what cars can be flat towed

[RafaelRose]

Yes, vehicles that can be flat towed (all four wheels on the ground) are typically those with a traditional manual transmission or a specific type of automatic transmission that allows the drivetrain to be lubricated without the engine running. The most common are 4x4 SUVs and trucks from manufacturers like Jeep, Ford, and Chevrolet, which are often designed with this capability in mind for RV owners. The single most critical factor is the transmission; if the engine is off, the transmission must not be damaged by the wheels turning the output shaft.

Before even considering a specific model, you must consult the owner's manual for explicit approval from the manufacturer. Flat towing an unapproved vehicle can cause catastrophic and expensive damage to the transmission in a matter of miles. For automatic transmissions, this often requires a specific "neutral tow" or "recreational tow" procedure to be followed precisely. Many modern vehicles with complex all-wheel-drive systems or electronic parking brakes are simply not suitable for flat towing.

The following table lists some of the most popular and well-known models that are often approved for flat towing, but always verify with the current model year's manual.

Vehicle Model (Recent Model Years)	Key Requirement for Flat Towing
Jeep Wrangler (all models)	Automatic transmission: Shift transfer case to Neutral (N). Manual: Transmission in neutral.
Jeep Cherokee (Trailhawk w/2-Speed MP Transfer Case)	Transfer case must be shifted to Neutral (N).
Ford F-150 (4WD models)	Requires optional Neutral Tow Kit or built-in feature. Follow specific procedure.
Ford Bronco (4WD models)	Must be equipped with Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement.
Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (4WD)	Transfer case must be shifted to Neutral (N).
Honda Ridgeline	Requires dedicated wiring harness and following specific steps to avoid transmission damage.
Ford Mustang (Manual Transmission)	Manual transmission models only. Automatic models are not approved.
Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 (Manual)	Manual transmission models only.

Beyond transmission type, other considerations include disconnecting or powering down the electrical system to prevent battery drain, ensuring the steering column is unlocked, and using the correct baseplate and tow bar setup for your specific vehicle.

[MacXavier]

As an RV owner for a decade, my rule is simple: stick with Jeeps or body-on-frame trucks from the Big Three. My old Jeep Wrangler is the gold standard—just put the transfer case in neutral and go. Always, and I mean always, double-check the manual for the exact procedure. I've seen folks ruin brand-new trucks by assuming they could just shift into neutral and tow. It’s not worth the risk. When in doubt, a dinghy tow dolly is a much safer bet for most front-wheel-drive cars.

[McJordan]

Focus on the transmission. Most modern cars with automatic transmissions, especially CVTs or those with all-wheel drive, are not flat-towable. The internal components aren't properly lubricated when the engine is off, leading to rapid wear. Your safest bets are traditional manual transmissions or robust 4x4 systems with a dedicated transfer case neutral position. Brands like Jeep and Ford explicitly design some models for this purpose. Your first step should always be a direct call to the dealership's service department to confirm for your specific model and year.

[Connor]

It’s not just about the car; it’s about the entire setup. You need to think about the baseplate installation, the tow bar, and supplemental braking systems for the towed vehicle, which are required by law in many states. Even if a vehicle is technically flat-towable, the process of getting it ready to tow—connecting wires, setting up the brake system—adds time to every trip start and stop. For many, the convenience of a tow dolly, which lifts the front wheels, outweighs the hassle of a full flat-tow setup.

[OAliyah]

From a technical standpoint, the flat towing capability is deeply tied to the vehicle's drivetrain architecture. The key is a transfer case that can be mechanically disconnected, like the two-speed units in proper 4WD systems. This isolates the transmission from the spinning wheels. In contrast, a typical car-based AWD system uses a center differential or a clutch pack that remains engaged and can be damaged. This fundamental engineering difference is why so few crossovers are approved. Always look for a "neutral" setting in a transfer case, not just the transmission, as the primary indicator of suitability.