The only universally safe way to tow an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle is to have all four wheels off the ground, typically using a flatbed truck. Towing an AWD car with two wheels on the ground can cause severe and expensive damage to the drivetrain, as the wheels left on the pavement will cause the center differential and transfer case to spin without proper lubrication.
The first and most critical step is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual. It has a specific section on towing that outlines the only approved methods for your model. Manufacturer recommendations vary significantly.
Flatbed Towing is the Gold Standard
This is the safest method. The entire car is loaded onto the bed of the tow truck, ensuring no wheels are turning the drivetrain. It’s the recommended procedure for most AWD vehicles, especially those with full-time AWD systems.
Using a Dolly for Emergency Situations
If a flatbed is unavailable, a tow dolly (a two-wheel trailer) might be a conditional option for some part-time or "on-demand" AWD systems. This only works if you can properly disengage the AWD system and place the drive wheels on the dolly. For many modern crossover SUVs, the rear wheels are the primary drive wheels, so they would need to be on the dolly with the front wheels lifted. Again, this is entirely dependent on your car's capabilities, which are detailed in the manual.
What to Absolutely Avoid
Never tow an AWD vehicle with a single axle lifted and the other dragging. This is a sure way to destroy the drivetrain. Even in "neutral," the internal components can spin without adequate oil flow, leading to catastrophic failure.
The table below summarizes the towing guidelines for several popular AWD models to illustrate the variation between manufacturers.
| AWD Vehicle Model | Recommended Towing Method | Maximum Towing Distance (if on wheels) | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Subaru Outback (Full-time AWD) | Flatbed Only | 0 miles | Towing with any wheels on the ground will damage the symmetrical AWD system. |
| Toyota RAV4 (AWD with Lock Mode) | Flatbed Preferred | Up to 30 miles at < 30 mph (in specific conditions) | Manual specifies strict speed/distance limits if a dolly is used; front wheels must be on the dolly. |
| Audi Q5 (Quattro AWD) | Flatbed Only | 0 miles | Permanent AWD system cannot be safely towed with wheels on ground. |
| Ford Escape (FWD-based AWD) | Flatbed Preferred | Up to 50 miles at < 55 mph (in specific conditions) | If using a dolly, the front (drive) wheels must be on the dolly. |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee (with Selec-Terrain) | Flatbed or Specific Neutral Procedure | Varies by model year | Some models have a specific "neutral" setting for flat towing; consult manual. |
