How Much Does a Car Weigh? Average Weights of Common Cars

Your car’s weight will vary based on your vehicle type, but weight can affect its fuel economy and passenger safety. Since vehicle safety factors into the cost of your insurance premiums, drivers should consider how much a car weighs while shopping for a new car or auto insurance policy.

Here’s what to know about car types and vehicle weights, how to determine what your car weighs, and why knowing the weight of your car matters.

How much does the average car weigh?

The average weight of a 2022 model-year vehicle in the United States is 4,303 pounds, or about 2.16 tons, according to data from the EPA. This represents the highest average weight on record since 1975.1

From 1975 to 1981, the average U.S. car weight decreased by 21%, from 4,060 pounds to 3,202 pounds. This change was likely due to changing fuel economy standards and gas prices, according to the EPA. Since 1982, the overall trend of U.S. car weights has steadily increased — with a few slight fluctuations between the years 2004 and 2012.

In recent years, depending on the make and model of your car, it can weigh between 3,500 pounds and 5,500 pounds.1 Let’s take a closer look at how vehicle type can influence the average weight of a car.

Sedan or wagon

These small cars are the lightest vehicles on the market today and fall into the “sedan/wagon” category, with an average weight of around 3,600 pounds, according to EPA data.1

Some popular cars in this category include:

SUVs

SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are some of the heaviest cars on the road because of their larger bodies and, in some cases, all-wheel-drive capabilities. This car type has an average weight of around 4,000 pounds, according to the EPA.1

Here are some cars in this category and their average weights:

SUV truck

This category is reserved for cars that aren’t quite a truck but aren’t quite an SUV — like the Ford Bronco, which can tow like a truck, or the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which has a truck bed but also a body reminiscent of an SUV. The average weight of an SUV truck is approximately 4,500 pounds, according to the EPA.1

Some SUV trucks and their weights include:

Minivans

Another group of large cars to consider is vans and minivans. Popular for families who need more seating room, minivans and vans average around 4,600 pounds, according to the EPA.1

Some popular cars in this category include:

Pickup truck

Since pickup trucks are designed to haul heavy loads, they tend to be the heaviest vehicles, weighing in at approximately 5,300 pounds on average.1

Some popular pickup trucks include:

Types of vehicle weight

Vehicle weight is defined in multiple ways. As you compare new cars online, you might see “curb weight” and “gross vehicle weight” in a car’s specs. Or you might see your vehicle’s payload weight in its owner’s manual.

Here are common measures of vehicle weight and what they mean:

• Gross vehicle weight: This is the maximum combined weight of your vehicle, its passengers, and cargo. Generally, you can find your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating on a sticker inside your driver-side door jamb.2

• Curb weight: This is your vehicle’s weight with a full tank of gas and standard equipment but without any passengers or cargo.3

• Gross combined weight: This is the maximum combined weight of a vehicle, its passengers, a trailer, and cargo.4

• Gross axle weight: This is the maximum weight a vehicle’s axle can hold.5

• Payload weight: This is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo your vehicle can support. Exceeding your vehicle’s payload could damage your car and cause expensive repair costs.6

Why vehicle weight matters

While your vehicle’s weight may seem like a fun fact, in reality, it’s valuable information that affects your car’s fuel economy and safety. Here’s why your vehicle’s weight is an important factor.

Vehicle weight and fuel economy

Several factors influence your vehicle’s overall fuel economy, and weight is one of them. Heavier vehicles generally have lower fuel economy than lighter ones.7 This means  you’ll likely pay more at the pump if you drive a large SUV or pickup truck versus a small sedan. But your car’s fuel economy will also depend on its age, how well you maintain it, and more.

Vehicle weight and safety

Vehicle weight and size also play a role in vehicle safety. For example, larger vehicles tend to fare better in multi-vehicle crashes than smaller cars, even if the small vehicles have overall high Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings.8 The larger vehicle’s frame could offer more protection to passengers, as there’s more of it to crumple in a crash. 

Pros and cons of lighter vehicles

Pros and cons of heavier vehicles

How to find your vehicle’s weight

If you don’t already know your vehicle’s weight, you have multiple ways to find it, including: 

• Driver-side door label: You can generally find your gross vehicle weight rating on a label inside your driver-side door jamb.

• Owner’s manual: Your vehicle owner’s manual may also provide your vehicle’s total payload.

• Manufacturer: Your vehicle manufacturer should provide your car’s gross vehicle weight rating, curb weight, gross combined weight, gross axle weight, and payload.

• Car scale: You may be able to find a car or truck scale at a truck stop or weigh station.

• VIN decoder: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lets you look up your VIN to access information about your vehicle’s manufacturer and specs.

• Online search: A quick online search for your vehicle’s specs will also offer some insight into its curb weight, gross vehicle weight rating, and more.

Vehicle weight FAQs