Most people rarely care about the weight of a car as it is assumed to have less significance in your driving. However, understanding the weight of your vehicle is essential before towing it or driving over a bridge that may not be able to support its weight. So, before you fall into such situations, you should know ‘how much does an average car weigh?’
Here we have provided clear information about the average car weight based on types and models.
How much does an average car weigh?
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average weight of a car is around 4094 pounds. A small car weighs around 2600 pounds, while a large car weighs around 4400 pounds.
Although modern automobiles tend to be larger than their predecessors, their average weights have decreased throughout the years. These days’ automobiles are lighter in weight than they were because of advancements in lightweight construction.
As a result of the decreased force needed for stopping and starting, safety and maneuverability are enhanced by a vehicle’s reduced overall weight. As a result, the vehicle’s engine need not work as hard to propel it, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Also read: How Much Does a Smart Car Weigh?
What are the weights of cars based on the body style?
Listed below are the weights of cars based on their type.
| Car Type | Weight (in pounds) |
| Large Cars
(Example: Audi A8) |
4400 |
| Midsize Cars
(Example: Honda Accord) |
3300 |
| Small Cars
(Example: Toyota Corolla) |
2600-3000 |
| Subcompact car
(Example: Ford Fiesta) |
2600 |
| Large SUV
(Example: Chevrolet Tahoe) |
5,400 to 6,000 |
| Midsize SUV
(Example: Honda Pilot) |
3,500 to 6,000 |
| Small SUV
(Example: Mazda CX-5) |
3,000 to 3,500 |
| Subcompact SUV
(Example: Kia Soul) |
2000 |
In the case of commercial vehicles, weights vary slightly, and that information is provided in the table below:
| Commercial Vehicle Type | Commercial Vehicle Weight |
| School bus (loaded) | 17 tons |
| Delivery truck | 6 tons |
| Ambulance | 5 tons |
| Charter bus (loaded) | 20 tons |
| Dump truck (loaded) | 36 tons |
| Tractor trailer (loaded) | 40 tons |
| Fire truck | 19 – 30 tons |
What are the weights of cars based on the car models?
The average weights of some popular car models are mentioned below. Always remember that the weights vary based on the engine type, model year, and other accessories installed inside the car.
| Car Model | Weight (in pounds) |
| Ford Mustang | 3,520–3,800 |
| Honda Accord | 3,131–3,428 |
| RAM 1500 Tradesman | 4,778 – 5,106 |
| Nissan Rogue | 3,569 |
| Toyota Highlander | 4,370 |
| Subaru Outback | 3,657 |
| Ford F-Series | 4,705 |
| Jeep Cherokee | 4,250 |
Also read: How Much Does a Car Battery Weigh?
What are the different ways to find the vehicle’s weight?
Different ways to get details about your vehicle weights are:
- Check your car’s owner’s manual.
- Check the car manufacturer’s website.
- Use a VIN decoder which helps to decode the VIN code found on the underside of the windshield on the driver’s side or the pillar of the door on the driver’s side.
- Check behind the driver-side door where a sticker on the windshield includes the vehicle identification number (VIN) and several other details, such as the vehicle’s weight, tire size, and pressure.
- The scales at a truck stop or scrap yard are your best bet if you need an exact weight.
What are the different vehicle weight measurements?
Vehicle weight can be expressed in different ways, and some of these are:
- Curb weight: This includes your vehicle and all its fluids (including coolant and oil) but leaves out the weight of any passengers, cargo, or luggage.
- Gross vehicle weight (GVW): Your vehicle’s GVW accounts for everything inside and outside of it, including fuel, passengers, and accessories.
- Gross combination weight (GCW): That’s how much a vehicle and trailer may weigh altogether. If you are towing something behind your car, it could be helpful to know its Gross Vehicle Weight (GCW) to avoid exceeding the legal limit. There are risks of personal injury or mechanical failure if your GCW is too high.
- Gross combination weight rating (GCWR): GCWR or Gross Combined Weight Rating is the total weight of the vehicle plus its trailer, passengers, and cargo that can be driven legally on public roads. You may be liable financially or criminally if you exceed your vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and cause injuries or property damage.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating: It is the maximum weight that a single axle of your vehicle can support.
Why is it important to know a car’s weight?
Several aspects of driving are affected by how heavy a vehicle is. Keeping track of your vehicle’s weight will help you save money on gas, get the most suitable auto insurance, and equip yourself with the right equipment.
There are a variety of situations where knowing your car’s weight would prove useful; we’ve compiled a list of them below.
- In a collision, lighter vehicles may suffer greater damage than larger ones.
- To ensure that you get the appropriate garage equipment, you may need to know the weight of your vehicle.
- In general, heavier vehicles consume more fuel than lighter cars.
- Your vehicle’s weight is a good indicator of how much cargo you can safely transport.
Bottom line
Even though you may not give much thought to your car’s weight daily, it significantly impacts vehicle safety and handling. Since it takes more effort to drive a larger vehicle than a lighter one, this factor plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency.
Vehicles with a higher curb weight are more likely to be secure. Most drivers won’t notice or care about their car’s sharp handling. This is significant for those who prefer lighter vehicles to heavier ones. When you choose lighter vehicles, ensure that it has improved safety features like automatic brake assist and electronic stability controls.
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