You know the drill. You’re standing in the dealer’s lot or scrolling through listings, hunting for specs. MPG. 0-60 times. Cubic feet of cargo. Horsepower figures. Cost. These are the numbers that usually dictate the sale. They are easy to find and easy to compare. But there is a specific metric that gets ignored until it is too late. It is the gross axle weight rating, or GAWR.
Ignore it, and you risk blowing tires, bending suspension components, or losing control on the highway. Pay attention to it, and you drive with confidence.
The Definition That Matters
Let’s get the terminology straight because people confuse the limit with the load. The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum safe weight the manufacturer says an individual axle can support. Front axle. Rear axle. They have separate limits. This number is fixed. It is stamped into the metal by the engineers who designed the springs, shocks, and hubs. It does not change.
The gross axle weight (GAW), on the other hand, is the actual weight sitting on that axle right now. This fluctuates. It changes every time you drop a kid in the back seat. It changes when you fill the gas tank. It changes when you strap a kayak to the roof.
The rule is simple. The GAW must never exceed the GAWR.
What Counts Toward the Limit?
You might think GAWR only covers the vehicle’s own weight. It doesn’t. According to the New Car Buying Guide, the rating accounts for everything distributed across that axle. This includes:
- The vehicle’s curb weight
- Passengers
- Cargo in the cabin or bed
- Trailer tongue weight (if you are towing)
All of that mass ends up pressing down on the front or rear axle. If you overload the rear axle of a pickup truck, you aren’t just risking a mechanical failure. You are altering the physics of the vehicle.
Why Overloading Is Dangerous
Safety is the only reason these limits exist. Overloading any vehicle is bad. Overloading a trailer is worse. But let’s look at what happens when you put too much weight on the rear axle of a standard car or truck.
The steering becomes numb. The front tires lose grip because the weight shift pulls the nose up. You turn the wheel, and the car doesn’t respond like it should.
The brakes suffer. Front brakes handle the majority of the stopping power. If the rear is overloaded, the front brakes are pushed beyond their effective range. You get longer stopping distances.
Then there is the suspension. Components bend. Bushings tear. In extreme cases, tires blow out from the excess load. You lose control. It doesn’t have to be catastrophic to be a problem. It just has to be over the limit.
How to Find Your GAWR
You don’t need to guess. The information is usually sitting right next to you. Look at the driver’s side door jamb. There is a sticker or plate there. It lists the gross axle weight rating for both front and rear axles. It might also list the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tire pressure requirements.
If the sticker is gone or faded, check the manufacturer’s website. Most brands publish these specs online. You can also find third-party databases that list these numbers by make and model.
Acura GAWR Data
Here are the factory gross axle weight rating figures for select Acura models. Front and rear weights are listed in pounds.
2006 Acura Models
* MDX: Data not available
* RL: Data not available
* RSX: Data not available
* TL: Data not available
* TSX: Data not available
2007 Acura Models
* MDX: 2888 (Front) / 3175 (Rear)
* RL: Data not available
* RDX: 2546 (Front) / 2381 (Rear)
* TL: Data not available
* TSX: 2335 (Front) / 2030 (Rear)
2008 Acura Models
* MDX: 2888 (Front) / 3175 (Rear)
* RL: Data not available
* RSX: 2546 (Front) / 2381 (Rear)
* TL: Data not available
* TSX: 2335 (Front) / 2030 (Rear)
2009 Acura Models
* MDX: 2888 (Front) / 3175 (Rear)
* RL: Data not available
* RSX: 2546 (Front) / 2381 (Rear)
* TSX: 2325 (Front) / 2090 (Rear)
Related Acura Specs:
* Acura GVWR
* Acura GCWR
* Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
* Acura Curb Weight
* Acura Payload
* Acura Towing Capacity
Audi GAWR Data
For Audi owners, here is the available data by year and model. Note that many entries show data not available, likely due to varying trim levels or regional specifications.
2006 Audi Models
* A3: Data not available
* A4: Data not available
* A6: Data not available
* A8: Data not available
* S4: Data not available
* TT: Data not available
2007 Audi Models
* A3: Data not available
* A4: Data not available
* A6: Data not available
* A8: Data not available
* Q7: Data not available
* RS4: Data not available
* S4: Data not available
* S6: Data not available
* S8: Data not available
2008 Audi Models
* A3: Data not available
* A4: Data not available
* A5: Data not available
* A6: Data not available
* A8: Data not available
* Q7: Data not available
* R8: Data not available
* RS4: Data not available
* S4: Data not available
* S5: Data not available
* S6: Data not available
* S8: Data not available
* TT: Data not available
2009 Audi Models
* A3: Data not available
* A4: Data not available
* A5: Data not available
* A8: Data not available
* Q7: Data not available
* R8: Data not available
* S4: Data not available
* S5: Data not available
* S8: Data not available
* TT: Data not available
Related Audi Specs:
* Audi GVWR
* Audi GCWR
* Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
* Audi Curb Weight
* Audi Payload
* Audi Towing Capacity
The numbers on a vehicle’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual aren’t just suggestions. They are legal and mechanical limits. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) tells you the maximum load an individual axle can handle. It’s the difference between a smooth highway cruise and a broken leaf spring. When you’re loading up for a trip or hauling gear, knowing the front and rear limits for your specific model year is non-negotiable.
Most factory tables are sparse. They often leave out the sedan variants or skip years entirely. That leaves enthusiasts guessing. We’re filling in the gaps with the hard data for BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Dodge models from 2006 through 2009.
BMW GAWR Limits by Model Year
BMW’s lineup in this era was heavy. The E60 5-Series and E63 6-Series were built with performance in mind, not necessarily payload. The SUVs, the X3 and X5, carried more weight but also had stronger axles. The Z4M and M3 were lighter on the paper specs for payload because they were designed for cornering, not cargo.
2006 BMW Lineup
The 2006 models were the peak of the E39/M5 and early E60 generation. The M5 and M6 were rare beasts. The table below shows the GAWR (front/rear) where data is available.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| 325 | – |
| 330 | – |
| 525 | – |
| 530 | – |
| 550 | – |
| 650 | – |
| 750 | – |
| 760 | – |
| M3 | – |
| M5 | – |
| M6 | – |
| X3 | – |
| X5 | – |
| Z4 | – |
| Z4M | – |
2007 BMW Lineup
The Z4M made its debut. The Alpina B7 appeared as a high-torque alternative to the M5. Note that the Z4 lists specific ratings, while the M5 and M6 data points are missing from standard records for this year.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| 328 | – |
| 335 | – |
| 525 | – |
| 530 | – |
| 550 | – |
| 650 | – |
| 750 | – |
| 760 | – |
| Alpina B7 | – |
| M5 | – |
| M6 | – |
| X3 | – |
| X5 | – |
| Z4 | 2767/3770 |
| Z4M | – |
2008 BMW Lineup
The E92 3-Series arrived. The X6 debuted as the “Sports Activity Coupe.” The Z4M continued, but the M5 was absent from this specific year’s public GAWR tables.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| 128 | – |
| 135 | – |
| 328 | – |
| 335 | – |
| 528 | – |
| 535 | – |
| 550 | – |
| 650 | – |
| 750 | – |
| 760 | – |
| Alpina B7 | – |
| M3 | – |
| M5 | – |
| X3 | – |
| X5 | – |
| X6 | – |
| Z4 | – |
| Z4M | – |
2009 BMW Lineup
By 2009, the M3 and M6 were fully established. The X6 remained a niche player. Most passenger sedan ratings remain unlisted in standard databases, forcing owners to calculate based on curb weight and payload capacity.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| 128 | – |
| 135 | – |
| 328 | – |
| 335 | – |
| 528 | – |
| 535 | – |
| 550 | – |
| 750 | – |
| M3 | – |
| M5 | – |
| M6 | – |
| X3 | – |
| X5 | – |
| X6 | – |
Buick GAWR Limits by Model Year
Buick was transitioning. The Rainier and Rendezvous were being phased out. The Enclave arrived to fill the mid-size SUV gap. The LaCrosse and Lucerne were the bread-and-butter sedans. The Terraza, a rebadged GMC Acadia, had distinct axle ratings.
2006 Buick Lineup
The Terraza carried a surprisingly low rear rating compared to the front. The Rainier was more balanced.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| LaCrosse | – |
| Lucerne | – |
| Rainier | 2950/3200 |
| Rendezvous | – |
| Terraza | 1148/960 |
2007 Buick Lineup
The Enclave was gone for 2007. The Rainier continued with the same ratings. The Terraza was dropped.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| LaCrosse | – |
| Lucerne | – |
| Rainier | 2950/3200 |
| Rendezvous | – |
2008 Buick Lineup
The new Enclave debuted. It had a high front axle rating, typical for its unibody construction with front-engine bias. The Rainier and Rendezvous were discontinued.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| Enclave | 3197/3527 |
| LaCrosse | – |
| Lucerne | – |
2009 Buick Lineup
The Enclave continued with the same ratings. No new models added to the GAWR table.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| Enclave | 3197/3527 |
| LaCrosse | – |
| Lucerne | – |
Cadillac GAWR Limits by Model Year
Cadillac’s heavy hitters were the Escalade family. The CTS was the sport sedan. The DTS was the flagship sedan. The SRX and STS were mid-size options. The XLR was the convertible coupe, rare and light.
2006 Cadillac Lineup
The Escalade EXT had a unique split, with a heavy front axle for the V8. The ESV had a lower rear rating, likely due to its extended wheelbase affecting weight distribution.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| CTS | 2232/2379 |
| CTS-V | – |
| DTS | – |
| Escalade | 3350/4000 |
| Escalade ESV | 3060/2809 |
| Escalade EXT | 3800/4000 |
| SRX | – |
| STS | – |
| STS-V | – |
| XLR | – |
| XLR-V | – |
2007 Cadillac Lineup
The CTS retained its 2006 ratings. The Escalade models’ specific GAWR data is missing from standard records for this year, though the platform remained largely unchanged.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| CTS | 2232/2379 |
| CTS-V | – |
| DTS | – |
| Escalade | – |
| Escalade ESV | – |
| Escalade EXT | – |
| SRX | – |
| STS | – |
| STS-V | – |
| XLR | – |
| XLR-V | – |
2008 Cadillac Lineup
No specific GAWR data is listed for the 2008 models in standard databases. The CTS and DTS continued production. The Escalade Hybrid had not yet launched.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| CTS | – |
| DTS | – |
| Escalade | – |
| Escalade ESV | – |
| Escalade EXT | – |
| SRX | – |
| STS | – |
| STS-V | – |
| XLR | – |
| XLR-V | – |
2009 Cadillac Lineup
The Escalade Hybrid was introduced, but its specific GAWR ratings are not listed. The rest of the lineup saw no major chassis changes that would alter axle limits significantly.
| Model | GAWR (front/rear) |
|---|---|
| CTS | – |
| DTS | – |
| Escalade | – |
| Escalade ESV | – |
| Escalade EXT | – |
| Escalade Hybrid | – |
| SRX | – |
| STS | – |
| STS-V | – |
| XLR | – |
| XLR-V | – |
Chevrolet GAWR Limits by Model Year
Chevrolet had the widest range. From the Aveo to the Silverado 3500 HD. The trucks had massive rear axle ratings. The SUVs were diverse. The Corvette, being a sports car, had specific track-focused limits, though GAWR data is often omitted in favor of payload.
2006 Chevrolet Lineup
The Silverado 1500 Hybrid had a slightly different weight distribution than the
Ford Axle Weight Limits: The Heavy Haulers
If you’re towing anything heavier than a kayak, you need to know the Ford GAWR ratings for your specific year and model. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) isn’t just a number on a door jamb; it’s the hard limit for how much weight each axle can safely carry before suspension components or the frame itself start to fail. Ford’s lineup from 2006 to 2009 tells a clear story: the passenger cars barely made the cut for data entry, while the Super Duties were built for actual work.
The Ford E-Series and Super Duty Dominance
The E-Series vans and F-Series trucks were where the real numbers lived. If you’re looking for Ford truck towing capacity specs, you start with these axles.
In 2006, the E-150 sat at 3240 lbs front and 3800 lbs rear. Step up to the E-250, and you gain significant rear capacity (5520 lbs). The E-350 Super Duty? It’s a brute at 3700/6195. The F-150 held steady at 3450/3800. But if you’re running an F-250 or F-350, you’re looking at 3800 lbs up front and either 6100 or a massive 7000 lbs out back.
By 2007, the Explorer got lighter (2860/3340), likely due to weight-saving measures, while the F-150 stayed put. The F-350 still maxed out the rear axle at 7000 lbs.
The 2008 model year saw the E-Series jump in capability. The E-150 moved to 3700/5120. That’s a huge shift. The E-350 Super Duty hit 3800/6084. The F-450 appeared, a commercial beast with 5600/9500 ratings. Note that the F-350’s rear limit dropped slightly to 6262 lbs in 2008, down from the previous year’s 7000. Why? Maybe frame geometry changes or different spring rates. Who knows, but you need to check the sticker.
In 2009, the E-350 Super Duty bumped front axle to 4200 lbs. The F-150 also jumped to 3800 lbs front (up from 3450). The F-450’s ratings seem flipped or typoed in some sources (listed as 3800/6262 here), but historically, the F-450 is a dual-rear-wheel monster. Treat the 2009 F-450 entry with caution if it doesn’t match the previous year’s massive output.
The cars? Mostly dashes. The Crown Victoria, Mustang, Focus, Fusion, Taurus—none have GAWR data listed in this specific dataset. The Escape and Escape Hybrid stayed consistent at 2240/2115 and 2380/2175 respectively. The Explorer Sport Trac held at 3080/3320.
GAWR is the ceiling. Your payload is the floor. If your payload exceeds the GAWR minus curb weight, you’re already over the limit before you add a single passenger.
GMC Axle Ratings: Work Trucks and SUVs
GMC’s approach mirrors GM’s platform sharing, but the numbers tell a different story for the Sierra and Yukon.
The 2006 Sierra 1500 sat at 3150/3686. The Sierra 2500 and 3500? 4410/6084 and 4800/6500. The Yukon and Yukon XL were heavy SUVs, rated 3200/3750 and 3200/4000.
In 2007, the Sierra 1500 bumped to 3200/3750. The Sierra 2500 dropped slightly to 4200/6084. The Sierra 3500 changed drastically: 4200/6390. A significant drop in front axle rating compared to 2006, but a slight rear drop too.
2008 and 2009 remained stable for the Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500. The Yukon Hybrid arrived in 2008, sharing the same 3200/4100 ratings as the standard Yukon. The Canyon remained steady at 2533/2896 until 2009, when the front axle bumped to 2633 lbs.
The Envoy and Envoy XL held firm at 2950/3200 and 3100/3400. The new 2007 Acadia was rated 3197/3527. The Savana vans had no data listed, which is odd for a commercial vehicle, but it’s what the data shows.
Honda Load Limits: Reliability in Numbers
Honda’s GAWR data is sparse for sedans. The Accord, Civic, and CR-V mostly show dashes, implying the data wasn’t standardized or was considered too uniform to list.
The heavy hitters are the Odyssey, Pilot, Element, and Ridgeline.
The Odyssey has been a constant since 2006: 2833/3197. That’s a solid minivan setup.
The Element arrived in 2006 at 2300/2205. It stayed there through 2009.
The Pilot came in 2007 at 2865/3155. By 2009, it bumped to 2921/3196. A slight increase in capacity.
The Ridgeline? In 2006, it was 309/3252. Wait. 309 lbs front? That looks like a typo for 3090. Given the rear is 3252, a 309 front is impossible for a truck. Assume 3090. It stayed 3105/3252 in 2007 and 2008.
The Civic had data in 2007 and 2008: 2310/2290. The 2009 Civic had no data listed.
The Fit and Insight? No data.
HUMMER Axle Strength
HUMMER didn’t mess around. The H2 was the bread and butter from 2006 to 2009.
Every year, the H2 sat at 4000 lbs front and 5000 lbs rear. Consistent. Reliable. Heavy.
The H1 Alpha in 2006 was rated 4100/6800.
The H3 and H3T had no data listed. That doesn’t mean they aren’t capable; it just means the specific GAWR figures weren’t provided in this dataset.
Hyundai and Infiniti: The Missing Pieces
Hyundai’s GAWR data is similarly sparse. The Entourage (2007-2008) was rated 2998/3064. The Santa Fe (2007-2008) was 2976/3197. The Veracruz had no data. The Accent, Azera, Elantra, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, and Genesis all show dashes.
Infiniti is even lighter on data. The FX35, FX45, G35, M35, M45, Q45, QX56 all show dashes for 2006-2009. The only entry is the EX35 in 2008, which also has no data. It seems Infiniti didn’t prioritize publishing these specific GAWR figures in this format, or the data is incomplete.
Isuzu and Jaguar: Niche Numbers
Isuzu’s Ascender held steady at 2950/3200 from 2006 to 2008. The i-280/i-290 was 2533/2896. The i-
Jeep Axle Weight Ratings
The 2006 Jeep lineup was mostly silent on specific axle limits, with the Liberty and Wrangler standing out as exceptions. The Liberty handled 2750 lbs up front and 3150 lbs in the rear. Wranglers carried less, at 2200/2650 lbs. This pattern held through 2007, with the Liberty maintaining its 2750/3150 split. The Wrangler got a slight upgrade that year, moving to 2650/3400 lbs.
By 2008, the Wrangler and its Unlimited sibling locked in at 2650/3400 lbs. The rest of the Jeep range—Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot—still refused to publish their Gross Axle Weight Ratings. That silence continued into 2009. If you own a pre-2010 Jeep and need exact axle numbers, you’re likely hitting a wall unless you have the door jamb sticker or the original window sticker handy.
Kia Front and Rear Limits
Kia’s data is sparse for the mid-2000s. The 2006 Sedona was one of the few to speak up, rated for 2998 lbs front and 3064 lbs rear. The Sorento matched that symmetry at 3307/3307 lbs. The Sportage was front-heavy in its rating, listing 2579 lbs up front versus 2425 lbs in the back.
In 2007, the Rio and Rio 5 entered the chat, both rated at 1918/1874 lbs. The Sedona and Sorento kept their previous numbers. The Sportage stayed at 2579/2425. By 2008, the Rio and Rio 5 retained their 1918/1874 ratings. The Sportage remained unchanged. The Sedona and Sorento went silent.
The 2009 model year saw the arrival of the Borrego, but like its predecessors, it offered no GAWR data. The Spectra and Spectra 5 also disappeared from the specs list. It’s frustrating for enthusiasts trying to build heavy rigs or tow with these older Kias without digging through obscure service manuals.
Land Rover GAWR Data
Land Rover was equally stingy with numbers. The 2006 through 2008 LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport models listed no front or rear axle weights. The LR2 joined the fold in 2008, still without data.
Finally, in 2009, the LR2 released its limits: 2885 lbs front and 2995 lbs rear. The rest of the Land Rover lineup—LR3, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport—continued to withhold their Gross Axle Weight Ratings. You’re left guessing or measuring based on payload capacity if you’re planning modifications.
Lexus Axle Specifications
Lexus models from 2006 to 2009 generally do not publish GAWR figures in standard spec sheets. This includes the ES 330, GS 300, GS 430, GX 470, IS 250, IS 350, LS 430, LX 470, RX 330, RX 400h, SC 430, and their successors like the ES 350, GS 350, GS 450h, GS 460, IS-F, LS 460, LS 600h, LX 570, and RX 350.
Even the performance-oriented IS-F and the luxury-focused LS 600h lack published axle limits in these general tables. If you’re installing a lift kit or upgrading suspension on a 2009 Lexus GX 470, you won’t find the max front or rear axle weight here. You’ll need to rely on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and estimate based on curb weight distribution, or consult a dealer service bulletin.
Lincoln Axle Weights
Lincoln offers a clearer picture for its truck-based platforms. The 2006 Mark LT was rated at 3450 lbs front and 3850 lbs rear. The Navigator was front-lighter, with 3300 lbs up front and 4128 lbs in the rear. The LS, Town Car, and Zephyr had no data.
In 2007 and 2008, the Mark LT kept its 3450/3850 rating. The Navigator bumped up slightly to 3350/4300 lbs. The MKX and MKZ remained silent.
The 2009 Navigator shifted back to 3450/3850 lbs. The MKS, MKX, MKZ, and Town Car still had no published GAWR figures. For Lincoln owners, the truck-derived Navigator and Mark LT are the only ones where you can confidently plan heavy rear loads without guessing.
Mazda Front and Rear Ratings
Mazda’s trucks and SUVs from this era have distinct axle limits. The B-series trucks were consistent. The B2300 handled 2400 lbs front and 2750 lbs rear. The B3000 managed 2625 lbs front and 2750 lbs rear. The B4000 was front-heavy, rated for 2850 lbs up front and 2750 lbs in the back.
The Mazda5 saw 2218/2355 lbs in 2006. The Mazda6 was balanced at 2372/2119 lbs in 2006. The MazdaSpeed6 was front-weighted at 2449/2103 lbs. The MX-5 appeared in 2007 with 2449/2103 lbs. The MazdaSpeed3 showed up in 2007 with 2216/2064 lbs.
By 2008, the B2300 and B4000 kept their ratings. The Mazda6 was listed at 2216/2064 lbs. The CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, and Mazda5 went silent. In 2009, the B-series trucks remained at 2400/2750 and 2850/2750 respectively. The Mazda6 shifted slightly to 2286/2062 lbs. The CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, and Mazda5 still had no GAWR data available in standard tables.
Mercedes-Benz GAWR Figures
Mercedes-Benz models from 2006 to 2009 rarely list Gross Axle Weight Ratings in general consumer specs. This silence covers the C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class, and SLR McLaren.
The SUVs and off-roaders are no different. The ML350, ML500, ML320, ML550, ML63 AMG, G500, G55, GL320, GL450, and GL550 models all lack published front and rear axle limits in these datasets. If you are modifying a 2009 ML350 for overlanding, you won’t find the max axle weight here. You have to calculate based on GVWR and curb weight, assuming a 50/50 distribution unless you have factory load data.
Mercury Axle Limits
Mercury was part of Ford, but their GAWR data is hit-or-miss. The 2006 Mountaineer was rated at 2860 lbs front and 3340 lbs rear. The Grand Marquis, Mariner, Mariner Hybrid, Milan, Montego, and Monterey had no data.
From 2007 through 2009, the Mountaineer, Grand Marquis, Mariner, Mariner Hybrid, Milan, Monterey, and Sable all disappeared from the GAWR listings. If you’re working on a Mountaineer from this era, that 2860/3340 split is your only concrete number in the general tables. For the sedan-based Milans and Montegos, you’re on your own.
MINI Axle Weights
MINI provides the most detailed GAWR data for this period, likely due to their smaller, more uniform chassis.
The 2006 Cooper Convertible and Cooper Hardtop had no listed axle weights. In 2007, the Cooper Convertible was rated at 1918 lbs front and 1697 lbs rear. The Hardtop matched that year with 1929/1653 lbs.
By 2008, the Cooper Clubman entered with a symmetrical 1830/1830 lbs rating. The Convertible stayed at 1
Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, and Porsche Axle Limits
Data gaps are common. For the 2006 through 2009 Mitsubishi lineup, front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) are mostly missing from available records. The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider stands out with a front 3100 lbs and rear 3600 lbs rating. This specific truck-based SUV carried those same limits into 2007 and 2008. Other Mitsubishis like the Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, Lancer, Montero, and Outliner have no listed GAWR figures for this period.
Nissan provides more concrete numbers, though not for every model. The 2007 Nissan Titan hits 3300 lbs front and 3800 lbs rear. The Frontier shows consistent ratings across 2007, 2008, and 2009: 3296 lbs front and 3197 lbs rear. The 2006 Nissan Altima lists 2399 lbs front and 1991 lbs rear. Other Nissans including the 350Z, Armada, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Xterra, and Versa lack specific axle data in this dataset. Pontiac data is sparse. The 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix shows 62/38 which appears to be a data error or placeholder. The Torrent holds steady at 2535 lbs front and rear for 2006, 2007, and 2009.
Porsche remains largely undocumented in this specific GAWR context. The 911, Boxster, Cayenne, and Cayman have no listed front/rear axle ratings for 2006-2009. Saab offers two clear entries. The 2008 and 2009 Saab 9-7X are rated at 2950 lbs front and 3400 lbs rear. The 9-3 and 9-5 lack GAWR data. Saturn’s Outlook holds firm at 3197 lbs front and 3527 lbs rear for 2007, 2008, and 2009. The Ion, Relay, VUE, Sky, and Aura have no listed ratings.
Suzuki and Toyota Heavy Lifters
Suzuki provides the most detailed breakdown for its compact SUVs. The 2006-2008 Suzuki Aerio is rated 1918 lbs front and 1940 lbs rear. The Forenza shares the front 1918 lbs but drops to 1764 lbs rear. The XL7 grows with the years. In 2006 it sits at 2205 lbs front and 2866 lbs rear. By 2007 and 2008, the XL7 rating shifts to 2590 lbs front and 2921 lbs rear. The SX4 enters the record in 2007 with 2050 lbs front and 1786 lbs rear. The 2009 Equator and other models lack GAWR specs.
Toyota’s numbers show significant variation, especially in the RAV4. The 2006 Land Cruiser carries 3595 lbs front and 4220 lbs rear. The 2006 RAV4 is rated 2535 lbs front and 2435 lbs rear. The 2007 RAV4 sees a massive jump to 4430 lbs front and 4730 lbs rear. The 2007 Toyota Tundra lists 3900 lbs front and 3800 lbs rear. The 2008 and 2009 RAV4 revert to the earlier 2535 lbs front and 2435 lbs rear rating. Most other Toyotas, including the Camry, Corolla, Highlander, and Tacoma, have no listed GAWR data for these years. Scion, smart, and Subaru models in the 2006-2009 window generally lack specific front/rear axle weight ratings in this source.
Why These Numbers Matter
Knowing your GAWR isn’t just about not blowing a leaf spring. It’s about tire load ranges, suspension geometry, and safety margins. If you exceed the front GAWR, steering becomes vague. Overloading the rear axle kills handling and stretches braking distance. Most modern vehicles distribute weight unevenly, which is why front and rear numbers differ. The Titan and XL7 examples show how heavy-duty platforms are engineered to carry significantly more load on one axle than the other.
“Gross Axle Weight Rating defines the maximum permissible loaded weight supported by a specific axle, including the vehicle’s own weight on that axle.”
You won’t find these numbers on the sticker. They’re in the tire and loading information label inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. If you’re planning to tow or haul, check the combined limits. GAWR is just one part of the puzzle. GVWR and GCWR tell the rest of the story. Missing data in these tables doesn’t mean the limit doesn’t exist. It usually means the specific metric wasn’t recorded in this particular dataset. Always verify with the manufacturer or a certified inspection for critical loading scenarios.
Volkswagen Axle Load Limits
If you are modifying a VW, the Volkswagen GAWR data tells you exactly how much weight each axle can handle before the suspension or chassis starts to complain. This isn’t just about towing; it’s about cargo, passengers, and aftermarket parts adding up.
Looking at the 2006 lineup, the data is sparse. The Golf, GTI, Jetta, and both Beetle variants (Convertible and Coupe) have no listed GAWR figures in this specific dataset. The Passat Sedan, Phaeton, Rabbit, and Touareg also lack specific front/rear breakdowns here.
By 2007, the Eos joins the mix, but again, most models including the GTI, Jetta, Beetles, Passat, Rabbit, and Touareg show no specific GAWR values. The 2008 model year brings the R32 and GLI into the roster, yet the table remains largely empty of specific axle ratings for these popular performance models.
The 2009 data introduces the Routan, Tiguan, and Jetta Sport Wagon, but the pattern continues: specific Gross Axle Weight Rating figures are absent for most entries. If you are looking for how to distribute weight on a 2009 Tiguan or Routan, this specific chart doesn’t provide the front/rear split you need.
For a complete picture of your Volkswagen’s limits, you would also need to cross-reference Volkswagen GVWR, Volkswagen GCWR, and Volkswagen Towing Capacity. Knowing the Volkswagen Curb Weight is just the starting point. The real math happens when you add payload and check if you are exceeding the Volkswagen Cargo Carrying Capacity.
Volvo Weight Distribution
Volvo’s approach to axle ratings in this dataset is similar—most cars don’t have their specific front/rear splits listed, but the larger SUVs have clear numbers that matter for towing or heavy loading.
In 2006 and 2007, the Volvo XC90 is the only model with explicit GAWR data: 2820 lbs on the front axle and 3150 lbs on the rear. The C70, S40, S60, S80, V50, V70, and XC70 have no values provided in this table.
The 2008 model year sees the arrival of the C30, but the data remains limited. The Volvo XC90 maintains its 2820/3150 lb rating. The XC70 gets a specific rating of 2800 lbs front and 2646 lbs rear. The V70 is listed at 2690 lbs front and 2513 lbs rear. The C70, S40, S60, S80, and V50 still lack specific GAWR figures.
This pattern holds for 2009. The Volvo XC90 stays at 2820/3150 lbs. The XC70 remains 2800/2646 lbs. The V70 is 2690/2513 lbs. The rest of the lineup—C30, C70, S40, S60, S80, V50—has no axle weight data here.
When calculating Volvo Payload, remember that the difference between the GVWR and the Curb Weight is your total allowable load. If you are towing, the Volvo GCWR becomes the limiting factor, not just the axle ratings. Ignoring the Volvo Towing Capacity specs can lead to overstressed components, even if you are under the GAWR limits.
Understanding the Data Gaps
It is easy to assume that every car has a published GAWR figure. The reality is more fragmented. Many manufacturers, especially for standard passenger cars, do not publish front/rear GAWR splits in consumer-facing guides. They rely on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) as the primary limit.
For enthusiasts, this means you often have to calculate your weight distribution manually. Start with the base curb weight. Add the weight of passengers.
