Yes, you can tow an all-wheel drive (AWD) car, but doing it incorrectly can cause severe and expensive damage to the drivetrain. The correct method depends entirely on your car's specific drivetrain and transmission. The safest approach for most modern AWD vehicles is to use a flatbed trailer, which lifts all four wheels off the ground, completely avoiding any risk.
The core issue is that when two wheels are on the ground and the car is in park, the drivetrain is essentially locked. Towing it with two wheels down can cause the stationary wheels to skid, which rotates the drivetrain components without the engine running to lubricate them. This can lead to catastrophic damage to the transfer case, differentials, and transmission.
Here are the primary towing methods:
- Flatbed Towing (Recommended): This is the gold standard. The entire car is placed on the trailer, so no wheels are turning the drivetrain. It's the only 100% safe method for all AWD vehicles.
- Dolly Towing: This lifts the front two wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll. This is generally not acceptable for AWD cars because it can still cause damage similar to flat towing, unless specified otherwise in your owner's manual.
- Flat Towing (All Wheels Down): Also known as "dinghy towing," this is only possible if the manufacturer explicitly states it's safe. It often requires placing the transmission in neutral and sometimes installing a specific supplemental lubrication pump.
The following table outlines the towing capabilities for a selection of popular AWD vehicles, based on manufacturer guidelines. Always consult your specific owner's manual for the definitive answer.
| Vehicle Model | AWD System Type | Flatbed Towing (All Wheels Up) | Dolly Towing (Front Wheels Up) | Flat Towing (All Wheels Down) |
|---|
| Subaru Outback | Symmetrical AWD | Safe | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Toyota RAV4 | On-Demand AWD | Safe | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Audi Q5 | Quattro (Full-Time) | Safe | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Ford F-150 (AWD) | Part-Time/On-Demand | Safe | Possible (Check Manual) | Possible (Check Manual) |
| Jeep Wrangler (AWD) | Selectable 4WD | Safe | Safe | Safe (in specific modes) |
| Honda CR-V | Real Time AWD | Safe | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
When you need a tow, always inform the towing company that your vehicle is AWD. If a flatbed isn't available, ensure the operator follows the precise instructions in your owner's manual to prevent costly repairs.
