How Much Does A Car Weigh? Complete Weight Guide by Model & Type

Bryan Greene September 29, 2025

“Your car weighs HOW much?” The tow truck driver stared at me like I’d grown a second head. He’d been trying to lift my Honda Civic with equipment rated for 2,500 pounds. Problem was, my Civic actually weighed 2,900. That expensive mistake taught me something crucial: most people have no clue what their car really weighs.

After 20 years running a shop with a certified CAT scale, I’ve weighed over 5,000 vehicles. From tiny Smart cars at 1,800 pounds to the absurd GMC Hummer EV pushing 9,500, I’ve seen it all. And here’s what shocks everyone: your car probably weighs 500-1,000 pounds more than you think.

Quick Answer (At a Glance)

Most modern cars in the U.S. weigh 3,000-4,200 pounds curb weight. Here’s the breakdown:

Compact cars: 2,900-3,300 lbs
Midsize sedans: 3,300-3,800 lbs
Small crossovers: 3,200-4,000 lbs
Midsize SUVs: 4,000-5,000 lbs
Full-size SUVs: 5,400-6,500+ lbs
Half-ton pickups: 4,500-6,000 lbs
Heavy-duty trucks: 6,000-7,500+ lbs
EVs: Add 500-1,500 lbs to similar gas vehicles

But these are averages. Your specific car? Let me show you exactly how to find it.

Why Weight Matters (Real-World Examples)

Last month, three weight-related disasters rolled into my shop:

The $4,000 Transmission: Customer tried towing a boat with his SUV. “But the dealer said it could tow 3,500 pounds!” True, but his Highlander already weighed 4,400 pounds. Add family and gear, he exceeded his brake capacity. Cooked transmission.

The Bridge Fine: F-250 owner got an $850 ticket crossing a 10,000-pound limit bridge. His truck plus load? 11,200 pounds. “I didn’t know trucks weighed that much!”

The Tire Blowout: Tesla Model X on standard tires instead of XL-rated. Extra weight caused a 70 mph highway blowout. Could’ve been fatal.

Weight affects everything:

Braking distance: Increases 5-7 feet per 1,000 pounds
Fuel economy: Drops 1-2% per 100 pounds
Towing capacity: Must know curb weight to calculate safely
Tire wear: Wrong load rating = premature failure
Legal limits: Bridges, ferries, some parking garages
Registration fees: Weight-based in CA, VA, KY, and others

Key Terms (Let’s Get These Straight)

Before diving into numbers, understand these terms. I see confusion daily:

Curb Weight: Your car with all fluids, full gas tank, but no people or cargo. This is your baseline.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum safe weight including everything – car, people, cargo, tongue weight. Never exceed this.

Payload: GVWR minus curb weight. How much you can legally and safely carry.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum for vehicle plus trailer plus all cargo.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Maximum weight each axle can handle.

Think of it like a backpack. Curb weight is the empty pack. GVWR is how much the straps can hold before breaking. Payload is how much stuff you can put in.

What Affects a Car’s Weight

Ever wonder why a 2024 Civic weighs 900 pounds more than a 1990 model? I’ve tracked this evolution:

Vehicle Class/Size

Subcompact: 2,400-2,900 lbs base
Compact: 2,900-3,300 lbs base
Midsize: 3,300-3,800 lbs base
Full-size: 3,800-4,500+ lbs base

Drivetrain Differences

FWD to AWD: +150-300 lbs
4-cylinder to V6: +200-300 lbs
Gas to hybrid: +300-500 lbs
Gas to full EV: +500-1,500 lbs

Options That Add Weight

Panoramic sunroof: +80-120 lbs
Third-row seats: +150-200 lbs
Larger wheels: +5-15 lbs per wheel
Off-road package: +200-400 lbs
Tow package: +50-150 lbs

Safety Evolution
My 1990 Civic had 2 airbags. A 2024 model has 10. Each airbag system adds 15-20 pounds. Crumple zones, side-impact beams, and reinforced pillars add another 300-400 pounds. Worth it? Absolutely. I’ve seen the crash test differences.

Complete List of Weights by Popular U.S. Models

Important Note: These are curb weight ranges for recent model years (2022-2024). Your exact weight depends on year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and options. I’ll show you how to find your specific number in the next section.

Sedans and Cars

Compact Cars

Honda Civic: 2,877-3,077 lbs
Toyota Corolla: 2,910-3,150 lbs
Mazda3: 2,945-3,355 lbs
Nissan Sentra: 2,866-3,058 lbs
Volkswagen Jetta: 2,888-3,200 lbs
Hyundai Elantra: 2,725-3,075 lbs
Kia Forte: 2,762-3,098 lbs

Midsize Sedans

Honda Accord: 3,239-3,605 lbs
Toyota Camry: 3,310-3,825 lbs
Nissan Altima: 3,212-3,462 lbs
Hyundai Sonata: 3,120-3,613 lbs
Kia K5: 3,148-3,534 lbs
Mazda6: 3,222-3,560 lbs (discontinued but common)
Chevrolet Malibu: 3,135-3,457 lbs

Full-Size Sedans

Dodge Charger: 3,961-4,586 lbs
Chrysler 300: 4,013-4,380 lbs
Genesis G90: 4,555-5,038 lbs
Mercedes S-Class: 4,398-5,313 lbs

Luxury/Performance Sedans

BMW 3 Series: 3,582-4,138 lbs
Mercedes C-Class: 3,516-4,134 lbs
Audi A4: 3,417-3,847 lbs
Genesis G70: 3,611-3,883 lbs
Lexus IS: 3,583-3,891 lbs
Cadillac CT5: 3,616-4,123 lbs

Sports Cars

Ford Mustang: 3,532-3,825 lbs
Chevrolet Camaro: 3,351-4,120 lbs
Dodge Challenger: 3,858-4,448 lbs
Mazda MX-5 Miata: 2,341-2,453 lbs
Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ: 2,811-2,881 lbs
Porsche 911: 3,126-3,790 lbs
Chevrolet Corvette: 3,366-3,670 lbs

SUVs and Crossovers

Small Crossovers

Honda CR-V: 3,337-3,763 lbs
Toyota RAV4: 3,370-3,925 lbs
Mazda CX-5: 3,375-3,825 lbs
Nissan Rogue: 3,454-3,660 lbs
Subaru Crosstrek: 3,117-3,298 lbs
Volkswagen Tiguan: 3,737-4,009 lbs
Hyundai Tucson: 3,325-3,838 lbs
Kia Sportage: 3,387-3,908 lbs

Midsize SUVs (2-Row)

Honda Passport: 4,229-4,437 lbs
Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4,513-5,356 lbs
Ford Edge: 3,847-4,515 lbs
Hyundai Santa Fe: 3,649-4,253 lbs
Chevrolet Blazer: 3,810-4,266 lbs
Nissan Murano: 3,916-4,165 lbs

Midsize SUVs (3-Row)

Toyota Highlander: 4,155-4,595 lbs
Honda Pilot: 4,036-4,685 lbs
Ford Explorer: 4,345-4,890 lbs
Kia Telluride: 4,112-4,482 lbs
Hyundai Palisade: 4,245-4,587 lbs
Mazda CX-90: 4,486-4,917 lbs
Subaru Ascent: 4,271-4,603 lbs
Volkswagen Atlas: 4,235-4,690 lbs

Full-Size SUVs

Chevrolet Tahoe: 5,355-5,772 lbs
Ford Expedition: 5,443-5,692 lbs
Toyota Sequoia: 5,765-6,185 lbs
GMC Yukon: 5,379-5,796 lbs
Cadillac Escalade: 5,635-5,993 lbs
Jeep Wagoneer: 5,960-6,420 lbs
Nissan Armada: 5,322-5,856 lbs
Infiniti QX80: 5,399-5,933 lbs

Luxury Crossovers

Lexus RX: 4,222-4,740 lbs
BMW X3: 3,902-4,453 lbs
Mercedes GLE: 4,564-5,467 lbs
Audi Q5: 3,858-4,398 lbs
Genesis GV70: 3,847-4,204 lbs
Acura MDX: 4,255-4,701 lbs
Lincoln Aviator: 4,464-5,737 lbs

Off-Road SUVs

Jeep Wrangler 2-door: 3,781-4,449 lbs
Jeep Wrangler 4-door: 4,018-5,222 lbs
Ford Bronco 2-door: 4,391-4,842 lbs
Ford Bronco 4-door: 4,499-5,258 lbs
Toyota 4Runner: 4,400-4,805 lbs
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: 4,750-5,393 lbs

Pickup Trucks

Midsize Pickups

Toyota Tacoma: 4,255-4,800 lbs
Ford Ranger: 4,145-4,441 lbs
Chevrolet Colorado: 4,150-4,940 lbs
GMC Canyon: 4,150-4,940 lbs
Nissan Frontier: 4,315-4,837 lbs
Honda Ridgeline: 4,436-4,510 lbs
Jeep Gladiator: 4,650-5,050 lbs

Full-Size Pickups (Half-Ton)

Ford F-150: 4,021-5,697 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 4,257-5,155 lbs
RAM 1500: 4,798-5,372 lbs
Toyota Tundra: 5,260-5,940 lbs
GMC Sierra 1500: 4,257-5,240 lbs
Nissan Titan: 5,101-5,798 lbs

Heavy-Duty Pickups

Ford F-250: 5,677-7,538 lbs
Ford F-350: 6,010-7,737 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD: 5,853-7,442 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: 6,231-7,619 lbs
RAM 2500: 5,988-7,431 lbs
RAM 3500: 6,289-7,680 lbs
GMC Sierra 2500HD: 5,853-7,442 lbs
GMC Sierra 3500HD: 6,231-7,619 lbs

Electric Vehicles

Electric Sedans

Tesla Model 3: 3,862-4,250 lbs
Tesla Model S: 4,561-4,883 lbs
BMW i4: 4,290-4,850 lbs
Mercedes EQE: 4,862-5,247 lbs
Lucid Air: 4,630-5,236 lbs
Hyundai Ioniq 6: 3,891-4,414 lbs
Genesis Electrified G80: 4,862 lbs

Electric SUVs

Tesla Model Y: 4,154-4,555 lbs
Tesla Model X: 5,185-5,531 lbs
Ford Mustang Mach-E: 4,394-4,920 lbs
Hyundai Ioniq 5: 3,968-4,662 lbs
Kia EV6: 3,891-4,502 lbs
BMW iX: 5,659-5,769 lbs
Mercedes EQS SUV: 5,710-5,945 lbs
Audi e-tron: 5,302-5,754 lbs
Genesis GV60: 4,071-4,515 lbs
Volkswagen ID.4: 4,295-4,665 lbs

Electric Trucks

Ford F-150 Lightning: 6,015-6,893 lbs
Rivian R1T: 7,148-7,173 lbs
GMC Hummer EV: 9,046-9,640 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado EV: 8,532 lbs
Tesla Cybertruck: 6,603-6,843 lbs

Minivans

Honda Odyssey: 4,398-4,725 lbs
Chrysler Pacifica: 4,330-4,894 lbs
Toyota Sienna: 4,560-4,865 lbs
Kia Carnival: 4,387-4,697 lbs

EV vs Gas: What Changes

Batteries add mass. Expect +500–1,500 lb.
Handling can still feel planted thanks to low battery placement.
Brakes and tires work harder; choose proper load‑rated tires.

Why Cars Got Heavier

Safety gear: airbags, crash structures, side beams (+biggest chunk)
Tech: infotainment, sensors, insulation
Comfort: larger seats, more sound deadening
Emissions control: added hardware
Yes, many 90s cars were lighter. No, they were not safer.

How to Find the Exact Weight of a Car — Exact Weight of a Car

How to Find Your Exact Weight (4 reliable ways)

OEM site: Search “Year Make Model curb weight site:[manufacturer].com”
Owner’s manual/window sticker: Specs section often lists it
Dealer/VIN lookup: Parts/service can pull by VIN/trim
Certified scale (most accurate): CAT scales run ~$13–15

How to Weigh Your Car (easy steps)

Remove cargo you don’t want counted; full tank if you want “curb‑like.”
Drive onto a CAT scale (truck stops like Pilot/Flying J).
Tell the clerk it’s a personal weigh.
Get a ticket with axle weights and total. Done.

Myths Busted

“Heavier is always safer.” Not always. Structure and crash design matter most.
“Weight doesn’t hurt performance.” It does. Rough rule: +100 lb can add ~0.1 sec to 0–60.
“All SUVs are heavy.” Some subcompact SUVs weigh less than midsize sedans.
“EVs break parking garages.” Myths. Many gas trucks weigh more than most EVs.

Real‑World Impacts I See Weekly

Different Types of Car Weights — Car Weights Variation

Fuel economy (F‑150 I tracked for a year):

Empty: 22 MPG
+500 lb cargo: ~20 MPG
Towing 5,000 lb: ~12 MPG

Tire life:

At/under payload: ~50,000 miles
~20% overloaded: ~25,000 miles
Chronic overload: ~15,000 miles

Brake life (shop averages):

Compact cars: 60k–80k miles
Midsize SUVs: 40k–60k miles
Full‑size trucks: 30k–50k miles

Special Cases

Towing

Payload = GVWR – curb. Count people, cargo, hitch, and tongue weight.
GCWR must cover vehicle + trailer + all cargo.
Mountain towing? Leave margin for heat and altitude.

Performance

Easy weight wins: remove spare (‑30 lb), lighter wheels (‑5 lb/corner), carbon hood (‑20 lb). Small changes add up.

Hauling/Moving

Know payload. Most half‑tons carry ~1,500–2,000 lb. Subtract people first, then gear.

Regional (GEO) Notes for U.S.

Fees: Some states (e.g., CA, VA, KY) tie fees to weight or class.
Ferries/tolls: Weight and length can change prices.
Snow states: Sandbags help traction but eat payload. Count them.
Mountain West: Heavy loads + altitude = heat. Watch temps and brakes.
Coastal: Salt adds corrosion risk; armor and racks add weight—plan for it.

car Weighing Machines — Weighing Machines

Final Tips + Checklist

Learn the terms: curb, GVWR, payload, GCWR, GAWR.
Get your exact curb weight (OEM or CAT scale).
Read the door jamb for GVWR/GAWR. Do the payload math.
Towing? Check GCWR and tongue limits. Don’t guess.
EVs: Use proper XL/EV‑rated tires and watch load capacity.
Keep margin. A little under the limit is safer than a little over.

FAQs Related to Car Weight

How much does a car weigh?
Most cars are 2,800–3,500 lb. Compacts: 2,500–3,000. Midsize sedans: 3,000–3,500. SUVs: 4,000–6,000. Pickups: 4,000–7,500+. EVs run heavier than gas models.
Is curb weight the same as GVWR?
No. Curb is the car with fluids and fuel, no people or cargo. GVWR is the max allowed loaded weight. Never exceed GVWR.
How do I calculate payload?
Payload = GVWR – curb weight. Example: GVWR 6,050 lb – curb 4,850 lb = 1,200 lb for people, cargo, and tongue weight.
Where do I find GVWR/GAWR?
Check the driver’s door jamb certification label. Most cars don’t list curb weight there.
Why are EVs heavier?
Batteries. Packs of 60–100 kWh often add 700–1,500 lb. That affects braking, tires, and sometimes fees.
Do options really change weight?
Yes. Third rows, big wheels, tow packages, armor, panoramic roofs, and bigger stereos add up fast.
How do mountains affect things?
Your weight stays the same, but power and cooling take a hit. Heavy loads run hotter on steep grades. Leave margin.
Does a roof box or bike rack count?
Yes. The rack plus whatever’s on it counts toward payload. Hitch tongue weight counts toward vehicle weight too.
Is the bathroom‑scale trick any good?
No. Vehicle weight distribution is complex. Use a certified scale for real numbers.
How much does an SUV weigh?
Compact: 3,200–3,900 lb (e.g., CR‑V ~3,337–3,763). Midsize: 4,000–5,000 lb (Highlander ~4,155–4,595). Full‑size: 5,000–7,000 lb (Tahoe ~5,355–5,772).
How do I get my exact number?
OEM specs, owner’s manual, dealer/VIN lookup, or a CAT scale ticket. The scale is the most accurate.

Bottom Line

Most folks underestimate by 500–1,000 lb. That mistake leads to blown tires, weak brakes, and bad towing calls. Spend 15 minutes to learn your real weight. Read the door label, check the manual, or grab a $15 scale ticket. Numbers matter.

That customer who burned a transmission towing? He learned his SUV was 5,500 lb before people and gear. He upgraded his tow rig and hasn’t had an issue since. Got your year/make/model or VIN? Share it, and I’ll help pull curb, GVWR, payload, and GCWR so you can drive (and tow) with confidence.