Move to the head of the class with these cars that are fun to drive and easy on the wallet
Looking for a new car to tow behind your motorhome? There are lots of things to think about when making the decision, but to get you started, here’s our short list of 2018-model-year vehicles that won’t bust the budget. These eight cars are manufacturer-approved for flat-towing and cost less than $20,000.
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Chevrolet Spark
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Fiat 500
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Ford Fiesta
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Honda FIT LX/Sport/EX
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Hyundai Accent
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Kia Rio LX
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Nissan Versa Sedan S
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Toyota Yaris Hatchback
For more information, and our entire list of towable vehicles, go to www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides. Happy shopping!
Chevrolet Spark
MSRP $13,050-$17,250
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing. Never exceed 70 mph while towing.
Base curb weight: 2,246 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 30/38
Special instructions: Shift transmission to Neutral. Ignition key to ACC, then returned to OFF position and left in ignition switch.
www.chevrolet.com/previous-year/spark
Fiat 500
MSRP $16,995-$18,495
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing.
Base curb weight: 2,366 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 31/38
Special instructions: Transmission must be in Neutral.
www.fiatusa.com/2018/500
Ford Fiesta (excluding ST trim)
MSRP $14,990-$19,980
For manual-transmission models, release parking brake and place in Neutral.
For automatic-transmission models, see owner’s manual for special instructions.
Never exceed 70 mph while towing.
Base curb weight: 2,537 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 27/35
Special instructions for automatic transmission: See owner’s manual.
www.ford.com/cars/fiesta
Honda FIT LX/Sport/EX
MSRP $16,190-$18,160
The FIT ranked #8 in our Top 10 Most-Popular Dinghy Vehicles and it’s easy on the wallet. Manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for flat towing.
Never exceed 65 mph while towing.
Base curb weight: 2,522 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 29/36
Special instructions: Shift into Neutral; release parking brake. Ignition to ACC. (Models with smart entry system have engine START/STOP button, not ignition switch.) Don’t lock steering wheel or use accessory power sockets.
https://automobiles.honda.com/2018/fit
Hyundai Accent SE
MSRP $14,995
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing.
Base curb weight: 2,502 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 28/37
Special instructions: None.
www.hyundaiusa.com/accent
Kia Rio LX
MSRP $13,900
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing.
Base curb weight: 2,648 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 29/37
Special instructions: None.
www.kia.com/us/en/vehicle/rio/2018
Nissan Versa Sedan S
MSRP: $12,110
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing.
Base curb weight: 2,404 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 27/36
Special instructions: Transmission in Neutral. After towing 500 miles, start and idle engine with transmission in Neutral for 2 minutes.
www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/cars/versa-sedan
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
MSRP: $15,635-$18,260
Only manual-transmission models are manufacturer-approved for recreational towing.
Base curb weight: 2,315 lbs.
MPG city/highway: 30/36
Special Instructions: Shift to Neutral. Turn engine switch to ACC. Turn off audio system and other powered devices. Release parking brake. After towing, start engine and idle for at least 3 minutes.
www.toyota.com/yaris
Reminder: Always check with the manufacturer to verify that the vehicle you’re considering is approved for dinghy towing prior to making a purchase.
For a deeper dive into flat-towable vehicles, check out our Best 2018 Models for Dinghy Towing.
You feature the 2018 Honda Fit in your article on budget friendly dinghy vehicles. However, the Honda Fit is not listed in the MH Magazine 2018 Dinghy Towing Guide. We took this into account when shopping for a new dinghy vehicle this year.
Hi Rick, great question. At the time that MotorHome went to press with our annual Guide to Dinghy Towing, there was a discrepancy between the Honda FIT’s owner’s manual, which stated that manual transmission versions are towable, and the Honda FIT “Quick Start” guide, which stated that the vehicle was not towable behind a motorhome. We later confirmed with Honda that the FIT is, indeed, manufacturer-approved for flat-towing.
I have tried to find any articles on Mini Cooper countryman being flat towing approved. I do not see it on your list…….but if a vehicle is manual (stick shift) it is automatically approved for flat towing. I see a lot of mini coopers being towed behind RV’s but am concerned they are approved or not. Thanks
Great question, if it’s a manual transmission is it towable?
This article pertains to “flat towed vehicles”, what about towing on a dolly? Realizing the vehicle must be front wheel drive (or loaded on the dolly backwards for rear wheel drive) what vehicles are approved for this type of towing?
Ron,
Thank you for contacting MotorHome magazine. This story does indeed focus solely on vehicles that are approved by the manufacturer for dinghy-towing behind a motorhome. To find out if your vehicle is approved for towing using a dolly, please consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
what small pick-up can I tow
Every one of these listed are manual transmission only. How about a list that includes automatic toads like several of the smaller Chevy and Ford cars?
Hi. I don’t see the Hyundai Veloster listed. Is it on the list please?