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wfcentral · 01-16-2019, 08:03 AM

After going back and forth in my research and test driving a number of vehicles we finally found something we both liked - the Toyota Corolla.

The Toyota Corolla is listed in the Motorhome Dinghy Towing Guide as towable four down as long as it is a standard transmission.

We rented and test drove the sedan for a week during a vacation and really like it. But, we wanted to get a hatchback model.

The Toyota Corolla hatchback is brand new for 2019. Apparently, they did not have a hatchback for several years... then, they had the Scion hatchback which morphed into the Toyota Hatchback.

The 2018 Scion Hatchback was flat towable four down. The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback says in the manual it CANNOT be towed four down. I called Toyota and spoke with them and after a long time on hold they told me the reason is because the 2019 Hatchback only comes with the SmartKey system which does not allow you to switch it to "accessory" mode - therefore, you can't tow it four down.

The frustrating part is that the owner manual for the Toyota Corolla sedan says it can be towed four down as long as it is a standard and even tells you that is you "have the SmartKey" feature all you have to do is press the start button a few times to switch it into accessory mode without starting the vehicle. So, the SmartKey is NOT the reason the hatchback cannot be towed four down.

Anyone out there know anything different on this.

Really thought I was done with my research and now I'm back at it again...dang.

Gumpster808 · 01-16-2019, 08:08 AM

Unless really set on the Toyota check the Hyundai Elantra sport hatchback with manual transmission.

Bought the non hatchback one new last year for towing 4 down. Has the 6 speed.

Tows great, transmission in neutral, emergency brake off, flip switch for braking system and go. No need for putting in accessory mode either. Car stays off. Had charging line run since it does use power brakes etc. Non locking steering also when car is off.

Plus fun car to drive with the standard and turbo.

lllkrob · 01-16-2019, 02:33 PM

First things first, NO ONE at Toyota Customer Service has a clue as to what Toyota's are 4 down towable. Follow the towing recommendations as outlined in the owner's manual. The manual is written by the sales department in consultation with the product engineering department.

I would strongly suggest a charge line between the coach and the Toyota's battery.

The manual transmission Corolla is completely capable of being towed 4 down or on a dolly. Just follow the owners manual.

Be sure to start the Corolla at each fuel stop and at the end of the towing day and allow it to idle for 30 minutes. Then again in the morning for 30 minutes before the next days towing. That will insure a well charged battery and lubricated transmission.

wfcentral · 01-16-2019, 03:55 PM

what I'm saying is that if I follow the owners manual for the Toyota Corolla HATCHBACK it says "do not tow four down" - if I follow the owners manual for the SEDAN it says "here's how you tow four down... standard transmission... yada yada..."

We wanted to get the Hatchback.

lllkrob · 01-16-2019, 07:04 PM

I looked at both owner's manuals and saw no difference in the operation of the keyless ignition systems. Also in the technical specifications I saw no difference in the manual transmission models. I think Toyota is reverting to their corporate NO TOWING (lawyer) policy no mater the mechanical design of the vehicle.

If you have a relationship with a Toyota dealership ask them to schedule you a meeting with their District Technical Factory rep the next time they are scheduled to be at the dealership. This is the person that works for Toyota and calls on the dealership every month or so to help the techs resolve problems with customer vehicles. Ask this rep to explain why one model is towable and the other is not MECHANICALLY. I would imagine they will not have an answer just then but would be willing to check it out and get back to you. They love technical puzzles like this one.

Madame Boomer · 08-28-2021, 05:24 PM

Hi guys....I chiming in here because I, too, am looking for a small toad to pull behind my 30 ft MH. I absolutely love the Corolla-Hatchback XSE, but I'm being told that it cannot be towed four down.

I appreciate the research that you've done and will continue to watch this thread for any updates and will certainly post anything that I come upon in my search. It is daunting to say the least!

From Motorhome's (Good Sam's) 2020 approved Dinghy Guide, it states
"Toyota Corolla and Yaris hatchbacks were the only models in the Toyota line approved for towing, BUT after 2020 redesigns, they are not on the list which makes ZERO towables from this mfg."

so the search goes on and on and on.....

Sandy