You probably know the basics. You know what 0-60 times mean. You know the cubic feet of cargo space and the highway MPG. You shop for specs like horsepower and torque. These are the numbers that get you into the dealer’s office.
But there is one number that gets ignored. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t show up in brochures. It’s the Gross Axle Weight Rating, or GAWR.
Ignore it at your own risk.
This isn’t about how fast you can go. It’s about whether you stay on the road. Every vehicle, from a compact sedan to a Class A motorhome, has a limit. The manufacturer sets a maximum weight for each axle. Front axle. Rear axle. Separate limits. You cannot exceed them.
The Difference Between GAW and GAWR
Confusion happens here. People mix up two terms that sound similar but mean very different things.
GAWR is the fixed limit. It’s set by the engineer who designed the suspension. It doesn’t change based on what you’re carrying. It is a hard ceiling.
GAW is the actual weight on the axle right now. This number fluctuates.
Think of it this way: GAWR is the speed limit. GAW is your actual speed. You can go 55, or you can go 65. The limit stays at 65.
Load a pickup truck with 400 pounds of boulders. Your GAW goes up by 400 pounds. Unload them. GAW drops by 400 pounds. The GAWR? It never moves. It sits there, indifferent to your cargo.
Why Overloading Breaks Things
Manufacturers don’t guess these numbers. They calculate them. They consider the vehicle’s curb weight. They add the weight of passengers. They include cargo. If you’re towing, they factor in trailer tongue weight. All of that sits on the axles.
Exceeding the limit is dangerous. It’s not just about tire blowouts. It’s about control.
Put too much weight on the rear axle of a car. You lose steering responsiveness. The front tires aren’t pulling their weight anymore. They’re light. They slip. Brakes become less effective because the front brakes usually do the heavy lifting. If the rear suspension gets overstressed, components bend. They break. You lose control.
Trailers are even worse. They have their own GAWR. Improper loading on a trailer is a leading cause of accidents. You need balance. You need to respect the numbers.
Where to Find Your GAWR
You don’t need to be a mechanic to find this. Look at your driver’s side door jamb. There’s a label there. It lists the Gross Axle Weight Rating for both front and rear axles.
If you can’t find the label, check the manufacturer’s website. Most brands publish these specs online.
The Data: Acura and Audi GAWR
If you drive a premium import, the limits are strict. Here is the data for Acura and Audi models from the late 2000s.
Acura GAWR
The Acura TSX and MDX show clear front/rear splits. The MDX is a heavier vehicle, hence the higher ratings.
| Year | Model | GAWR (Front/Rear) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | RL | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | RSX | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | TL | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | TSX | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | MDX | 2888 lbs / 3175 lbs |
| 2007 | RL | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | RDX | 2546 lbs / 2381 lbs |
| 2007 | TL | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | TSX | 2335 lbs / 2030 lbs |
| 2008 | MDX | 2888 lbs / 3175 lbs |
| 2008 | RL | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | RSX | 2546 lbs / 2381 lbs |
| 2008 | TL | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | TSX | 2335 lbs / 2030 lbs |
| 2009 | MDX | 2888 lbs / 3175 lbs |
| 2009 | RL | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | RSX | 2546 lbs / 2381 lbs |
| 2009 | TSX | 2325 lbs / 2090 lbs |
Related specs for Acura include Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), and towing capacity.
Audi GAWR
Audi’s lineup from this era shows less consistent data availability in public sources, but the R8 and Q7 are notable for their specific engineering.
| Year | Model | GAWR (Front/Rear) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A3 | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | A4 | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | A6 | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | A8 | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | S4 | Data not available in source |
| 2006 | TT | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | A3 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | A4 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | A6 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | A8 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | Q7 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | RS4 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | S4 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | S6 | Data not available in source |
| 2007 | S8 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | A3 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | A4 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | A5 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | A6 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | A8 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | Q7 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | R8 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | RS4 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | S4 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | S5 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | S6 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | S8 | Data not available in source |
| 2008 | TT | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | A3 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | A4 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | A5 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | A8 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | Q7 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | R8 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | S4 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | S5 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | S8 | Data not available in source |
| 2009 | TT | Data not available in source |
Related specs for Audi include GVWR, GCWR, and payload capacity.
Most manufacturers publish a full list. You can browse by make. 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.
Check the numbers. Load accordingly. Don’t let your tires fail because you didn’t read a label on a door frame.
BMW GAWR Limits
The German engineering in these chassis is stout. You need to know where the axles break. BMW lists Gross Axle Weight Rating for many sedans and coupes only in some model years.
2006 Models
The E46 M3 and E60 530 don’t have public GAWR data listed here. The heavy hitters are the M5 and M6. If you’re hauling aftermarket wheels and brakes, check your local DMV. The Z4M sits in the sports car bracket.
2007 Models
The E90 3-series and E60 5-series continue. The Alpina B7 is a sleeper. It weighs more than it looks. The Z4 (E85/E86) has a specific rating. Front: 2,767 lbs. Rear: 3,770 lbs. That rear axle handles the engine torque. The Z4M gets similar treatment.
2008 Models
The 1-series joins the party. 128 and 135 models. The E92 M3 returns. The X6 debuts. It’s a crossover coupe. It shares DNA with the X5. The Z4M persists.
2009 Models
The 550i drops from the list here. The M6 remains. The X5 and X6 are your main haulers.
“Know your axles before you tow. BMW specs vary wildly between the 3-series and the M5.”
More BMW Specs:
– BMW GVWR
– BMW GCWR
– BMW Cargo Carrying Capacity
– BMW Curb Weight
– BMW Payload
– BMW Towing Capacity
Buick GAWR Limits
GM’s premium brand isn’t just badging. The Rainier and Terraza had hard limits. The Enclave changed the game in 2008.
2006 Models
The Rainier shares a platform with the GMC Envoy. Front: 2,950 lbs. Rear: 3,200 lbs. The Terraza is a smaller crossover. Front: 1,148 lbs. Rear: 960 lbs. That rear limit is tight. Don’t overload the back. The LaCrosse and Lucerne have no data listed.
2007 Models
The Rainier holds. The Terraza is gone. The LaCrosse and Lucerne continue without listed GAWR.
2008 Models
The Enclave arrives. It’s built for comfort but has real load limits. Front: 3,197 lbs. Rear: 3,527 lbs. The LaCrosse and Lucerne are still bare of GAWR data.
2009 Models
The Enclave stays put. Same ratings. Front: 3,197 lbs. Rear: 3,527 lbs. The LaCrosse and Lucerne remain undefined in this dataset.
More Buick Specs:
– Buick GVWR
– Buick GCWR
– Buick Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Buick Curb Weight
– Buick Payload
– Buick Towing Capacity
Cadillac GAWR Limits
Luxury SUVs carry heavy loads. The Escalade line is the benchmark. The CTS and DTS sedans have specific ratings.
2006 Models
The CTS has a clear split. Front: 2,232 lbs. Rear: 2,379 lbs. The Escalade family dominates.
– Escalade: Front 3,350 lbs. Rear 4,000 lbs.
– Escalade ESV: Front 3,060 lbs. Rear 2,809 lbs.
– Escalade EXT: Front 3,800 lbs. Rear 4,000 lbs.
The STS-V and XLR-V are performance variants. No GAWR listed.
2007 Models
The CTS holds its ground. Front: 2,232 lbs. Rear: 2,379 lbs. The Escalade models lack specific GAWR data in this snapshot. The CTS-V remains undefined.
2008 Models
No data for CTS or Escalade variants. The STS-V and XLR-V are still missing figures.
2009 Models
The Escalade Hybrid joins the fleet. No GAWR listed. The CTS, DTS, and STS-V remain without specific axle ratings in this dataset.
More Cadillac Specs:
– Cadillac GVWR
– Cadillac GCWR
– Cadillac Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Cadillac Curb Weight
– Cadillac Payload
– Cadillac Towing Capacity
Chevrolet GAWR Limits
American steel. The Silverado lines show massive variation. The 3500 HD is a workhorse. The Traverse enters the mix in 2009.
2006 Models
The Silverado 3500 HD is the king. Rear axle: 8,550 lbs. Front: 4,670 lbs.
The Avalanche 2500 handles 5,500 lbs on the rear.
The Colorado is small. Front: 2,533 lbs. Rear: 2,896 lbs.
The Tahoe and Suburban 1500 share rear limits of 4,000 lbs.
The TrailBlazer EXT: Front 3,100 lbs. Rear 3,400 lbs.
2007 Models
The Silverado 3500 Classic rear axle hits 8,530 lbs.
The Tahoe gets a rear bump to 4,100 lbs.
The Avalanche 1500 rear jumps to 4,100 lbs.
The Colorado remains steady. Front: 2,533 lbs. Rear: 2,896 lbs.
2008 Models
The Tahoe Hybrid mirrors the gas version. Rear: 4,100 lbs.
The Silverado 2500 HD rear holds at 6,084 lbs.
The TrailBlazer drops slightly. Front: 2,950 lbs. Rear: 3,200 lbs.
2009 Models
The Colorado gets weird. Front: 5,000 lbs. Rear: 2,633 lbs. Check your configuration.
The Silverado 1500 front axle jumps to 6,800 lbs. That’s unusual for a half-ton.
The Silverado 2500 HD rear hits 4,200 lbs.
The Traverse enters. Front: 3,197 lbs. Rear: 3,527 lbs.
The TrailBlazer drops to 2,450 lbs front. 3,200 lbs rear.
More Chevrolet Specs:
– Chevrolet GVWR
– Chevrolet GCWR
– Chevrolet Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Chevrolet Curb Weight
– Chevrolet Payload
– Chevrolet Towing Capacity
Chrysler GAWR Limits
The 300C is a brick. It’s heavy. The Aspen is the Dodge-based SUV.
2006 Models
The 300 and 300C have no GAWR data. The PT Cruiser is light. No data. The Town & Country is a minivan. No data listed.
2007 Models
The Aspen arrives. Front: 3,100 lbs. Rear: 3,900 lbs. It shares bones with the Dodge Durango. The 300C remains undefined.
2008 Models
The Aspen holds. Front: 3,100 lbs. Rear: 3,900 lbs. The 300 and Pacifica have no ratings.
2009 Models
The Aspen Hybrid joins. Front: 3,600 lbs. Rear: 3,900 lbs. The hybrid system adds weight. The front axle handles the extra mass better here. The 300C is still a mystery.
More Chrysler Specs:
– Chrysler GVWR
– Chrysler GCWR
– Chrysler Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Chrysler Curb Weight
– Chrysler Payload
– Chrysler Towing Capacity
Dodge GAWR Limits
Ram trucks define the segment. The Sprinter vans are the real haulers. The Durango is a family mover.
2006 Models
The Ram 3500 is a beast. Rear: 9,350 lbs. Front: 4,110 lbs.
The Sprinter Van 3500 rear: 5,356 lbs.
The Dakota has a rear limit of 3,600 lbs. Front: 3,100 lbs.
The Ram 1500 is solid. Front: 3,700 lbs. Rear: 3,900 lbs.
2007 Models
The Sprinter Van 3500 rear jumps to 7,060 lbs. That’s a significant upgrade for cargo.
The Ram 2500 rear hits 6,000 lbs.
The Caliber enters. Front: 2,380 lbs. Rear: 2,200 lbs.
2008 Models
Ford Load Limits by Year
Ford’s lineup spans from heavy-duty workhorses to commuter sedans. The weight ratings tell the story of what each chassis can actually handle.
In 2006, the E-Series dominated the load charts. The E 150 sat at 3240 pounds up front and 3800 in the rear. Step up to the E 250 and you get 3550/5520. The E 350 Super Duty pushed further to 3700/6195. Smaller trucks told a different story. The Escape Hybrid topped its non-hybrid sibling with 2380 front and 2175 rear. The F-150 held steady at 3450/3800. The F-250 and F-350 were the real muscle, with the Super Duty rear axle hitting 7000 pounds on the F-350. Most sedans and coupes like the Focus, Mustang, and Taurus had no data listed.
2007 saw minor shifts. The E-Series remained unchanged. The Explorer dropped slightly to 2860/3340. The new Sport Trac added 3080/3320. The F-Series trucks held their ground. Again, the luxury and sport lines like the Five Hundred, Fusion, and Mustang showed no ratings.
2008 brought updates to the E-Series. The E 150’s front axle jumped to 3700, while the rear settled at 5120. The E 250 rear stayed at 5520. The E 350 Super Duty saw a slight dip to 3800/6084. The F-350’s rear axle dropped significantly to 6262 from the previous year’s 7000. The new F-450 appeared, offering serious capacity at 5600 front and 9500 rear.
2009 focused on the heavy end. The E-Series remained static from 2008. The E 350 Super Duty’s front axle increased to 4200. The F-150 got a bump to 3800 front and 6100 rear. The F-450 ratings seem inverted in some records (3800/6262), but the Super Duty lines remained the primary carriers of weight.
If you are modifying a Ford truck, check the specific axle. The GAWR limits are not suggestions. They are hard mechanical ceilings. Exceeding them leads to snapped leaf springs or bent control arms. It happens faster than you think.
GMC Weight Capacities
GMC’s ratings track closely with their Chevrolet counterparts, but the naming conventions can be tricky. The Sierra and Yukon lines are where the real numbers live.
2006 data shows the Canyon at 2533/2896. The Sierra 1500 started strong at 3150/3686. The heavy hitters were the Sierra 2500 and 3500. The 2500 hit 4410 front and 6084 rear. The 3500 went to 4800 front and 6500 rear. The Yukon sat at 3200/3750, while the XL version added capacity to 4000 in the back.
2007 introduced the Acadia. Its rating was 3197/3527. The Canyon stayed steady. The Sierra 1500 increased slightly to 3200/3750. The Sierra 2500 saw a front axle drop to 4200. The Sierra 3500 front axle also dropped to 4200, with a rear of 6390. The Yukon XL moved to 3300 front and 4200 rear.
2008 kept most numbers identical to 2007. The Yukon Hybrid joined the roster with the same 3200/4100 rating as the gas model. The Sierra 3500 rear axle held at 6390.
2009 brought a slight increase to the Canyon front axle, moving to 2633. The Sierra 3500 and Yukon lines remained stable. The Sierra Hybrid appeared with no data listed, likely due to weight distribution complexities in early hybrid truck designs.
GMC payloads vary wildly by trim. A base Sierra 1500 has a different capacity than a Denali with the heavy-duty package. Always check the door jamb sticker. The printed GAWR is the law. Ignore the sticker and you risk axle failure.
Honda Load Data
Honda tends to keep ratings conservative. They prioritize handling over raw payload. The numbers reflect that philosophy.
In 2006, the Ridgeline led with 309 front and 3252 rear. The Odyssey was heavier at 2833/3197. Most cars like the Accord, Civic, and CR-V had no listed GAWR. This usually means the manufacturer didn’t publish separate axle limits, assuming the vehicle’s design wouldn’t be pushed to the brink by standard users.
2007 saw the Civic get a rating: 2310 front and 2290 rear. The Element appeared with 2300/2205. The Pilot joined the list at 2865/3155. The Ridgeline’s front axle increased to 3105. The Odyssey remained at 2833/3197.
2008 kept these numbers static. The Civic, Element, Pilot, and Ridgeline all stayed the same. The S2000 remained unrated. Honda seemed content to let the suspension handle the load without publishing strict axle limits for the lighter cars.
2009 brought a shift for the Pilot. The front axle increased to 2921, with the rear at 3196. The Odyssey stayed at 2833/3197. Most sedans and compacts still showed no data.
Why does this matter? If you are carrying heavy cargo in a Pilot or Ridgeline, the rear axle is the weak link. The numbers are tight. Overloading the rear affects steering. It makes the front end light. That’s dangerous.
The Honda CR-V and Element have low front axles. Don’t put heavy items in the front footwell. Keep it in the back. It’s simple physics. The front suspension isn’t built for it.
Hummer Heavy Metal
Hummer didn’t do lightweight. Their ratings were brute force. The H2 and H1 Alpha were built for punishment.
2006 data lists the H1 Alpha at 4100 front and 6800 rear. The H2 sat at 4000/5000. The H3 had no rating. This is odd. The H3 is smaller, but the lack of data suggests either a very flexible suspension or missing documentation.
2007 and 2008 kept the H2 steady at 4000/5000. The H3 still showed no numbers.
2009 added the H3T. Again, no data. The H2 remained unchanged.
The H2’s 5000-pound rear axle is impressive for a vehicle of its size. But the front axle is only 4000. That’s a heavy front end for a relatively narrow track. It requires careful loading. Put too much in the bed and the steering becomes vague. The front tires lose grip.
Hummer owners often lift these trucks. A lift kit changes the geometry. It doesn’t change the GAWR. In fact, it makes exceeding the limit easier. The suspension articulates differently. The axle angles change. Stress concentrates on the U-joints. They break. Check the rating. Don’t assume the heavy-duty label means unlimited capacity.
Hyundai Ratings
Hyundai’s lineup in this era was growing. The ratings reflect a mix of passenger cars and early SUVs.
2006 had no listed GAWR for any model. This is rare. It suggests Hyundai didn’t publish the data for the North American market, or the vehicles weren’t intended for heavy modification.
2007 introduced the Santa Fe at 2976/3197. The Entourage showed up with 2998/3064. Most cars like the Accent, Elantra, and Tiburon remained unrated.
2008 kept the Santa Fe and Entourage ratings static. The Tucson
Jeep GAWR: Off-Roaders and SUVs
The Wrangler lineup keeps getting heavier, or maybe just more equipped. A 2006 Liberty sat at 2750 pounds up front and 3150 in the rear. Jump to 2007 and the Wrangler climbed to 2650/3400. That’s a significant swing in rear capacity. It stayed there for 2008, 2009. The Unlimited version of the Wrangler mirrored those specs exactly. The Commander, Compass, Patriot, and Grand Cherokee had no data listed in the source records. If you were towing a heavy trailer in a 2006 Grand Cherokee, you were flying blind on the paperwork.
“GAWR limits are not suggestions. They are legal and mechanical hard stops.”
Kia GAWR: Family Haulers
Kia was building solid crossovers. The 2006 Sorento handled 3307 pounds on both axles. Balanced. The Sedona minivan was similar, 2998 front, 3064 rear. The Sportage was lighter, sitting at 2579/2425. By 2007, the Rio dropped into the record with 1918/1874. Tiny car. Light axle. The Amanti, Optima, Spectra models had no numbers. The Borrego appeared in 2009 with no data. The Sorento and Sedona held their ground in 2007 and 2008. No changes there. The Rio kept its low GAWR numbers through 2008.
Land Rover GAWR: Luxury Tires
The Range Rover didn’t list GAWR in the early 2006-2008 records. None of them. LR3, Sport, classic Range. Blank. Then 2009. The LR2 finally showed up with 2885 front and 2995 rear. The rest of the Land Rover lineup remained silent on axle weights. If you had a 2009 LR2, you had the numbers. Otherwise, you were guessing based on curb weight and payload splits.
Lexus GAWR: Precision Engineering
Lexus didn’t publish GAWR for the ES, GS, IS, LS, SC, or RX models in this timeframe. None of them. The GX 470 and LX 470/570 also had no data. That’s odd for heavy SUVs. Usually, there’s a spec. The IS-F, LS 600h, GS 450h/460. All empty. It suggests the data wasn’t captured or required for those specific market segments in the same way.
Lincoln GAWR: American Bulk
Lincoln’s big trucks carried weight. The 2006 Mark LT sat at 3450 front, 3850 rear. The Navigator was heavier, 3300 front, 4128 rear. A massive rear axle. The 2007 Navigator bumped to 3350/4300. Still massive. The 2008 Mark LT held at 3450/3850. The Navigator stayed at 3350/4300. By 2009, the Navigator shifted to 3450/3850. The rest of the lineup—MKX, MKZ, Town Car, Zephyr, MKS—had no data. Just the two heavy hitters.
Mazda GAWR: Driver’s Cars
Mazda’s trucks and SUVs had varied specs. The B-Series trucks were consistent. B2300: 2400 front, 2750 rear. B3000: 2625/2750. B4000: 2850/2750. The Tribute had no data. The Mazda5 minivan in 2006 was 2218/2355. The Mazda6 was 2372 front, 2119 rear. Asymmetric. The Speed3 in 2007 was 2216/2064. The MX-5 in 2007 was 2449/2103. In 2008, the Mazda6 was 2216/2064. The 2009 Mazda6 shifted slightly to 2286/2062. The CX-7 and CX-9 had no data. The RX-8 and MX-5 (post-2007) had no data.
Mercedes-Benz GAWR: German Engineering
Mercedes didn’t list GAWR for any of their mainstream models. C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS. The G-Wagon, ML-Class, GL-Class. All blank. Even the SLR McLaren had no axle weight data listed. It’s possible these numbers were considered proprietary or simply not tracked in this specific dataset. If you owned a 2009 ML350 or GL450, you didn’t have the GAWR figures in this record.
Mercury GAWR: Ford’s Premium Badge
Mercury was essentially a Ford badge job. The Mountaineer, a rebadged Escape/Mariner hybrid SUV, listed 2860 front, 3340 rear in 2006. That’s it. The rest of the lineup—Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, Montego, Monterey, Sable—had no data. Just the Mountaineer carried the numbers. It makes sense. The Mountaineer was the heavy lifter. The sedans were light. The numbers probably weren’t deemed critical for the smaller cars in this context.
MINI GAWR: Small but Heavy
MINI was surprisingly specific. The 2007 Cooper Convertible was 1918 front, 1697 rear. The Hardtop was 1929 front, 1653 rear. Front heavy. Classic MINI bias. The 2008 Clubman balanced at 1830/1830. The Convertible and Hardtop kept their 2007 numbers. By 2009, the John Cooper Works Hardtop was 1918/1676. The JCW Clubman was 1929/1863. All MINI models in this range had data. They cared about the numbers. Small car, high stress on the front strut towers. The front GAWR is consistently higher than the rear.
Toyota GAWR Data
Let’s look at the numbers for Toyota. They don’t dump specs for every single trim every year. You have to dig.
In 2006, the Land Cruiser carried 3595 lbs on the front axle and 4220 lbs on the rear. The RAV4 was lighter on its pins, sitting at 2535 front and 2435 rear.
By 2007, the RAV4’s rear axle got a serious upgrade. It jumped to 4730 lbs. The front stayed at 4430. Meanwhile, the Tundra started strong with 3900 front and 3800 rear.
2008 saw the RAV4 drop back to its previous 2535/2435 split. The Land Cruiser data went dark.
2009 brought the Venza into the mix, but again, no GAWR listed. The RAV4 held steady at 2535 front and 2435 rear.
Pro Tip: If you’re towing with a Land Cruiser, check the rear axle rating. That 4220 lb capacity is where the weight lives.
Suzuki GAWR Breakdown
Suzuki isn’t what it used to be. But when they were building cars, they had specific limits.
The XL7 was a workhorse. In 2006, it handled 2205 lbs up front and 2866 lbs in the back.
The Aerio and Forenza were lighter. Both sat around 1918 lbs on the front axle. The rear varied. Aerio took 1940 lbs. Forenza took 1764 lbs.
2007 introduced the SX4. Front axle: 2050 lbs. Rear: 1786 lbs. The XL7 got stronger too, moving to 2590 front and 2921 rear.
2008 dropped the SX4 and Aerio. The XL7 stayed at 2590/2921.
2009 saw the Equator arrive, but no specs. The XL7 data vanished.
Subaru GAWR Specs
Subaru is known for AWD. That means weight distribution matters.
In 2006, they listed Imprezas. Sedans. Wagons. Outback Sports. WRX STIs. Legacy sedans and wagons. Foresters. Tribecas. Bajias. No numbers.
2007 cut the list. No Baja. No WRX STI. Just the core models. Still no numbers.
2008 kept the list similar. WRX STI returned. Tribeca was renamed from B9 Tribeca. Still blank.
2009 followed suit. Forester. Legacy. Outback. Tribeca. All blank.
Why no numbers? Subaru often lists payload capacity rather than GAWR in general spec sheets. If you need exact axle limits for a suspension upgrade, you might need a dealer manual or a scale check.
smart GAWR
The smart fortwo entered the US market in 2008. It’s tiny.
No GAWR data is publicly available for the 2008 model in these general tables.
Note: The car weighs roughly 1,800 lbs empty. Split that evenly, you’re looking at sub-1,000 lb axles. Don’t overload it.
Scion GAWR Limits
Scion was Toyota’s youth division. The cars were basically Toyotas with different badges.
tC: No GAWR listed.
xA / xB: 2006 models had no data. 2007 only listed the tC. 2008 added xB and xD. 2009 kept tC, xB, xD.
No numbers.
Reality Check: Scion didn’t publish GAWR data for most of its run. Use Toyota equivalents for the same platform (Corolla matrix, etc.) if you need hard numbers for heavy-duty setups.
Saturn GAWR Data
Saturn is gone. But the data exists for the end of the line.
The Outlook was the big one. It shared a platform with the GMC Acadia.
From 2007 through 2009, the Outlook carried 3197 lbs on the front axle and 3527 lbs on the rear.
The Aura, VUE, Sky, Ion, Relay, Astra… no numbers.
Gearhead Note: The Outlook’s rear axle rating is decent for a crossover. If you’re towing, stick to that 3527 lb limit. Don’t push it.
Saab GAWR Specs
Saab is another ghost brand. But in 2008 and 2009, they gave us numbers for the 9-7X.
That’s the GMC Envoy rebadged. It makes sense.
2008: 2950 front / 3400 rear.
2009: 2950 front / 3400 rear.
The 9-3 and 9-5 had no data listed.
Context: The 9-7X was a heavy truck under the skin. That 3400 lb rear axle rating reflects its GM heritage. If you’re restoring one, keep that in mind when upgrading shocks or springs.
Porsche GAWR
Porsche doesn’t always list GAWR in general consumer tables. They focus on performance metrics.
2006: Cayenne. No data.
2008: 911. Boxter. Cayenne. Cayman. All blank.
2009: 911 Carrera. Boxter. Cayenne. Cayman. All blank.
Takeaway: Porsche owners usually rely on payload capacity and tire ratings (Load Index) rather than hard GAWR numbers for daily decisions. If you’re track-building a Cayman, check the tire sidewall. That’s your real limit.
Pontiac GAWR
Pontiac is dead. But the data from 2006-2009 is still out there.
The Torrent was the consistent one. It carried 2535 lbs front and 2535 lbs rear. Symmetrical. Simple.
The Grand Prix had data in 2007: 62/38? That looks like a typo or a percentage split error in the source. It’s likely meant to be a weight distribution or a specific trim limit, but without a total GVWR, it’s confusing. Assume it’s not a standard GAWR figure.
Other models: G5, G6, GTO, Solstice, Vibe, G8. All blank.
Caution: If you’re modifying a Torrent, know that it shares a platform with the Buick Enclave. The axle ratings are identical.
Nissan GAWR
Nissan has a messy data history. Some models, some years.
Altima (2006): 2399 front / 1991 rear. Asymmetrical.
Frontier (2007-2009): 3296 front / 3197 rear. Almost symmetrical.
Titan (2007): 3300 front / 3800 rear. Heavy rear axle.
Most other Nissans (350Z, Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Xterra) have no data.
2008 and 2009 kept the Frontier and Titan gaps. The Altima data disappeared after 2006.
Why the asymmetry? The Altima’s front-heavy engine bay and steering components likely load the front axle more. The Titan’s rear axle is stronger to handle payloads and towing.
Mitsubishi GAWR
Mitsubishi is quiet on specs.
The Raider is the only model with consistent data from 2006 to 2009.
Raider (2006-2009): 3100 front / 3600 rear.
That’s a Dodge Raider rebadged. It shares its chassis with the Dodge Ram. The ratings match.
Other models: Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, Outlander. All blank.
Bottom Line: If you need Mitsubishi GAWR data, look up the Dodge equivalent. The Raider is the key. For the Eclipse or Lancer, you’re on your own.
Volkswagen Data Gaps and Volvo Axle Limits
The Volkswagen section tells a story of incomplete data. For the 2006 through 2009 model years, the list is full of holes.
Golf? No number.
GTI? Blank.
Jetta? Nothing.
The Beetle convertible and coupe? Same story. The Passat sedan, wagon, and even the high-end Phaeton are all marked with a dash. The Rabbit, Touareg, Eos, GLI, R32, Routan, and Tiguan all lack specific Gross Axle Weight Rating figures in this dataset.
It’s frustrating for anyone looking to tow a trailer or modify a suspension. You need those numbers to know your limits. But here, they’re just missing.
“The absence of data for most VW models leaves enthusiasts guessing at safe loading limits.”
There is one exception for Volvo, where the data actually exists.
Volvo’s Axle Weight Breakdown
Volvo didn’t leave us hanging for every single car. In 2006, the S80 showed a front/rear split of 2230/2290. The XC90 was rated higher at 2820/3150.
The 2007 model year kept the XC90 at 2820/3150. Most other models—C70, S40, S60, V50, V70, XC70—still had no data listed.
By 2008, the picture changed. The V70 dropped to 2690/2513. The XC70 settled at 2800/2646. The XC90 remained consistent at 2820/3150. The C30, C70, S40, S60, and S80 were still unlisted.
2009 held steady.
The V70 stayed at 2690/2513.
The XC70 stayed at 2800/2646.
The XC90 stayed at 2820/3150.
All other Volvo models from these years had no GAWR data provided.
Why These Numbers Matter
Knowing your Gross Axle Weight Rating isn’t just paperwork. It’s safety.
Exceeding the front or rear GAWR can cause suspension failure. It affects braking. It ruins handling. If you’re towing, you’re pushing those limits every time you hit the highway.
The links below help explain the bigger picture.
- 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
More resources:
– Ford Motor Company
– New Car Buying Guide
– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Sources:
– Autopedia. “TISC Vehicle Weighing Procedures.” (Sept. 25, 2008)
– Carlist.com. “Automotive Glossary: Gross Axle Weight Rating.” (Sept. 25, 2008)
– Ford Motor Company. “Ford Vehicles: Help – Glossary.” (Sept. 25, 2008)
– Motor Era: Automobile History. “Dictionary of Automotive Terms: Gr.” (Sept. 25, 2008)
– New Car Buying Guide. “Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).” (Sept. 25, 2008)
– U.S. Department of Transportation – NHTSA. “Towing A Trailer, Being Equipped for Safety: If You Already Have a Tow Vehicle.” (April 2002).
