Like the diesel magically makes the “frameless” Yaris stronger ?
Response to; “The new crop of wagons aren’t body-on-frame like the old ones. There’s less of a guarantee that they can tow.”
But, your right, it is the diesel, while the tow capacity of the petrol model is “only” 1984.5 lbs…a full 320 odd pounds less. Of course the performance is less, it’s working at it’s capacity. The point is, Toyota doesn’t fear the lawyers as much in UK and the bogus “non body on frame” argument that keeps poping up, is just that, bogus. Would I tow that much ? Heck no, but light towing is not to be feared by these cars.
The Subaru Forester will tow 2400 lbs (trailer brakes required) or around 1000 lbs without. It is available with a 5-speed manual in the normally-aspirated engine. While it doesn’t get the greatest gas mileage, it is a sturdy, reliable car that will easily do what you need. It also has AWD, good ground clearance, and gearing which can take you off the beaten path when hunting or mountain biking (it is not a true off-road vehicle, but doesn’t drive like a truck, either). AWD helps on slippery boat ramps, too.
I’m driving my 4th Outback. I love the car but wish it had a greater towing capacity. For 2010, my 2.5i Limited has a 2,700 lb./200 lb. tongue weight limit plus trailers over 1,000 lbs must have brakes. I get 30+ on the highway and 26 around town when I’m not towing. I have a small trailer (less than 1,000 lbs.) for hauling our sea kayaks. I hardly know it’s back there but it does kill 3-4 mpg.