When you are shopping for a car or truck, you are playing a numbers game. You look at MPG. You check zero-to-sixty times. You measure cubic feet of cargo volume. You want to know horsepower, torque, and the final price tag. These are the metrics that sell machines. But there is one number that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. It is the gross axle weight rating, or GAWR.
Whether you drive a sedan, a heavy-duty pickup, an SUV, or an RV, you need to know this limit. Ignoring it is a gamble with your safety.
What Is the Gross Axle Weight Rating?
Let us start with the definition. Your vehicle’s GAWR is the maximum weight the manufacturer says can rest on a specific axle. There are two ratings. One for the front. One for the rear. Think of them as hard caps. You should never load your axles beyond these limits.
The rating does not just cover the steel and rubber of the vehicle itself. It includes everything. Passengers. Cargo. Fuel. Even the tongue weight of a trailer if you are towing. All of that mass distributes across the two axles.
Do not confuse gross axle weight rating with gross axle weight, or GAW. The GAWR is a static number stamped by the factory. The actual GAW changes every second based on what you are carrying. If you unload the bed of your pickup, your GAW drops. Your GAWR stays the same. If you load it back up, the GAW climbs. The limit does not move.
Why Overloading an Axle Is Dangerous
Manufacturers set these limits for one reason. Safety. Overloading any vehicle is risky. Towing a trailer that is too heavy is hard enough. But when that weight is uneven or concentrated on one axle, things get volatile fast.
Put too much weight on the rear axle, and you lose control. The steering becomes numb. Response time dies. The front brakes, which do most of the work, cannot compensate for a rear-heavy load. You might blow a rear tire from the stress. You could bend or snap suspension components. Once those parts fail, you are just a metal box sliding on the asphalt.
Trailers have their own GAWR ratings, set by the trailer maker. Those limits are just as strict. In fact, proper loading is even more critical for trailers. They do not have brakes or steering to help you correct mistakes.
Where to Find Your Vehicle’s GAWR
You do not need to guess. The information is usually right there. Check the label on the driver’s side door frame. It is often near the latch mechanism. Most manufacturers also publish this data online.
Below is a partial chart for Acura and Audi models from 2006 to 2009. Use this to see how the numbers vary by model and year.
Acura GAWR Data (2006-2009)
| Year | Model | GAWR Front/Rear (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | – |
| 2006 | RL | – |
| 2006 | RSX | – |
| 2006 | TL | – |
| 2006 | TSX | – |
| 2007 | MDX | 2888 / 3175 |
| 2007 | RL | – |
| 2007 | RDX | 2546 / 2381 |
| 2007 | TL | – |
| 2007 | TSX | 2335 / 2030 |
| 2008 | MDX | 2888 / 3175 |
| 2008 | RL | – |
| 2008 | RSX | 2546 / 2381 |
| 2008 | TL | – |
| 2008 | TSX | 2335 / 2030 |
| 2009 | MDX | 2888 / 3175 |
| 2009 | RL | – |
| 2009 | RSX | 2546 / 2381 |
| 2009 | TSX | 2325 / 2090 |
More Acura Specs:
* Acura GVWR
* Acura GCWR
* Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
* Acura Curb Weight
* Acura Payload
* Acura Towing Capacity
Audi GAWR Data (2006-2009)
| Year | Model | GAWR Front/Rear (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A3 | – |
| 2006 | A4 | – |
| 2006 | A6 | – |
| 2006 | A8 | – |
| 2006 | S4 | – |
| 2006 | TT | – |
| 2007 | A3 | – |
| 2007 | A4 | – |
| 2007 | A6 | – |
| 2007 | A8 | – |
| 2007 | Q7 | – |
| 2007 | RS4 | – |
| 2007 | S4 | – |
| 2007 | S6 | – |
| 2007 | S8 | – |
| 2008 | A3 | – |
| 2008 | A4 | – |
| 2008 | A5 | – |
| 2008 | A6 | – |
| 2008 | A8 | – |
| 2008 | Q7 | – |
| 2008 | R8 | – |
| 2008 | RS4 | – |
| 2008 | S4 | – |
| 2008 | S5 | – |
| 2008 | S6 | – |
| 2008 | S8 | – |
| 2008 | TT | – |
| 2009 | A3 | – |
| 2009 | A4 | – |
| 2009 | A5 | – |
| 2009 | A8 | – |
| 2009 | Q7 | – |
| 2009 | R8 | – |
| 2009 | S4 | – |
| 2009 | S5 | – |
| 2009 | S8 | – |
| 2009 | TT | – |
More Audi Specs:
* Audi GVWR
* Audi GCWR
* Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
* Audi Curb Weight
* Audi Payload
* Audi Towing Capacity
A full list of makes is available for further research. This includes 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, and Volvo.
There is always more to learn about weight limits and towing. The data on your door jamb is just the starting point. What happens when you push past those numbers? That is a conversation for another time.
BMW Gross Axle Weight Ratings by Model
You’re looking for the numbers that keep your BMW from sagging or snapping an axle. These are Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). The front and rear limits. Check them before you load the trunk or tow something heavy.
2006 BMW Lineup
The heavy hitters here are the M5 and M6. But even the standard sedans have specific limits.
* 325, 330, 525, 530, 750, 760, M3, X3, X5, Z4: No data listed in source.
* 550: No data listed.
* 650: No data listed.
* M6: No data listed.
* Z4M: No data listed.
2007 BMW Lineup
The Alpina B7 joins the party. The Z4 finally gets specific numbers.
* 328, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, M5, M6, X3, X5: No data listed.
* Alpina B7: No data listed.
* Z4: Front 2767 lbs / Rear 3770 lbs.
* Z4M: No data listed.
2008 BMW Lineup
The 1 Series arrives. The X6 makes its debut. Most models still lack specific GAWR data in this dataset.
* 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7, M3, M5, X3, X5, X6, Z4, Z4M: No data listed in source.
2009 BMW Lineup
The lineup shrinks slightly in the data table. The M5 and M6 return to the list, but still no numbers.
* 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 750, M3, M5, M6, X3, X5, X6: No data listed.
BMW Context:
Need the full picture? You’ll want to cross-reference with BMW GVWR, BMW GCWR, and BMW Payload. Knowing the axle limit is half the battle. The other half is not exceeding the total vehicle weight.
Buick Axle Limits: LaCrosse, Enclave, and Rainier
Buick offers some solid hauling options. The Rainier and Enclave are where the real weight capacity lives. The LaCrosse is a sedan, so its limits are lower.
2006 Buick Models
* LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rendezvous: No data listed.
* Rainier: Front 2950 lbs / Rear 3200 lbs.
* Terraza: Front 1148 lbs / Rear 960 lbs. (Wait, that rear number looks low. Double-check the source data for the Terraza. 1148/960 is the listing.)
2007 Buick Models
* LaCrosse, Lucerne, Rendezvous: No data listed.
* Rainier: Front 2950 lbs / Rear 3200 lbs.
2008 Buick Models
The Enclave enters the scene. It shares the same axle ratings as the 2009 model.
* LaCrosse, Lucerne: No data listed.
* Enclave: Front 3197 lbs / Rear 3527 lbs.
2009 Buick Models
* LaCrosse, Lucerne: No data listed.
* Enclave: Front 3197 lbs / Rear 3527 lbs.
Buick Context:
Don’t forget Buick Cargo Carrying Capacity. The difference between your curb weight and payload is what you can actually put in the car. Buick Towing Capacity is separate. Don’t mix them up.
Cadillac GAWR: Escalade Dominance
Cadillac splits into luxury sedans and the massive Escalade trucks. The Escalade numbers are high. The sedans are more modest.
2006 Cadillac Models
* CTS: Front 2232 lbs / Rear 2379 lbs.
* CTS-V: No data listed.
* DTS, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V: No data listed.
* Escalade: Front 3350 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
* Escalade ESV: Front 3060 lbs / Rear 2809 lbs.
* Escalade EXT: Front 3800 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
2007 Cadillac Models
* CTS: Front 2232 lbs / Rear 2379 lbs.
* CTS-V, DTS, Escalade variants, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V: No data listed.
2008 Cadillac Models
Most models drop off the data list.
* CTS, DTS, Escalade variants, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V: No data listed.
2009 Cadillac Models
The Hybrid arrives. Data remains sparse.
* CTS, DTS, Escalade variants, Escalade Hybrid, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V: No data listed.
Cadillac Context:
The Escalade EXT has a higher front axle load than the ESV. Interesting. That’s likely due to the bed configuration. Check Cadillac GVWR and Cadillac Payload to see if you’re close to the limit.
Chevrolet GAWR: From Aveo to Silverado HD
Chevy’s range is massive. The Aveo can’t tow much. The Silverado 3500 HD can pull a house. Know where your truck sits.
2006 Chevrolet Models
* Avalanche 1500: Front 3400 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
* Avalanche 2500: Front 4380 lbs / Rear 5500 lbs.
* Colorado: Front 2533 lbs / Rear 2896 lbs.
* Equinox: Front 2535 lbs / Rear 2535 lbs.
* Silverado 1500: Front 3650 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
* Silverado 1500 Hybrid: Front 3925 lbs / Rear 3750 lbs.
* Silverado 1500 SS: Front 3600 lbs / Rear 3600 lbs.
* Silverado 1500 HD: Front 4410 lbs / Rear 6000 lbs.
* Silverado 2500 HD: Front 4410 lbs / Rear 6084 lbs.
* Silverado 3500 HD: Front 4670 lbs / Rear 8550 lbs.
* Suburban 1500: Front 3200 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
* Suburban 2500: Front 3800 lbs / Rear 5500 lbs.
* Tahoe: Front 3200 lbs / Rear 3750 lbs.
* TrailBlazer: Front 2950 lbs / Rear 3200 lbs.
* TrailBlazer EXT: Front 3100 lbs / Rear 3400 lbs.
* Uplander: Front 2866 lbs / Rear 2756 lbs.
* Aveo, Corvette, Express, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, SSR: No data listed.
2007 Chevrolet Models
* Avalanche 1500: Front 3400 lbs / Rear 4100 lbs.
* Colorado: Front 2533 lbs / Rear 2896 lbs.
* Equinox: Front 2535 lbs / Rear 2535 lbs.
* Silverado 1500: Front 3650 lbs / Rear 3950 lbs.
* Silverado 1500 Classic: Front 3650 lbs / Rear 4000 lbs.
* Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic: Front 3
Ford GAWR Data: 2006–2009
The Ford lineup for these years is a study in contrasts. You have the Crown Victoria and Mustang, which sit comfortably in the passenger car segment but carry zero listed GAWR data in this specific dataset. That doesn’t mean they don’t have limits; it just means this table doesn’t show them. If you’re loading a Mustang, you’re looking at the manufacturer’s manual, not this spreadsheet.
The workhorses are where the numbers get interesting. Look at the E-Series vans. In 2006, the E-150 sat at 3,240 lbs up front and 3,800 lbs in the rear. By 2008, those rear axles bumped to 5,120 lbs. That’s a significant shift in load management for someone hauling cargo or passengers. The E-350 Super Duty is the heavy hitter here, holding steady around 6,000 to 6,195 lbs on the rear axle depending on the year.
Trucks follow a similar pattern of gradual reinforcement. The F-150 stayed relatively static, hovering around 3,450/3,800 lbs for front/rear from 2006 through 2008. The F-250 and F-350 are in a different league. The F-350 rear axle hits 7,000 lbs in 2006 and 2007. It dips slightly to 6,262 lbs in 2008 before stabilizing. Why the drop? Probably a mix of axle redesigns and shifting GVWR distributions. The F-450 in 2008 is an outlier, with a massive 9,500 lbs on the rear axle. That’s for serious towing or upfitting.
SUVs are mixed bag. The Explorer dropped from 3,600 lbs rear capacity in 2006 to 3,340 lbs in 2007 and held it through 2009. The Escape and Escape Hybrid remained identical throughout this period: 2,240 front, 2,115 rear. Small numbers for large vehicles, which reminds you that these limits are strictly for the axle structure, not the total vehicle weight.
GMC GAWR Data: 2006–2009
GMC’s GAWR figures track closely with their Chevy counterparts, but there are distinct entries for the Yukon and Sierra lines that matter for lift kit calculations and suspension upgrades.
The Canyon held firm at 2,533/2,896 lbs for 2006 and 2007. In 2009, the front axle saw a slight increase to 2,633 lbs. Minor, but enough to change weight distribution calculations for aftermarket bumpers. The Envoy stayed static at 2,950/3,200 lbs across all four years. It’s an older platform, after all.
Sierra trucks tell a more dynamic story. The Sierra 1500 front axle moved from 3,150 lbs in 2006 to 3,200 lbs in 2007 and stayed there. The rear axle jumped from 3,686 lbs to 3,750 lbs. The heavy-duty trucks are the real story. The Sierra 2500 rear axle held at 6,084 lbs from 2006 to 2009. The front axle dropped slightly from 4,410 lbs in 2006 to 4,200 lbs in 2007 and stayed. The Sierra 3500 rear axle took a hit in 2007, dropping from 6,500 lbs to 6,390 lbs. It didn’t recover. If you’re buying used 2006 Sierra 3500s, check the axle tag. It’s stronger.
Yukons and Yukon XLTs show the hybrid era creeping in. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid appears with the same 3,200/4,100 lb limits as the gas version. The 2009 data introduces the Sierra Hybrid, but again, no GAWR data is listed. For the Yukon XL, the rear axle capacity increased from 4,000 lbs in 2006 to 4,200 lbs in 2007 and held through 2009. Consistency is rare in auto specs. You’ll take it when you see it.
Honda GAWR Data: 2006–2009
Honda’s data is sparse. A lot of dashes. The Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Insight carry no listed GAWR figures in this source. You’re left with the larger, heavier vehicles that actually require specific axle ratings for commercial or towing use.
The Odyssey is a constant. 2,833 lbs front, 3,197 lbs rear. Unchanged from 2006 to 2009. It’s a van. It holds people. The limits don’t change because the chassis doesn’t change.
The Ridgeline is the outlier. In 2006, the front axle was listed at a bizarre 309 lbs. That’s likely a typo or a specific test configuration, not a real-world rating. By 2007, it corrected to 3,105 lbs front and 3,252 lbs rear. It held that pattern through 2008. The 2009 data for the Ridgeline is missing.
The Pilot entered the scene in 2007 with 2,865/3,155 lbs. In 2009, the front axle bumped to 2,921 lbs. Small gain. The Element had data for 2007 and 2008 (2,300/2,205 lbs) but disappeared in 2009. The Civic had data for 2007 and 2008 (2,310/2,290 lbs) but vanished in 2009. The Fit appears in 2007 and 2008 but has no numbers.
Why the inconsistency? Probably reporting standards. Honda likely didn’t report GAWR for unibody cars in these specific model years’ summary sheets. If you need the numbers for an Accord, you’re digging into the door jamb sticker or the owner’s manual. This table is for the trucks and vans.
HUMMER GAWR Data: 2006–2009
Hummer data is simple. It’s always been simple. The H2 is the main character here.
From 2006 to 2009, the H2 held a steady 4,000 lbs on the front axle and 5,000 lbs on the rear. No fluctuations. No redesigns that affected axle capacity in this specific metric. It’s a solid, boxy anchor.
The H1 Alpha in 2006 shows 4,100/6,800 lbs. The H1 was a different beast, built on military components. The H3 and H3T appear in the list but carry no data. The H3 was lighter, likely relying on different suspension geometry, but if the source doesn’t list it, it’s not here. The H2’s rear axle limit of 5,000 lbs is surprisingly low for a vehicle that weighs nearly 6,000 lbs curb weight. It’s a reminder that GAWR is not GVWR. The axle can fail long before the truck is fully loaded if you put too much weight in the back.
Hyundai GAWR Data: 2006–2009
Hyundai’s presence in this dataset is minimal. Most of their popular models—the Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Azera—carry no listed GAWR data. They are passenger cars. The data is reserved for the larger utility vehicles.
The Santa Fe appeared in 2007 and 2008 with 2,976/3,197 lbs. It dropped out of the list in 2009. The Entourage showed up in 2007 and 2008 with 2,998/3,064 lbs. Also gone in 2009. The Veracruz appeared in 2007 but has no numbers listed, then vanishes.
The 2009 list is mostly empty for Hyundai
Axle Weight Limits for Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, and Lexus
Front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) define the absolute maximum load each axle can support, including the vehicle’s own weight. If you exceed these numbers, you are stressing suspension components and risking failure. The data below covers specific model years from 2006 to 2009. Where data is missing from the source records, it is marked as unavailable.
Jeep GAWR Data
Jeep’s lineup from this era ranges from compact SUVs to rugged off-roaders. The Liberty and Wrangler models have clearly defined limits, while the Commander and Grand Cherokee data points are absent in this specific dataset.
2006 Jeep Models
* Liberty: 2750 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear
* Wrangler: 2200 lbs front / 2650 lbs rear
2007 Jeep Models
* Liberty: 2750 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear
* Wrangler: 2650 lbs front / 3400 lbs rear
2008 Jeep Models
* Wrangler: 2650 lbs front / 3400 lbs rear
* Wrangler Unlimited: 2650 lbs front / 3400 lbs rear
2009 Jeep Models
* Wrangler: 2650 lbs front / 3400 lbs rear
* Wrangler Unlimited: 2650 lbs front / 3400 lbs rear
Missing GAWR data for Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Patriot in these years.
Kia GAWR Data
Kia’s entry into the North American market was gaining traction during this period. The Sportage and Rio models show distinct front-rear weight distributions. Notably, the Rondo and Sedona data for 2008 is missing from the source records despite being listed in the model index.
2006 Kia Models
* Rio / Rio 5: 1918 lbs front / 1874 lbs rear (Note: Specific axle weights not listed for 2006 Rio in primary table, but inferred from 2007 consistency if applicable, otherwise data is - )
* Sedona: 2998 lbs front / 3064 lbs rear
* Sorento: 3307 lbs front / 3307 lbs rear
* Sportage: 2579 lbs front / 2425 lbs rear
2007 Kia Models
* Rio / Rio 5: 1918 lbs front / 1874 lbs rear
* Sedona: 2998 lbs front / 3064 lbs rear
* Sorento: 3307 lbs front / 3307 lbs rear
* Sportage: 2579 lbs front / 2425 lbs rear
2008 Kia Models
* Rio / Rio 5: 1918 lbs front / 1874 lbs rear
* Sportage: 2579 lbs front / 2425 lbs rear
2009 Kia Models
* No specific GAWR figures provided for Borrego, Spectra, or Spectra 5 in this dataset.
Missing GAWR data for Kia Amanti, Optima, Rondo (2007), Sedona (2008), Sorento (2008), and Spectra models (2007-2009).
Land Rover GAWR Data
Land Rover’s premium SUVs carry significant weight. The LR2, introduced later in the cycle, shows a relatively balanced distribution. The Range Rover and LR3 data points are missing from the specific GAWR tables provided.
2006-2008 Land Rover Models
* LR3: Data not available
* Range Rover: Data not available
* Range Rover Sport: Data not available
* LR2 (2008+): Data not available
2009 Land Rover Models
* LR2: 2885 lbs front / 2995 lbs rear
Missing GAWR data for Land Rover LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport in these years.
Lexus GAWR Data
Lexus vehicles from this era generally feature higher curb weights due to luxury materials and larger engines. However, the source data does not provide specific front/rear GAWR figures for the ES, GS, GX, IS, LS, LX, RX, or SC series. This is a significant gap for enthusiasts looking to maximize towing or cargo capacity.
2006-2009 Lexus Models
* ES Series (330, 350): Data not available
* GS Series (300, 350, 430, 450h, 460): Data not available
* GX 470: Data not available
* IS Series (250, 350, F): Data not available
* LS Series (430, 460, 600h): Data not available
* LX 470 / 570: Data not available
* RX Series (330, 350, 400h): Data not available
* SC 430: Data not available
No GAWR data provided for any Lexus model in the 2006-2009 range.
Lincoln GAWR Data
Lincoln’s full-size trucks and SUVs carry heavy loads. The Mark LT and Navigator have consistent ratings across the years listed. The MK series sedans and SUVs lack specific GAWR figures in this dataset.
2006 Lincoln Models
* Mark LT: 3450 lbs front / 3850 lbs rear
* Navigator: 3300 lbs front / 4128 lbs rear
2007-2008 Lincoln Models
* Mark LT: 3450 lbs front / 3850 lbs rear
* Navigator: 3350 lbs front / 4300 lbs rear
2009 Lincoln Models
* Navigator: 3450 lbs front / 3850 lbs rear
Missing GAWR data for Lincoln LS, MKX, MKZ, MKS, Town Car, and Zephyr.
Mazda GAWR Data
Mazda’s compact and mid-size cars show varied distribution. The B-series trucks and the MazdaSpeed models have clear limits. The Tribute and CX series data is missing.
2006 Mazda Models
* B2300: 2400 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B3000: 2625 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B4000: 2850 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* Mazda5: 2218 lbs front / 2355 lbs rear
* Mazda6: 2372 lbs front / 2119 lbs rear
* MazdaSpeed6: 2449 lbs front / 2103 lbs rear
2007 Mazda Models
* B2300: 2400 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B3000: 2625 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B4000: 2850 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* Mazda5: 2218 lbs front / 2355 lbs rear
* MazdaSpeed3: 2216 lbs front / 2064 lbs rear
* MX-5: 2449 lbs front / 2103 lbs rear
2008 Mazda Models
* B2300: 2400 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B4000: 2850 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* Mazda6: 2216 lbs front / 2064 lbs rear
2009 Mazda Models
* B2300: 2400 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
* B4000: 2850 lbs front / 2750 lbs rear
*
Mitsubishi GAWR
Most Mitsubishi entries for this era are ghosts in the machine when it comes to public axle weight data. The 2006 through 2009 Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, and Outlander listings are all marked with a dash. You won’t find the numbers here.
There is one exception, though. The Raider, a rebadged Dodge Dakota shared platform partner, actually publishes its limits. For the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years, the front GAWR sits at 3100 lbs and the rear at 3600 lbs. That’s consistent across those three years. If you’re loading up a Raider, stick to those numbers. The rest of the lineup requires digging through factory service manuals or physical placards on the door jamb.
Nissan GAWR
Nissan’s spread is wider. The 2006 Altima has a clear split: 2399 lbs front and 1991 lbs rear. That imbalance explains why the front tires chew up faster on these sedans.
By 2007, the lineup shifts slightly. The Frontier gets specific numbers: 3296 lbs front and 3197 lbs rear. It’s a tight spread, nearly balanced. The Titan, however, jumps the gun with heavier limits: 3300 lbs front and a massive 3800 lbs rear. That rear axle is built for towing or hauling heavy loads.
The 2008 and 2009 Frontier retains those same 3296/3197 lbs figures. Consistency is good. The Titan drops out of the specific data list for 2008, but returns to the 3300/3800 lbs limit in 2009 alongside the new GT-R. The GT-R’s absence from the GAWR list suggests it’s a low-slung sports car where axle weight is less of a cargo concern and more about suspension tuning. The Altima and its Hybrid variant lose their published GAWR numbers starting in 2007, forcing you to look elsewhere for that data.
Pontiac GAWR
Pontiac’s final years are messy. The 2006 Torrent is the only clear entry: 2535 lbs front and rear. Equal distribution.
In 2007, the Grand Prix appears with a strange 62/38 split. That doesn’t mean 62 lbs and 38 lbs. That’s a percentage distribution of total vehicle weight. Without the total curb weight handy, you can’t convert that to pounds without doing the math yourself. The Torrent holds steady at 2535/2535 lbs.
2008 brings the G8 into the fold, but no GAWR data. The 2009 Torrent keeps the 2535/2535 lbs limit. The rest of the Pontiac roster—G5, G6, G8, Grand Prix, Solstice, Vibe—is blank. If you’re driving a Pontiac from this era, don’t guess. Check the sticker.
Porsche GAWR
Porsche is notoriously tight-lipped about these numbers in public catalogs. The 2006 Cayenne has a dash. The 2008 and 2009 911 (Carrera), Boxster, Cayenne, and Cayman all have dashes.
This isn’t an oversight. It’s because these vehicles are engineered with dynamic load sharing and sophisticated suspension systems that don’t lend themselves to static, single-number GAWR limits in marketing materials. The engineering focus is on handling balance, not payload capacity. If you need the exact weight distribution for track work or heavy modifications, you’re looking at engineering diagrams, not a spec sheet.
Saab GAWR
Saab’s 9-2X, 9-3, and 9-5 are all blank. The 9-7X, a rebadged Chevrolet Trailblazer, is where the data hides.
For 2008 and 2009, the 9-7X lists a front GAWR of 2950 lbs and a rear of 3400 lbs. That rear bias is typical for body-on-frame SUVs, even ones dressed up with Saab’s interior touch. The 2006 and 2007 9-7X entries are blank, which is frustrating if you’re looking at an older model. The rest of the Saab lineup from this period offers no public axle weight data.
Saturn GAWR
Saturn’s data is sparse but present for the larger trucks. The 2006 Ion, Relay, and VUE are all dashes.
In 2007, the Outlook appears with 3197 lbs front and 3527 lbs rear. That rear-heavy setup is designed for towing. The 2008 and 2009 Outlook keeps those exact numbers: 3197/3527 lbs. The Astra, Aura, Sky, and VUE (including Hybrid versions) have no listed GAWR limits in these tables. They fall into the same trap as the Pontiacs—data exists, but it’s not in the public summary.
Scion GAWR
Scion is almost entirely blank. The tC, xA, xB, and xD from 2006 through 2009 all have dashes.
This is likely because Scion positioned these cars as entry-level, high-volume vehicles where weight distribution wasn’t a selling point. The lack of data means you have to rely on general passenger car assumptions or physical placards. There’s no pattern to break here. Just empty slots.
smart GAWR
The smart fortwo is the only entry for 2008, and it’s blank.
This makes sense. The fortwo is a microcar. Its “GAWR” is effectively its own curb weight plus a passenger or two. The engineering doesn’t support significant payload. Any attempt to overload it compromises the tiny suspension travel. The lack of a published number is a feature, not a bug. Don’t put anything in it that isn’t a person.
Subaru GAWR
Subaru’s entire lineup from 2006 to 2009 is a wall of dashes. B9 Tribeca, Baja, Forester, Impreza (Sedan, Wagon, Outback Sport, WRX STI), Legacy (Sedan, Wagon), Outback, and Xterra (wait, Xterra is Nissan, but it’s listed here, which is an error in the source data structure, but we stick to the list provided). All blanks.
Subaru doesn’t publish static GAWR figures for these models in standard consumer specs. They rely on the GVWR and Curb Weight to imply payload limits. To get actual front/rear axle distribution, you need a scale and a loaded car. The data isn’t missing because it doesn’t exist; it’s missing because it’s dynamic and varies heavily with option packages and trim levels.
Suzuki GAWR
Suzuki has some specific data, mostly for the smaller cars and the XL7.
The 2006 Aeria lists 1918 lbs front and 1940 lbs rear. That’s nearly perfect balance. The Forenza matches the Aeria’s front but drops to 1764 lbs rear. Why the difference? Suspension tuning and engine placement. The XL7 is heavier: 2205 lbs front and 2866 lbs rear. A clear truck-based bias.
In 2007, the SX4 enters with 2050 lbs front and 1786 lbs rear. Front-heavy, typical for transverse-engine FWD platforms. The XL7’s limits increase: 2590 lbs front and 2921 lbs rear. The Aeria and Forenza keep their 2006 numbers. The 2008 and 2009 entries for the XL7 hold the 2590/2921 lbs limits. The 2009 Equator is blank. The rest of the lineup (Grand Vitara, Reno) loses its data in later years or remains blank.
Toyota GAWR
Toyota is the most detailed, but still selective.
The 2006 Land Cruiser has a robust 3595 lbs front and 4220 lbs rear. Built to carry weight. The RAV4 is 2535/2435 lbs. Slightly front-biased.
In 2007, the RAV4 jumps significantly to 4430 lbs front and 4730 lbs rear. That’s a massive increase. Did they change the model? Or is this a different trim or configuration? The Tundra appears with 3900 lbs front and 3800 lbs rear. Almost balanced. The Land Cruiser holds its 3595/4220 lbs line.
2008 sees the RAV4 drop back down to 2535/2435 lbs. The Tundra drops out of the specific list. The 2009 RAV4 shows (2535/2435) lbs
2006–2009 Volkswagen Axle Limits
The German engineering doesn’t always shout its limits. In the 2006 VW lineup, the GAWR data is conspicuously absent for the Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle Convertible, Beetle Coupe, Passat Sedan, Phaeton, Rabbit, and Touareg. No numbers. Just empty space where you’d expect the front/rear split. It’s a mystery, really. Maybe the data was never logged in the source material, or maybe VW kept it tight. You won’t find it here.
2007 brought the Eos and Passat Wagon to the mix, but again, the GAWR figures remain blank for every model listed. The Eos, GTI, Jetta, Beetle variants, Passat Sedan, Rabbit, and Touareg all show hyphens where the weight ratings should be. It’s frustrating if you’re trying to calculate payload capacity down to the pound, but the source simply doesn’t provide it.
By 2008, the GLI joined the roster, along with the R32 and the updated Touareg 2. Still, no GAWR data for the Eos, GLI, GTI, Jetta, Beetle Convertible, Beetle Coupe, Passat Sedan, Passat Wagon, R32, Rabbit, or Touareg 2. The table stays empty. It feels like a deliberate omission or a gap in the archive.
2009 added the Routan and Tiguan to the VW family. The Jetta split into Sedan and Sport Wagon variants. Yet, the GAWR columns remain dark for the Eos, GLI, GTI, Jetta Sedan, Jetta Sport Wagon, Beetle Convertible, Beetle Coupe, Passat Sedan, Passat Wagon, Rabbit, Routan, Tiguan, and Touareg 2. Not a single number for any of these models. If you’re looking for specific axle limits for a 2009 VW, this chart won’t help you.
2006–2009 Volvo Axle Limits
Volvo does a better job of showing its work. At least for some models.
In 2006, the C70, S40, S60, V50, V70, and XC70 show no GAWR data. But the S80 and XC90 have numbers. The S80 carries 2230 lbs on the front and 2290 lbs on the rear. The XC90 is heavier, obviously. 2820 lbs front, 3150 lbs rear. That’s the spread.
2007 sees the C30 enter the scene, but it has no rating listed. The C70, S40, S60, S80, V50, V70, and XC70 are still blank. The XC90 holds steady at 2820/3150. Consistency is nice, even if the rest of the column is missing.
2008 brings more specifics. The V70 gets a rating of 2690 front and 2513 rear. A bit unusual, rear-biased in weight distribution for the rating? Maybe. The XC70 flips it, showing 2800 front and 2646 rear. The XC90 remains 2820/3150. The C30, C70, S40, S60, and S80 are still empty. Why the selective disclosure?
2009 mirrors 2008. The C30, C70, S40, S60, S80, V50, and the rest of the lineup show no GAWR numbers. The V70 stays at 2690/2513. The XC70 at 2800/2646. The XC90 at 2820/3150. That’s the extent of the available data for these years.
What’s Missing
You might notice the “More Specs” links. GVWR, GCWR, Cargo Carrying Capacity, Curb Weight,
