I'm looking to get my first car. I want something small since I value fuel economy. But I would also like to be able to tow a small 4x8 Uhaul trailer with it (I'm in my 20's, so I'll be moving once every few years).
I'd like to get the smallest car that I can tow with, without breaking the warranty (I could ~technically~ tow with a Honda Fit, but it would break my warranty)
I'm looking mainly at Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus, although my mind is open to Mazdas or whatever else if it's any good. Budget is around 20k, give or take a bit.
So far, for Hondas, it seems that the smallest thing you can tow with is the CR-V? It looks like the HR-V says "don't tow with me!" and the HRV has had many problems anyway, so I wouldn't want to. I love Honda though, any Honda's that fit the small+can tow criteria?
For Toyotas, it looks like the smallest I can tow with is a RAV-4? Are there any smaller options that can tow? I know Toyota makes some pretty powerful engines.
And for Subarus, I was surprised to find that the Impreza says it can tow! I'm not in love with the Impreza and would like to know if there are any other options.
My ideal car size is the Honda Fit, but unfortunately, it cannot tow. Anyone with a hatchback, (sub)compact SUV that they love towing with?
Thanks!
just to tow ~1000 - 1500 lbs, looking for just a non-zero towing capacity
A Corolla hatchback is rated for 1500 lbs towing, a RAV4 hybrid is rated for 1,750 pounds, and gets 38/41 mpg (though probably less while towing).
Thank you!
"A Corolla hatchback is rated for 1500 lbs towing"
Awesome! I haven't seen that with either the Civic hatchback or the Mazda M3 hatchback. Does towing with the Corolla break warranty?
"a RAV4 hybrid is rated for 1,750 pounds"
I've also been looking at getting the RAV4 Hybrid, it's a great car, just a bit pricey and a bit big.
Thank you so much for your answer so far its really helpful.
I found something that says
"Most Toyota Corolla models between 2000 and 2013 are able to tow up to 1500lbs, but according to the owner's manual, models from 2014 to 2020 are not approved for any towing. The Toyota 2021 and 2022 models are able to tow up to 1500lbs"
Just get a minivan and put your junk inside
Mini-van that has good fuel economy? Not sure if I can fit a mattress in a minivan either?
Once you get a van you’ll never go back
haha
For Subaru, check out the Forester. It is basically an Impreza with a crossover/SUV body. See if it can match your tow rating.
CRV and RAV4 are the only other options. Make sure to check the tow rating for each.
Corolla Cross may*** be worth a shot, but I don’t now if you can get one that cheap since they are so new.
Corolla cross came to my mind too
Thanks for the suggestion! I looked at the Corolla Cross but it doesn't seem to have good ratings, especially in terms of reliability...
I'm currently looking at thee CRV, RAV4, and Forester, but they're all bigger than what I'd like to have to drive on the day-to-day. Anything smaller?
The only others I would look into are the brand new Honda HRV which looks more like an SUV (not the old one which looks more like a hatchback).
I’d also consider the Mazda CX-5, and the Mazda CX-30.
The previous generation RAV4 may fit the bill. The current generation is built on the Camry platform, so it is a little bigger. But the previous generation is built on the Corolla platform, so it may be the perfect size.
Thanks!
If you can increase your budget and buy new then the Corolla Cross is a really nice option (they're having a hybrid version for 2023 model if you want hybrid). I traded in one of my 2022 Civic's for the Corolla Cross and I think it's a really nice small suv option.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm unfortunately seeing lower ratings on it in terms of reliability. What have you noticed about it if anything?
Not sure what you are referring to when you say "reliability" or where you are seeing those ratings, but it's the same platform as the Corolla sedan but in a small suv body. I'm very happy with it and haven't had any issues with it.
The Honda N600 -
https://journal.classiccars.com/2021/02/21/pick-of-the-day-rare-tiny-1971-honda-n600/
That is adorable, although I'd be looking for something with automatic transmission haha
Thanks!
Wow! That’s definitely small.
@ChuckTobias
Dang! 😆
@avalon04, what's even funnier is watching Jeremy Clarkson drive one! 😎
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfSS0ZXYdo
@ChuckTobias Yes, that was a good laugh...thanks for sharing! Perhaps the only thing funnier would be if Scotty drove one around jolly ole London. 😉
how do you add photos on this forum?
Upload it to imgur or similar site and then post URL of the photo here
I haven't towed anything with my RAV4 LE (not hybrid) but I'm currently averaging 32 mpg over the entire 8000 miles i've had it.
