Vehicles That Can Be Flat Towed: Complete List
When on Australian roads, choosing the wrong towing method can lead to expensive transmission damage and unnecessary repairs. That’s why knowing whether your vehicle is flat tow-compatible or not is crucial. This is super important if you plan to tow the vehicle on your own!
On that note, Brisbane Towing & Recovery – a leading provider of cheap tow trucks in Brisbane – decided to list vehicles that can be flat towed safely—helping you travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Let’s go to the FAQs first!
Can automatic transmission vehicles be flat towed?
Some older automatic vehicles can be flat towed, but most modern automatics cannot unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
Are electric vehicles flat tow-compatible?
No, most electric vehicles should not be flat towed as it can damage the electric drivetrain.
Do I need professional help for flat towing?
If you are unsure about vehicle compatibility or setup, professional towing services can help prevent costly mistakes.
Is flat towing legal in Australia?
Flat towing is allowed under certain conditions, but braking systems, lighting, and safety chains must comply with local road regulations.
Now let's go through the complete list of flat tow vehicles!
What is Flat Towing?
Flat towing means towing a vehicle behind another vehicle (usually an RV or tow truck) with no wheels lifted off the ground. The towed vehicle must have a drivetrain and transmission that can disengage properly while rolling.
Most manual transmission vehicles, certain automatic transmissions, and 4WD vehicles with a neutral transfer case are best suited for flat towing.
Important Things to Check Before Flat Towing
Before flat towing any vehicle in Australia, always confirm:
- Manufacturer approval in the owner’s manual
- Transmission type (manual, automatic, CVT)
- Transfer case with neutral mode
- Steering wheel unlock capability
- Required towing speed and distance limits
Even vehicles listed below may have year-specific restrictions, so verification is essential.
Vehicles That Can Be Flat Towed
Jeep Models (Most Popular for Flat Towing)
- Jeep vehicles dominate flat towing due to their 4WD systems.
- Jeep Wrangler (all years, manual & automatic)
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Cherokee (with Active Drive II)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (specific 4WD models)
Ford Vehicles
- Ford Bronco (manual transmission)
- Ford Bronco Sport (select trims)
- Ford Escape (manual transmission – older models)
- Ford F-150 (manual transmission – older models)
Chevrolet Vehicles
- Chevrolet Spark (manual transmission)
- Chevrolet Sonic (manual transmission)
- Chevrolet Colorado (4WD with neutral transfer case)
- Chevrolet Equinox (manual transmission – older models)
Recommended reading:
All about cradle tow trucks
Cost of towing a car in Brisbane
GMC Vehicles
- GMC Canyon (4WD with neutral transfer case)
- GMC Terrain (manual transmission – older models)
Honda Vehicles
- Honda CR-V (manual transmission – older models)
- Honda Fit (manual transmission)
- Honda Civic (manual transmission – older models)
Toyota Vehicles
- Toyota Tacoma (manual transmission)
- Toyota Corolla (manual transmission – older models)
- Toyota Yaris (manual transmission)
Fiat & MINI Vehicles
- Fiat 500 (manual transmission)
- MINI Cooper (manual transmission)
Hyundai & Kia Vehicles
- Hyundai Accent (manual transmission)
- Hyundai Veloster (manual transmission)
- Kia Soul (manual transmission)
- Kia Rio (manual transmission)
Other Notable Flat Tow-Friendly Vehicles
- Suzuki Jimny
- Suzuki SX4 (manual transmission)
- Smart Fortwo (manual transmission)
- Chevrolet Tracker (older models)
- Geo Tracker
Note: The above flat towing list is not exhaustive and complete in itself. Manufacturer level changes in listed vehicles may change their tow suitability. So, do check your vehicle’s suitability through vehicle manual or manufacturer representative as well.
Call for Car Towing in Brisbane
Flat towing is an excellent solution if you are towing the right vehicle and follow manufacturer guidelines carefully. The vehicle that will be pulling also needs to be compatible! Flat towing can save you time, money, and costly mechanical repairs but if you are not 100% sure about it, we recommend calling professional tow operators like Brisbane Towing and Recovery.
Call us on 0438 155 555 for quick and affordable towing in Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. We serves 25+ Brisbane regions including Yatala, Archerfield, Acacia Ridge, Rocklea, Coopers Plains, Darra, Carole Park, Beenleigh, Stapylton, Wacol, Murrarie, Lytton, Browns Plains, Parkinson, Sumner, Slacks Creek, Eagle Farm, Geebung, Virginia, Brendale, Deception Bay, Narangba, Northgate, and Pinkenba.
Whether your vehicle is stuck in a driveway in Acacia Ridge, or parked at a factory in Eagle Farm, our tow truck experts can reach you quickly and safely. Also, check out our most popular services:
