Input Requested - New Toad

We pull a 2010 Honda Fit Automatic. Pulled it 6000 miles this year. Out to the west coast and around the Midwest. No problems and pulls like a dream. Going out west we decided last minute to take along our pellet smoker. Folded up the rear seats and loaded it in the backseat area. Love our Fit. Best advice is to test all that you are considering to purchase.

We also have a 2013 outback manual trans. Great toad. The Scion Xb manual trans is also a great toad to consider. They both tow great behind our MH

I sure am happy with my choice of the Jeep Patriot, the manual transmisson is fun, and it even has a hill-holder feature when you are stopped on an uphill slope. Nearly 2 years 30,000 miles driven and 10-12,000 towed.

If you don't mind a manual transmission car think about the Subaru Outback. The Subaru is an All Wheel Drive car with about 8" of ground clearance. Subaru has been making only AWD cars for over 10 years. We have had an Outback as a toad for 10 years plus a 2008 Tribeca (automatic which is NOT towable on all 2/4 wheels). You should check out one. The Subaru is not towable using a dolly.

I love towing my '12 Honda Fit automatic!!! I am a fulltimer, lots of miles and 24/7 rv living. The Fit is so easy - I have the Blue Ox system, virtually invisible oon the Fit. My installer ran dedicated wire for brake/turn lights on the Fit - did not tap into existing system. He added a bulb in the taillight assembly. I use Brake Buddy, installed their 12v upgrade port. I also have the battery charge running through the pigtail. Sounds like a lot, but once set up, wow - not a problem in over 2 years and lots and lots of travel!!! I find the interior plenty roomy and the space has lots of versatility. Check out all your choices, test drive them - see what suits you - for me, the Fit is great. I do see lots of them in cgs around the country, rvers have figured out it's a good fit for a toad :)

If you choose the Fit I'd go with the automatic. With only 109 HP it's a constant shifting nightmere. My automatic shifts frequently depending on the terrain. We're on our 3rd set of tires and finally have something that rides better. The first two were noisy and cupped quickly, even with both front and rear alignment and other things being adjusted to specs.

Lots of room inside the Fit as the rear seats fold completely flat, at least in our 08.

We love out KIA Soul....the KIA Soul also has a 100,000 mile 10 year warranty, 5 year roadside assist, great mileage, very roomy and upright interior, comes standard with 6 speed manual, A/C, 35 mpg, powered locks and windows, adjustable steering wheel, 4 wheel disks, etc. Here in Orange County calif dealers are motivated enough where they are knocking down the new car prices to "used car" territory...10K! Good luck!

On EDIT check with the KIA Company Customer Service First! KIA may have changed their minds on towing the manual transmission KIAs 4 down or modified the proceedures recently!

Go out and drive them and buy the one you like best. No one really makes a bad car these days like back in the 1970's. We have a 2013 Wrangler 4 door. You might test a new Jeep too. They are much easier to live with as a daily driver compared to a few years back. Although will use way more gas than the three cars you mention. But then the Jeep will likely be lots more fun to own and IMHO lots easier to hook up and un hook. If you are my age who wants to bend over to hook up a low to ground car like a Fiat or Honda. We used to have a very nice Saturn sedan that we towed. I like the Jeep a lot! better. So easy to hook up compared to the Saturn. Height being the main reason. Plus with Jeep on issues with transmission or pulling fuses and so on.

We are now towing a Kia Soul 2013 manual trans. very roomy inside and cost was very good at under 16k. pulls great and is a joy to drive.

Clearly the Honda Fit! Many around here are towing them and very happy with them. It was just rated top, most reliable, subcompact car by Consumer Reports, far beating out the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 which were all listed as worse than average reliability.