How much can a Ford Fiesta tow?
The Ford Fiesta is a practical hatchback with a lot to offer. Find out more about the Fiesta’s towing capabilities
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The Ford Fiesta is a real fan-favourite – in fact, it’s been a longtime bestseller in the UK.
As a practical hatchback with plenty of space, it makes sense that motorists are wondering how well this car can tow.
While the Ford Fiesta is capable of towing, it might not be the best car for the job if you intend to tow large loads regularly.
If you’re a regular caravaner, you might want to consider a model like the Volvo XC60 or BMW X5 as these are more up to the job.
Learn more about towing with a Ford Fiesta in our guide.
What influences the Ford Fiesta’s towing capacity?
The towing capacity of the Ford Fiesta is decided by considering a few measurements.
You’ll need to look at the kerb weight of the Fiesta and the maximum mass of the item you’re looking to tow.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW), maximum authorised mass (MAM), or Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) are the names for the combination of the kerb weight of the vehicle and the weight of the towed load.
The load should be less than 85% of the kerb weight of the car, as a guide. This is what experts recommend as safe, but it’s best to consult the manufacturer to see the recommended towing capacity for the individual Fiesta.
Factors that influence the Fiesta’s towing capacity include brakes on the car, the capability of the rear tyres, suspension and axle to support the extra weight, plus the drivetrain.
You’ll also need to consider whether you’re pulling an unbraked or braked load, as unbraked towing loads must be lighter than loads that have their own braking system.
How much can a Ford Fiesta tow?
The towing capacity of the Ford Fiesta is usually recommended to be up to 900kg braked.
The maximum unbraked figure for every car is 750kg, so you’ll want a braked setup to tow larger loads.
It’s best to check the manual for your Fiesta or reach out to the manufacturer to confirm the exact figure for your specific Fiesta model, as recommended towing weights can vary.
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How to tow safely with your Ford Fiesta
While you can tow in a Ford Fiesta, you might want to consider another option if you plan to tow larger loads frequently.
Smaller hatchbacks aren’t the safest option for towing, but there are a few things you can do to stay safer when pulling a load.
You’ll need to make sure you have the right licence for the type of towing you plan to do.
This might not apply in the case of a Fiesta as you won’t be able to pull heavy loads, but licences that were issued after January 1997 have restrictions on pulling loads that weigh more than 8,250kg.
The gov.uk website has the full rundown of limitations for towing and how they could affect you.
The Highway Code states that you shouldn’t exceed 60mph on the motorway or dual carriageway when towing a caravan to keep you and the load stable.
Driving should also be cautious and slower than usual to ensure you’re keeping control of the load.
You’ll also need to avoid sudden braking where possible and make sure you move off gently and without any sudden movements.
Any sudden change of direction can throw the balance of the vehicle, so look ahead to anticipate the road and act ahead of time where you can.
You’ll also need to allow yourself some extra space when turning corners to ensure your load doesn’t clip anything.
When is towing helpful?
You’ll likely think of shifting a caravan when you think about towing with your Fiesta, and this is a popular way that towing is utilised.
Being able to tow your own caravan means you’re free to head out on adventures whenever you want.
You might also want to tow a trailer to carry larger loads that don’t fit in your car. A trailer can be ideal for moving loads of rubbish – as long as everything is secured properly.
Horseboxes are another popular item to tow, but they’re usually much heavier than a car like a Fiesta can pull.
Make sure you do your research to see which cars best suit your towing needs.