Fuel economy. Horsepower. Torque. Zero-to-sixty times. We stare at these numbers every day. They’re the baseline. If you’re shopping for a sedan, you probably glance at interior cubic feet or legroom stats. These are the metrics that tell you what you get for your cash. They are straightforward.
But there are numbers that trip people up. Specifically, new buyers. Most ignore them until it’s too late. One of the most dangerous omissions is the gross combination weight rating, or GCWR.
If you plan to tow, knowing your GCWR isn’t optional. It’s the ceiling for safety. Exceed it and you invite mechanical failure.
Зміст
What the GCWR Actually Means
A vehicle’s GCWR is a manufacturer-set limit. It defines the maximum total weight of a loaded tow vehicle plus its attached loaded trailer. You never exceed this number. It is not a measurement of your current load. It is a hard cap.
Think of it like a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), but with a twist. GVWR covers just the truck or SUV. GCWR covers the truck, the SUV, and the trailer combined.
How do manufacturers calculate this? Ford lays it out clearly. You add:
– The vehicle’s curb weight
– Allowable payload
– Weight of the driver and passengers
– The trailer’s weight
The sum must stay under the limit. Simple math. Fatal consequences if ignored.
Why Safety Demands You Respect the Limit
Why do limits exist? Physics. Overloading any single vehicle is risky. Overloading the combination is a recipe for disaster.
Heavy loads kill handling. But the risks go deeper into the machine.
– Brakes: They overheat. They fade. You lose stopping power.
– Tires: They blow out under excess strain.
– Engine/Transmission: The extra drag causes overheating. Mechanical failure follows.
– Suspension: Components bend. They break. Control is lost.
A variety of failures can happen. All of them are bad. The rule is absolute. Never surpass your vehicle’s GCWR.
Where to Find Your Rating
You need to know this number before you hook up a trailer. Where is it?
1. Door Jamb Label: Look inside the driver’s side door frame. Near the latch.
2. Online: Most manufacturers publish specs on their sites.
If you can’t find it, check the manufacturer’s database. The chart below lists specific GCWR values for various Acura and Audi models.
Acura GCWR Data
Browse by Make: Acura
2006
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| MDX | 8121 |
| RL | 5162 |
| RSX | 4384 |
| TL | 4730 |
| TSX | – |
2007
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| MDX | 10053 |
| RL | 5164 |
| RDX | 6394 |
| TL | 4773 |
| TSX | 4407 |
2008
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| MDX | 10053 |
| RL | 5164 |
| RSX | 6394 |
| TL | 4773 |
| TSX | 4407 |
2009
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| MDX | 10053 |
| RL | 5233 |
| RSX | 5574 |
| TSX | 4550 |
For more Acura specs, check GVWR, GAWR, Cargo Capacity, Curb Weight, Payload, and Towing Capacity.
Audi GCWR Data
Browse by Make: Audi
2006
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| A3 | – |
| A4 | – |
| A6 | – |
| A8 | – |
| S4 | – |
| TT | – |
2007
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| A3 | – |
| A4 | – |
| A6 | – |
| A8 | – |
| Q7 | 10665 |
| RS4 | – |
| S4 | – |
| S6 | – |
| S8 | – |
2008
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| A3 | – |
| A4 | – |
| A5 | – |
| A6 | – |
| A8 | – |
| Q7 | 10665 |
| R8 | – |
| RS4 | – |
| S4 | – |
| S5 | – |
| S6 | – |
| S8 | – |
| TT | – |
2009
| Model | GCWR (lbs) |
| :— | :— |
| A3 | – |
| A4 | – |
| A5 | – |
| A8 | – |
| Q7 | 10665 |
| R8 | – |
| S4 | – |
| S5 | – |
| S8 | – |
| TT | – |
For more Audi specs, check GVWR, GAWR, Cargo Capacity, Curb Weight, Payload, and Towing Capacity.
The list continues for other makes. But start here. Understand the numbers. They keep you on the road.
BMW GCWR
The Bavarian badge covers a wide range of weight limits. Some sedans barely clear 5,000 pounds, while the heavy SUVs push well past 10,000. If you’re towing anything substantial, the X5 is the only safe bet for most years in this window.
2006 BMW
The 2006 lineup is sparse on data. Most coupes and sedans don’t have published Gross Combined Weight Ratings. The SUVs tell the real story.
- 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: 7,673 lbs
- X5: 10,802 lbs
- Z4: No data
- Z4M: No data
2007 BMW
Changes were minimal. The X5 lost a bit of combined weight allowance, while the X3 stayed steady. High-performance models like the M5 and M6 still lack specific GCWR figures.
- 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: 7,662 lbs
- X5: 11,132 lbs
- Z4: No data
- Z4M: No data
2008 BMW
New models entered the fray. The 1-Series arrived, and the X6 joined the SUV family.
- 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: 7,662 lbs
- X5: 11,132 lbs
- X6: 11,044 lbs
- Z4: No data
- Z4M: No data
2009 BMW
The X5 saw a slight dip in GCWR. The 750 model dropped off the list for this year in some datasets, but the core SUV numbers remain consistent.
- 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: 7,662 lbs
- X5: 11,066 lbs
- X6: 11,044 lbs
Buick GCWR
Buick kept things simple during these years. The LaCrosse and Lucerne shared identical weight ratings. The Rainier was a outlier, built on a GM truck platform, which gave it a significantly higher towing limit than the sedans.
2006 Buick
The Rainier was the heavy lifter here. Most other models were strictly for light duty or no towing at all.
- LaCrosse: 4,645 lbs
- Lucerne: 4,914 lbs
- Rainier: 10,500 lbs
- Rendezvous: 7,746 lbs
- Terraza: 8,500 lbs
2007 Buick
The Terraza was dropped from the lineup. The LaCrosse and Lucerne maintained their ratings. The Rainier remained a solid option for heavier loads.
- LaCrosse: 4,645 lbs
- Lucerne: 4,914 lbs
- Rainier: 10,500 lbs
- Rendezvous: 7,746 lbs
2008 Buick
The Enclave arrived, taking the top spot for towing capacity. The older sedans kept their limits.
- Enclave: 9,500 lbs
- LaCrosse: 4,645 lbs
- Lucerne: 4,914 lbs
2009 Buick
Steady state. The Enclave continues to dominate the Buick towing charts.
- Enclave: 9,500 lbs
- LaCrosse: 4,645 lbs
- Lucerne: 4,914 lbs
Cadillac GCWR
Cadillac’s luxury SUVs are built for work. The Escalade lineup offers some of the highest GCWRs in the segment for these years. The sedans are much more modest, hovering around 5,000 to 5,500 pounds.
2006 Cadillac
The Escalade ESV is the king here with 14,000 lbs. The CTS-V and STS-V are the performance sedans, but their towing capacity is surprisingly low compared to the SUVs.
- CTS: 4,659 lbs
- CTS-V: 5,000 lbs
- DTS: 5,159 lbs
- Escalade: 12,902 lbs
- Escalade ESV: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade EXT: 13,464 lbs
- SRX: 5,314 lbs
- STS: 5,008 lbs
- STS-V: 5,383 lbs
- XLR: No data
- XLR-V: No data
2007 Cadillac
The Escalade models all jump to 14,000 lbs across the board. The SRX sees a massive increase in GCWR, likely due to drivetrain updates.
- CTS: 4,659 lbs
- CTS-V: 5,000 lbs
- DTS: 5,159 lbs
- Escalade: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade ESV: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade EXT: 14,000 lbs
- SRX: 6,314 lbs
- STS: 5,079 lbs
- STS-V: 5,544 lbs
- XLR: No data
- XLR-V: No data
2008 Cadillac
The CTS gets a bump in towing capacity. The DTS holds steady. The hybrid Escalade is not listed, but the standard models remain strong.
- CTS: 5,011 lbs
- DTS: 5,159 lbs
- Escalade: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade ESV: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade EXT: 14,000 lbs
- SRX: 6,314 lbs
- STS: 5,123 lbs
- STS-V: 5,544 lbs
- XLR: No data
- XLR-V: No data
2009 Cadillac
The Escalade Hybrid enters the mix with a modest 6,314 lbs GCWR, far less than its V8 siblings. The sedan numbers remain consistent with 2008.
- CTS: 5,011 lbs
- DTS: 5,159 lbs
- Escalade: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade ESV: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade EXT: 14,000 lbs
- Escalade Hybrid: 6,314 lbs
- SRX: 5,123 lbs
- STS: 5,123 lbs
- STS-V: 5,544 lbs
- XLR: No data
- XLR-V: No data
Chevrolet GCWR
Chevy’s lineup is massive. The Silverado HD and Suburban 2500 are the heavyweights, regularly hitting 16,000 lbs. The small cars like the Cobalt and Aveo barely crack 5,000
Ford GCWR: Heavy Lifters and Light Haulers
The 2006 Ford lineup tells a story of two different businesses. You have the Crown Victoria sitting at a paltry 5,592 lbs. Then you have the E-Series. The E-350 Super Duty hits 13,000 lbs. That is a massive gap. The F-150 sits at 11,665 lbs. The Ranger? 9,360 lbs. Small trucks, big weight limits.
By 2007, Ford starts adding models. The Edge appears with a 6,248 lb limit. The Expedition EL jumps to 15,078 lbs. The F-250 and F-350 both climb to 17,000 lbs. Notice the Mustang? It has a number. 4,611 lbs. Most cars don’t get GCWR listed because they aren’t built to tow much. The Mustang does. Barely. The Ranger takes a hit in 2007. Drops to 5,820 lbs. Why? Probably gearing or cooling.
2008 brings the F-450. 27,000 lbs. This isn’t a truck. It’s a semi-axle with a bed. The F-350 stays at 17,000 lbs. But the F-250 drops to 15,000 lbs. Inconsistent? Maybe. Or maybe different engine options dictate the limit. The Escape Hybrid stays steady around 4,700 lbs.
2009 sees the F-150 surge. 14,950 lbs. A huge jump from the previous year. The F-450 drops to 16,983 lbs. That feels like a correction. The Explorer settles at 8,110 lbs. The Flex enters at 6,900 lbs. Mid-size SUVs are getting serious about towing.
GMC GCWR: The Workhorse Lineup
GMC doesn’t mess around with small numbers in their heavy lines. The 2006 Sierra 3500 holds at 15,792 lbs. The Yukon XL hits 13,000 lbs. The Canyon is tiny by comparison. 5,179 lbs. It’s a mid-size truck. Don’t ask it to haul a house.
2007 adds the Acadia. 9,500 lbs. Not bad for a crossover. The Sierra 3500 dips slightly to 15,342 lbs. Then jumps back up in 2008 to 16,000 lbs. The Sierra 2500 climbs to 15,858 lbs. Small gains. Big impact.
The Yukon Hybrid enters in 2008. 12,000 lbs. Hybrid tech usually hurts towing range, but the GCWR stays high. In 2009, the Sierra 2500 nudges to 15,926 lbs. The Yukon XL drops to 11,000 lbs. That’s odd. Usually, longer wheelbases help stability. Maybe payload distribution is the culprit.
Honda GCWR: Precision Engineering
Honda’s numbers are lower across the board. The 2006 Accord sits at 4,206 lbs. The Civic is heavier. 4,968 lbs. The Ridgeline is the star. 9,653 lbs. It’s a unibody truck, but it pulls.
2007 brings the Pilot up to 9,700 lbs. The Ridgeline climbs to 10,085 lbs. The Civic Hybrid drops to 3,736 lbs. Weight matters. Hybrids add battery mass. Less room for trailer weight.
The Accord disappears from the GCWR list in 2008. Gone. Maybe they stopped certifying it for towing? Or the data is just missing. The Pilot stays at 9,700 lbs. In 2009, the Pilot drops to 8,466 lbs. Why? A redesign? Different engine mapping? The Civic Hybrid vanishes too.
Hummer GCWR: Tank-Like Towing
Hummer didn’t build economy cars. They built monuments. The H1 Alpha in 2006 hits 17,300 lbs. That’s heavy. The H2 is 13,050 lbs. The H3? 8,000 lbs. It’s the small one.
2007 sees the H2 creep up to 13,150 lbs. The H3 stays flat. 8,000 lbs. No changes.
2008 gives the H2 a boost. 14,000 lbs. Better cooling? Stronger axles? The H3T enters in 2009. 9,461 lbs. A pickup version of the H3. It can tow more than the SUV. Makes sense. The bed helps with weight distribution.
Hyundai GCWR: The Underdogs
Hyundai’s early 2000s numbers are modest. The 2006 Azera is 4,779 lbs. The Santa Fe is 6,399 lbs. The Tucson? 4,403 lbs. Small crossovers.
2007 brings the Entourage. 5,550 lbs. A minivan. Expected. The Santa Fe drops to 5,527 lbs. The Tucson drops to 4,390 lbs. Efficiency gains? Or stricter limits?
2008 sees the Elantra jump to 5,550 lbs. That’s a big increase from 3,623 lbs in 2007. Did they change the towing package? The Accent stays steady at 4,779 lbs.
2009 is sparse. The Sonata is 4,442 lbs. The Azera holds at 4,779 lbs. Hyundai wasn’t pushing limits then. They were building reliability.
Infiniti GCWR: Luxury Power
Infiniti mixes luxury with muscle. The 2006 FX45 hits 8,020 lbs. The QX56 is a tank. 14,510 lbs. The G35? 4,655 lbs. A sports sedan. Don’t expect to tow a boat.
2007 changes things. The FX45 jumps to 14,520 lbs. Why? Did they add a tow package by default? The G35 climbs to 9,155 lbs. Huge jump. Maybe it’s a different trim. The M35 hits 12,982 lbs. This is getting serious.
2008 introduces the EX35. 12,902 lbs. The G37 climbs to 13,266 lbs. The M35 and M45 vanish from the list. Maybe they’re not rated for towing in those years. Or the data is missing.
2009 brings the FX50. 9,109 lbs. The QX56 drops to 15,100 lbs. Slight fluctuation. Infiniti is finding its balance between luxury and utility.
Isuzu GCWR: The Niche Player
Isuzu is small. But their numbers are solid. The 2006 Ascender is 10,000 lbs. The i-350 is 9,000 lbs. The i-280? 5,500 lbs.
2007 keeps the Ascender at 10,000 lbs. The i-370 climbs to 9,000 lbs. Consistent.
2008 bumps the i-370 to 9,500 lbs. Small increase. The i-290 jumps to 6,000 lbs. Isuzu isn’t chasing volume. They’re chasing specific utility.
Jaguar GCWR: Style Over Substance
Jaguar doesn’t list GCWR. At all. For years. 2006 through 2009. The S-Type, X-Type, XJ8, XKR. Nothing.
The XF enters in 2009. Still no number. Jaguar prioritizes driving dynamics. Towing ruins the balance. If you need to tow a Jaguar, you’re using the wrong car. Or you’re renting a Land Rover.
Jeep GCWR: Off-Road Towing
Jeep is about capability. The 2006 Commander is 8,231 lbs. The Liberty is 8,500 lbs. The Wrangler is small. 5,350 lbs.
2007 adds the Compass. 4,221 lbs. The Wrangler drops to 4,910 lbs. Inconsistent? Or different configurations?
2008 sees the Commander jump to 8,670 lbs. The Liberty drops to 6,135 lbs. That’s a big cut. Why? Maybe a redesign changed the frame strength. The Wrangler Unlimited climbs to 5,014 lbs. Longer
Kia GCWR
Kia wasn’t exactly known for hauling heavy trailers in the mid-2000s. Most of their lineup, the Optima included, sat at a modest 5292 lbs gross combined weight rating. You won’t find towing data for the Rio or the Sportage in most records, but the Sorento and Sedona were the only ones building serious capability.
| Year | Model | GCWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Amanti | – |
| 2006 | Optima | 5292 |
| 2006 | Rio | – |
| 2006 | Rio 5 | – |
| 2006 | Sedona | – |
| 2006 | Sorento | – |
| 2006 | Spectra | – |
| 2006 | Spectra 5 | – |
| 2006 | Sportage | 4880 |
| 2007 | Amanti | – |
| 2007 | Optima | 5292 |
| 2007 | Rio | – |
| 2007 | Rio 5 | – |
| 2007 | Rondo | – |
| 2007 | Sedona | 8015 |
| 2007 | Sorento | 9299 |
| 2007 | Spectra | – |
| 2007 | Spectra 5 | – |
| 2007 | Sportage | 4880 |
| 2008 | Amanti | – |
| 2008 | Optima | 5292 |
| 2008 | Rio | – |
| 2008 | Rio 5 | – |
| 2008 | Rondo | – |
| 2008 | Sedona | – |
| 2008 | Sorento | 9299 |
| 2008 | Spectra | – |
| 2008 | Spectra 5 | – |
| 2008 | Sportage | 4880 |
| 2009 | Borrego | 9398 |
| 2009 | Spectra | – |
| 2009 | Spectra 5 | – |
More Kia Specs:
– Kia GVWR
– Kia GAWR
– Kia Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Kia Curb Weight
– Kia Payload
– Kia Towing Capacity
Land Rover GCWR
These British off-roaders didn’t pull much either. The LR2 in 2009 barely cracked 8000 lbs. It took the big Range Rovers and the LR3 to push past 13,000. Even then, the numbers are surprisingly tight for vehicles that look like they should haul a boat or a camper without breaking a sweat.
| Year | Model | GCWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | LR3 | 13165 |
| 2006 | Range Rover | 13324 |
| 2006 | Range Rover Sport | 13318 |
| 2007 | LR3 | 13276 |
| 2007 | Range Rover | 13324 |
| 2007 | Range Rover Sport | 13334 |
| 2008 | LR2 | – |
| 2008 | LR3 | – |
| 2008 | Range Rover | – |
| 2008 | Range Rover Sport | 13334 |
| 2009 | LR2 | 7905 |
| 2009 | LR3 | 13662 |
| 2009 | Range Rover | 13564 |
| 2009 | Range Rover Sport | 13334 |
More Land Rover Specs:
– Land Rover GVWR
– Land Rover GAWR
– Land Rover Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Land Rover Curb Weight
– Land Rover Payload
– Land Rover Towing Capacity
Lexus GCWR
Lexus kept the luxury sedans light on the towing front. The ES, GS, and IS lines show up with empty cells. You needed the SUVs for real work. The RX 350 and RX 400h hover around 6000 to 8000 lbs. If you wanted to tow a trailer in 2009, the LX 570 was your only real option at 14,645 lbs.
| Year | Model | GCWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ES 330 | – |
| 2006 | GS 300 | – |
| 2006 | GS 430 | – |
| 2006 | GX 470 | 11521 |
| 2006 | IS 250 | – |
| 2006 | IS 350 | – |
| 2006 | LS 430 | 6140 |
| 2006 | LX 470 | 12240 |
| 2006 | RX 330 | 7510 |
| 2006 | RX 4000h | 8015 |
| 2006 | SC 430 | – |
| 2007 | ES 350 | – |
| 2007 | GS 350 | – |
| 2007 | GS 430 | – |
| 2007 | GS 450h | – |
| 2007 | GX 470 | 11521 |
| 2007 | IS 250 | – |
| 2007 | IS 350 | – |
| 2007 | LS 460 | – |
| 2007 | LX 470 | 12240 |
| 2007 | RX 350 | 7520 |
| 2007 | RX 400h | 8015 |
| 2007 | SC 430 | – |
| 2008 | ES 350 | – |
| 2008 | GS 350 | – |
| 2008 | GS 450h | – |
| 2008 | GS 460 | – |
| 2008 | GX 470 | 11521 |
| 2008 | IS 250 | – |
| 2008 | IS 350 | – |
| 2008 | IS-F | – |
| 2008 | LS 460 | – |
| 2008 | LS 600h | – |
| 2008 | LX 570 | 14645 |
| 2008 | RX 350 | 6020 |
| 2008 | RX 400h | 6340 |
| 2008 | SC 430 | – |
| 2009 | ES 350 | – |
| 2009 | GX 470 | 11521 |
| 2009 | IS-F | – |
| 2009 | IS 350 | – |
| 2009 | IS 250 | – |
| 2009 | LX 570 | 14645 |
| 2009 | RX 350 | 6020 |
| 2009 | SC 430 | – |
More Lexus Specs:
– Lexus GVWR
– Lexus GAWR
– Lexus Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Lexus Curb Weight
– Lexus Payload
– Lexus Towing Capacity
Lincoln GCWR
Lincoln didn’t mess around with the heavy haul
Nissan GCWR
Nissan’s lineup from this era ranged from light commuters to heavy-duty haulers. The 350Z didn’t list a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which means you’re probably not towing much with that Z-car unless you enjoy stressing the suspension. The Altima sat around 4,150 to 4,205 pounds depending on the year. That 2007 Altima Hybrid bumps up to 4,632 pounds, likely due to the extra mass of the battery pack affecting how much trailer weight the drivetrain can safely manage.
The Armada saw significant jumps. It started at 11,818 pounds in 2006, climbed to 12,800 in 2007, and then jumped to 15,100 pounds for the 2008 and 2009 models. That’s a massive increase in towing capability for a full-size SUV. The Frontier hovered between 10,676 and 11,133 pounds. Maxima owners were capped at roughly 4,623 to 4,741 pounds. If you were hauling a Murano, the limit sat steady at 8,100 pounds for 2006-2007, then dropped to 7,505 in 2009. The Pathfinder stayed consistent around 10,500 pounds, while the Quest tracked near 7,662 to 7,943 pounds.
The Sentra was light, with a GCWR between 3,663 and 4,047 pounds. Don’t try to tow a boat with a Sentra. The Titan was the workhorse, moving from 11,465 pounds in 2006 up to 11,688 pounds by 2009. The Xterra started at 9,658 pounds and dipped to 9,300 in later years. The Rogue entered the mix in 2008 with a modest 4,430-pound limit.
Pontiac GCWR
Pontiac’s numbers are mostly small sedan territory, except for the Montana SV6. That crossover sat at 8,500 pounds in 2006. The G5 started at 4,141 pounds and dropped to 3,902 by 2009. The G6 held steady at 4,530 pounds until 2008, when it shed 75 pounds to 4,455 pounds. The G8, the big V8 sedan, had a healthy 6,035-pound limit in its final two years. The Grand Prix stayed around 4,627 pounds. The Solstice never listed a GCWR. The Torrent hovered near 7,310 pounds, and the Vibe tracked between 4,350 and 4,506 pounds.
Porsche GCWR
Porsche kept things simple. The Cayenne was the only model with a listed GCWR. It sat at 12,628 pounds in 2006 and 2008, then ticked up slightly to 12,650 pounds in 2009. The 911, Boxster, and Cayman models all show dashes, indicating no towing capacity was rated for these sports cars. You keep those trailers in your dreams.
Saab GCWR
Saab’s offerings were niche but capable in their weight class. The 9-2X had a modest 5,220-pound limit. The 9-3 started at 5,430 pounds, dipped slightly, then jumped to 5,680 pounds in 2009. The 9-5 was a larger sedan, holding steady at 7,120 pounds across all four years. The 9-7X, a rebadged GMT800 truck platform, capped out at 10,500 pounds consistently.
Saturn GCWR
Saturn’s final years were a mix of small cars and heavy SUVs. The Ion and Sky models had no listed GCWR. The Outlook started at 9,500 pounds in 2007, then dropped significantly to 6,872 pounds in 2008 and 6,852 pounds in 2009. The Relay minivan saw a drop from 8,500 pounds in 2006 to 7,918 pounds in 2007. The VUE and VUE Hybrid started around 4,857 pounds and increased to roughly 5,439–5,475 pounds by 2008 and 2009. The Astra had no rating.
Scion GCWR
Scion didn’t bother listing GCWRs for the tC, xB, or xD. These were lightweight import-based platforms not intended for towing. If you need to pull anything, you’re looking elsewhere.
smart GCWR
The smart fortwo in 2008 had no listed GCWR. It’s a two-seater city car. The idea of towing with one is almost humorous.
Subaru GCWR
Subaru focused on their AWD lineup. The B9 Tribeca started at 7,805 pounds and settled at 6,290 pounds in its final years. The Forester tracked between 5,640 and 5,690 pounds before disappearing from the list in 2009. The Impreza models varied, with the Wagon at 5,195 pounds and the Outback Sport at 5,208 pounds in early years. The Legacy Sedan sat around 6,050–6,120 pounds. The Outback itself climbed from 6,160 pounds to 6,207 pounds. The Baja was rated at 6,035 pounds.
Suzuki GCWR
Suzuki’s fleet was small. The Aerio, Equator, Grand Vitara (in 2009), and SX4 had no listed GCWR. The Forenza held steady at 3,906 pounds. The Reno was around 3,889 pounds. The Verona sat at 4,530 pounds. The XL7 was the heavy lifter, starting at 6,788 pounds and climbing to 7,536 pounds by 2008.
Toyota GCWR
Toyota’s numbers are where you find the serious towing rigs. The 4Runner held a steady 9,195 pounds. The Avalon tracked around 4,640 pounds. The Camry started without a rating, then appeared at 4,413 pounds in later years. The Corolla climbed from 4,180 to 4,373 pounds.
The FJ Cruiser was rated at 9,200 pounds. The Highlander saw a massive jump. It started at 5,170 pounds, rose to 6,129 pounds, and stayed there. The Highlander Hybrid was much more capable, jumping from 6,220 pounds to a robust 8,158 pounds by 2008. The Land Cruiser saw huge increases too, starting at 12,400 pounds and ending at 15,775 pounds. The Matrix stayed around 4,300–4,515 pounds. The RAV4 was steady at 4,950 pounds.
The Sequoia climbed from 12,000 pounds to a staggering 16,900 pounds by 2008. The Sienna hovered between 7,770 and 7,920 pounds. The Tacoma held steady at 8,100 pounds. The Tundra started at 11,800 pounds but dropped to 10,000 pounds in later models. The Yaris and Prius had no ratings. The Venza entered in 2009 with no listed GCWR.
Volkswagen GCWR Data (2006–2009)
The German engineering ethos meets hard physics here. We are looking at Gross Combined Weight Rating for VWs. If you are towing anything with a Golf or Jetta, the data suggests you are on your own. Most entries for these compacts are blank. That is not a typo. It means there is no official towing rating. You cannot legally or safely tow a trailer with a base model Beetle or Rabbit in these years.
The Touareg is the outlier. It is the only vehicle with a hard number.
In 2006, the Touareg had a GCWR of 12,952 lbs.
By 2007, it climbed slightly to 13,034 lbs.
2008 saw the Touareg 2 arrive, but the rating isn’t listed in the initial table.
2009 brought the Touareg 2 back with a GCWR of 12,952 lbs.
Other models? Gone.
The Routan minivan is an anomaly. It has a GCWR of 6,771 lbs. Not much room for a heavy boat.
The Tiguan? 5,748 lbs.
That’s barely enough for a small pop-up camper. And even then, you are pushing it.
If you own a 2009 Passat Wagon or Jetta Sport Wagon, don’t guess. Check the door jamb sticker. The table says nothing for them.
Volvo GCWR Data (2006–2009)
Volvo plays a different game. Safety first, but weight limits still apply.
The XC90 is the king of this era.
2006 XC90: 8,694 lbs.
2007 XC90: 8,570 lbs.
2008 XC90: 8,570 lbs.
2009 XC90: 8,476 lbs.
It drops each year. Why? Maybe stricter emissions standards. Maybe lighter materials. Doesn’t matter. The limit is high. You can tow a decent trailer.
The XC70 is the next best bet.
2006 XC70: 7,125 lbs.
2007 XC70: 7,125 lbs.
2008 XC70: 7,549 lbs.
2009 XC70: 7,549 lbs.
It jumps in 2008. Stick to the 2008 or 2009 models if you need payload.
Sedans? Don’t bother.
The S80 ranges from 7,184 lbs down to 7,425 lbs. It’s tight.
The S60? Around 6,900 lbs.
The V70? Roughly 6,746 to 6,984 lbs.
The C70 convertible is weak.
2006: 7,222 lbs.
2007: 5,942 lbs.
2008: 5,777 lbs.
2009: 5,777 lbs.
That’s a steep drop. The 2006 model is almost 2,000 lbs heavier in GCWR. Structural differences? Weight of the soft top? Doesn’t matter. The later models are lighter. Less towing capacity.
The C30 hatchback is even worse.
2008: 5,105 lbs.
2009: 5,351 lbs.
Not a towing vehicle. A city runner.
Why GCWR Matters More Than You Think
Most people confuse GCWR with GVWR. Big mistake.
GVWR is how heavy the vehicle itself can be.
GCWR is the vehicle plus whatever you are
