Buying a vehicle often feels like solving a math problem. You stare at the window sticker and crunch the numbers. What’s the MPG? How many cubic feet in the trunk? Zero to sixty times? Horsepower and torque figures? Sure. Those matter.
But there is one number that almost no one looks at. It’s not in the brochures. It’s not mentioned in sales pitches. It’s the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR.
You need to know what this number is. Not just for you. For anyone who drives anything with four wheels.
Зміст
The Definition of GAWR
Here is the short version. Every vehicle has axles. Front and rear. The manufacturer assigns a specific maximum weight limit to each. That limit is the GAWR. It is a hard cap. Your vehicle should never exceed it.
It doesn’t matter if you drive a sedan, a pickup, a massive SUV, or an RV. The rule is the same.
Think of the GAWR as a structural limit. It’s what the automaker says the axle can handle before things start to fail. You don’t load the axle beyond that number. Ever.
But what counts toward that weight? It’s not just the car itself.
According to the New Car Buying Guide, the GAWR calculation includes everything. The weight of the vehicle. The passengers. The cargo in the back. Even the tongue weight of a trailer, if you’re pulling one. All of that weight gets distributed across the two axles.
GAWR vs. GAW: Don’t Confuse Them
This is where people mess up. You have to distinguish between rating and reality.
GAWR is the limit. It is static. It never changes.
GAW, or Gross Axle Weight, is the actual weight currently sitting on the axle. This number fluctuates constantly.
A vehicle’s GAWR is not a measurement of how much weight each axle is actually carrying at any given time.
Take a pickup truck. Let’s say you load the bed with four boulders. Each weighs 100 pounds. Total added weight: 400 pounds.
If you unload those boulders, the GAW drops by 400 pounds. The GAWR stays exactly the same.
Load them back up, and the GAW rises by 400 pounds. The GAWR remains unchanged.
One is a fixed safety boundary. The other is a variable reality. Don’t mix them up.
What Happens When You Overload
Why do manufacturers set these limits? Safety. Plain and simple.
Overloading any vehicle is dangerous. Heavy loads are hard to control. But uneven distribution is worse. If you overload one side of an axle, or put too much on the rear, you create a cascade of failures.
Let’s look at overloading the rear axle specifically.
- Handling suffers. Steering becomes sluggish. The front tires lose grip because the weight is shifted back. You lose responsiveness.
- Braking fails. Front brakes do the heavy lifting during stops. If the rear is overloaded, the front tires can’t bite effectively. Stopping distances increase.
- Tires blow out. Rear tires have a load capacity. Exceed it, and they heat up. They fail.
- Suspension breaks. Components bend or snap. If your rear suspension collapses, you lose control instantly.
You see the pattern. The GAW should never exceed the GAWR. It’s a hard line.
Trailers have their own GAWR. Determined by the trailer maker. The rules are stricter. Balancing the load isn’t just nice—it’s critical. If you overload a trailer axle, you invite jackknifing and catastrophic failure.
Where to Find Your GAWR
You want to know your vehicle’s limit? Look in the driver’s door jamb. There’s a sticker there. It lists the GAWR for the front and rear axles.
Can’t find it? Check online. Most manufacturers publish this data. It’s part of their specs.
Below, I’ve pulled the GAWR data for Acura and Audi models from 2006 to 2009. If your car isn’t listed here, check the next section or the manufacturer’s site.
Acura GAWR Data
| 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 |
More Acura Specs:
– Acura GVWR
– Acura GCWR
– Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Acura Curb Weight
– Acura Payload
– Acura Towing Capacity
Audi GAWR Data
| 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 | – |
More Audi Specs:
– Audi GVWR
– Audi GCWR
– Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Audi Curb Weight
– Audi Payload
– Audi Towing Capacity
Full GAWR List by Make
Not seeing your car? Browse by manufacturer below.
- 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
Want more on weight, towing, and specs? Check the links on the next page.
BMW Load Limits and GAWR Specs
If you’re running a BMW, you probably care about lap times. But if you’re hauling gear, tires, or passengers, the Gross Axle Weight Rating matters just as much. It defines the hard limit for each axle. Go over that line and you’re playing with suspension geometry and brake failure. The data below covers the E-series and early F-series era. Numbers are in pounds.
2006 Models
The lineup was broad. The M-series machines like the M3, M5, and M6 don’t list specific GAWR figures in standard catalogs, likely because their track-focused nature assumes driver discretion over static loads. The SUVs follow. The X3 and X5 share platform DNA with the BMW X5, but load capacities vary by trim and option packages. The Z4 and Z4M are sports cars. Light. Rear-wheel bias.
2007 Models
The Z4 finally has a recorded rating.
* Z4: 2767 front / 3770 rear.
That rear-heavy distribution makes sense. Engine up front, but the bulk of the chassis mass sits over the back axle for balance. The Z4M is the hardcore version. No separate rating listed. Assume the Z4 limit applies, but check the door jamb sticker. It’s the law.
2008 Models
The 1-Series arrives.
* 128 / 135: No data.
* X6: New entry. No data.
Most sedans like the 528, 535, and 550 don’t have public GAWR sheets. They have GVWR and curb weights. Do the math. Subtract curb weight from GVWR for payload. Split that payload 50/50 if you’re guessing, but know that’s risky. The M3 returns. No specific axle rating.
2009 Models
The 135i is a favorite for drift builds. But drifting doesn’t care about axle limits. Towing does. The 750 and M5 retain their luxury and performance status without public axle specs. The X3, X5, and X6 continue the trend. If you need exact numbers for insurance or commercial use, you have to dig into the owner’s manual for that specific VIN. There is no universal chart.
- Note: For deeper analysis, see BMW GVWR, BMW Curb Weight, and BMW Payload for the full picture.
Buick Static Load Ratings
Buick had a weird era. SUVs. Minivans. Luxury sedans. The load ratings tell the story of their engineering priorities. The Rainier and Terraza are gone now, but when they were alive, they had specific limits.
2006 Models
* Rainier: 2950 front / 3200 rear.
A midsize SUV built on the GMT360 platform. Shared with the GMC Envoy. Balanced, but slightly rear-biased for towing stability.
* Terraza: 1148 front / 960 rear.
Wait. That looks wrong. 1148 front? 960 rear? That’s a minivan. The Terraza was front-wheel drive biased. The front axle carries the engine and transmission. The rear carries the passengers. The low rear number suggests a light-duty rear axle or a specific trim limitation. Check your door sticker.
2007 Models
* Rainier: 2950 front / 3200 rear.
Same as 2006. Consistency.
* LaCrosse / Lucerne: No data.
Full-size sedans. Likely heavy front ends.
2008 Models
* Enclave: 3197 front / 3527 rear.
The new flagship SUV. Built on the Theta platform. Strong rear axle. Good for hauling boats if you have the tow package.
2009 Models
* Enclave: 3197 front / 3527 rear.
Same rating. The platform didn’t change.
* LaCrosse / Lucerne: Still no GAWR data.
- Note: For broader capacity info, check Buick GVWR and Buick Towing Capacity.
Cadillac Load Limits by Model
Cadillac divides the market into luxury and truck-based utility. The Escalade is a beast. The CTS is a sports sedan. The ratings reflect that divide.
2006 Models
* Escalade: 3350 front / 4000 rear.
Full-size luxury SUV. Heavy. The rear axle takes a beating.
* Escalade ESV: 3060 front / 2809 rear.
Wait. Rear is lower than front? The ESV is the extended version. Longer wheelbase. More rear overhang. But why lower rear GAWR? Likely due to the specific rear suspension tuning or axle rating for the extended chassis.
* Escalade EXT: 3800 front / 4000 rear.
The pickup version. Higher front capacity due to the longer front overhang and potential for heavy toolboxes or caps.
* CTS: 2232 front / 2379 rear.
Solid balance. Slight rear bias.
2007 – 2009 Models
The CTS holds the 2232/2379 rating through 2007.
The Escalade lineup loses specific GAWR data in public tables for 2007-2009. This is common for GM trucks. The GVWR is stable, but axle splits vary by axle ratio (3.42, 3.73, etc.).
* Escalade Hybrid (2009): No data.
Expect it to be similar to the gas model, maybe slightly higher front due to battery placement under the floor, but the rear axle is the limiting factor.
- Note: For total capacity, see Cadillac GVWR and Cadillac Cargo Carrying Capacity.
Chevrolet: Trucks, SUVs, and Sedans
Chevrolet covers everything. From the Aveo economy car to the Silverado 3500 HD workhorse. The variance in GAWR is massive.
2006 Models
* Avalanche 1500: 3400 front / 4000 rear.
Pickup/SUV hybrid. Strong rear.
* Avalanche 2500: 4380 front / 5500 rear.
Heavy duty.
* Colorado: 2533 front / 2896 rear.
Midsize. Balanced.
* Equinox: 2535 front / 2535 rear.
Perfect 50/50 split.
* Silverado 1500: 3650 front / 4000 rear.
The bread and butter.
* Silverado 1500 HD: 4410 front / 6000 rear.
* Silverado 2500 HD: 4410 front / 6084 rear.
* Silverado 3500 HD: 4670 front / 8550 rear.
Dually territory. The rear axle is monster-strength.
* Suburban/Tahoe: Front ~3200, Rear 3750-4000.
* TrailBlazer: 2950 front / 3200 rear.
* TrailBlazer EXT: 3100 front / 3400 rear.
* Uplander: 2866 front / 2756 rear.
Minivan. Front-heavy with engine.
2007 Models
* Avalanche 1500: 3400 front / 4100 rear.
Slight rear increase.
* Silverado 1500: 3650 front / 3950 rear.
* Silverado 2500 HD: 4200 front / 6084 rear.
Front capacity drops slightly from 2006? 4410 to 4200. Maybe different axle gearing options.
* Silverado 3500: 4200 front / 6390 rear.
* Silverado 3500 Classic: 4670 front / 8530 rear.
* Suburban 1500: 3300 front / 4200 rear.
* Tahoe: 3200 front / 4100 rear.
2008 Models
* Silverado 1500: 3650 front / 3950 rear.
* Silverado 2500 HD: 4200 front / 6084 rear.
* Silverado 3500 HD: 4200 front / 6390 rear.
Ford Load Limits: Heavy Duty vs Light Duty
Ford didn’t bother listing GAWR for its passenger cars in this era. The Mustang, Fusion, Taurus, Focus, Five Hundred, Freestyle, and GT just show dashes. It’s safe to assume their axles weren’t the limiting factor for most buyers, but if you’re hanging a massive lift kit or running oversized off-road tires, that missing data is a red flag. You’ll need to dig into the door jamb sticker for the real numbers.
The trucks and vans are where the meat is.
2006 Ford Specs
The E-Series vans are workhorses. The E 150 handles 3240 lbs up front and 3800 lbs in back. Step up to the E 250 and you get 3550/5520. The E 350 Super Duty takes it to 3700/6195.
Small SUVs are light here. The 2006 Escape sits at 2240/2115. The Hybrid version bumps the front slightly to 2380, but the rear stays similar at 2175.
The Explorer is stout at 3240 front and 3600 rear.
Full-size trucks vary by duty cycle. The F 150 is rated for 3450/3800. The F 250 jumps to 3800/6100. The F 350? 3800 front, but 7000 lbs rear. That rear axle is built for serious payloads.
The Freestar minivan is an odd outlier, rated 2985 front and 2890 rear. Nearly balanced.
2007 Ford Specs
The lineup shrinks a bit. The Expedition and Edge don’t list GAWR.
The Explorer loses some grunt. It drops to 2860 front and 3340 rear. The Sport Trac model sits at 3080/3320.
The F-Series trucks remain consistent. F 150: 3450/3800. F 250: 3800/6100. F 350: 3800/7000.
Escape and Escape Hybrid specs hold steady at 2240/2115 and 2380/2175 respectively.
2008 Ford Specs
The E-Series gets a boost. The E 150 moves to 3700 front and 5120 rear. The E 250 is 3700/5520. The E 350 Super Duty is 3800/6084.
The F 350 changes here. The rear axle drops from 7000 to 6262. Why? Maybe a different suspension configuration or a shift in target market. Hard to say without seeing the build sheet, but know that your rear axle limit is lower than the 2007 model.
New heavy duty entry: The F 450. Rated 5600 front and 9500 rear. That’s a chassis cab monster.
Explorer and Sport Trac stay at 2860/3340 and 3080/3320.
Escape and Escape Hybrid unchanged.
2009 Ford Specs
The E-Series remains strong. E 150: 3700/5120. E 250: 3700/5520. The E 350 Super Duty sees a front axle bump to 4200, rear stays at 6084.
The F 150 gains weight. It moves from 3450/3800 to 3800/6100. That front axle is now as strong as the F 250’s.
The F 450 loses its top-end rating. It drops to 3800 front and 6262 rear. A significant downgrade from the previous year’s 5600 front.
Flex, Taurus X, and other crossovers don’t list GAWR.
GMC Axle Ratings: Sierra and Yukon Strength
GMC’s passenger cars? Zero data. The focus is strictly on trucks and SUVs.
2006 GMC Specs
The Canyon is compact. 2533 front, 2896 rear.
The Envoy is heavier. 2950 front, 3200 rear. The XL version adds a bit: 3100/3400.
The Sierra 1500 is solid at 3150/3686.
The Sierra 2500 jumps to 4410/6084.
The Sierra 3500 is a beast: 4800 front, 6500 rear.
Yukon models are balanced. Yukon: 3200/3750. Yukon XL: 3200/4000.
Savana vans don’t list GAWR. You’re on your own there.
2007 GMC Specs
The new Acadia enters with 3197 front and 3527 rear.
Canyon stays at 2533/2896.
Envoy stays at 2950/3200.
Sierra 1500 bumps slightly to 3200/3750.
Sierra 2500 drops slightly to 4200/6084.
Sierra 3500 drops significantly to 4200/6390. The front axle lost 400 lbs.
Yukon moves to 3200/4100. Yukon XL moves to 3300/4200.
2008 GMC Specs
Acadia, Canyon, Envoy, and Sierra 1500/2500 stay identical to 2007.
Sierra 3500 stays at 4200/6390.
Yukon and Yukon XL stay at 3200/4100 and 3300/4200.
New hybrid entry: Yukon Hybrid. Rated 3200/4100. Same as the gas V8.
2009 GMC Specs
Acadia, Sierra 1500/2500/3500, and Yukon models remain unchanged from 2008.
The Canyon gains a bit. Front axle moves to 2633 (up from 2533). Rear stays at 2896.
Sierra Hybrid doesn’t list GAWR.
Honda Load Capacities: The Reliability Kings
Honda is sparse on this data. Most cars just get a dash. The Odyssey and Ridgeline are the exceptions.
2006 Honda Specs
Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Insight, Pilot, S2000? No data.
Odyssey: 2833 front, 3197 rear.
Ridgeline: 309 front (yes, three hundred nine lbs?), 3252 rear. That front number looks like a typo in the source or a very light steering axle, but take it as is.
2007 Honda Specs
Civic appears with 2310 front, 2290 rear.
Element: 2300 front, 2205 rear.
Pilot: 2865 front, 3155 rear.
Ridgeline: 3105 front, 3252 rear.
Odyssey stays at 2833/3197.
2008 Honda Specs
Civic: 2310/2290.
Element: 2300/2205.
Pilot: 2865/3155.
Ridgeline: 3105/3252.
Odyssey: 2833/3197.
Same numbers. Honda doesn’t change axles often.
2009 Honda Specs
Civic drops out of the data set.
Pilot bumps slightly
Most people look at the sticker for towing capacity. They ignore the axles. That is a mistake if you are actually planning to haul something heavy. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) tells you the absolute limit for a single axle. It is not a suggestion. It is a hard engineering ceiling. Exceed it and you risk structural failure. The suspension collapses. The frame twists. You end up pushing a broken car to a shop.
The numbers change every year. You cannot assume 2006 data applies to 2009. Manufacturers tweak chassis stiffness. They swap wheelbases. They add options that shift weight distribution. You need specific GAWR data for your exact model year to stay safe.
Here is the breakdown of front and rear axle limits for major brands from 2006 to 2009.
Jeep Load Limits
Jeep owners often push their vehicles beyond factory limits. The Wrangler is built for abuse, but even it has a limit.
In 2006, the Liberty carried a front GAWR of 2750 lbs and 3150 lbs in the rear. The Wrangler was lighter on the front at 2200 lbs, but the rear held 2650 lbs.
By 2007, Jeep strengthened the Wrangler significantly. The front axle jumped to 2650 lbs. The rear moved to 3400 lbs. This increase made a massive difference for off-roading with heavy recovery gear or rock sliders.
The 2008 and 2009 data held those Wrangler numbers steady. The Unlimited variant matched the standard wheelbase at 2650/3400.
Other Jeeps in this window, like the Commander, Compass, Patriot, and Grand Cherokee, had no GAWR figures listed in the available data. That leaves a gap. You are flying blind with those models if you try to calculate payload without that specific axle rating.
Kia Capacity Data
Kia offered more specific data for their SUVs during this period. The Sedona minivan carried a substantial load. It rated 2998 lbs on the front axle and 3064 lbs on the rear in 2006 and 2007.
The Sorento was even more balanced. It rated 3307 lbs on both front and rear axles in 2006 and 2007. That symmetry suggests a well-engineered platform for towing, provided the hitch rating holds up.
The Sportage carried less. It sat at 2579 lbs front and 2425 lbs rear. It was not built for heavy hauling.
The smaller Rio models offered minimal axle capacity. In 2007 and 2008, the front rated 1918 lbs and the rear 1874 lbs. That is tight. Pack that Rio with five adults and luggage, and you are flirting with the limit.
The 2009 lineup lost most of this specific data. The Borrego and Spectra models had no GAWR figures provided.
Land Rover Ratings
Land Rover’s luxury SUVs are heavy. But heavy is not always high GAWR. The engineering focuses on comfort and terrain clearance, not necessarily brute load bearing per axle.
In 2006, 2007, and 2008, the LR3, Range Rover, and Range Sport had no specific GAWR data listed. This is frustrating for owners trying to calculate precise payload distribution.
The 2009 LR2 finally provided numbers. It rated 2885 lbs on the front and 2995 lbs on the rear. That is a reasonable spread for a compact luxury crossover, but it is not in the same league as the larger Jeeps or Lincolns.
The bigger Range Rovers still lacked specific GAWR figures in 2009. You are left with general GVWR numbers, which are less precise for axle loading.
Lexus Precision
Lexus builds cars for smoothness. Their axle ratings reflect that precision engineering.
The 2006 lineup included the ES 330, GS 300, GS 430, GX 470, IS 250, IS 350, LS 430, LX 470, RX 330, RX 400h, and SC 430. None of these had GAWR data listed.
The 2007 update added the ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, LS 460, RX 350, and kept the GX 470 and LX 470. Still no GAWR figures.
By 2008, the IS-F dropped in. The LS 600h joined the fleet. The LX 570 replaced the 470. The GS 460 appeared. Yet, Lexus still did not publish GAWR data for these models.
The 2009 lineup included the ES 350, GX 470, IS-F, IS 350, IS 250, LX 570, RX 350, and SC 430. No GAWR data.
This is a significant gap. Lexus owners have to rely on GVWR minus curb weight to estimate payload, but they cannot know if the front or rear axle is the limiting factor.
Lincoln Heavy Duty
Lincoln loaded up. Their trucks and SUVs carried serious weight ratings.
The 2006 Mark LT rated 3450 lbs on the front and 3850 lbs on the rear. The Navigator was even heavier. It carried 3300 lbs front and 4128 lbs rear. That rear axle is built for towing heavy trailers.
The 2007 Navigator increased the rear capacity slightly to 4300 lbs. The front moved to 3350 lbs. The Mark LT held steady at 3450/3850.
The 2008 data mirrored 2007. The Navigator remained at 3350/4300. The Mark LT stayed at 3450/3850.
In 2009, the Navigator’s front axle increased to 3450 lbs, matching the Mark LT’s front limit. The rear dropped back to 3850 lbs. This shift suggests a recalibration of the suspension or a change in curb weight that forced a redistribution of the rated capacity.
The MKS, MKX, and MKZ had no GAWR data. The Town Car also lacked specific axle ratings.
Mazda Truck and Car Specs
Mazda’s B-Series trucks and smaller cars show a clear hierarchy in axle strength.
In 2006, the B2300 rated 2400 lbs front and 2750 lbs rear. The B3000 bumped the front to 2625 lbs, keeping the rear at 2750. The B4000 led the pack with 2850 lbs front and 2750 lbs rear.
The Mazda5 minivan carried 2218 lbs front and 2355 lbs rear. The Mazda6 was unbalanced, with a stronger front at 2372 lbs and a weaker rear at 2119 lbs. The MazdaSpeed6 was similar but slightly stronger front at 2449 lbs, with the rear dropping to 2103 lbs.
The 2007 MazdaSpeed3 appeared with 2216 lbs front and 2064 lbs rear. The MX-5 was rated 2449/2103.
The 2008 Mazda6 returned to 2216/2064.
The 2009 Mazda6 saw a slight tweak. The front increased to 2286 lbs, and the rear rose to 2062 lbs. The B-Series trucks and the CX models (CX-7, CX-9) had no GAWR data listed, leaving their towing and payload capabilities vague.
Mercedes-Benz Luxury Weight
Mercedes lists extensive lineups, but the GAWR data is sparse.
From 2006 through 2009, models like the C-Class, CL-Class, CLK, CLS, E-Class, and S-Class had no GAWR figures. Even the high-performance SLR McLaren and AMG models like the ML63 and G55/G55 did not have specific axle ratings published in this dataset.
The GL and ML SUVs were also missing data for most years. The GL550 and ML550/ML63 appeared in 2008 and 2009 lists without GAWR numbers.
This is a consistent pattern. Mercedes-Benz does not prioritize publishing GAWR data for these luxury segments. Owners must rely on general weight distribution estimates.
Mercury and MINI Limits
Mercury was dying in this era. The data reflects a company in transition.
The
Mitsubishi GAWR Data
Most Mitsubishi models from this era don’t list specific axle load limits. The data is sparse for the Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, and Montero. The Outlander sits empty too. But look at the Raider. That truck variant actually has numbers.
For 2006, 2007, and 2008, the Mitsubishi Raider GAWR is fixed at 3100 lbs front and 3600 lbs rear. It’s consistent. The rest of the lineup? Blank.
Nissan GAWR Breakdown
Nissan is slightly more transparent. The 2006 Altima has a clear limit: 2399 lbs front, 1991 lbs rear. Everything else in that year’s list is missing data.
By 2007, the Frontier steps up. It carries 3296 lbs on the front axle and 3197 lbs on the rear. The Titan also appears here, though the specific split isn’t detailed in the raw data column, just the model presence.
2008 keeps the Frontier steady at 3296/3197. The Rogue is listed but has no numbers.
2009 sees the GT-R enter the chat. Again, no specific GAWR figures are provided in the source. The Frontier holds its line: 3296 front, 3197 rear.
Pontiac GAWR Specifications
Pontiac was bleeding out in these years, and the data reflects that.
The Torrent SUV is the only one with consistent numbers. In 2006, it’s 2535 lbs front and rear. Same in 2007. Same in 2009.
The Grand Prix has a weird entry for 2007: “62/38”. It’s unclear if this is a ratio or a typo for weight, but it’s the only number there. The G6, GTO, Solstice, Vibe, and G5 are all listed with no GAWR data.
Porsche GAWR Insights
Porsche doesn’t make it easy. You won’t find GAWR numbers for the 911, Boxster, Cayenne, or Cayman in these tables.
Even the 2009 Carrera is listed with a dash. The data here is effectively non-existent for standard axle load limits in this specific format.
Saab GAWR Details
Saab is small, but they did publish limits for the big SUV.
The 9-7X is the star here. In 2008 and 2009, it carries 2950 lbs on the front axle and 3400 lbs on the rear.
The 9-3, 9-5, and 9-2X are all blank. If you’re running a 9-7X, you have your numbers. If you’re in a sedan, you’re on your own.
Saturn GAWR Data
Saturn is gone, but the Outlook lived on.
The Outlook has a fixed limit: 3197 lbs front, 3527 lbs rear. This holds true for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
The Aura, VUE, Sky, Astra, and Ion are all listed with no specific GAWR values. The Outlook is the only one with a concrete payload capacity defined by axle.
Scion GAWR Listings
Scion kept it minimal. The tC, xA, xB, and xD are all listed with dashes.
No axle weights are provided for any model year from 2006 to 2009. It’s a complete blank slate.
smart GAWR Figures
The fortwo is listed for 2008. It has a dash. Nothing else.
Subaru GAWR Overview
Subaru lists every model but provides zero GAWR numbers.
Tribeca, Baja, Forester, Impreza (all variants), Legacy (all variants), Outback, WRX STI. All dashes. You won’t find these specs in this table.
Suzuki GAWR Breakdown
Suzuki gives us some actual load limits.
The Aeria carries 1918 lbs front, 1940 lbs rear. It’s consistent across 2006 and 2007.
The Forenza is lighter on the rear: 1918 lbs front, 1764 lbs rear. This is steady for 2006, 2007, and 2008.
The XL7 grows over time. In 2006, it’s 2205/2866. By 2007 and 2008, it’s up to 2590/2921.
The SX4 appears in 2007 with 2050/1786. It disappears from the numbered list in 2008 and 2009.
Toyota GAWR Specs
Toyota is the most prolific here.
The Land Cruiser has a heavy rear end. 2006 and 2007 show 3595 lbs front, 4220 lbs rear.
The RAV4 jumps around. 2006 lists 2535/2435. 2007 shows a massive spike to 4430/4730. Then it drops back to 2535/2435 in 2008 and 2009. That 2007 figure seems like an outlier or a specific heavy-duty configuration.
The Tundra appears in 2007 with 3900/3800. It’s blank in other years.
Most Camrys, Corollas, Avalons, and Priuses are blank. Just dashes.
Volkswagen GAWR Data (2006–2009)
The data for German engineering from the mid-to-late 2000s is sparse on the axle ratings themselves. You won’t find front/rear Gross Axle Weight Rating numbers in the tables below. They are missing. Dash. Gone.
2006 Volkswagen Models
* Golf
* GTI
* Jetta
* Beetle Convertible
* Beetle Coupe
* Passat Sedan
* Phaeton
* Rabbit
* Touareg
2007 Volkswagen Models
* Eos
* GTI
* Jetta
* Beetle Convertible
* Beetle Coupe
* Passat Sedan
* Passat Wagon
* Rabbit
* Touareg
2008 Volkswagen Models
* Eos
* GLI
* GTI
* Jetta
* Beetle Convertible
* Beetle Coupe
* Passat Sedan
* Passat Wagon
* R32
* Rabbit
* Touareg 2
2009 Volkswagen Models
* Eos
* GLI
* GTI
* Jetta Sedan
* Jetta Sport Wagon
* Beetle Convertible
* Beetle Coupe
* Passat Sedan
* Passat Wagon
* Rabbit
* Routan
* Tiguan
* Touareg 2
Need the full picture? You also need to look at Volkswagen GVWR, Volkswagen GCWR, Volkswagen Cargo Carrying Capacity, Volkswagen Curb Weight, Volkswagen Payload, and Volkswagen Towing Capacity. The GAWR is just one slice of the pie.
Volvo GAWR Data (2006–2009)
Swedish safety doesn’t mean missing data across the board. Some models have hard numbers. Others? Still blank.
2006 Volvo Models
* C70
* S40
* S60
* S80: 2230/2290
* V50
* V70
* XC70
* XC90: 2820/3150
2007 Volvo Models
* C70
* S40
* S60
* S80
* V50
* V70
* XC70
* XC90: 2820/3150
2008 Volvo Models
* C30
* C70
* S40
* S60
* S80
* V50
* V70: 2690/2513
* XC70: 2800/2646
* XC90: 2820/3150
2009 Volvo Models
* C30
* C70
* S40
* S60
* S80
* V50
* V70: 2690/2513
* XC70: 2800/2646
* XC90: 2820/3150
Again, the big picture requires more than just axle limits. Check Volvo GVWR, Volvo GCWR, Volvo Cargo Carrying Capacity, Volvo Curb Weight, Volvo Payload, and Volvo Towing Capacity. Numbers don’t exist in isolation.
The Bigger Picture on Vehicle Weights
Why do we obsess over these specific metrics? Because a car is a system. The tires hold the weight. The suspension absorbs it. The frame distributes it.
If you’re pulling a trailer, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) matters more than the **
