Blue Ox 2013 Dinghy Towing Guide - Manual (Page 14)

Veloster turbo has a better power-to-weight
ratio than rivals like the Mini Cooper S and VW
GTI. Aside from the more powerful engine, the
Veloster turbo also gets sport-tuned suspen-
sion, 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts,
a unique front fascia with fog lights, ground
effects package and more. Inside, Veloster turbo
features leather seating with the word “turbo”
stitched into the seatbacks, and Hyundai Blue
Link, which offers voice-to-text messaging,
point of interest (POI) web search download,
turn-by-turn navigation and other features.
Only manual transmission models are towable.
JEEP PATRIOT 4WD
Adventurous drivers will be glad to know that
the Jeep Patriot 4WD with manual transmis-
sion is now approved for towing. Billed as the
best-priced compact sport utility vehicle in
America, the Patriot includes standard features
such as electronic stability control, electronic
roll mitigation, hill-start assist, anti-lock disc
brakes, fog lamps, tilt steering column, cruise
control and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Op-
tions include a Uconnect media center with
iPod interface, SiriusXM Radio, navigation with
SiriusXM Travel Link, power sunroof and a pre-
mium audio system.
SUBARU XV CROSSTREK
Subaru is famous for high-riding, all-wheel-
drive models like the Forester and Outback.
For 2013, it offers a new addition to the lineup
with the XV Crosstrek. Boasting the best fuel
effi ciency of any AWD crossover utility in
America, according to Subaru, the XV Cross-
trek offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance,
17-inch alloy wheels, larger front brake rotors
and a 15.9-gallon fuel tank. It’s available in
Premium and Limited models, with standard
features like heated front seats, mirrors and
windshield de-icer, tilt-telescoping steering
wheel, power door locks and mirrors,
Bluetooth connectivity and more. The
upscale Limited model
adds luxury features
like leather, auto
climate control and
auto on/off head-
lights. Only manual
transmission models
are towable.

This guide addresses only 2013 vehicles. Guides for earlier model years are available online at www.motorhome.com
2013 Dinghy Roundup

SUBARU XV CROSSTREK
JEEP
PATRIOT

Where Are They Now?
Each year, we see models come, and models go. This year, a few real favorites are no longer
approved for towing by their manufacturers, including the Ford Escape and Suzuki Grand
Vitara. As we’re sure you’re aware, the Ford Escape was completely redesigned for 2013, and
that update includes a non-towable six-speed automatic transmission as its sole offering. And
American Suzuki Motor Corporation has unfortunately fi led for bankruptcy, so obviously we
can’t list any 2013 models — though you can probably make a smoking deal on a 2012 while
they last. The Dodge Caliber has been discontinued, the Hyundai Sonata is no longer ap-
proved for dinghy towing, Kia has withdrawn the models it said were towable last year, and
Toyota’s Scion brand has politely excused all of its models from dinghy-tow duty.
14 | 2013 GUIDE TO DINGHY TOWING www.motorhome.com
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