,069 to 4,653* pounds
  • Price: Starting from $29,290

9. Chevrolet Colorado

Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that offers full-size capability. Whether it’s adventure or city drive, Colorado is designed to travel in style.

Wait! Don’t fall for looks, this pickup truck is built on a fully boxed stainless steel frame. Inside, you will get redefined interiors from the predecessor model.

Chevrolet Colorado in red color
Chevrolet Colorado (Photo: Brand)

Powering this beautiful-looking truck is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that comes coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Except for towing it behind an RV, Colorado is capable of trailering up to 7,000 lbs. So, if you are looking for a pickup truck that matches your lifestyle, don’t forget to consider Colorado.

  • Weight: 4,480 pounds
  • Price: Starting from $37,000

10. Kia Sorento

Made for adventure, Kia Motors has designed Sorento with confidence and a touch of nature. Step inside, and you get top-notch technology with ample storage and seating space.

Kia Sorento in green color
Kia Sorento (Photo: Brand)

Delivering power to all wheels is a 2.5-liter cylinder engine. I’m surprised by the performance of the small engine. Yes, its churns 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft torque. Surprisingly, Sorento delivers a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. That’s not all, Kia Motors offer a Hybrid model that provides more power and efficiency.

  • Weight: 3,935* pounds
  • Price: Starting from $29,390

11. Mazda CX-5

Mazda Motors is a well-known car manufacturer for its fuel-efficient SUVs. The CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter turbo motor that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of max. torque. The car comes with optional FWD or i-ACTIV AWD with off-road traction control.

Mazda CX-5 in black color
Mazda CX-5 (Photo: Brand)

As of today, Mazda offers seven trims – Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature.

What makes it one of the best-selling SUVs in the USA is the number of recognitions. Yes, Mazda CX-5 is CR recommended and featured on KBB.com.

  • Weight: 3,552 to 3,691 pounds (depends on variant)
  • Price: Starting from $25,370

12. Honda CR-V

Want something modern and upmarket? Well, Honda CR-V can be your next crossover for a drive or flat tow behind an RV. It is the best-selling crossover of the last decade. Not just that, the CR-V hybrid model comes with an 8-year high-voltage battery limited warranty.

Please note CR-V models prior to 2015 can be 4-wheel flat towed. Models from 2015,16,17,18,19, 20, 21, & 2022 cannot be 4 wheel flat towed.

Honda CR-V in red color
Honda CR-V (Photo: Brand)

Mechanically, CR-V comes fitted with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and belts 190 horsepower with 179 Nm of max. torque. Power is sent to all-wheel via a CVT gearbox and helps to deliver 28 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Inside, you get all top-notch amenities like climate control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, etc.

  • Weight: 3,307–3,395* lb
  • Price: Starting from $25,350

13. Jeep Gladiator

After Wrangler, it’s time to add some extra space. Yes, Gladiator comes with a rugged 5-foot cargo bed with flexible coverage. Seeing the excellent towing capability, I listed the best trailers for Jeep Wrangler.

Jeep Gladiator in red color
Jeep Gladiator (Photo: Brand)

The utility comes predefined with the Jeep family, and the same goes with Gladiator. Yes, it comes best-in-class 7,650-pound towing capacity and a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,700 pounds.

Powering Gladiator 4X4 is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that churns 285 hp and 260 Nm of peak torque. This raw power feeds all wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

  • Weight: 4,650* pounds                       
  • Price: Starting from $34,040*

14. Toyota RAV4

R1V4 is one of the balanced SUVs from Toyota Motors. The crossover comes with a powerful engine and multi-terrain selection, making it a perfect crossover for camping or towing behind an RV.

Toyota RAV4 in white color
Toyota RAV4 (Photo: Brand)

Talking of balance, it comes with distinct design and thoughtful interiors. In terms of utility, you get a hands-free power liftgate, appropriate ground clearance, multiple accessory power outlets, etc. Powering Toyota RAV4 is a 2.5-Liter 4-cylinder with multiple drive modes like Sport, Eco, and Normal. 

  • Weight: 3370 to 3405* pounds  
  • Price: Starting from $26,250*

15. GMC Terrain AT4

Available with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, GMC Terrain is a multiple-purpose vehicle.  Raw power is transferred to all wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. It delivers good fuel efficiency of 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

GMC Terrain AT4 in black color
GMC Terrain AT4 (Photo: Brand)

Inside, it comes with a lovely leather finish with a skyscape sunroof and sits five adults comfortably.

Thanks to its 4,815 lbs weight, GMC Terrain is easy to tow behind most of the motorhomes, but I suggest you should check the capability of a car using camping. So, GMC Terrain gets a plethora of options like – an FWD/AWD traction system, hill descent control, and traction select system with multiple options.

  • Weight: 3,659* pounds    
  • Price: Starting from $34,000*

FAQs

Which is the best SUV for flat towing?

Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs for flat towing. It comes with lots of towing-friendly features and offers massive space with comfortable interiors.

Which is the best pickup truck for flat towing?

Ford-F150 is the bestselling pickup truck for flat towing Globally. It comes with spacious cargo capacity, a powerful engine, and mind-boggling off-road capabilities. Except for towing, Ford F-150 is the ultimate vehicle for city or highway driving.

Which is the best 4×4 car for flat towing?

Jeep Wrangler is the best-selling 4×4 vehicle for flat towing or other purposes. No matter what’s the destination, this vehicle will let you enjoy the journey. Not just that, Jeep Wrangler is also the ultimate vehicle for towing small travel trailers, and RVers love it.

Which is the best sedan to tow behind a motorhome?

Kia Stinger, Mazda 3, and Genesis G80 are the most popular sedans to tow behind a motorhome as these cars offer excellent tow-friendly features.

Note:

  • All car model images are used for representation only.
  • These car models are for ideas only. It depends on the model to model – FWD/AWD etc.

Written by Shailesh Thakran

Hi, I'm think tank behind Throttlebias. I love blogging, mainly about Automobiles. Via Throttlebias, I want to educate & share in-depth articles about Car Detailing and related areas. Outside Throttlebias, I love to write marketing & stuff.

35 thoughts on “Top 15 Flat Towable Vehicles Behind Motorhome In 2023”

  1. Hey Shailesh, thank you for sharing the list of towable cars behind RV. It was very essential for me to know more about towable cars, engines and their weight. Which is best acc. you? I mean, what should I consider as my first car, both for city and adventure.

    Reply
    • Hi Peter, thanks for the awesome feedback. I’m confused between Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango, both SUVs are capable of anything. Next, you have to check looks and buy any of them. Keep RVing!!

      Reply
  2. I’m not familiar with all the cars in your list, but I do know about that the Chevy Spark automatic definitely can’t be towed 4-down. Please tell more about this.

    Reply
    • Hi Wiley, thanks for the feedback. According to the RV Geeks & other automotive portals, Chevrolet Spark is extremely popular for flat towing behind a motorhome. They don’t weigh much and are easy to park at the RV sites. I hope you got your answer.

      Reply
  3. I am looking at towing a 2004 Mazda 3 with a manual transmission. Can this be flat towed? Manual says no but obviously Blue Ox still makes a base plate for it, so I am assuming others are towing it.

    Reply
  4. I just talked to Toyota and they said that the 2022 RAV4 is not flat towable. Where do you get the source for your information? Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Randy, thanks for the feedback. Well, towing a Toyota RAV4 depends on the model and transmission type.

    • Model from 1996 to 2000 with manual transmission
    • Model from 2000 to 2001 with both manual & auto tranmission can be towed
    • Mode from 2002 to 2005 with 4WD are flat towavle
    • This data is verified from Fourwheeltrends & Toyota’s manual

      Reply
  5. Shailesh, what models/years of Mazda 5 are flat-towable? I wasn’t aware that any were, but you list this vehicle. Also, if you care about accuracy at all, you should specify that the Honda CR-V was last towable in the 2014 model year.

    Reply
    • Hello Matt, according to Mazda official, CX-5 is towable. However, it depends on the year made.

      1. Mazda CX-5 Sport – Yes, FWD is available
      2. Mazda CX-5 Touring – Yes, FWD and flat tow are available
      3. Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition – Yes, FWD and flat tow are available
      4. Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring – Yes, FWD and flat tow are available
      5. Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve – No, only AWD is available
      6. Mazda CX-5 Signature – No, only AWD is available

      *Year: 2021
      Thanks

      Reply
  6. From the title of your piece, it seemed to imply a brand new 2022 model year vehicle that could be flat-towed. Can you make clear that some of these on the list are not flat-towable for the 2022 model year?

    Reply
  7. Shailesh is absolutely right. Everyone should read their owner’s manual, before making a final decision about towing. However, you have mentioned required details about the particular models. Thanks man 🙂

    Reply
    • Hello Ben, thanks for the kind comment. Yes, I’ve added the required models which can be towed without a doubt.

      Reply
  8. Hello. Thank you for your research. We are looking at a 2022 GMC Terrain At4 AWD. The owner’s manual says not to tow if 4 wheels down.
    I am confused. Can you clarify this for me?

    Martin

    Reply
  9. Thank you very much for the reply, that is good news because we like the Terrain. Could you direct me to where I can find out how to set the vehicle up to be towed?

    Perhaps one of your readers has some experience with towing the 2022 Terrain AWD and can give me a bit more information.

    Reply
  10. Hello, mentioned was a RAV4 that could be towed. Which model specifically? Other sites mention something different.

    Reply
    • Hello Fernando, only the manual transmission models from 1996-2000 model can be flat-towed. Both the auto and manual models from 2001 can be towed. In addition, models between 2002 to 2005 – only 4WD manuals are flat-towable.

      Reply
    • Hello Gray, you can flat tow all front and all-wheel GMC Terrain SUVs with ease. Four WHeels Trends has proved it in many ways. Thanks a lot for the feedback.

      Reply

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