You know the numbers.
Zero to sixty. Cargo cubic feet. Horsepower. Torque. Price.
We obsess over these stats when shopping for a new rig. It’s a numbers game, sure. But there is one figure that gets ignored. It sits in the manual. It’s stamped on a placard. It doesn’t help you win drag races.
It’s the gross axle weight rating, or GAWR.
You drive a truck. Or an SUV. Maybe a sedan. It doesn’t matter. The GAWR is the limit. The hard line drawn by the manufacturer for how much weight each individual axle can handle. Front axle? Has a limit. Rear axle? Has a different limit.
Don’t cross it.
What Actually Counts Toward Your GAWR?
People think weight is just the metal.
It isn’t.
The GAWR definition includes the curb weight of the vehicle. It includes you. Your passengers. The cargo in the bed or trunk. And yes, the trailer tongue weight if you’re towing. All that mass gets distributed between two axles.
Here is the trap.
The GAWR is static. It never changes. It is a fixed number determined at the factory. The actual weight on the axle? That’s the Gross Axle Weight (GAW). The GAW fluctuates. Load up four hundred pounds of boulders in the bed? The rear GAW jumps. Dump them out? It drops. The GAWR stays exactly the same.
Confusing the two is dangerous.
Why Overloading an Axle Is a Bad Idea
Safety. That’s the reason for the limit.
Overloading isn’t just about worn tires. It’s about physics failing you.
Put too much weight on the rear axle and the steering gets vague. The front tires lose grip because the weight has shifted back. Braking suffers. The front brakes do most of the work, but if the balance is off, stopping distances lengthen.
Tires blow out. Suspension components bend. Control is lost.
It’s not theoretical. Uneven loading magnifies the risk. One side heavy? The vehicle pulls. Rear axle overloaded? The rear end floats or snaps. The GAW should never surpass the GAWR.
Trailers have their own GAWR too. Ignoring it there is just as reckless.
Where to Find Your Specific GAWR Numbers
Check the driver’s side door jamb. Look for the tire and loading information label. The GAWR for front and rear axles is listed there.
If the label is gone, or you prefer digital, manufacturers publish this data online. It’s specific to the model year and trim.
Below is a breakdown of GAWR figures for select makes and models from the mid-2000s. These numbers illustrate how specific the ratings are. A 2007 Acura RDX has a front GAWR of 2546 lbs and rear of 2381 lbs. A 2008 MDX handles 2888 lbs up front and 3175 lbs in the rear.
Know your numbers. Check the chart.
Acura GAWR Reference
| Year | Model | Front GAWR (lbs) | Rear GAWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | – | – |
| 2006 | RL | – | – |
| 2006 | RSX | – | – |
| 2006 | TL | – | – |
| 2006 | TSX | – | – |
| 2007 | MDX | 2888 | 3175 |
| 2007 | RL | – | – |
| 2007 | RDX | 2546 | 2381 |
| 2007 | TL | – | – |
| 2007 | TSX | 2335 | 2030 |
| 2008 | MDX | 2888 | 3175 |
| 2008 | RL | – | – |
| 2008 | RSX | 2546 | 2381 |
| 2008 | TL | – | – |
| 2008 | TSX | 2335 | 2030 |
| 2009 | MDX | 2888 | 3175 |
| 2009 | RL | – | – |
| 2009 | RSX | 2546 | 2381 |
| 2009 | TSX | 2325 | 2090 |
Note: Dashes indicate data not available in the source reference.
Audi GAWR Reference
| Year | Model | Front GAWR (lbs) | Rear GAWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A3 | – | – |
| 2006 | A4 | – | – |
| 2006 | A6 | – | – |
| 2006 | A8 | – | – |
| 2006 | S4 | – | – |
| 2006 | TT | – | – |
| 2007 | A3 | – | – |
| 2007 | A4 | – | – |
| 2007 | A6 | – | – |
| 2007 | A8 | – | – |
| 2007 | Q7 | – | – |
| 2007 | RS4 | – | – |
| 2007 | S4 | – | – |
| 2007 | S6 | – | – |
| 2007 | S8 | – | – |
| 2008 | A3 | – | – |
| 2008 | A4 | – | – |
| 2008 | A5 | – | – |
| 2008 | A6 | – | – |
| 2008 | A8 | – | – |
| 2008 | Q7 | – | – |
| 2008 | R8 | – | – |
| 2008 | RS4 | – | – |
| 2008 | S4 | – | – |
| 2008 | S5 | – | – |
| 2008 | S6 | – | – |
| 2008 | S8 | – | – |
| 2008 | TT | – | – |
| 2009 | A3 | – | – |
| 2009 | A4 | – | – |
| 2009 | A5 | – | – |
| 2009 | A8 | – | – |
| 2009 | Q7 | – | – |
| 2009 | R8 | – | – |
| 2009 | S4 | – | – |
| 2009 | S5 | – | – |
| 2009 | S8 | – | – |
| 2009 | TT | – | – |
BMW GAWR Reference
| Year | Model | Front GAWR (lbs) | Rear GAWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 325 | – | – |
| 2006 | 330 | – | – |
| 2006 | 525 | – | – |
| 2006 | 530 | – | – |
| 2006 | 550 | – | – |
| 2006 | 650 | – | – |
| 2006 | 750 | – | – |
| 2006 | 760 | – | – |
| 2006 | M3 | – | – |
| 2006 | M5 | – | – |
| 2006 | M6 | – | – |
| 2006 | X3 | – | – |
| 2006 | X5 | – | – |
| 2006 | Z4 | – | – |
| 2006 | Z4M | – | – |
| 2007 | 328 | – | – |
| 2007 | 335 | – | – |
The data cuts off there. But the point remains. Check your door. Respect the limit. The road doesn’t care about your horsepower if your axle snaps.
BMW, Buick, and Cadillac GAWR data 2006-2009
The German trio brings mixed results for axle weight limits. BMW keeps things sparse. Most of the 2006-2009 lineup lacks specific front-rear GAWR data in public specs. The Z4 stands out with a combined 2767/3770 lbs in 2006. The M3, M5, M6, and the Alpina B7? Blank. The X3, X5, and X6 SUVs also skip detailed axle breakdowns in this dataset. It’s a gap.
Buick offers a bit more clarity on their trucks. The 2006-2007 Rainier sits at 2950 lbs front and 3200 lbs rear. The Enclave, introduced in 2008, jumps to 3197 lbs front and 3527 lbs rear. The Terraza in 2006 is oddly light on the rear axle at 960 lbs against a 1148 lb front. LaCrosse and Lucerne remain undocumented for axle weights here.
Cadillac’s CTS is consistent from 2006-2007 with 2232 lbs front and 2379 lbs rear. The Escalade lineup shows variation. The 2006 Escalade is 3350/4000 lbs. The ESV is 3060/2809 lbs. The EXT pickup variant hits 3800/4000 lbs. After 2006, the data vanishes for most Cadillac models in this set.
Chevrolet GAWR specs for Silverado, Tahoe, and trucks
Chevrolet provides the most granular data, especially for its truck platforms. The 2006 Silverado 1500 starts at 3650 lbs front and 4000 lbs rear. The 1500 SS balances out at 3600/3600 lbs. The Hybrid variant flips the ratio: 3925 lbs front, 3750 lbs rear.
Heavy-duty models carry significantly more. The 2006 Silverado 3500 HD allows 4670 lbs front and a massive 8550 lbs rear. The 2500 HD is 4410/6084 lbs. The Avalanche 2500 in 2006 hits 4380/5500 lbs.
By 2009, the Silverado 1500 numbers shift dramatically to 6800 lbs front and 3650 lbs rear. That front axle rating is unusually high compared to previous years. The 2500 HD jumps to 9200 lbs front and 4200 lbs rear in 2009.
SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban stay steady. The 2006-2009 Tahoe is generally 3200-3200 lbs front and 3750-4100 lbs rear. The Suburban 1500 moves from 3200/4000 in 2006 to 3300/4200 in 2007-2009. The TrailBlazer drops significantly in 2009 to 2450/3200 lbs.
Chrysler, Dodge, and Ford GAWR limits 2006-2009
Chrysler’s data is thin. The Aspen (2007-2009) is listed at 3100 lbs front and 3900 lbs rear. The Aspen Hybrid in 2009 bumps the front to 3600 lbs. Most passenger cars and minivans lack specific axle ratings here.
Dodge offers more utility vehicle data. The Dakota pickup stays at 3100/3600 lbs across 2006, 2007, and 2009. The Durango is 3100/3900 lbs. The Ram 1500 is 3700/3900 lbs in 2006-2008. The heavy-duty Rams vary. The 2006 Ram 3500 is 4110/9350 lbs. By 2009, the 3500 shifts to 4750/6200 lbs. The Sprinter vans show high rear axle ratings, often exceeding 5000 lbs.
Ford’s 2006 data cuts off early. The F-150 is 3450/3800 lbs. The E-150 van is 3240/3800 lbs. The E-250 is 3550/5520 lbs. The E-350 Super Duty handles 3700/6195 lbs. The Escape Hybrid carries 2380 lbs front and 2175 lbs rear, slightly more than the standard Escape’s 2240/2115 lbs. The Explorer is 3240/3600 lbs.
Understanding these limits matters when loading gear. Front axle overload causes steering bind and rapid tire wear. Rear axle overload affects stability and braking. Check your specific VIN if you’re pushing near these numbers. The data here is a baseline. Real-world weight distribution can vary by suspension options and tire size.
Ford GAWR Data (2006-2009)
The numbers for Ford trucks stay consistent year over year, which is convenient. The F-150 sits at 3450 lbs front, 3800 lbs rear through 2008. In 2009, the front rating jumps to 3800. The F-250 holds steady at 3800/6100. The F-350 rear rating drops significantly in 2008 to 6262, then stays there. The heavy-hitter F-450 appears in 2008 with a massive 5600/9500 split.
Vans follow a similar pattern. The E-150 is 3240/3800 in 2006, then shifts to 3700/5120 for 2007-2009. The E-250 goes from 3550/5520 to 3700/5520. The E-350 Super Duty sees its front rating bump to 4200 in 2009, while the rear stays at 6084.
SUVs are more mixed. The Explorer is 2860/3340 across the board. The Explorer Sport Trac is 3080/3320. The Escape is 2240/2115, and the Hybrid variant is 2380/2175. The Freestar minivan is 2985/2890 in 2006, but data vanishes after that. Most passenger cars like the Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, and Five Hundred lack specific GAWR breakdowns in this dataset.
GMC GAWR Data (2006-2009)
GMC’s Sierra lineup shows some fluctuation. The Sierra 1500 starts at 3150/3686 in 2006, then moves to 3200/3750 for the remaining years. The Sierra 2500 drops its front rating from 4410 to 4200 in 2007 and stays there. The rear remains 6084. The Sierra 3500 sees its front rating drop from 4800 to 4200 in 2007, while the rear shifts from 6500 to 6390.
The Yukon holds steady at 3200/4100 from 2007 onward. The Yukon XL is 3200/4000 in 2006, then 3300/4200 in 2007-2008, and finally 3200/4200 in 2009. The Envoy series remains unchanged at 2950/3200 (XL is 3100/3400). The Canyon is 2533/2896 until 2009, when the front bumps to 2633. The Acadia is 3197/3527. Savana vans and the Sierra Hybrid lack data.
Honda GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Honda keeps things simple, mostly missing data for smaller cars. The Odyssey is 2833/3197 across all four years. The Pilot is 2865/3155 for 2007-2008, then shifts to 2921/3196 in 2009. The Ridgeline is 309/3252 in 2006 (likely a typo for 3090 or similar, but listed as 309), then corrects to 3105/3252 for 2007-2008.
The Civic gets 2310/2290 in 2007-2008. The Element is 2300/2205 in the same window. Most other models—Accord, CR-V, Fit, S2000—have no entries.
Hummer GAWR Data (2006-2009)
The H2 is the only consistent entry here. 4000 lbs front, 5000 lbs rear, every year. The H1 Alpha appears only in 2006 at 4100/6800. The H3 and H3T have no data listed.
Hyundai GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Most Hyundai passenger cars are blank. The Entourage minivan is 2998/3064 in 2007 and 2008. The Santa Fe SUV is 2976/3197 in the same years. The Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Azera, and others lack specific GAWR figures.
Infiniti GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Infiniti offers no GAWR data in this set. Every model from the G35 to the QX56 is marked with a dash.
Isuzu GAWR Data (2006-2008)
Isuzu’s Ascender mirrors the GMC Envoy at 2950/3200. The i-Series pickups are lighter. The i-280/290 is 2533/2896. The i-350/370 starts at 2753/2896 in 2006, then drops to 2533/2896 in 2007-2008.
Jaguar GAWR Data (2006-2009)
No data for any Jaguar model. S-Type, X-Type, XJ, XK, XF—all blank.
Jeep GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Jeep’s Wrangler is the primary data point. It starts at 2200/2650 in 2006, then jumps to 2650/3400 in 2007 and holds there. The Wrangler Unlimited shares the 2650/3400 rating in 2008-2009. The Liberty is 2750/3150 in 2006-2007, then disappears. The Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, and Patriot have no entries.
Kia GAWR Data (2006)
Only one entry. The 2006 Sedona minivan is 2998/3064. The Amanti, Optima, Rio, and Rio 5 have no data.
Kia and Land Rover GAWR Limits
Kia keeps things straightforward for the Sorento. From 2006 through 2007, that midsize SUV sits at a flat 3307 pounds front and rear. The Sportage isn’t far behind, holding 2579/2425 across those same years. The Rio sedan and five-door share identical ratings of 1918/1874. Most other models in the lineup—Amanti, Optima, Rondo, Spectra—don’t have public data points here. The Sedona minivan leans rear-heavy in 2007 with 2998/3064. By 2008 and 2009, Kia pulls the data curtain. Only the Sportage remains visible with its 2579/2425 split.
Land Rover is equally quiet. The LR2 is the lone voice in 2009, posting 2885/2995. The LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport stay silent from 2006 to 2009. If you need a Kia GAWR or Land Rover GAWR for these specific older trims, you might be digging through service manuals rather than press kits.
Lexus GAWR Data Gaps
Lexus offers a long list of models with zero figures. The ES, GS, IS, LS, LX, RX, SC, and GX lines are all blank from 2006 to 2009. This includes the high-performance IS-F and the hybrid variants like the RX 400h and LS 600h. It’s a complete void. No front or rear axle weights provided. If you are modding an old Lexus, you’re likely relying on gross vehicle weight ratings or curb weight estimates instead.
Lincoln GAWR for SUVs and Trucks
Lincoln provides some actual numbers, mostly for its larger vehicles. The Mark LT pickup truck is consistent, showing 3450/3850 from 2006 to 2008. The Navigator shifts slightly. In 2006, it’s 3300/4128. By 2007 and 2008, the front axle gains 50 pounds to 3350, while the rear jumps to 4300. In 2009, the Navigator flips back to 3450/3850.
The Lincoln MKZ, MKX, and Town Car have no data. The LS sedan is also silent. This suggests Lincoln prioritized disclosure for its truck and large SUV platforms during this era. The Lincoln GAWR figures are useful if you are adding heavy accessories to a Mark LT or Navigator.
Mazda GAWR Specs
Mazda has a mixed bag. The B-series pickup trucks are clear. The B2300 runs 2400/2750 from 2006 to 2009. The B4000 holds 2850/2750 for the same period. The B3000 disappears after 2007.
The Mazda5 minivan shows 2218/2355 in 2006 and 2007, then goes dark. The Mazda6 sedan has data in 2006 (2372/2119 ) and 2008/2009 (2216/2064 to 2286/2062 ). The sporty MazdaSpeed6 hits 2449/2103 in 2006. The MazdaSpeed3 drops in 2007 with 2216/2064.
The MX-5 Miata is interesting. It shows up in 2007 with 2449/2103. That’s surprisingly high for a roadster, possibly indicating a heavy spec or a data error in the source. The CX-7, CX-9, Tribute, RX-8, and Mazda3 all lack figures.
Mercedes-Benz GAWR Silence
Mercedes-Benz lists dozens of models but provides no numbers. The C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CL, CLK, CLS, ML, GL, R-Class, SL, SLK, G-Class, and SLR McLaren are all blank from 2006 to 2009. This includes AMG variants like the ML63 and G55. If you are looking for a Mercedes-Benz GAWR for these years, you’ll need to check the door jamb sticker on a specific VIN, as aggregate data isn’t available here.
Mercury GAWR Figures
Mercury is mostly silent. The Mountaineer is the exception in 2006, posting 2860/3340. From 2007 to 2009, even the Mountaineer has no data. The Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, Montego, Monterey, and Sable are all blank. This aligns with Mercury’s phase-out strategy, where documentation might have become sparse for older platforms.
MINI GAWR Ratings
MINI finally shows some data starting in 2007. The Cooper Convertible sits at 1918/1697 in 2007 and 2008. The Cooper Hardtop is 1929/1653 for those same years. In 2008, the Clubman joins with a balanced 1830/1830. By 2009, the John Cooper Works Hardtop is 1918/1676, and the JCW Clubman is 1929/1863. The 2006 models have no data. These numbers reflect the front-engine, front-wheel-drive bias of the platform, with higher front axle ratings.
Mitsubishi GAWR Data
Mitsubishi focuses on its trucks. The Raider pickup shows 3100/3600 for 2006, 2007, and 2008. The Raider disappears in 2009. All passenger cars and SUVs—Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, Outlander—are blank. This suggests Mitsubishi only published GAWR for its commercial or truck-based vehicles during this window.
Nissan GAWR Specs
Nissan has scattered data. The Altima sedan shows 2399/1991 in 2006, then goes silent. The Frontier pickup appears in 2007 and 2008 with 3296/3197. The Titan pickup is listed in 2007 at 3300/3800. The 350Z, Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Versa, and Xterra are all blank across the board.
What do you do with this information? If you are towing, GAWR is your limit before axle failure. If you are modifying a suspension or adding armor, these numbers tell you how much weight you can safely distribute. For many of these cars, the absence of data means you assume conservative limits. Don’t guess. Check the placard.
Nissan, Pontiac, and Porsche GAWR limits
Nissan’s 2009 lineup is mostly empty on this front. The Frontier stands out with a 3296/3197 split. The GT-R, Maxima, Altima, and everything from the Versa to the Armada? No data. It’s a ghost town for specific axle ratings.
Pontiac is dead now, but the records linger. The Torrent was the heavy lifter. 2535/2535 across the board for 2006, 2007, and 2009. The Grand Prix in 2007 lists 62/38. That’s likely a typo in the source data. Or a percentage. Either way, it’s useless for loading a trunk.
Porsche keeps it quiet. Cayennes, 911s, Boxsters. All blank. You don’t tow with a 911. You drive it.
Saab, Saturn, and Scion weight ratings
Saab had the 9-7X. Big SUV. 2950/3400 for both 2008 and 2009. Front axle takes less. Rear takes more. Makes sense for rear-biased loads.
Saturn’s Outlook was the only one with numbers. 3197/3527 from 2007 through 2009. Consistent. Predictable.
Scion? Nothing. tC, xB, xD. All empty. These were urban toys. Not work trucks.
Subaru and Suzuki axle loads
Subaru is all wheel drive. But the GAWR columns are empty. Forester, Outback, WRX STI, Tribeca. No numbers. You have to check the door jamb sticker. Always.
Suzuki had some data.
– 2006 Aerio: 1918/1940
– 2006 Forenza: 1918/1764
– 2006 XL7: 2205/2866
– 2007 XL7: 2590/2921
– 2007 SX4: 2050/1786
The XL7 rear axle rating jumped between years. Check your model year. The Forenza rear rating dropped in 2006 compared to the front. Weird. Most cars are front-heavy. This one isn’t.
Toyota and Volkswagen specs
Toyota has the Land Cruiser. 3595/4220 in 2006 and 2007. Heavy.
The RAV4 fluctuates.
– 2006: 2535/2435
– 2007: 4430/4730
– 2008: 2535/2435
– 2009: 2535/2435
That 2007 spike is massive. Likely a different drivetrain or trim. The Tundra in 2007 sits at 3900/3800. Balanced.
Volkswagen is a blank slate. Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg. No GAWR data provided. You’ll need the manual. Or the label on the B-pillar.
Volvo GAWR data points
Volvo has some entries.
– 2006 S80: 2230/2290
– 2006 XC90: 2820/3150
– 2007 XC90: 2820/3150
– 2008 V70: 2690/2513
– 2008 XC70: 2800/2646
– 2008 XC90: 2820/3150
The XC90 stays steady. The V70 and XC70 in 2008 show a rear-biased load. 2690/2513 for the V70. 2800/2646 for the XC70. Suvengers carry more in the back. Usually.
If you’re loading gear, check the tire load index too. The GAWR is the legal limit. The tires are the physical limit. If the tires blow first, the GAWR didn’t save you.
Volvo Weight Ratings: S60, S80, and Wagon Variants
The sedan lineup stays lean. The Volvo S60 and Volvo S80 don’t have specific payload figures listed here. They’re passenger cars. You aren’t hauling drywall in them. The numbers just aren’t the point.
The wagons are a different story.
The Volvo V50 mirrors the sedans—no data provided. But the larger estate models carry actual weights. The Volvo V70 sits at 2690/2513. The Volvo XC70, built for rougher terrain, bumps that to 2800/2646. These figures represent the maximum weight the vehicle can handle on its rear axle or total payload depending on the specific configuration.
Then there’s the SUV.
The Volvo XC90 dominates the list. Its rating is 2820/3150. That extra capacity matters if you’re packing the third row and towing. It’s the heavy hitter of the group.
Why GVWR and GCWR Matter
You see terms like Volvo GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and Volvo GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) thrown around. They aren’t just marketing fluff. They are legal limits.
Volvo Cargo Carrying Capacity tells you how much stuff fits in the back without breaking the law or the suspension. Volvo Curb Weight is the car itself, fluid and full, but empty of people. Subtract curb weight from GVWR, and you get your Volvo Payload. That’s the weight of you, your passengers, and your gear.
Exceed Volvo Towing Capacity? You risk sway, brake fade, and transmission failure. Don’t guess. Look at the sticker.
Digging Deeper into Automotive Weights
If you’re curious about the mechanics behind these numbers, there’s more to unpack.
- What is base curb weight?
- How Tires Work
- How to Buy a Car
- How do truck weigh stations work?
- How Car Suspensions Work
- HowStuffWorks – Trucks Channel
Other resources for context:
- Ford Motor Company
- New Car Buying Guide
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Sources
- Autopedia. “TISC Vehicle Weighing Procedures.” (Sept. 25, 2008) http://www.autopedia.com/TireSchool/weighing.html
- Carlist.com. “Automotive Glossary: Gross Axle Weight Rating.” (Sept. 25, 2008) http://www.carlist.com/autoglossary/autoglossary_72.html
- Ford Motor Company. “Ford Vehicles: Help – Glossary.” (Sept. 25, 2008) http://www.fordvehicles.com/help/glossary/index.asp?letter=w
- Motor Era: Automobile History. “Dictionary of Automotive Terms: Gr.” (Sept. 25, 2008) http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/GR.HTM
- New Car Buying Guide. “Gross Axle Weight Rating (G
