Buying a car often feels like an exercise in comparing spreadsheet cells. We obsess over MPG. We chase zero-to-sixty times. We measure trunk cubic feet and argue over horsepower figures. It’s a numbers game where the biggest digits usually win the marketing contest.
But there is a number most people ignore. It doesn’t show up in brochures. It rarely makes the sales pitch.
That number is the gross axle weight rating. Or GAWR.
Ignoring it is a fast track to mechanical failure. And sometimes, a safety hazard.
What GAWR Actually Means
Let’s strip away the jargon. Your vehicle has axles. Front. Rear. Maybe both. Each axle has a limit. This limit is the manufacturer’s absolute maximum allowable weight for that specific axle.
It is not a suggestion. It is a hard cap.
The GAWR includes everything sitting on that axle. The vehicle itself. The passengers. The cargo in the trunk or bed. If you are towing, the trailer tongue weight counts too. All of that mass gets distributed between the left and right sides of the axle, and up and down between the front and rear axles.
Do not confuse GAWR with GAW. Gross axle weight is the actual weight currently on the axle. That number changes every time you load groceries or pick up a passenger. The GAWR never changes. It is fixed by engineering and stamped onto the vehicle.
“A vehicle’s axles should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer’s listed GAWR.”
Think of a pickup truck hauling boulders. Four of them. One hundred pounds each. Total load: 400 pounds. The GAW goes up by 400 pounds. Drop the boulders? The GAW drops by 400 pounds. The GAWR stays exactly the same. It does not care about your current load. It only cares about your capacity.
Why Overloading Is Dangerous
Safety is the only reason these limits exist. Overloading any vehicle is reckless. But overloading an axle is worse. It creates instability.
If you put too much weight on the rear axle, the front end lifts. Steering becomes vague. The driver feels disconnected from the road. Braking suffers because the front brakes do the heavy lifting in most cars. With less weight pressing down on them, they lose traction.
Rear tires can blow out under excessive load. Suspension components can bend. Control links can snap.
You lose control. The car slides. The trailer swings. It ends badly.
Trailers have their own GAWR. They are not exempt. In fact, balancing a trailer load is even more critical because you have no steering contribution from the trailer itself to correct mistakes.
Where To Find Your Numbers
You can find the GAWR for your vehicle in two places. First, look at the driver’s side door jamb. There is a label there. It lists the gross vehicle weight rating. It often lists the front and rear axle weights too.
Second, search online. Manufacturers publish this data. It is not hidden. It is just not emphasized.
Below is a partial list of GAWR specifications for Acura and Audi models from the mid-to-late 2000s. These figures represent the maximum weight each axle can support.
Acura GAWR Data (2006-2009)
The following data covers select Acura models. Note that missing values indicate the manufacturer did not publish specific axle breakdowns for that year/model in this dataset.
| Year | Model | Front GAWR | Rear GAWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | 2888 lbs | 3175 lbs |
| 2006 | RL | – | – |
| 2006 | RSX | – | – |
| 2006 | TL | – | – |
| 2006 | TSX | – | – |
| 2007 | MDX | 2888 lbs | 3175 lbs |
| 2007 | RL | – | – |
| 2007 | RDX | 2546 lbs | 2381 lbs |
| 2007 | TL | – | – |
| 2007 | TSX | 2335 lbs | 2030 lbs |
| 2008 | MDX | 2888 lbs | 3175 lbs |
| 2008 | RL | – | – |
| 2008 | RSX | 2546 lbs | 2381 lbs |
| 2008 | TL | – | – |
| 2008 | TSX | 2335 lbs | 2030 lbs |
| 2009 | MDX | 2888 lbs | 3175 lbs |
| 2009 | RL | – | – |
| 2009 | RSX | 2546 lbs | 2381 lbs |
| 2009 | TSX | 2325 lbs | 2090 lbs |
Related Acura Specs:
– Acura GVWR
– Acura GCWR
– Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Acura Curb Weight
– Acura Payload
– Acura Towing Capacity
Audi GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Audi’s lineup expanded significantly during this period. Specific axle ratings were not always published in standard consumer guides for all models.
| Year | Model | Front GAWR | Rear GAWR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | – | – |
Related Audi Specs:
– Audi GVWR
– Audi GCWR
– Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
– Audi Curb Weight
– Audi Payload
– Audi Towing Capacity
There are dozens of other brands. Ford. Chevy. Honda. Jeep. The list goes on. Each manufacturer has its own engineering limits.
Most manufacturers publish their full GVWR and GCWR online. GAWR is less common in consumer-facing summaries. You often have to dig.
Why does this matter? Because when you load your car, you are playing with physics. The axles are the pivot points. Respect the limit. Ignore it at your peril. The road does not care about your cargo. It only responds to traction. And traction fails when weight exceeds design.
Check your door jamb. Know your numbers. Drive safely.
BMW Gross Axle Weight Ratings
The 2006 lineup is wide. You have the 3-series, 5-series, 7-series, M-branded performance models, the X3, X5, and Z4 roadster. But the data is sparse. No GAWR numbers provided for any of these. The same goes for 2007. You see the 328, 335, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, the Alpina B7, M5, M6, X3, X5, Z4, and Z4M. Only the Z4 has a figure: 2767 front, 3770 rear. That’s it.
2008 brings the 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7, M3, M5, X3, X5, X6, Z4, and Z4M. Again, no numbers. 2009 adds the 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 750, M3, M5, M6, X3, X5, X6. Still blank.
If you are looking for BMW GAWR specs, you won’t find them in this dataset. You need to check the BMW GVWR or BMW Payload calculations manually. Or look at the BMW Towing Capacity. The manual data is just missing here.
Buick Load Limits
Buick starts showing up in 2006. The LaCrosse and Lucerne have no data. The Rainier? 2950 front, 3200 rear. The Rendezvous is blank. The Terraza is weirdly low: 1148 front, 960 rear. That suggests a heavy body-on-frame SUV with a light front suspension or maybe just a specific trim level.
2007 keeps the Rainier at 2950/3200. The Terraza disappears. The LaCrosse and Lucerne remain silent.
2008 brings the Enclave. 3197 front, 3527 rear. The LaCrosse and Lucerne are still there, still silent. 2009 is identical to 2008. Enclave at 3197/3527. LaCrosse and Lucerne no numbers.
For Buick GAWR, the Enclave is your concrete anchor. The Rainier is consistent. The rest is a guess. Use the Buick GVWR minus curb weight for a rough estimate.
Cadillac Load Capacity
Cadillac 2006 has the CTS at 2232 front, 2379 rear. The CTS-V, DTS, SRX, STS, STS-V, XLR, XLR-V are blank. The Escalade variants are heavy. Escalade: 3350 front, 4000 rear. Escalade ESV: 3060 front, 2809 rear. Escalade EXT: 3800 front, 4000 rear.
2007 keeps the CTS at 2232/2379. The rest are blanks. Escalade, ESV, EXT, SRX, STS, XLR all blank in 2007.
2008 is a ghost town. CTS, DTS, Escalade, ESV, EXT, SRX, STS, XLR. All blank.
2009 adds the Escalade Hybrid. Still blank. The CTS, DTS, SRX, STS, XLR remain without figures.
This makes Cadillac GAWR data nearly useless for anything but the 2006 CTS and Escalade models. The 2006 CTS is balanced front-to-rear. The Escalade EXT has a massive 3800 front limit. Why? Maybe the fuel tank placement or engine weight distribution. The ESV has a lower rear limit than the standard Escalade. 2809 vs 4000. That’s a 1200-pound difference.
Chevrolet Payload and Axle Ratings
Chevrolet is where the meat is. 2006 has trucks and SUVs. Avalanche 1500: 3400 front, 4000 rear. Avalanche 2500: 4380 front, 5500 rear. Colorado: 2533 front, 2896 rear. Equinox: 2535 front, 2535 rear. Silverado 1500: 3650 front, 4000 rear. Silverado 1500 Hybrid: 3925 front, 3750 rear. Silverado 1500 SS: 3600 front, 3600 rear. Silverado 1500 HD: 4410 front, 6000 rear. Silverado 2500 HD: 4410 front, 6084 rear. Silverado 3500 HD: 4670 front, 8550 rear. Suburban 1500: 3200 front, 4000 rear. Suburban 2500: 3800 front, 5500 rear. Tahoe: 3200 front, 3750 rear. TrailBlazer: 2950 front, 3200 rear. TrailBlazer EXT: 3100 front, 3400 rear. Uplander: 2866 front, 2756 rear.
2007 updates. Avalanche 1500 rear goes up to 4100. Silverado 1500 rear drops to 3950. Silverado 1500 Classic rear is 4000. Silverado 2500 HD rear stays 6084. Silverado 3500 rear jumps to 6390. Silverado 3500 Classic rear is 8530. Suburban 1500 goes up to 3300 front, 4200 rear. Tahoe rear goes up to 4100. TrailBlazer stays 2950/3200.
2008 mirrors 2007 largely. Silverado 2500 HD rear 6084. Silverado 3500 HD rear 6390. Tahoe rear 4100. Tahoe Hybrid rear 4100.
2009 is where things get weird. The Colorado jumps to 5000 front, 2633 rear. That front limit is huge for a mid-size truck. The Silverado 1500 front limit jumps to 6800. This is likely a typo or a specific heavy-duty package, as 6800 front GAWR is uncommon for a half-ton. The Silverado 2500 HD front limit jumps to 9200. That’s massive. The TrailBlazer front drops to 2450.
For Chevrolet GAWR, the 2009 Silverado figures stand out. They imply a significant change in suspension design or a data error. The Tahoe Hybrid remains steady at 3200/4100.
Chrysler Load Ratings
Chrysler is quiet. 2006: 300, 300C, Crossfire, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring, Town & Country. All blank.
2007 adds the Aspen. 3100 front, 3900 rear. The rest remain blank.
2008 keeps the Aspen at 3100/3900. The rest are still blank.
2009 adds the Aspen Hybrid. 3600 front, 3900 rear. The front limit increases by 500 pounds. The rear stays the same.
If you need Chrysler GAWR data, you only have the Aspen family to work with. The Town & Country minivan and the 300C sedan have no figures.
Dodge Axle Weights
Dodge starts in 2006. Dakota: 3100 front, 3600 rear. Durango: 3100 front, 3900 rear. Ram 1500: 3700 front, 3900 rear. Ram 2500: 4410 front, 4630 rear. Ram 3500: 4110 front, 9350 rear. Sprinter Van 2500: 3857 front, 5
Ford Axle Load Limits
Let’s look at the heavy lifters first. If you’re running a 2006 Ford E-Series, the weight distribution tells a specific story. The E 150 sits at 3240 pounds up front and 3800 in the back. Step up to the E 250 and you get 3550/5520. The E 350 Super Duty pushes the limits to 3700 front and 6195 rear. These numbers matter if you are plating in equipment or carrying heavy cargo. Smaller vans like the Escape or Focus don’t have specific GAWR figures listed in the main data, but the Explorer holds 3240 front and 3600 rear. The F-Series trucks are solid. A 2006 F 150 handles 3450 front and 3800 rear. The F 250 jumps to 3800 front and 6100 rear. The heavy-duty F 350? 3800 front and a massive 7000 rear.
By 2007, things shift slightly. The Explorer loses a bit of front axle capacity, dropping to 2860 front and 3340 rear. The Sport Trac model holds 3080 front and 3320 rear. The F-Series remains consistent with the previous year’s specs. The E-Series also stays steady. If you look at the 2008 E-Series, the E 150 sees a bump in front capacity to 3700, with the rear at 5120. The E 350 Super Duty sees its rear capacity dip slightly to 6084. The F 450 appears here, a true monster with 5600 front and 9500 rear axle capacity.
The 2009 Ford lineup shows the F 350’s rear axle capacity dropping significantly to 6262, down from the 7000 seen earlier. The F 450 specs flip, showing 3800 front and 6262 rear. This is odd data, but that is what is recorded. The E 350 Super Duty gets a front axle bump to 4200.
GMC Load Capacities
GMC has a different spread of numbers. The 2006 Sierra 1500 handles 3150 front and 3686 rear. The heavy Sierra 2500 puts 4410 on the front axle and 6084 in the back. The Sierra 3500 is even heavier, with 4800 front and 6500 rear. The Yukon family is lighter on the axles. The standard Yukon has 3200 front and 3750 rear. The XL version adds 250 pounds to the rear axle, hitting 4000.
In 2007, the Sierra 1500 gains a bit of front capacity, moving to 3200. The rear stays at 3750. The Sierra 2500 loses front axle strength, dropping to 4200. The Sierra 3500 also drops, sitting at 4200 front and 6390 rear. The Yukon XL gets a slight increase to 4200 in the back.
The 2008 data is identical to 2007 for the most part. The Yukon Hybrid joins the lineup with 3200 front and 4100 rear. By 2009, the Canyon sees a slight bump in front capacity to 2633. The Sierra 3500 remains steady at 4200/6390. The Yukon XL loses 100 pounds on the rear axle, settling at 4200.
Honda Axle Specs
Honda’s numbers are generally lower, reflecting lighter vehicles. The 2006 Odyssey has 2833 front and 3197 rear. The Ridgeline is surprisingly low on the front axle at 309 pounds? That looks like a typo in the source data, but it is listed as 309 front and 3252 rear. In 2007, the Civic gets specific numbers: 2310 front and 2290 rear. The Element sits at 2300 front and 2205 rear. The Pilot holds 2865 front and 3155 rear. The Ridgeline corrects to 3105 front and 3252 rear.
The 2008 lineup is identical to 2007. By 2009, the Civic GAWR data disappears from the list. The Pilot gets a slight upgrade, moving to 2921 front and 3196 rear. Most other Honda models like the Accord or CR-V have no GAWR figures listed.
Hummer and Hyundai Limits
Hummer didn’t publish much here. The H1 Alpha in 2006 has 4100 front and 6800 rear. The H2 is steady at 4000 front and 5000 rear. This holds true through 2009. The H3 has no data listed.
Hyundai is sparse. The 2007 Entourage has 2998 front and 3064 rear. The Santa Fe sits at 2976 front and 3197 rear. This repeats for 2008. Most other Hyundai models like the Sonata or Elantra have no GAWR data. The 2009 Genesis and other models also lack figures.
Isuzu, Infiniti, and Jaguar GAWR Data
Isuzu’s Ascender holds 2950 front and 3200 rear from 2006 through 2008. The i-280 and i-350 in 2006 have 2533/2896 and 2753/2896 respectively. In 2007, the models renumber to i-290 and i-370, both settling at 2533 front and 2896 rear.
Infiniti is almost entirely blank. The FX35, G35, M35, QX56—all have no GAWR figures listed for 2006 through 2009. The same goes for the Jaguar S-Type, X-Type, XJ8, XK, and XF. If you are looking for axle limits on these luxury sedans and crossovers, the data simply isn’t here. It leaves you guessing on how much weight those axles can actually take.
Jeep axle load limits
Jeep didn’t publish front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for every single trim in this era. You will see a lot of dashes. That isn’t a data gap. It is a statement. Their marketing leaned hard on “capability” without pinning down the hard numbers on the door jamb sticker for basic sedans or crossovers like the Commander and Compass.
If you want the numbers, you have to look at the Wrangler.
2006 Wranglers split the difference with 2200 lbs front and 2650 lbs rear. The Liberty was heavier duty on the back axle at 2750/3150 lbs.
2007 brought the Patriot and Compass, but no GAWR data. The Liberty stayed put. The Wrangler jumped. Front went to 2650 lbs. Rear climbed to 3400 lbs. That is a significant increase in rear axle capacity for the JK era lead-up.
2008–2009 Wrangler and Unlimited models held steady at 2650 front / 3400 rear.
“Jeep GAWR data is sparse for non-truck models. If the sticker doesn’t list it, assume you are limited by GVWR, not axle strength.”
Kia chassis ratings
Kia was trying to build a reputation for utility in the mid-2000s. The Sorento and Sedona were the heavy hitters here.
The 2006 Sorento and Sedona both share a balanced rating: 3307 lbs front and 3307 lbs rear for the Sorento. The Sedona is nearly identical at 2998/3064 lbs. Note the imbalance in the Sedona. The rear carries more. That makes sense for a minivan carrying seven people and cargo.
The compact Rio got specific numbers in 2007 and 2008: 1918 lbs front and 1874 lbs rear. Light front bias. Typical for FWD crossovers of this size.
The Sportage in 2006–2008 sat at 2579 front / 2425 rear. Again, front-heavy. This matters if you are planning to lift the suspension. You need to account for the fact that the front axle is doing more of the work.
2009 saw the Borrego enter the chat, but again, no GAWR listed. Stick to the Sorento if you need known axle limits.
Land Rover weight distribution
Land Rover didn’t bother listing GAWR for the LR3 or Range Rover in 2006–2008. The data simply isn’t there in public spec sheets from that period.
2009 changed things slightly. The LR2 (the US-market Range Rover Evoque predecessor) listed 2885 lbs front and 2995 lbs rear.
The rear axle on the LR2 is rated higher. This reflects the weight of the engine forward, but also the suspension tuning designed for off-road articulation. The LR3 and Range Rover models remained silent on the record. If you are modifying a 2008 LR3, you are guessing based on GVWR minus curb weight.
Lexus luxury load limits
Lexus is a precision manufacturer. You would expect exact numbers. You don’t get them.
For the 2006–2009 ES 330/350, GS series, IS series, LS series, SC 430, and even the RX 350, the GAWR is blank in standard spec databases.
The exceptions are the body-on-frame SUVs. The GX 470 and LX 470/570 are essentially Toyota trucks. But even they often list “-” for GAWR in consumer-facing charts.
This is a problem for enthusiasts. You cannot calculate payload distribution without these numbers. You are left with Curb Weight and GVWR.
“Lexus GAWR is rarely published for passenger cars. Rely on GVWR. Subtract Curb Weight. Divide by two for a rough front/rear estimate, but know it is an approximation.”
The IS-F (2008–2009) has no listed GAWR. Neither does the LS 460. These are heavy cars. A loaded LS 460 is close to its GVWR.
Lincoln truck ratings
Lincoln was trying to compete with the Ford Excursion and Navigator with the Mark LT.
This is one of the few places you get clear, heavy-duty numbers. The 2006–2008 Mark LT is rated at 3450 lbs front and 3850 lbs rear. That is a robust setup. It shares architecture with the Ford F-150.
The Navigator got heavier over time.
2006: 3300 front / 4128 rear.
2007–2008: 3350 front / 4300 rear.
2009: 3450 front / 3850 rear. Wait. The 2009 number for the rear dropped to match the Mark LT? Check your door jamb. The 2009 Navigator likely shifted to a heavier platform or different trim levels affected the rating. The front also increased.
The MKZ, MKS, MKX, and Town Car have no listed GAWR. They are platform-based sedans. Use the GVWR.
Mazda truck and car specs
Mazda had a strange lineup. Small pickups. Sporty sedans.
The B-Series trucks (B2300, B3000, B4000) are relevant here.
2006–2009 B2300 : 2400 front / 2750 rear.
2006–2009 B3000 : 2625 front / 2750 rear.
2006–2009 B4000 : 2850 front / 2750 rear. Note the front axle on the B4000 is rated higher than the rear. This is unusual. Usually, rear axles carry more payload. This suggests the B4000’s suspension or frame rails were tuned differently, perhaps for towing balance.
The Mazda3 and Mazda6 have no listed GAWR.
The Mazda5 (2006) is 2218 front / 2355 rear.
The MazdaSpeed3 (2007) is 2216 front / 2064 rear. Front heavy.
The MX-5 (2007) is 2449 front / 2103 rear.
Why does the MX-5 front axle have a higher rating than the rear? It’s a lightweight roadster. The weight distribution is already skewed forward. The axle is strong, but you don’t need to load the back.
Mercedes-Benz AMG and SUVs
Mercedes is notorious for withholding axle specs in US brochures.
2006–2009 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLK, CLS, SL, SLK : No GAWR.
2006–2009 SLR McLaren : No GAWR.
2007–2009 G500, G55, ML350, ML500, ML63 AMG : No GAWR.
2008–2009 GL320, GL450, GL550 : No GAWR.
The only exception in this dataset is the 2009 LR2 (Land Rover) and specific Mazda models. Mercedes left you in the dark.
For the ML-Class and GL-Class, calculate GVWR minus Curb Weight. Assume 40% front / 60% rear for a rough estimate. This is a safe bet for RWD-based SUVs.
“Mercedes GAWR is not public. Use the 40/60 rule for SUVs. For sedans, keep axle loads under 3000 lbs to be safe.”
Mercury and MINI limits
Mercury is dead. But in 2006–2009, the Mountaineer had data.
2006: 2860 front / 3340 rear.
2007–2009: Data missing. Likely similar to the Mountaineer.
The Mariner, Milan, Montego, Grand Marquis, Monterey, Sable : No GAWR.
MINI changed ownership in 2005. The new BMW
Mitsubishi GAWR
If you are looking at a used Mitsubishi GAWR chart from the mid-2000s, you will notice a lot of empty cells. That isn’t a formatting error. It usually means the data wasn’t standardized or was simply unavailable for those specific trims in public databases. The 2006-2009 period saw Mitsubishi pushing the Raider, a pickup born from a failed alliance with Toyota. It carried a solid 3100/3600 lbs front/rear rating. The Lancer made a brief reappearance in some datasets, but mostly you are looking at the Eclipse, Galant, Endeavor, Outlander, and the Montero. If you are modifying a Raider, those axle limits are hard numbers. For the rest, you are likely dealing with OEM tires that haven’t been inspected.
Nissan GAWR
Nissan’s lineup from 2006 to 2009 offers a mix of reliable sedans and heavy-duty trucks. The Altima appears consistently, though specific GAWR figures are often missing for the standard models, pointing to a reliance on tire sidewall ratings rather than stamped chassis data in some records. The Frontier is a staple here, holding steady at 3296/3197 lbs for the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years. That is a tight split between front and rear. The Titan pickup offers a bit more rear bias at 3300/3800 in 2007, though later years drop the specific numbers from the primary view. The 350Z, Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Xterra, GT-R, and Versa are all listed, but again, many lack the specific front/rear weight load data. The Altima Hybrid showed up in 2007 and 2008, but without the axle specs in this dataset. The Rogue entered the scene in 2008.
Pontiac GAWR
Pontiac was winding down. The G6, GTO, Grand Prix, Montana SV6, Solstice, Torrent, and Vibe make up the core of the 2006-2009 records. The Torrent and Vibe (a Toyota Matrix twin) share the same 2535/2535 lbs rating in 2006, 2007, and 2009. The Grand Prix has a weird entry for 2007 showing “62/38” – likely a percentage split of weight distribution or a data entry glitch, as it doesn’t match the other formats. The G5 and G8 appear in the later years. If you are lifting a Torrent or Vibe, that 2535 limit is your hard ceiling for the axles.
Porsche GAWR
The Porsche section is sparse. You have the Cayenne in 2006 and 2008/2009. The 911, Boxter, Cayman, and 911 Carrera appear in 2008 and 2009. No numbers. None. This is typical for performance-oriented brands where the focus is on dynamic balance rather than payload capacity. If you are tracking down Porsche GAWR specs for a track build, you are going to have to measure it yourself or check the door jamb stickers. The data simply isn’t in the standard tables.
Saab GAWR
Saab was in its final throes. The 9-2X (Subaru Impreza twin) and 9-3 are present in 2006. The 9-5 and 9-7X (GMC Envoy twin) follow. The 9-7X stands out with a 2950/3400 lbs rating in 2008 and 2009. That rear bias makes sense for a truck-based SUV. The 9-3 and 9-5 lack specific figures in this dataset. If you are restoring a Saab 9-7X, those axle limits are your guide. For the sedans, you are on your own without this data.
Saturn GAWR
Saturn was gone by 2010, but the 2006-2009 models linger in records. The Ion, Relay, VUE, and Outlook are the main players. The Outlook (a Chevy Traverse twin) has a consistent 3197/3527 lbs rating across 2007, 2008, and 2009. The Astra, Aura, Aura Hybrid, Sky, and VUE Hybrid appear but lack the specific weight data. The Relay minivan is listed but empty. If you are hauling gear in a Saturn Outlook, that 3527 rear limit is critical. The rest requires digging into tire placards.
Scion GAWR
Scion was Toyota’s youth brand. The tC, xA, xB, and xD populate the 2006-2009 years. No numbers. Just model names. This reflects a lack of official public documentation for Scion GAWR in general databases. These are small cars. The axles are not designed for heavy loads anyway. If you need the numbers, you are looking at tire sidewalls or aftermarket upgrade specs, not OEM factory charts.
smart GAWR
Only the fortwo appears in 2008. No numbers. The smart fortwo is a microcar. Its payload capacity is tiny. Adding weight to it affects handling disproportionately. The lack of data here is almost a feature. Don’t overload it.
Subaru GAWR
Subaru’s lineup is extensive. The B9 Tribeca, Baja, Forester, Impreza variants (Sedan, Wagon, Outback Sport, WRX Sti), Legacy variants, and Outback fill out 2006-2009. No numbers. Again, a lack of standardized Subaru GAWR data in public tables. The Impreza WRX Sti and Tribeca are performance or utility variants, but without the specific axle ratings here, you are left with the tire load index. If you are running wide tires on a WRX, check the sidewall. The data isn’t in the text.
Suzuki GAWR
Suzuki offers a few concrete numbers. The Aerio holds 1918/1940 lbs in 2006 and 2007. The Forenza is 1918/1764 lbs in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The XL7 jumps to 2205/2866 in 2006, then 2590/2921 in 2007 and 2008. The SX4 appears in 2007 with 2050/1786 lbs. The Grand Vitara, Reno, Verona, Equator, and later SX4 and XL7 entries lack data. The XL7 shift from 2866 to 2921 rear capacity suggests a suspension or tire update between 2006 and 2007. If you are carrying cargo in a Suzuki XL7, that 2921 number is your hard limit for the rear axle in the later years.
Toyota GAWR
Toyota is the most consistent here. The 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Matrix, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, FJ Cruiser, Venza, and Camry Hybrid are all listed. The Land Cruiser has a hefty 3595/4220 lbs rating in 2006 and 2007. The RAV4 fluctuates. It shows 2535/2435 lbs in 2006, then jumps to 4430/4730 lbs in 2007 (likely a data error or a specific heavy-duty variant), before settling back to 2535/2435 lbs in 2008 and 2009. The Tundra shows 3900/3800 lbs in 2007. Most other models have no figures. If you are towing with a Toyota Tundra or loading a **Land Cruiser
Volkswagen Axle Limits by Model
The 2006 lineup was pretty bare bones in the data department. We have zero GAWR figures for the Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle convertible, Beetle coupe, Passat sedan, Phaeton, Rabbit, or Touareg. It’s not like the data vanished. It just wasn’t recorded in this specific source.
Next year, the Eos joined the party. But even in 2007, the GTI, Jetta, Beetle models, Passat sedan, Passat wagon, and Rabbit still show blank spots. Only the Touareg carries forward without a specific split listed here.
2008 saw the R32 and GLI enter the chat. The Eos, GLI, GTI, Jetta, Beetle convertible, Beetle coupe, Passat sedan, Passat wagon, Rabbit, and Touareg 2 are all still listed with missing GAWR values. The industry standard seems to have been inconsistent in its reporting during this era.
By 2009, the Routan and Tiguan made their debut. The Eos, GLI, GTI, Jetta sedan, Jetta sport wagon, Beetle convertible, Beetle coupe, Passat sedan, Passat wagon, Rabbit, Routan, Tiguan, and Touareg 2 remain without explicit front/rear GAWR numbers in this dataset. If you’re looking for precise axle limits for a 2009 VW Jetta, this table won’t help you.
Volvo’s Measurable Numbers
Volvo gave us slightly more to work with in 2006. The S80 had a front GAWR of 2230 lbs and a rear of 2290 lbs. The XC90 was stronger, sitting at 2820 lbs front and 3150 lbs rear. The C70, S40, S60, V50, V70, and XC70 were left blank.
2007 didn’t add any new numbers. The S80 and XC90 entries disappeared or remained empty in the updated list. It’s strange to see such a specific SUV carry weight limits while the sedans didn’t.
2008 brought back the C30, C70, S40, S60, S80, V50, and XC70 with no data. But the V70 finally showed up with 2690 lbs front and 2513 lbs rear. The XC70 held steady at 2800/2646 lbs. The XC90 remained consistent at 2820/3150 lbs.
2009 kept the V70, XC70, and XC90 numbers intact. The rest of the lineup—C30, C70, S40, S60, S80, V50—still had no recorded GAWR values. Why would a manufacturer publish limits for a wagon but not its sedan sibling? The inconsistency is frustrating.
Context for the Missing Data
You might be wondering why so many slots are empty. The sources cited from 2008 suggest this was a common issue in early automotive glossaries. Autopedia, Carlist.com, and Ford’s own glossary often referenced these tables without filling every cell. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses more on GVWR and GCWR than individual axle ratings in public guides.
If you need to modify a suspension or check tire load indices for a 2008 Volvo V70, use the 2690/2513 lbs figures. For a 2006 XC90, stick to 2820/3150 lbs. Do not guess for the blank cells.
Other related specs like cargo carrying capacity, curb weight, payload, and towing capacity are often more readily available in owner’s manuals than GAWR. Check the door jamb sticker. It usually has the VIN, tire pressure, and the total gross weight limits. Axle splits are less common there.
The underlying mechanics of how tires support these loads is detailed in HowStuffWorks’ guides on tire construction and suspension systems. Understanding the difference between base curb weight and payload is also key. You can’t overload
