You know the drill. You are staring at a spec sheet for a new truck or a used SUV. Your eyes glaze over the 0-60 times. You check the cubic feet of cargo space. You calculate the MPG. You look at the price tag. These are the numbers that sell cars.
There is one number that nobody talks about. It does not show up in magazine reviews. It is not a talking point at car shows. It is the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR.
It is the most important limit you are ignoring.
Defining the Gross Axle Weight Rating
Every vehicle has a limit. Not for the whole car. For each individual axle.
The manufacturer sets this limit. It is the maximum allowable weight that can sit on the front axle. And a separate number for the rear axle. Think of it as a hard ceiling. You cannot go over it. If you do, you are playing with fire.
This rating applies to everything with wheels. Cars. Trucks. SUVs. RVs. The rules are the same.
GAWR is not a suggestion. It is a structural limit. The frame, the suspension, the tires—they are engineered for a specific load. Exceed that load and you compromise the entire system.
GAW vs. GAWR: Don’t Mix Them Up
People confuse two terms. They sound similar. They are different.
GAWR is static. It never changes. It is printed on the sticker.
GAW is dynamic. It changes every time you load the vehicle.
GAW stands for Gross Axle Weight. It is the actual weight currently sitting on the axle. It includes the vehicle’s own weight. It includes passengers. It includes cargo in the back. If you are towing, it includes the tongue weight pushing down on the hitch.
All of that weight is split between the front and rear.
When you park an empty truck, the GAW is low. The GAWR stays the same. When you load four 100-pound boulders in the bed, the GAW goes up by 400 pounds. The GAWR does not move. It remains fixed.
Confusing these two leads to dangerous mistakes. You might think your axle capacity increases with better parts. It does not. The rating is set by the factory.
What Happens When You Overload
Safety is the reason the limit exists.
Overloading is never safe. But uneven loading is worse. If you put too much weight on one side, you lose control. If you overload just the rear axle, the physics get ugly.
The steering becomes numb. The front tires are doing the work of turning the vehicle. If the rear is too heavy, the front floats. Response drops.
Braking suffers too. Front brakes handle the majority of the stopping power. If the rear is overloaded, the front brakes can overheat. They fade. You slide.
The tires have a limit. Too much weight and they blow out. The suspension components can bend. They can snap. You lose control on the highway.
These are not minor inconveniences. They are accidents waiting to happen.
Trailer Weight Limits
Trailers have their own GAWR.
The trailer manufacturer determines these limits. You need to respect them.
Proper loading is critical. A trailer is less stable than a car. It can sway. It can jackknife. If the axles are overloaded, you have no chance of stopping the wobble.
Balance is key. Spread the weight evenly. Do not exceed the rated limit for each axle.
Finding Your Vehicle’s GAWR
Where do you find this number?
Look inside the driver’s door frame. There is usually a label there. It is often near the latch. It lists the GVWR and the GAWR for front and rear.
If you cannot find the sticker, check online. Most manufacturers publish this data. It is public information.
Do not guess. Check the sticker.
Acura Gross Axle Weight Rating Data
If you drive an Acura, here are the verified GAWR figures for specific models. These numbers represent the maximum weight allowed on the front and rear axles respectively.
2007 Acura Models
- MDX : 2888 lbs (Front) / 3175 lbs (Rear)
- RDX : 2546 lbs (Front) / 2381 lbs (Rear)
- TSX : 2335 lbs (Front) / 2030 lbs (Rear)
2008 Acura Models
- MDX : 2888 lbs (Front) / 3175 lbs (Rear)
- RSX : 2546 lbs (Front) / 2381 lbs (Rear)
- TSX : 2335 lbs (Front) / 2030 lbs (Rear)
2009 Acura Models
- MDX : 2888 lbs (Front) / 3175 lbs (Rear)
- RSX : 2546 lbs (Front) / 2381 lbs (Rear)
- TSX : 2325 lbs (Front) / 2090 lbs (Rear)
Note: Data for 2006 Acura models (MDX, RL, RSX, TL, TSX) and 2007-2009 RL models is not listed in the current source data.
Audi Gross Axle Weight Rating Data
For Audi owners, the available GAWR data is limited for the years listed.
2006 Audi Models
- A3, A4, A6, A8, S4, TT : Data not available.
2007 Audi Models
- A3, A4, A6, A8, Q7, RS4, S4, S6, S8 : Data not available.
2008 Audi Models
- A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q7, R8, RS4, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT : Data not available.
2009 Audi Models
- A3, A4, A5, A8, Q7, R8, S4, S5, S8, TT : Data not available.
The Bottom Line
Check your sticker. Know your limits.
The numbers on the door frame are not arbitrary. They are the result of engineering tests. They define the safety envelope of your vehicle.
You can modify your suspension. You can upgrade your tires. You can add a lift kit.
But you cannot change the GAWR. The frame has a limit. The axles have a limit.
Stay under it. Drive safely.
BMW Weight Limits (2006-2009)
You are looking for BMW GAWR specifications for older models? Most entries in the 2006 to 2009 lineup don’t list front/rear axle weights in standard public databases. That is a common frustration. The data gap is real for sedans like the 325, 330, and 5-series variants. Even the high-performance M3, M5, and M6 models often show up as missing from these specific axle load tables. The same goes for the SUVs and coupes.
Key Insight: If your BMW model year and model name show a dash (-), the specific front/rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) data is not readily available in standard reference tables for this era.
The few exceptions exist in the 2007 model year. The Z4 had listed numbers. Front axle held 2767 lbs. Rear axle took 3770 lbs. That is a significant bias toward the back. Likely because of the engine placement and drivetrain layout. Nothing else in the BMW column for 2006, 2008, or 2009 provides these specific figures. You will find dashes for every other trim from the 128 to the 760, and all X and Z models.
For context on what these numbers mean, you might look into BMW GVWR or BMW curb weight. Those figures are more commonly published. Towing capacity and payload calculations also rely on knowing these missing axle limits if you are modifying suspension components.
Buick Load Ratings (2006-2009)
Buick offers slightly more visibility here, though the coverage is spotty. The Buick GAWR data is concentrated in three specific areas.
The Rainier, a mid-size SUV produced through 2007, has consistent ratings. Front axle: 2950 lbs. Rear axle: 3200 lbs. It carries a load. The Terraza, a crossover that vanished after 2007, had odd numbers. 1148 lbs on the front. 960 lbs on the rear. That rear number seems surprisingly low for a vehicle of that size. It suggests a heavy front-engine bias or a specific chassis limitation.
Then there is the Enclave. Introduced in 2008, it carried over the same specs into 2009. Front axle capacity sits at 3197 lbs. Rear axle takes 3527 lbs. The LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans remain blank for all four years. No front/rear breakdown there.
If you are working with these SUVs, check Buick GCWR as well. The total train weight matters just as much as the axle split.
Cadillac Axle Weights
Cadillac’s data is even thinner. We have concrete numbers for only a few models in 2006.
The CTS sedan lists 2232 lbs on the front axle and 2379 lbs on the rear. The large Escalade SUVs vary by body style. The standard Escalade handles 3350 lbs up front and 4000 lbs in back. The ESV, the longer wheelbase version, shifts the balance. Front: 3060 lbs. Rear: 2809 lbs. It’s almost equal, but front-heavy. The EXT, the pickup version, is built different. 3800 lbs front, 4000 lbs rear. It can haul serious weight.
The CTS-V, DTS, SRX, STS, and XLR models all show dashes for every year from 2006 to 2009. Even the Escalade Hybrid introduced in 2009 lacks specific axle numbers in this dataset. The V-models are particularly frustrating to source data for if you are upgrading brakes or suspension.
Refer to Cadillac payload specs if you are planning heavy modifications. The curb weight alone eats up a lot of that allowance.
Chevrolet GAWR Breakdown
Chevrolet provides the most extensive list here. But the numbers change year over year. You have to be careful.
2006 Chevrolet Load Data
The full-size trucks dominate this year. The Silverado 1500 takes 3650 lbs front, 4000 lbs rear. The HD versions jump up significantly. 2500 HD handles 4410 front, 6084 rear. The 3500 HD is a beast. 4670 front, 8550 rear. The Avalanche follows similar patterns. The 1500 gets 3400/4000. The 2500 gets 4380/5500. Suburbans and Tahoes sit around the 3200 front mark. The rear varies between 3750 and 4000 lbs. The TrailBlazer sits at 2950/3200.
2007 Chevrolet Load Data
The Silverado 1500 drops slightly on the rear axle to 3950 lbs. The 2500 HD loses some rear capacity, dropping to 6084 lbs from a higher previous state, but front stays at 4200 lbs. The 3500 model now splits between 4200 front and 6390 rear. The Suburban 1500 gains a bit, moving to 3300 front and 4200 rear.
2008 Chevrolet Load Data
Most numbers stabilize here. The Silverado 1500 stays at 3650/3950. The HD models hold 4200 front and 6084/6390 rear depending on trim. The Tahoe Hybrid matches the gas Tahoe at 3200/4100.
2009 Chevrolet Load Data
This year brings strange outliers. The Colorado jumps to 5000 lbs front. That is massive for a mid-size truck. Rear drops to 2633 lbs. The Silverado 1500 also flips. Front takes 6800 lbs. Rear takes 3650 lbs. This seems inverted for a standard 1500. It might be a typo in source data or a specific heavy-duty package configuration. The Silverado 2500 HD front axle jumps to 9200 lbs. That is incredibly high. It suggests a dual-wheel or heavy-duty suspension swap.
Chrysler Weight Specs
Chrysler’s output is limited. The Aspen is the main vehicle with data.
It appears from 2007 to 2009 with consistent ratings. Front axle: 3100 lbs. Rear axle: 3900 lbs. The 2009 Aspen Hybrid adds a new number. Front goes up to 3600 lbs. Rear stays at 3900 lbs. The hybrid battery pack likely adds weight, hence the front axle increase.
The 300, Crossfire, PT Cruiser, Pacifica, and Sebring have no listed GAWR figures for any year in this range. If you are towing with a Town & Country, you’ll need to calculate based on Chrysler GCWR rather than axle splits.
Dodge GAWR Data
Dodge shares much of its platform with Chrysler, but the truck data is more robust.
2006 Dodge Load Data
The Ram 1500 takes 3700 front, 3900 rear. The 2500 gets 4410 front, 4630 rear. The 3500 is split: 4110 front, 9350 rear. The Sprinter vans show up here too. 2500 models take 3857 front, 5356 rear. The 3500 vans share those front numbers but split rear to 5356. The Sprinter Wagon 2500 takes 3857 front, 7053 rear. The Dakota and Durango sit at 3100 front, 3600/3900 rear.
2007 Dodge Load Data
The Caliber enters with low numbers. 2380 front, 2200 rear. The Ram 2500 rear axle jumps to 6000 lbs. The Sprinter 3500 van now takes 4080 front, 7060 rear. The Wagon stays consistent.
2008 Dodge Load Data
Stability returns. The Ram 1500 and 2500 hold their ratings. The Sprinter models remain steady. The Durango stays at 3100/3900.
2009 Dodge Load Data
The Dakota returns to 3100/3600. The Durango Hybrid adds 3600 front, 3900 rear. The Journey enters with 2750 front, 2900 rear. The Ram 3500 rear axle drops significantly to 6200 lbs. The Sprinter 3500 van rear capacity also drops to 4410 lbs.
For heavy haulers, always verify **Dodge towing
Why Front and Rear GAWR Numbers Matter for Heavy Loads
You don’t just need to know how much your car weighs. You need to know how much weight each axle can handle before things start to bend. That’s the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). It’s a hard limit. Exceed it and your suspension, brakes, or tires take the hit. The data below covers Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, and Jaguar models from 2006 to 2009.
Some entries are blank. That doesn’t mean the axle is weak. It often means the manufacturer didn’t publish separate front and rear limits for that specific trim. If you’re loading up a Mustang or a luxury sedan, you probably aren’t hitting the GAWR. You’re hitting the GVWR. But with trucks and vans, the split matters.
Ford GAWR Breakdown: From Econolines to Excursions
Ford’s lineup in this era was a mix of heavy-duty workhorses and family haulers. The E-Series vans are where the numbers get real. If you’re running a 2006 E-250, your front axle can take 3,550 lbs. The rear? 5,520 lbs. That asymmetry is standard for RWD vans. Load the back and watch the rear sag.
The Super Duty trucks are built for punishment. A 2009 F-350 rear axle supports up to 7,000 lbs. That’s serious capacity. It allows for heavy payloads or large trailers. The F-450 in 2008 jumps to a massive 9,500 lbs on the rear. That’s for the heaviest commercial uses. Don’t put that load in a F-150. The F-150 maxes out at 3,450 front and 3,800 rear.
Hybrids like the Escape Hybrid have slightly different ratings. 2006-2008 models show 2,380 lbs front and 2,175 lbs rear. The extra battery weight shifts the balance slightly compared to the gas-only Escape.
Key Takeaway: For Ford vans, the rear axle is almost always the limiting factor. Don’t assume the front can handle half the total cargo.
GMC Heavy Duty Specs: Sierra and Yukon Limits
GMC followed a similar path to Chevrolet, but their GAWR specs tell their own story. The Sierra 3500 is the beast here. In 2006, it could handle 4,800 lbs on the front and 6,500 lbs on the rear. By 2008, the front rating dropped slightly to 4,200 lbs, but the rear stayed strong at 6,390 lbs.
The Yukon XL is a full-size SUV. It’s not a truck, but it carries like one. A 2009 Yukon XL rear axle handles 4,200 lbs. That’s plenty for passengers and luggage. If you’re towing, check your GCWR, not just GAWR. The axle might be fine. The transmission might not be.
The Canyon mid-size truck held steady around 2,533 lbs front and 2,896 lbs rear from 2006 to 2008. A slight bump in 2009 pushed the front to 2,633 lbs. Small changes. But small changes add up when you’re carrying toolboxes.
Honda Reliability on Paper: Pilot and Ridgeline
Honda didn’t publish GAWR for most of their sedans. The Accord. The Civic. The CR-V. All blank. Why? Because you’re not supposed to overload them. They’re light. You’re not hauling drywall.
But the Ridgeline and Pilot have numbers. A 2009 Pilot can take 2,921 lbs front and 3,196 lbs rear. That’s enough for a family of five and a boat. The Ridgeline is tighter. 3,105 lbs front. 3,252 lbs rear. It’s a unibody truck. It handles like a car. It carries like a small truck. Don’t abuse it.
The Odyssey minivan is consistent. 2,833 lbs front. 3,197 lbs rear. Every year from 2006 to 2009. Honda knows what their customers do. They pack kids. They pack gear. They don’t pack pallets.
Hummer H2: Built for Overload (Or So They Say)
The Hummer H2 was a tank. Literally. Its GAWR reflects that. 4,000 lbs front. 5,000 lbs rear. Every year from 2006 to 2009. No changes. No tweaks. It’s heavy. It’s loud. It’s inefficient. But if you need to lift a small house onto your roof rack, the H2’s axles won’t complain. The H3? Blank. Because you weren’t buying a H3 to haul 10,000 lbs. You were buying it to look like you could.
Hyundai and Infiniti: The Quiet Contenders
Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Entourage had ratings. Santa Fe: 2,976 lbs front. 3,197 lbs rear. Entourage: 2,998 lbs front. 3,064 lbs rear. Balanced. Practical. Nothing flashy. But reliable.
Infiniti? Almost entirely blank. The FX35. The G35. The M45. No numbers. This is common for luxury brands. They rely on the driver’s judgment. They assume you’re not throwing sandbags in the back seat. If you are, you’re probably driving it wrong anyway.
Isuzu and Jaguar: Niche Players, Specific Limits
Isuzu made the Ascender. It’s a rebadged Chevy TrailBlazer EXT. It shares the same GAWR. 2,950 lbs front. 3,200 lbs rear. It hasn’t changed since 2006. Isuzu stopped caring about the US market around 2009. The Ascender followed.
Jaguar? Zero numbers. The XJ8. The XK8. The S-Type. All blank. You don’t put a heavy load in a Jaguar. You put a heavy foot. The suspension is tuned for speed, not cargo. Respect the limits. They’re there for a reason.
How to Use This Data Without Breaking Your Axle
You have two choices. You can trust the paperwork. Or you can trust your eyes. If your rear tires are squinting, you’re over the GAWR. If your tailgate is dipping below the horizon, you’re over the GAWR.
Check your tire sidewall. Look for the Load Range. If your tires are rated for less than your axle’s GAWR, you’re already failing. The axle can handle 5,000 lbs. But if your tires can only take 2,500 lbs each, you’re limited by rubber. Not steel.
Reality Check: Your tires are usually the weak link. The axle is strong. The tire is cheap. Upgrade the tires. Or lighten the load.
Where to Find Missing GAWR Info
If a model has a dash, look at the GVWR. Subtract the curb weight. Add your payload. If the result puts more weight on one axle than the other, distribute it. A 50/50 split is ideal. A 60/40 split is acceptable for RWD vehicles.
For older models like the 2006 Crown Victoria, blank entries mean the front and rear are likely close to equal. It’s a heavy car. It’s not a truck. Don’t treat it like one.
The data stops at 2009. Newer models have different constraints. Safety tech. Fuel economy. Lighter materials. The axles might be stronger. Or they might be weaker. You have to check again.
Don’t guess. Weigh it. Get on a scale. See what the numbers say. Your suspension will thank you. Your bank account will too.
Jeep Axle Limits and Capability
Jeep didn’t just slap numbers on a door jamb. They built these trucks to chew up rock and crawl over logs. But if you are packing gear, tires, or a heavy winch, knowing the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) isn’t optional. It’s survival.
The Liberty was a workhorse. 2006 and 2007 models held steady at 2750 lbs front and 3150 lbs rear. That’s enough for a moderate lift, decent tires, and passengers. The Wrangler? It’s lighter. 2006 sat at 2200/2650. By 2007, they tightened the specs to 2650 front and 3400 rear on the Wrangler Unlimited. Why the bump? The Unlimited added length, but also structural rigidity. The 2008-2009 Wranglers stuck to that 2650/3400 setup.
Other Jeeps like the Commander and Grand Cherokee listed dash marks. That’s Jeep-speak for “check the specific door sticker.” The Compass and Patriot also lacked listed ratings here. Don’t guess. Look at the sticker.
Kia Load Ratings
Kia in the mid-2000s was about volume. The Sedona minivan was the heavy lifter. Consistent 2998/3064 lbs from 2006 through 2007. Solid. The Sorento SUV matched that front axle at 3307 lbs but kept the rear at 3307. Symmetrical. Good for towing if you stay within limits.
The Sportage was front-heavy in load capacity compared to the rear. 2579/2425. Don’t overload the back. The Rio was tiny. 1918 front, 1874 rear. It’s a subcompact. Treat it like one.
By 2009, the lineup shrank. Borrego and Spectras dropped off the explicit lists. The Rio kept its numbers. If you’re modding a Kia, check the GVWR first. GAWR is just one piece.
Land Rover Precision
Land Rover didn’t mess around with rough estimates. The LR2 was the only one with clear numbers in this window. 2009 LR2: 2885 front, 2995 rear. Balanced. Almost equal. That’s why it handles so well.
The LR3 and Range Rover lines? Dash marks. The Sport too. Why? Likely because options (air suspension, heavy audio, skid plates) varied the weight distribution enough that a single number wouldn’t be accurate for every build. The 2008 LR2 was also blank. Strange. Check the sticker.
Lexus Luxury Load Limits
Lexus is quiet. Their numbers are often missing from general lists, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. The IS-F and RX 350 were staples. The GX 470 and LX 570 were the tanks. But without specific GAWR data in this source, you have to rely on the door jamb.
The ES 350, GS 350, LS 460… all dash marks. This suggests variability by trim. A LS 460 with the F Sport package weighs more than the base model. The axle limits shift. Don’t assume.
Lincoln Big Iron
Lincoln was pushing size. The Navigator was the king. 2006: 3300 front, 4128 rear. Huge rear bias. 2007 bumped to 3350/4300. 2009 hit 3450/3850. They balanced it out over time.
The Mark LT was a pickup. 3450 front, 3850 rear. Consistent from 2006 to 2008. It’s a truck. It needs that rear strength. The MKX and MKZ? Dash marks. Again, trim dependent.
Mazda’s Varied Output
Mazda made trucks. The B-Series was based on the Ford Ranger platform. That’s why the numbers are there. B2300: 2400 front, 2750 rear. B4000: 2850 front, 2750 rear. Heavy front on the B4000. Likely due to the larger engine.
The Mazda6 was rear-light. 2372 front, 2119 rear in 2006. The Speed3? 2216 front, 2064 rear. Front-heavy. The MX-5 was 2449 front, 2103 rear. Light car, but front bias.
Mercedes-Benz Engineering
Mercedes lists dash marks for almost everything. C-Class, E-Class, S-Class. The ML and GL SUVs too. The G500 and G55? Also blank. This is a design philosophy. They don’t publish generic ratings because the air suspension and electronic systems adjust load distribution dynamically. The GAWR isn’t a static number for a G-Wagen with adaptive damping. It’s a range.
If you have an ML550 or ML63, check the sticker. The dash marks mean “variable.”
Mercury and MINI
Mercury was dying. The numbers were sparse. Mountaineer was the only one with data. 2860 front, 3340 rear in 2006. Then blanks. The Grand Marquis? Blank.
MINI was specific. The Clubman and Hardtop had clear limits. 2008 Cooper Clubman: 1830 front, 1830 rear. Perfectly balanced. The John Cooper Works models? 1918 front, 1676 rear on the Hardtop. Front-heavy. They put the supercharger and heavy brakes up front. Accept it.
Mitsubishi Load Limits
The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider is the only model in this batch with confirmed GAWR numbers. It sits at 3100 lbs on the front axle and 3600 lbs on the rear. The Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, and Outlander have no data available for that year.
Mitsubishi kept the Raider’s ratings steady through 2008. Every other model in the lineup remains unlisted. If you’re looking for specific axle weights for the Outlander or Lancer from these years, the data doesn’t exist here.
Nissan Axle Ratings
Nissan’s lineup is sparse in this period. The 2006 Altima has specific figures: 2399 lbs front, 1991 lbs rear. The rest of the 2006 models—350Z, Armada, Frontier, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Titan, and Xterra—have no listed GAWR.
By 2007, the Frontier jumps to 3296/3197 lbs. The Titan arrives with 3300/3800 lbs. The Altima and its Hybrid version lose their previous data points. The 350Z, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Versa, and Xterra remain blank.
The 2008 and 2009 model years see even less data. The Frontier holds its 3296/3197 lbs rating. The 2009 GT-R appears but has no numbers attached. The Altima, Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Titan, Versa, and Xterra have no GAWR data listed.
Pontiac Weight Capacities
Pontiac was winding down, so the data reflects that. The 2006 Torrent is the only one with numbers: 2535 lbs front and rear. The G6, GTO, Grand Prix, Montana SV6, Solstice, and Vibe have no data.
In 2007, the Grand Prix gets a weird listing of “62/38”. It’s likely a typo or a percentage split that doesn’t fit standard GAWR formats. The Torrent stays at 2535/2535 lbs. The G5, G6, Solstice, and Vibe are blank.
2008 and 2009 bring no new GAWR data for the G5, G6, G8, Grand Prix, Solstice, Torrent, or Vibe. The Torrent remains the only Pontiac with confirmed axle weights in this set.
Porsche GAWR Data
Porsche didn’t list GAWR for the Cayenne in 2006. By 2008, the 911, Boxter, Cayenne, and Cayman are all listed but empty. The 2009 lineup—911 Carrera, Boxter, Cayenne, Cayman—follows suit. No numbers. Just model names.
If you need GAWR for a Porsche from this era, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The data here is absent.
Saab Axle Weights
Saab offers a bit more. The 2006 and 2007 models—9-2X, 9-3, 9-5, 9-7X—have no data.
2008 changes things. The 9-7X gets 2950 lbs front and 3400 lbs rear. The 9-3 and 9-5 remain blank.
2009 keeps the 9-7X at 2950/3400 lbs. The 9-3 and 9-5 still have no listed GAWR.
Saturn Load Ratings
Saturn’s end-of-life era yields very little. The 2006 Ion, Relay, and VUE have no data.
2007 brings the Aura, Aura Hybrid, Ion, Sky, VUE, and VUE Hybrid with no numbers. The Outlook breaks the pattern with 3197/3527 lbs.
2008 and 2009 keep the Outlook at 3197/3527 lbs. The Astra, Aura, Aura Hybrid, Sky, VUE, and VUE Hybrid remain unlisted.
Scion GAWR
Scion is completely empty. The tC, xA, xB, xD across 2006 to 2009 have no GAWR data. Zero. Nada.
smart GAWR
The 2008 smart fortwo is listed but has no numbers. That’s it.
Subaru Axle Capacities
Subaru is also empty. The B9 Tribeca, Baja, Forester, Impreza (all variants), Legacy (all variants), and Outback from 2006 to 2009 have no GAWR data listed. Not a single number.
Suzuki Weight Ratings
Suzuki provides some specifics. The 2006 Aerio is 1918/1940 lbs. The Forenza is 1918/1764 lbs. The XL7 is 2205/2866 lbs. The Grand Vitara and Reno have no data.
2007 keeps Aerio and Forenza steady. The XL7 jumps to 2590/2921 lbs. The SX4 appears with 2050/1786 lbs. The Grand Vitara and Reno remain blank.
2008 drops the Aerio and SX4 from the list (or rather, they have no data). The Forenza stays at 1918/1764 lbs. The XL7 holds at 2590/2921 lbs. The Grand Vitara and Reno are still empty.
2009 sees the Equator and Grand Vitara with no data. The SX4 and XL7 are listed but empty. The Forenza is not listed.
Toyota GAWR Listings
Toyota has a few entries. The 2006 Land Cruiser is 3595/4220 lbs. The RAV4 is 2535/2435 lbs. The rest of the 2006 models (4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, Prius, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra) are blank.
2007 keeps the Land Cruiser at 3595/4220 lbs. The RAV4 jumps significantly to 4430/4730 lbs. The Tundra gets 3900/3800 lbs. The 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Camry Solara, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, Prius, Sequoia, Sienna, and Yaris have no data.
2008 drops the Land Cruiser and Tundra from the data list. The RAV4 reverts to 2535/2435 lbs. The 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Camry Solara, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, Prius, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Yaris are empty.
2009 keeps the RAV4 at 2535/2435 lbs. The 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, Prius, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza, and Yaris have no GAWR numbers listed.
The data trail goes cold on most German and Scandinavian exports for the mid-2000s. You want exact Gross Axle Weight Rating figures? Good luck finding them in one clean spreadsheet. Most manufacturers just don’t publish them for sedans and hatchbacks. They leave you guessing.
We are looking at Volkswagen and Volvo here. The years are 2006 through 2009. The models are specific. The numbers are sparse.
Volkswagen GAWR by Model and Year
Volkswagen was aggressive with its lineup during this era. The Rabbit was a thing again. The R32 existed. The Phaeton was over-engineered to the point of absurdity. But if you need to know how much weight the front or rear axle can handle, you will find very little official data.
2006 Volkswagen Models
The 2006 lineup was standard. Golf. GTI. Jetta. Beetle in coupe and convertible forms. Passat sedan. The Phaeton luxury sedan. The Rabbit hatchback. And the Touareg SUV.
For every single one of these, the GAWR data is missing. Not “unknown.” Not “varies by trim.” Just blank. You might assume the Touareg has higher ratings because it is built for towing and heavy loads. You’d be right. But the specific front/rear split isn’t listed here.
2007 Volkswagen Models
New additions. The Eos convertible. The Passat wagon. The rest of the lineup stayed consistent. GTI. Jetta. Beetle. Passat. Rabbit. Touareg.
Again, no GAWR data provided for any model. It is frustrating for enthusiasts who want to dial in suspension upgrades or understand load limits for track use.
2008 Volkswagen Models
The GLI arrived. The R32 joined the club. The Touareg moved to its second generation (often called Touareg 2).
Still nothing. No numbers. No front/rear splits. The GLI shares the drivetrain with the GTI but has different tuning. The R32 had a wider track and heavier brakes. Intuitively, its GAWR would be higher. But without the official rating, you are relying on guesswork or aftermarket limits.
2009 Volkswagen Models
The Jetta split into sedan and sport wagon variants. The Routan minivan debuted. The Tiguan compact SUV entered the US market. The R32 was still selling. The Touareg 2 continued.
The pattern holds. Zero GAWR data. It seems Volkswagen simply did not prioritize publishing these specs for the consumer market during this period.
“If you are lifting a car or modifying suspension, you need to know your axle limits. If the manufacturer won’t tell you, you are flying blind.”
More Volkswagen Specs:
- Volkswagen GVWR
- Volkswagen GCWR
- Volkswagen Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Volkswagen Curb Weight
- Volkswagen Payload
- Volkswagen Towing Capacity
Volvo GAWR by Model and Year
Volvo was different. They published some numbers. But only for specific models. And only in certain years. The rest? Blank. It is inconsistent.
2006 Volvo Models
The C70. The S40. The S60. The V50. The V70. The XC70. The XC90. The S80.
Only the S80 and XC90 have ratings listed.
- S80: 2230 lbs front / 2290 lbs rear
- XC90: 2820 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear
The S80 is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan. The XC90 is a heavy SUV. The difference in ratings makes sense. The S80 is lighter. The XC90 needs stronger axles to handle its mass and towing capacity.
2007 Volvo Models
The lineup barely changed. C70. S40. S60. S80. V50. V70. XC70. XC90.
Only the XC90 has ratings listed.
–
