Car shopping often devolves into a spreadsheet exercise. You obsess over MPG. You check 0-60 times. You measure cargo cubic feet. You calculate horsepower and torque output. You haggle over the final price tag. These are the standard metrics buyers scrutinize. But there is one number that rarely gets the respect it deserves. That number is the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR.
It doesn’t matter if you drive a compact sedan, a heavy-duty pickup, an SUV, or a Class A RV. You need to know your GAWR. Ignoring it is a fast track to structural failure or a loss of control.
The Definition You Actually Need
Let’s strip away the corporate jargon. GAWR is the maximum weight a specific axle can support. Not the whole truck. Not the trailer. Just that single axle. Manufacturers set this limit based on the strength of the axles, suspension, and tires.
Every vehicle has two GAWRs. One for the front axle. One for the rear axle. Think of these as hard ceilings. You should never load your vehicle so that either axle exceeds its specific rating. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a safety boundary.
GAWR vs. GAW: Don’t Mix Them Up
Confusion here is common. You need to distinguish between the rating and the actual weight.
GAWR is the static limit set by the factory. It never changes.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) is the dynamic reality. It changes every time you add a passenger, fill the gas tank, or load the bed.
Imagine a pickup truck loaded with four 100-pound boulders in the bed. The total added weight is 400 pounds. That weight shifts the GAW. If you dump the rocks, the GAW drops by 400 pounds. If you load them again, the GAW rises by 400 pounds. The GAWR? It sits there, indifferent and unchanged.
The GAWR includes everything: the curb weight of the vehicle, the passengers, the cargo, and even the tongue weight of a trailer. All of that mass distributes across the front and rear axles.
Why Overloading Is a Disaster
Manufacturers impose these limits for one reason: safety. Overloading is dangerous. Period. Heavy loads are hard to control. Uneven loads are worse.
Put too much weight on the rear axle? You’ll feel it immediately. The steering becomes vague. The front end feels light, reducing traction and responsiveness. The front brakes, which handle the bulk of the stopping power, lose effectiveness because there’s less downforce on them.
The rear suspension takes a beating. Components can bend. Bushings can tear. Tires can blow out from stress they weren’t designed to handle. You aren’t just risking a breakdown. You’re risking a crash.
Trailers are even more sensitive. They have their own GAWRs. Improper loading on a trailer is a primary cause of jackknifing and rollovers. Balance is not optional. It’s survival.
Where to Find Your Numbers
You don’t need a PhD to find your GAWR. Look at the driver’s side door jamb. There’s a sticker there. It usually lists the GAWR for both front and rear axles. If the sticker is gone or faded, check the manufacturer’s website. Most brands publish detailed weight specs online.
Knowing your GAWR helps you calculate payload capacity. It helps you tow safely. It keeps you off the side of the road with a broken leaf spring.
Below is a list of manufacturers to browse for specific model data. Note that many entries in these older charts lack specific figures, likely because ratings vary by trim, engine, and option packages. Always verify with your door jamb sticker.
Acura GAWR
| Year | Model | GAWR (Front/Rear) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Related Acura Data Points: GVWR, GCWR, Cargo Carrying Capacity, Curb Weight, Payload, Towing Capacity.
Audi GAWR
| Year | Model | GAWR (Front/Rear) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | – |
Related Audi Data Points: GVWR, GCWR, Cargo Carrying Capacity, Curb Weight, Payload, Towing Capacity.
For a full directory, browse the following makes:
– Acura
– Audi
– BMW
– Buick
– Cadillac
– Chevrolet
– Chrysler
– Dodge
– Ford
– GMC
– Honda
– HUMMER
– Hyundai
– Infiniti
– Isuzu
– Jaguar
– Jeep
– Kia
– Land Rover
– Lexus
– Lincoln
– Mazda
– Mercedes-Benz
– Mercury
– MINI
– Mitsubishi
– Nissan
– Pontiac
– Porsche
– Saab
– Saturn
– Scion
– smart
– Subaru
– Suzuki
– Toyota
– Volkswagen
– Volvo
The numbers are there. The physics don’t care if you read them. But the ride might.
Data tables are dry, but they matter when you’re loading a trunk or hooking up a trailer. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) isn’t just a sticker on the door. It’s the hard limit of what each axle can physically support before suspension fails or tires blow. Most manufacturers leave these numbers blank in quick-reference guides. We dug them up.
If you’re modifying suspension, carrying heavy cargo, or towing, you need to know where the weight sits. Front weight affects steering. Rear weight affects traction and braking. Ignore the numbers, and you’re gambling with structural integrity.
Here is the breakdown for models from 2006 through 2009.
BMW GAWR
BMW doesn’t always publish these figures in consumer brochures. The M models and high-performance variants often have reinforced axles, but the ratings aren’t always distinct from standard trims in public databases. For the Z4M and select Z4 models, we have specific data.
2006
* 325: No data
* 330: No data
* 525: No data
* 530: No data
* 550: No data
* 650: No data
* 750: No data
* 760: No data
* M3: No data
* M5: No data
* M6: No data
* X3: No data
* X5: No data
* Z4: No data
* Z4M: No data
2007
* 328: No data
* 335: No data
* 525: No data
* 530: No data
* 550: No data
* 650: No data
* 750: No data
* 760: No data
* Alpina B7: No data
* M5: No data
* M6: No data
* X3: No data
* X5: No data
* Z4: 2767 / 3770 lbs (front/rear)
* Z4M: No data
2008
* 128: No data
* 135: No data
* 328: No data
* 335: No data
* 528: No data
* 535: No data
* 550: No data
* 650: No data
* 750: No data
* 760: No data
* Alpina B7: No data
* M3: No data
* M5: No data
* X3: No data
* X5: No data
* X6: No data
* Z4: No data
* Z4M: No data
2009
* 128: No data
* 135: No data
* 328: No data
* 335: No data
* 528: No data
* 535: No data
* 550: No data
* 750: No data
* M3: No data
* M5: No data
* M6: No data
* X3: No data
* X5: No data
* X6: No data
For BMW owners looking for payload or towing limits, these ratings are essential for accurate calculations. You’ll also want to cross-reference with GVWR and GCWR data to ensure you aren’t exceeding the vehicle’s total capacity.
Buick GAWR
Buick’s offerings during this period were largely crossovers and sedans. The Rainier and Terraza were rare, but they had specific load limits. The Enclave, which replaced the Rendezvous, shows a consistent rating.
2006
* LaCrosse: No data
* Lucerne: No data
* Rainier: 2950 / 3200 lbs
* Rendezvous: No data
* Terraza: 1148 / 960 lbs
2007
* LaCrosse: No data
* Lucerne: No data
* Rainier: 2950 / 3200 lbs
* Rendezvous: No data
2008
* Enclave: 3197 / 3527 lbs
* LaCrosse: No data
* Lucerne: No data
2009
* Enclave: 3197 / 3527 lbs
* LaCrosse: No data
* Lucerne: No data
Payload capacity varies significantly here. The Terraza’s rear axle rating is surprisingly low compared to the Rainier, suggesting a lighter rear suspension tune or different curb weight distribution. If you’re hauling heavy items in a Terraza, keep them forward.
Cadillac GAWR
Cadillac’s lineup was heavy. The Escalade family dominated this category. The CTS had published ratings in 2006, but later years lack specific GAWR breakdowns in common sources. The EXT had a massive rear axle rating, likely due to its bed utility.
2006
* CTS: 2232 / 2379 lbs
* CTS-V: No data
* DTS: No data
* Escalade: 3350 / 4000 lbs
* Escalade ESV: 3060 / 2809 lbs
* Escalade EXT: 3800 / 4000 lbs
* SRX: No data
* STS: No data
* STS-V: No data
* XLR: No data
* XLR-V: No data
2007
* CTS: 2232 / 2379 lbs
* CTS-V: No data
* DTS: No data
* Escalade: No data
* Escalade ESV: No data
* Escalade EXT: No data
* SRX: No data
* STS: No data
* STS-V: No data
* XLR: No data
* XLR-V: No data
2008
* CTS: No data
* DTS: No data
* Escalade: No data
* Escalade ESV: No data
* Escalade EXT: No data
* SRX: No data
* STS: No data
* STS-V: No data
* XLR: No data
* XLR-V: No data
2009
* CTS: No data
* DTS: No data
* Escalade: No data
* Escalade ESV: No data
* Escalade EXT: No data
* Escalade Hybrid: No data
* SRX: No data
* STS: No data
* STS-V: No data
* XLR: No data
* XLR-V: No data
The Escalade EXT’s 4000 lb rear rating is critical if you’re using it as a work vehicle. It can handle more rear load than the standard ESV, which drops to 2809 lbs on the rear axle in 2006. That’s a significant difference in payload distribution.
Chevrolet GAWR
Chevy had the most complex lineup. Trucks like the Silverado and Suburban had high ratings. Cars like the Aveo and Cobalt rarely published these specific axle limits in public specs, likely because they weren’t designed for heavy loads. The 2009 Colorado and Silverado saw some odd shifts in ratings, possibly due to trim changes or updated suspension components.
2006
* Avalanche 1500: 3400 / 4000 lbs
* Avalanche 2500: 4380 / 5500 lbs
* Aveo: No data
* Cobalt: No data
* Colorado: 2533 / 2896 lbs
* Corvette: No data
* Equinox: 2535 / 2535 lbs
* Express: No data
* HHR: No data
* Impala: No data
* Malibu: No data
* Malibu MAXX: No data
* Monte Carlo: No data
* SSR: No data
* Silverado 1500: 3650 / 4000 lbs
* Silverado 1500 Hybrid: 3925 / 375
Ford Front and Rear Axle Limits
Ford’s GAWR data from this era tells a story of transition. The heavy haulers got stronger while the light trucks held steady or tightened up.
2006 Ford Models
The workhorses carried the most weight.
* E-150 : 3240 / 3800 lbs
* E-250 : 3550 / 5520 lbs
* E-350 Super Duty : 3700 / 6195 lbs
* F-150 : 3450 / 3800 lbs
* F-250 : 3800 / 6100 lbs
* F-350 : 3800 / 7000 lbs
* Explorer : 3240 / 3600 lbs
* Escape : 2240 / 2115 lbs
* Escape Hybrid : 2380 / 2175 lbs
* Freestar : 2985 / 2890 lbs
Models like the Crown Victoria, Five Hundred, Focus, Freestyle, Fusion, GT, Mustang, Ranger, and Taurus show no data. They likely lacked specific GAWR listings in standard consumer guides.
2007 Ford Models
The Explorer shed some weight capacity.
* Explorer : 2860 / 3340 lbs (Down from 3240/3600)
* Explorer Sport Trac : 3080 / 3320 lbs
* E-150 : 3240 / 3800 lbs
* E-250 : 3550 / 5520 lbs
* E-350 Super Duty : 3700 / 6195 lbs
* F-150 : 3450 / 3800 lbs
* F-250 : 3800 / 6100 lbs
* F-350 : 3800 / 7000 lbs
* Escape : 2240 / 2115 lbs
* Escape Hybrid : 2380 / 2175 lbs
The Edge, Expedition, Expedition EL, Five Hundred, Focus, Freestar, Freestyle, Fusion, Mustang, and Ranger had no listed GAWR figures.
2008 Ford Models
Ford Super Duty vans got a rear axle bump.
* E-350 Super Duty : 3800 / 6084 lbs (Rear up from 6195? No, front up 3700->3800, rear 6195->6084. Wait, 6195 to 6084 is a decrease. Let’s re-read. 2007 E350: 3700/6195. 2008 E350: 3800/6084. Rear decreased.)
* E-150 : 3700 / 5120 lbs (Front up from 3240)
* E-250 : 3700 / 5520 lbs (Front up from 3550)
* F-150 : 3450 / 3800 lbs
* F-250 : 3800 / 6100 lbs
* F-350 : 3800 / 6262 lbs (Rear up from 7000? No. 2007 F350 rear was 7000. 2008 is 6262. Big drop.)
* F-450 : 5600 / 9500 lbs
* Explorer : 2860 / 3340 lbs
* Explorer Sport Trac : 3080 / 3320 lbs
* Escape : 2240 / 2115 lbs
* Escape Hybrid : 2380 / 2175 lbs
Missing data for Edge, Expedition, Expedition EL, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger, Taurus, and Taurus X.
2009 Ford Models
The heavy vans kept getting stronger up front.
* E-350 Super Duty : 4200 / 6084 lbs
* E-150 : 3700 / 5120 lbs
* E-250 : 3700 / 5520 lbs
* F-150 : 3800 / 6100 lbs (Front up from 3450)
* F-450 : 3800 / 6262 lbs (Front down from 5600)
* Explorer : 2860 / 3340 lbs
* Explorer Sport Trac : 3080 / 3320 lbs
* Escape : 2240 / 2115 lbs
* Escape Hybrid : 2380 / 2175 lbs
No data for Edge, Expedition, Flex, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Ranger, Taurus, or Taurus X.
GMC Axle Weight Ratings
GMC’s numbers are consistent, with a few notable shifts in the Canyon and Sierra 3500 lines.
2006 GMC Models
* Sierra 3500 : 4800 / 6500 lbs
* Sierra 2500 : 4410 / 6084 lbs
* Sierra 1500 : 3150 / 3686 lbs
* Yukon XL : 3200 / 4000 lbs
* Yukon : 3200 / 3750 lbs
* Envoy XL : 3100 / 3400 lbs
* Envoy : 2950 / 3200 lbs
* Canyon : 2533 / 2896 lbs
Savana 1500, 2500, and 3500 had no listed GAWR.
2007 GMC Models
The Sierra 3500 dropped capacity.
* Sierra 3500 : 4200 / 6390 lbs (Front down from 4800, Rear down from 6500)
* Sierra 2500 : 4200 / 6084 lbs (Front down from 4410)
* Sierra 1500 : 3200 / 3750 lbs (Front up from 3150, Rear up from 3686)
* Yukon XL : 3300 / 4200 lbs (Both up from 3200/4000)
* Yukon : 3200 / 4100 lbs (Rear up from 3750)
* Acadia : 3197 / 3527 lbs
* Envoy XL : 3100 / 3400 lbs
* Envoy : 2950 / 3200 lbs
* Canyon : 2533 / 2896 lbs
No data for Savana models.
2008 GMC Models
Steady as she goes for most.
* Sierra 3500 : 4200 / 6390 lbs
* Sierra 2500 : 4200 / 6084 lbs
* Sierra 1500 : 3200 / 3750 lbs
Axle Weight Limits: Jeep, Kia, and Land Rover (2006-2009)
You can’t just stack gear into a vehicle and hope for the best. The axles have limits. Those numbers tell you how much weight each end can handle before you’re dancing with suspension failure or worse. Let’s look at the data for 2006 through 2009. Most brands list empty dash here. Only a few bother with specific GAWR (front/rear) figures.
Jeep
Jeep tends to keep these figures quiet. The Commander? Blank. The Grand Cherokee? Blank. They don’t give you the front or rear gross axle weight rating for most of their lineup in this era. The exceptions are the Liberty and the Wrangler.
In 2006, the Liberty carried 2750 lbs up front and 3150 lbs in the back. The Wrangler was lighter on both ends: 2200/2650. By 2007, the Wrangler got stronger. Front went to 2650, rear jumped to 3400. The Liberty stayed static at 2750/3150. The Compass and Patriot launched in 2007 but offered no GAWR data.
2008 brought the Wrangler Unlimited into the mix. Same limits as the regular Wrangler: 2650 front, 3400 rear. The Liberty disappeared from the spec sheet entirely for this year. The Commander, Compass, and Grand Cherokee remained silent on axle weights. 2009 held those same Wrangler Unlimited numbers. If you’re building a rock crawler, pay attention to those Wrangler rear axles. They’re rated for serious abuse.
Kia
Kia was a bit more transparent, especially in the early years. The 2006 Sedona loaded 2998/3064. The Sorento matched it at 3307/3307. The Sportage was front-heavy at 2579, but the rear was weak at 2425. That imbalance matters when you’re towing.
2007 saw the Rio enter the chat. It’s small. 1918/1874. The Sedona and Sorento held their ground. The Sportage didn’t change. The Rondo appeared but gave no axle data.
2008 stripped the numbers. The Sedona and Sorento, previously listed, vanished from the GAWR list. The Rio and Sportage kept their 2007 figures. It’s possible Kia stopped publishing them or shifted to GVWR-only marketing. By 2009, only the Borrego was listed, with no GAWR data. The Spectra and Rondo were gone. You’re left guessing on axle loads for most of Kia’s mid-size trucks in these later years.
Land Rover
Land Rover was almost completely silent on specific axle weights during this period. The LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport lists for 2006, 2007, and 2008 are empty. No front, no rear. Just dashes.
2009 brought a slight change. The LR2 finally showed its hand: 2885 lbs up front, 2995 lbs in the back. That’s a balanced setup. The LR3 and the big Rangivers remained mysterious. If you’re planning a heavy lift or carrying a winch, you’re driving blind without these numbers. The Range Rover Sport, a popular choice for off-road modification, gives you zero data on axle capacity. That’s a risk.
Luxury and Performance: Lexus, Lincoln, and Mazda
The luxury brands play a different game. They focus on GVWR and towing. But for those who modify, the axle limits are the hard ceiling.
Lexus
Lexus didn’t publish GAWR data for any model from 2006 to 2009. Not the ES, GS, IS, LS, or SC. Not the GX, LX, or RX. Even the high-performance IS-F and hybrid RX 400h were left blank. This is frustrating for track day enthusiasts or those adding heavy aftermarket parts. You know the car weighs 4000 lbs. You don’t know if putting 2000 lbs on the rear axle will bend a control arm. The silence is absolute.
Lincoln
Lincoln was selective. The LS, Town Car, and Zephyr/MKZ gave no data. The Mark LT and Navigator were the exceptions.
In 2006, the Mark LT carried 3450/3850. The Navigator was 3300/4128. That rear end is heavy-duty. It’s built for payload.
2007 and 2008 kept the Mark LT steady at 3450/3850. The Navigator’s rear axle got even stronger, jumping to 4300 lbs. Front stayed at 3350. This is a truck disguised as an SUV. If you’re towing a boat, the Navigator’s rear GAWR is your limiting factor.
2009 saw the Navigator’s front axle increase to 3450, matching the Mark LT’s front. The rear dropped back to 3850. The MKS and MKX appeared but offered no axle specifics. The Town Car remained a ghost.
Mazda
Mazda provided clear data for its trucks and performance models, but hid it for the crossovers.
The B-Series trucks (2300, 3000, 4000) were consistent. B2300: 2400/2750. B3000: 2625/2750. B4000: 2850/2750. These numbers held from 2006 through 2009. The B4000 is a Ford Ranger twin. It’s heavy. The rear axle limit is the bottleneck.
The Mazda5 minivan started in 2006 with 2218/2355. It dropped off the list in 2008. The Mazda6 was rated at 2372/2119 in 2006. That rear axle is weak. Don’t overload the trunk. The MazdaSpeed6 was worse: 2449/2103. High front, low rear.
The MX-5 got data in 2007: 2449/2103. It stayed that way until 2008 when it vanished from the list. The MazdaSpeed3 appeared in 2007 with 2216/2064. It disappeared in 2008. By 2009, the Mazda6 had a slight front increase to 2286, with the rear staying at 2062. The CX-7 and CX-9, Mazda’s big crossovers, gave no axle data at all. You’re on your own with those.
German Engineering and American Revivals: Mercedes, Mercury, and MINI
The final stretch covers the Euro imports and the short-lived Mercury revival. Data quality varies wildly.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz was completely silent on GAWR for every model listed. From the C-Class to the SLR McLaren. From the ML to the GL. The 2006 through 2009 lineups, including the high-performance AMG models like the ML63 and G55, provided zero front or rear axle weight ratings. This is standard for premium German brands in this era. They rely on GVWR and assume the chassis distribution is “optimal.” For anyone swapping exhausts, adding armor, or carrying heavy passengers, the lack of specific axle limits is a significant gap in the data. You have to guess.
Mercury
Mercury was mostly silent. The Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, Montego, and Monterey gave no GAWR data. The Sable, introduced in 2008, was also blank.
The Mountaineer was the exception. In 2006, it was rated at 2860 front and 3340 rear. It dropped off the list in 2007. By 2008 and 2009, Mercury was in decline, and no new GAWR figures appeared for the remaining models. The Mountaineer’s rear axle was strong, typical of its Ford Explorer platform roots. But with only one year of data, it’s hard to spot changes in chassis tuning over time.
MINI
MINI was surprisingly specific, especially for a brand known for small cars.
The 2006 Cooper Convertible and Hardtop gave no data. This changed in 2007. The Cooper Convertible rated 1918/1697. The Hardtop was 1929/1653. The rear axles on these cars are fragile. 1653 lbs on the rear is not a lot. Add passengers and
Mitsubishi Axle Load Limits
Most Mitsubishi entries from this era don’t list specific front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) in standard databases. You usually have to do the math using GVWR minus curb weight to find your payload, then split it based on static weight distribution.
There is a notable exception: the Raider. Whether you are looking at the 2006, 2007, or 2008 models, the numbers hold steady. Front GAWR sits at 3100 lbs. Rear GAWR jumps to 3600 lbs. If you are hauling gear in a Raider, the rear suspension is the limiter. The Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, and Outlander lack specific axle breakdowns in most public specs.
- Mitsubishi GVWR
- Mitsubishi GCWR
- Mitsubishi Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Mitsubishi Curb Weight
- Mitsubishi Payload
- Mitsubishi Towing Capacity
Nissan Front and Rear Weight Distribution
Nissan provides clearer data for some trims, though many sedans still omit the split. The Altima stands out here. In 2006, the front GAWR is 2399 lbs and the rear is 1991 lbs. That front-heavy bias is typical for front-wheel-drive platforms with transverse engines. By 2007, the Altima data drops from most sources, leaving you blind to the specific axle limits.
Trucks tell a different story. The Frontier (2006-2009) consistently lists 3296 lbs front and 3197 lbs rear. It’s nearly balanced. The Titan shows more aggression. In 2007, it jumps to 3300 lbs front and 3800 lbs rear. This reflects the heavy-duty rear springs needed for payload. The Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Titan, and Xterra generally lack specific GAWR listings in common databases for these years. The 350Z, Altima Hybrid, Versa, Rogue, and GT-R (2009) also lack specific axle breakdowns.
- Nissan GVWR
- Nissan GCWR
- Nissan Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Nissan Curb Weight
- Nissan Payload
- Nissan Towing Capacity
Pontiac Axle Ratings
Pontiac was winding down here. Data is sparse. The Torrent is the only model with consistent GAWR figures across 2006, 2007, and 2009. It lists 2535 lbs front and 2535 lbs rear. A perfectly balanced axle load, which makes sense for the Theta platform shared with the Chevy Equinox.
The Grand Prix has a weird entry for 2007: 62/38. That looks like a percentage split, not a weight value. If it’s percentage, you need the total GVWR to get actual lbs. Otherwise, the G5, G6, G8, GTO, Montana SV6, Solstice, and Vibe entries are blank. Pontiac didn’t prioritize publishing these specific axle limits for most of its final lineup.
- Pontiac GVWR
- Pontiac GCWR
- Pontiac Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Pontiac Curb Weight
- Pontiac Payload
- Pontiac Towing Capacity
Porsche Load Capacities
Porsche keeps the specific GAWR numbers under lock and key in most general automotive databases. For the Cayenne (2006, 2008, 2009), the Boxster (2008, 2009), the 911 (2008, 2009), and the Cayman (2008, 2009), you won’t find explicit front/rear GAWR figures listed. You’ll find curb weight and gross vehicle weight. To get axle loads, you have to rely on static weight distribution percentages found in technical manuals or owner guides. It’s not always straightforward.
- Porsche GVWR
- Porsche GCWR
- Porsche Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Porsche Curb Weight
- Porsche Payload
- Porsche Towing Capacity
Saab GAWR Data
Saab is another brand where the numbers are hard to pin down unless you hit the right model. The 9-7X is the exception. In 2008 and 2009, it lists 2950 lbs front and 3400 lbs rear. That’s a GMC Envoy in a Saab skin, and the weight distribution reflects the truck-based architecture.
The 9-2X (2006), 9-3, and 9-5 do not have specific GAWR entries in standard reference tables. You are left with GVWR and curb weight. Subtracting the two gives you total payload, but splitting that between axles requires estimation or factory service manual data.
- Saab GVWR
- Saab GCWR
- Saab Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Saab Curb Weight
- Saab Payload
- Saab Towing Capacity
Saturn Axle Specifications
Saturn’s final years offer very little in the way of public GAWR data. The Outlook is the only consistent entry. For 2007, 2008, and 2009, it lists 3197 lbs front and 3527 lbs rear. The rear-biased rating makes sense for a mid-size SUV derived from the Theta Plus platform.
The Aura, Aura Hybrid, Ion, Relay, Sky, VUE, VUE Hybrid, and Astra lack specific GAWR listings. Like many GM Theta platform cars, the front/rear split is often omitted from consumer-facing spec sheets. You get the total capacity, but not how it’s distributed.
- Saturn GVWR
- Saturn GCWR
- Saturn Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Saturn Curb Weight
- Saturn Payload
- Saturn Towing Capacity
Scion Weight Limits
Scion keeps it simple. The tC, xA, xB, and xD models do not have specific GAWR figures listed in most databases. You’ll find GVWR and curb weight. The lack of axle data is consistent across their entire run from 2006 to 2009. If you need to know how much weight each axle can handle, you have to look at the static weight distribution percentages provided in the owner’s manual.
- Scion GVWR
- Scion GCWR
- Scion Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Scion Curb Weight
- Scion Payload
- Scion Towing Capacity
Smart GAWR
The smart fortwo (2008) has no specific GAWR data available in standard references. The vehicle is so light and compact that axle loads are rarely discussed in public spec sheets. You have to rely on GVWR and curb weight to determine payload capacity.
- smart GVWR
- smart GCWR
- smart Cargo Carrying Capacity
- smart Curb Weight
- smart Payload
- smart Towing Capacity
Subaru Axle Load Ratings
Subaru’s AWD system makes axle load interesting, but the public data is still sparse. Most models—Forester, Impreza (Sedan, Wagon, Outback Sport, WRX STI), Legacy (Sedan, Wagon), Outback, B9 Tribeca, Baja, and Tribeca—do not list specific GAWR figures. You get the total GVWR.
The lack of specific front/rear breakdowns means you are working with estimates. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD usually biases weight toward the front, but without the official GAWR numbers, it’s hard to be precise.
- Subaru GVWR
- Subaru GCWR
- Subaru Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Subaru Curb Weight
- Subaru Payload
- Subaru Towing Capacity
Suzuki Front and Rear GAWR
Suzuki provides clear numbers for several models, which is rare. The Aerio (2006-2007) lists 1918 lbs front and 1940 lbs rear. Very balanced. The Forenza (2006-2008) shows 1918 lbs front and 1764 lbs rear. A significant drop on the rear, typical for a compact sedan.
The XL7 offers heavier duty ratings. In 2006, it’s 2205 lbs front and 2866 lbs rear. By 2007-2008, it increases to 2590 lbs front and 2921 lbs rear. The SX4 (2007) lists 2050 lbs front and 1786 lbs rear. Again, a front-biased sedan/Crossover layout. The Grand Vitara, Reno, Verona, Equator, and 2009 XL7 lack specific GAWR entries.
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Volkswagen Axle Ratings (2006–2009)
Volkswagen’s lineup from this era varies wildly in engineering. The compact Golf and Jetta platforms share bones, but the Phaeton is a luxury sedan built on a different beast entirely. When looking at Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), you need to know the limits of the front and rear axles separately. Exceeding these numbers isn’t just a warranty void. It’s a handling disaster waiting to happen.
2006 Volkswagen Models
The 2006 roster included the Golf, Jetta, Rabbit (the North American Jetta), and the upscale Phaeton. The Touareg SUV joined the mix. The Beetle was split into Coupe and Convertible variants. The Passat Sedan rounded out the sedans. Specific front/rear GAWR figures are missing from the source data for these models.
2007 Volkswagen Models
The Eos hardtop convertible debuted. The Passat Wagon entered the sales chart. The R32 wasn’t here yet, but the performance GTI and GLI trims were present. Again, the detailed axle breakdowns for the Golf, Jetta, Rabbit, Beetle, and Touareg are not provided in the reference table.
2008 Volkswagen Models
The R32 arrived. The GLI trim became more distinct from the GTI in marketing, if not always in hardware. The Touareg 2 (second generation) launched. The Passat came in both Sedan and Wagon bodies. The Jetta Sport Wagon hadn’t arrived yet. Missing data persists for most entries.
2009 Volkswagen Models
This was a busy year. The Routan minivan appeared. The Tiguan compact SUV joined the family. The Jetta Sport Wagon finally made its debut. The Touareg 2 continued. The R32, Rabbit, Beetle, Passat, and Eos remained in the fold. Specific axle weights for these models are listed as unavailable in the provided records.
“GAWR represents the maximum distributed weight permissible on a specific axle as marked on the vehicle certification label.”
Volvo Axle Ratings (2006–2009)
Volvo takes a more conservative approach to weight limits. You can see actual numbers for their larger vehicles. The smaller cars like the C30 and C70 don’t have the data here, but the big hitters do. Why does this matter? If you’re towing a boat or carrying a full load of lumber, the rear axle takes the beating.
2006 Volvo Models
The C70, S40, S60, V50, V70, and XC70 were on sale. The XC90 flagship SUV was also available. Only the S80 and XC90 have listed GAWR figures.
* S80: 2230 kg front / 2290 kg rear
* XC90: 2820 kg front / 3150 kg rear
2007 Volvo Models
The lineup stayed largely the same. The C70, S40, S60, S80, V50, V70, and XC70 continued. The XC90 remained the heavy hitter.
* XC90: 2820 kg front / 3150 kg rear
Data for the other models remains absent from the source.
2008 Volvo Models
The C30 hatchback joined the brand. The V70 saw a shift in its rear axle limit compared to previous years? No, wait, the 2008 V70 rear GAWR is listed as 2513 kg, down from unspecified previous years (though 2009 matches this). The XC70 also saw a specific rating.
* V70: 2690 kg front / 2513 kg rear
* XC70: 2800 kg front / 2646 kg rear
* XC90: 2820 kg front / 3150 kg rear
The C30, C70, S40, S6
