Can you tow with a 2 wheel drive?

[Cam Eq]

I’m looking at a Ford Kuga as my next vehicle that I would also use for towing. The towing capacity is approx 2100kg so should be enough to tow my pony. My question is can you tow with a two wheel drive? I won’t be doing any off-roading, but might encounter a mucky show field! Also any remarks on towing with a Ford Kuga is much appreciated.

 

[suestowford]

I have towed with an X-trail which had the option of using 4-wheel drive but I usually kept in 2WD and it didn't struggle at all.

 

[Kat]

Both of my pick up trucks have been part time 4wd so I have towed in 2wd apart from occasionally to get off a muddy field.

 

[vmac66]

My Kia Sorento is in 2 wheel drive most of the time. Has the option of 4 wheel if I need it. A couple of people at my yard tow with Kugas regularly.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Having towed extensively with several 2wd over many years, both fwd and rwd, I strongly recommend going for 4wd now there are so many affordable options available.

4wd is your 'get out of jail' card on a steep hill start on a muddy road, a grassy showground, pulling partly onto a grass verge to make room for a huge tractor coming the other way...

Would never go back to 2wd for towing. We have a Skoda Octavia Scout, which is a very capable and economical motorway/general driving car which also has part time 4wd. Tows 2000kg and does it very well.

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

We towed with a Kuga last year, it was grand on tarmac, concrete etc but wouldn’t have trusted it to get us out of a muddy field.

 

[tallyho!]

You can as long as you’ve got a mate with a 4x4 who can help if you get stuck.

 

[J&S]

When the road is wet and has autumn leaves on it 2wd will not cut it.

 

[July dreamer]

I tow a Ifor Williams HB 403 single trailer with a 4WD Kuga, no problems on roads, I haven't yet been "offroad" with it as I only seem to make trips to the vet. To be honest, I don't think I'd have great faith in it in a muddy field and I certainly wouldn't want to tow a heavier or double trailer with it.

 

[poacher82]

I towed for a few years with an AWD Kuga, great. When it was replaced with something that wouldn't tow (company car, no choice!) we bought another Kuga as it towed my 15hh and Ifor 505 so well. New one tows equally well, BUT I discovered the hard way on Weston beach recently that we have bought a 2WD version - the day before we parked there with no problem, but that day we got half way off the beach, hit a slightly softer bit and stopped dead. Unloaded my horse to lighten the load and the lovely beach ranger towed us on to the tarmac. Very embarrassing!

We very stupidly assumed they were all AWD and didn't check - will now be significantly more careful where we park ourselves! So Cam, I'd have no qualms about recommending a Kuga but would defo recommend the AWD version!

 

[Identityincrisis]

I've towed with 2wd absolutely fine BUT I've always had good Michelin tyres on which makes the world of difference. I wouldn't have taken it on a muddy field but did take it in fields and it was fine

 

[phizz4]

Your choice of tyre can make a massive difference. Normal road tyres as fitted to most 2 wheel drive cars can't cope with wet grass, sand or mud. There was a review recently where a 4 wheel drive BMW X5 was set against a two wheel drive car. The BMW had normal tyres on, the other car had winter tyres on, and completely blew away the BMW.

 

[tallyho!]

Your choice of tyre can make a massive difference. Normal road tyres as fitted to most 2 wheel drive cars can't cope with wet grass, sand or mud. There was a review recently where a 4 wheel drive BMW X5 was set against a two wheel drive car. The BMW had normal tyres on, the other car had winter tyres on, and completely blew away the BMW.

Interesting!

 

[Spot_On03]

I have a AWD Kuga, tow 403 I for. Pulled nicely out of a damp grass show ground last Sunday. Have yet to test it on muddy terrain, but so far I love it.

 

[Annagain]

Your choice of tyre can make a massive difference. Normal road tyres as fitted to most 2 wheel drive cars can't cope with wet grass, sand or mud. There was a review recently where a 4 wheel drive BMW X5 was set against a two wheel drive car. The BMW had normal tyres on, the other car had winter tyres on, and completely blew away the BMW.

While I agree that tyres do play a role, X5s have always been notoriously bad in wet fields. One friend got well and truly stuck even with all terrain tyres - horse off, unhitched trailer and still couldn't get going. Another friend in a Freelander with road tyres towed her out and then went back for the trailer with no problems. X5 was sold very soon after.

OP - it will tow it on road no problem but you'll have to be very careful where you go off road.

 

[Leandy]

Yes but you are better with rear wheel drive than front wheel drive for towing. Not sure what the Kuga is I'm afraid.

 

[Tiddlypom]

My rear wheel drive Rover SD1 was a really good tow vehicle on road, but it was also the first vehicle to get stuck on grass.

Front wheel drive vehicles can get light in front and wheel spin when trying to do steep hill starts towing.

 

[Gallop_Away]

I had a Ford kuga and did some towing with it. Best bit of advice I can give you is DON'T FRICKIN BUY ONE! Ahem...
No seriously as much as I loved mine when it was running, it was nothing but trouble. DPF issues, alternator, several batteries, AWD system to name just a few.
You couldn't give me another one to be honest.

 

[scruffyponies]

Have towed with a 2wd for years. Take a run at the fields and gateways, and always park facing downhill towards the way out in case it rains.
No problem.

 

[honetpot]

I have towed with saloon cars and estates, with a fairly lightweight trailer.Its easier with a larger car, and older cars tend to be heavier, and the trailer is less likely to wag the car. When you have a large 4x4 you can forget the trailer is there, even a heavy one. ATM we are using a diesel Ford Galaxy. If it's very wet you get it off the grass and load on the side of the road, but in thirty years of shows, PC and hunting I have never been stuck.