List of Car Weights
Understanding your vehicle's weight is an essential part of automotive safety. It can also be fascinating to see how your car or truck compares to other vehicles on the road. Depending on the materials used during production, the engine size of the vehicle, and the vehicle class, there can be significant variation in automobile weights.
List of Car Curb Weights
As you can see by this list, car weight can vary a lot, depending on the type of vehicle, the engine, and many other factors. These weights, published by Motor Trend, are for the car only and do not include cargo, passengers, or any other items.
| Model | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 3,190 pounds |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 3,042 pounds |
| 2012 Dodge Ram 2-Door | 6,811 pounds |
| 2012 Smart Fortwo | 1,808 pounds |
| 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LS | 3,777 pounds |
| 2013 Chevrolet Corvette | 3,208 pounds |
| 2012 Chrysler Town and Country | 4,652 pounds |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | 3,495 pounds |
| 2013 BMW 740i Sedan | 4,344 pounds |
| 2012 Honda Civic LX Coupe | 2,617 pounds |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT | 5,949 pounds |
| 2012 MINI Cooper Hatchback | 2.535 pounds |
Chart of Average Vehicle Curb Weight by Class
Vehicle weight can vary significantly by the model and even the year of the car or truck, so your own vehicle's manual or driver's side doorsill is your best resource for finding out its weight. However, many people wonder how their vehicle compares to others in its class.
Below, you'll find a chart depicting the average weight for various classes of vehicles, according to USA Today:
| Vehicle Class | Curb Weight in Pounds | Curb Weight in Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 2,979 pounds | 1,354 kilograms |
| Midsize car | 3,497 pounds | 1,590 kilograms |
| Large car | 4,366 pounds | 1,985 kilograms |
| Compact truck or SUV | 3,470 pounds | 1,577 kilograms |
| Midsize truck or SUV | 4,259 pounds | 1,936 kilograms |
| Large truck or SUV | 5,411 pounds | 2.460 kilograms |
List of Different Types of Vehicle Weight
When you're comparing vehicle weights, it's very important to understand the different ways weight is measured. The chart below can help you understand which measurement you want to use when comparing vehicles or deciding on how much cargo your vehicle can carry.
- Gross vehicle weight (GVW) - This weight includes all your cargo, extra added equipment, and passengers aboard.
- Curb weight - This is the weight of your vehicle with all fluids and components but without the drivers, passengers, and cargo.
- Payload - The payload is the weight including passengers, equipment, cargo, and anything being towed.
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) - This is the maximum total weight of your vehicle, passengers, and cargo in order for you to avoid damaging the vehicle or compromising your safety.
- Gross combined weight - This weight includes the vehicle and a trailer, if you are pulling one. The gross combined weight should be determined while the trailer is attached to the vehicle.
- Maximum loaded trailer weight - This amount is much like the gross combined weight, however, it includes a fully loaded trailer.
- Gross axle weight - The gross axle weight is the amount of weight that is supported by each axle, both front and rear.
- Gross axle weight rating - The gross axle weight rating is the total weight each axle is capable of hauling.
Maximum Vehicle Weights for Roadways
Each state establishes the maximum size vehicles that can travel on the highways and smaller roads throughout the state. Most U.S. states established a weight limit of about 80,000 pounds, and many Canadian Provinces allow over 90,000 pounds. If you are concerned about the weight of your vehicle exceeding the road limits, it's a good idea to consult a weight chart for the state or province where you'll be traveling. Some examples of state weight charts include the following:
- Wisconsin lists legal vehicle weights based on the distance between axles.
- Ohio provides a chart of maximum vehicle dimensions and instructions on how to calculate the legal maximum weight limit.
- North Dakota publishes a weight chart of maximum legal loads based on the number of axles.
- California provides a chart of legal weights based on the axle distance and number of axles.
If you drive a large vehicle and you're concerned that your cargo may place it over the legal weight limits, check the DOT website for your particular state to determine the legal limits for your specific vehicle.
How to Find the Weight of Your Vehicle
There are many websites that offer information on vehicle weights, but these are not the most reliable sources of information. If you're wondering how much weight you should carry in your car or whether your vehicle is too heavy for a bridge or road, you need to be able to trust the information you find.
| Source for Vehicle Weight | How to Find Vehicle Weight |
|---|---|
| Driver's side doorsill | Open the driver's side door of the vehicle, and look for the weight label or sticker on the sill. |
| Car manual | Locate your car manual, and look up the section on specifications for your vehicle. |
| Manufacturer | Write down the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number for your car, and then call the customer service number in your manual. |
| Vehicle scale | Load your vehicle as usual, and then weigh your car or truck at a nearby vehicle scale. |
Learn How Much You Can Carry
A list of car weights is an important way for drivers to understand the limits of their vehicles and whether it is safe to drive on local roadways and bridges. Never overload your car or truck or tow more than the GVWR allows, since this can cause damage to the vehicle and may make it more difficult for you to stop safely or control your car.
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