You know the drill. You are shopping for a vehicle and the conversation immediately turns to MPG, 0-60 times, cargo volume, and horsepower. These are the numbers dealerships love to shout about. They are the shiny buttons on the spec sheet. But there is a quiet number that gets ignored at your peril. It is the gross axle weight rating.
Most buyers never look for it. They should.
Your car is not just a box with an engine. It is a balance of forces. Every vehicle, whether it is a daily commuter sedan, a heavy-duty truck, or an RV, has limits. The gross axle weight rating is the maximum weight the manufacturer says is safe for a specific axle. Front and rear axles have their own individual limits. Exceeding them is not just a warranty voider. It is a recipe for losing control.
The GAWR is a hard limit set by the automaker. It does not change based on what you put in the car. The actual weight does.
The Difference Between GAWR and GAW
Confusion here kills tires. And sometimes, people.
You need to distinguish between two similar-sounding acronyms. GAWR stands for Gross Axle Weight Rating. This is the ceiling. It is fixed. It is stamped into the steel or printed on a sticker. It will not move.
GAW stands for Gross Axle Weight. This is the reality. This is the actual weight sitting on the axle right now. This number changes every time you get in the car, add gas, or load groceries.
Think of a pickup truck. You load four 100-pound boulders into the bed. The GAW of the rear axle jumps up by 400 pounds. You take them out. The GAW drops by 400 pounds. The GAWR stays exactly where it was when the truck rolled off the line.
If your actual GAW exceeds the GAWR, you are in the danger zone.
Why Overloading an Axle is Dangerous
Manufacturers set these limits for safety. Period.
When you overload an axle, you change the physics of the vehicle. You might not notice it immediately. The steering feels numb. The brakes feel spongy. That is because the front brakes do most of the work. If the rear axle is overloaded, the weight distribution shifts dangerously.
The suspension components can bend. They can snap. The tires can blow out under the stress. If the load is uneven, you are asking for a spin. Heavy loads are hard to control. Add an overload to the mix and you are driving a projectile.
Trailers face the same rules. They have their own GAWR determined by their manufacturer. Balancing the load on a trailer is just as critical. If you overload the trailer axle, you risk a jackknife situation. It is never worth the risk.
Where to Find Your GAWR
You do not have to guess. The information is there.
Look at the driver’s side door jamb. There should be a label. It lists the gross axle weight rating for both the front and rear axles. If you cannot find the sticker, check the owner’s manual.
Manufacturers also publish this data online. You can search for your specific make and model year to find the specs.
The chart below helps you locate the data for popular makes. It is not exhaustive, but it is a start.
GAWR List
Depending on the make and model year of your car or truck, you may be able to find your vehicle’s gross axle weight rating (GAWR) on the following chart.
Browse by Make
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- GMC
- Honda
- HUMMER
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Isuzu
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury
- MINI
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Pontiac
- Porsche
- Saab
- Saturn
- Scion
- smart
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
To read more about vehicle weight, towing and other related topics, follow the links on the next page.
Acura GAWR
Year
Model
GAWR (front/rear)
2006
MDX
RL
RSX
TL
TSX
2007
MDX
2888/3175
RL
RDX
2546/2381
TL
TSX
2335/2030
2008
MDX
2888/3175
RL
RSX
2546/2381
TL
TSX
2335/2030
2009
MDX
2888/3175
RL
RSX
2546/2381
TSX
2325/2090
More Acura Specs:
- Acura GVWR
- Acura GCWR
- Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Acura Curb Weight
- Acura Payload
- Acura Towing Capacity
Audi GAWR
Year
Model
GAWR (front/rear)
2006
A3
A4
A6
A8
S4
TT
2007
A3
A4
A6
A8
Q7
RS4
S4
S6
S8
2008
A3
A4
A5
A6
A8
Q7
R8
RS4
S4
S5
S6
S8
TT
2009
A3
A4
A5
A8
Q7
R8
S4
S5
S8
TT
More Audi Specs:
- Audi GVWR
- Audi GCWR
- Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
- Audi Curb Weight
- Audi Payload
- Audi Towing Capacity
BMW Axle Load Limits (2006-2009)
The data for BMW GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) from 2006 to 2009 is sparse. For the E46, E60, E63, E70, and E85 chassis platforms, manufacturers rarely published specific front/rear axle split figures in consumer brochures.
The only exception in this window is the 2007 BMW Z4, which lists a 2767 lbs front / 3770 lbs rear rating.
For models like the M3, M5, M6, X5, and 7-Series, you will find dashes. This means the specific axle weight distribution was not standardized in public specs. Enthusiasts usually calculate this using curb weight percentages (roughly 50/50 for RWD sedans, slightly rear-biased for M-cars) but do not treat them as hard GAWR limits.
BMW Capacity Notes:
– GVWR is the max total weight.
– GCWR includes towing.
– Payload is GVWR minus curb weight.
Buick GAWR Breakdown (2006-2009)
Buick was in a transitional phase during these years, phasing out the Rainier and Rendezvous while introducing the Enclave.
The 2006 Buick Terraza has a weirdly low rating: 1148 lbs front / 960 lbs rear. This suggests a significant front-heavy design or a specific suspension configuration that limits front axle load.
The Rainier (SUV based on Chevrolet TrailBlazer platform) holds steady at 2950 lbs front / 3200 lbs rear for 2006 and 2007.
The 2008-2009 Enclave (first generation) shares architecture with the GMC Acadia. It carries a 3197 lbs front / 3527 lbs rear rating. This imbalance reflects the transverse-mounted engine layout typical of crossovers, where the engine adds significant mass to the front axle.
Buick Capacity Notes:
– GVWR : Max vehicle weight.
– GCWR : Total combined weight of vehicle + trailer.
– Curb Weight : Empty vehicle weight.
Cadillac GAWR Data (2006-2009)
Cadillac’s lineup here is dominated by the Escalade and the CTS.
The CTS (Epsilon platform) for 2006 and 2007 is rated at 2232 lbs front / 2379 lbs rear. It’s nearly balanced, typical for a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.
The Escalade variants show massive variance depending on the body style:
– Escalade (standard) : Listed as 3350 lbs front / 4000 lbs rear in 2006.
– Escalade ESV (extended): 3060 lbs front / 2809 lbs rear in 2006. The rear drop is odd for an extended wheelbase, likely due to different suspension tuning or payload distribution in the base data.
– Escalade EXT (pickup utility): 3800 lbs front / 4000 lbs rear in 2006. This high front rating accounts for the cab weight.
Post-2006, the table shows dashes for all Cadillac models. The Escalade Hybrid debuted in 2009, but no axle weights are provided in this dataset.
Cadillac Capacity Notes:
– GVWR : Max gross weight.
– GCWR : Max combined weight.
– Payload : Difference between GVWR and curb weight.
Chevrolet GAWR: The Heavy Hitters (2006-2009)
Chevrolet’s data is the most robust in this era, covering everything from the Aveo to the Silverado HD.
Trucks:
– Silverado 1500 : Consistently rated around 3650 lbs front / 3950-4000 lbs rear. The 2006 Silverado 1500 Hybrid pushes the front to 3925 lbs, likely due to the electric motor assembly in the drivetrain.
– Silverado 2500 HD : Front axle 4200-4410 lbs. Rear axle hits 6084 lbs.
– Silverado 3500 HD : Rear axle capacity explodes to 8550 lbs in 2006, settling around 6390 lbs in later years. This is critical for dual-rear-wheel (dually) configurations.
– Colorado : Rated 2533 lbs front / 2896 lbs rear. Notably, the 2009 Colorado shows a flipped/risky spec: 5000 lbs front / 2633 lbs rear. This looks like a data error or a specific heavy-duty variant, as a mid-size truck rarely carries double its rear axle capacity on the front. Proceed with caution on 2009 Colorado specs.
SUVs & Crossovers:
– Tahoe / Suburban 1500 : Front 3200-3300 lbs. Rear 4000-4200 lbs.
– Tahoe / Suburban 2500 : Heavier duty. Front 3800 lbs. Rear 5500 lbs.
– TrailBlazer : 2950 lbs front / 3200 lbs rear for 2006-2008. The 2009 TrailBlazer drops the front to 2450 lbs, which seems unusually low for its size.
– Traverse : Introduced in 2009 with a 3197 lbs front / 3527 lbs rear rating, similar to the Buick Enclave.
Light Cars:
– Avalanche 1500 : 3400 lbs front / 4100 lbs rear.
– Avalanche 2500 : 4380 lbs front / 5500 lbs rear.
– Equinox : 2535 lbs front / 2535 lbs rear. Perfectly balanced.
Chevrolet Capacity Notes:
– GVWR : Total vehicle weight limit.
– GCWR : Vehicle + Trailer.
– Curb Weight : Empty weight.
– Payload : GVWR – Curb Weight.
Chrysler GAWR (2006-2009)
Chrysler’s data is limited. The only models with explicit GAWR figures are the Aspen SUVs.
- Aspen : Rated 3100 lbs front / 3900 lbs rear for 2007, 2008, and 2009. This rear bias is typical for rear-wheel-drive-based SUVs.
- Aspen Hybrid (2009) : Front axle jumps to 3600 lbs, likely due to the hybrid system components.
Other models like the 300C, PT Cruiser, and Pacifica show dashes, meaning no specific axle weight ratings were published in this dataset.
Chrysler Capacity Notes:
– GVWR : Max gross vehicle weight.
– GCWR : Max combined weight.
– Payload : GVWR minus curb weight.
Dodge GAWR: Vans, Trucks, and Performance (2006-2009)
Dodge shares much of its hardware with Chrysler, but adds heavy-duty trucks and performance models.
Ram Trucks:
– Ram 1500 : 3700 lbs front / 3900 lbs rear. Consistent across 2006-2008.
– Ram 2500 : Front 4410 lbs. Rear varies from 4630 lbs (2006/2009) to 6000 lbs (2007/2008).
– Ram 3500 : Front 4110-4750 lbs. Rear is massive: 9350 lbs in early years, dropping to 6200 lbs in 2009. This fluctuation may reflect different chassis configurations (single vs. dual rear wheels).
Sprinter Vans:
– Sprinter 2500 : Front 3857-3970 lbs. Rear 5356-5360 lbs.
– Sprinter 3500 : Front 3857-4080 lbs. Rear 7053-7060 lbs.
– Sprinter Wagon 2500 : Front 3870-3970 lbs. Rear 5360-7053 lbs. Note the wide variance in rear capacity for the wagon, likely due to different wheelbase or trim options.
Other Models:
– Durango : 3100 lbs front / 3900 lbs rear (
Ford Axle Limits: Heavy Haulers and the Empty Slots
Ford’s lineup between 2006 and 2009 tells a story of two distinct worlds. There are the workhorses. Then there are the personal vehicles. The data on Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) makes this split painfully clear.
Look at the Super Duty trucks. The 2006 F-350 rear axle handles 7000 lbs. That is serious suspension geometry. The 2008 F-450 jumps to 9500 lbs on the back end. This isn’t for towing trailers. It’s for mounting upfit bodies or carrying industrial loads. The E-series vans follow a similar logic. The 2009 E-350 Super Duty front axle rating hits 4200 lbs. That’s a big step up from the 3700 lbs in the earlier years. Ford strengthened the front structure.
Then there are the cars. The Mustang. The Focus. The Fusion. The table lists them with dashes. No numbers. Why? Because the manufacturer didn’t publish specific axle ratings for these vehicles in these years. They likely didn’t see a market demand for owners overloading individual axles on a sports coupe. Or maybe the chassis is just so integrated that separate axle limits aren’t the primary constraint. Either way, if you need to know the GAWR for a 2007 Mustang, it’s not in this data set.
“If you are loading a Super Duty, check the sticker. The numbers change every year.”
The Explorer shows interesting variance. 2006 had front/rear ratings of 3240/3600. By 2007, those numbers dropped to 2860/3340. A sudden loss of capacity for the same vehicle name? It suggests a change in trim levels or standard equipment. The Explorer Sport Trac held steady at 3080/3320 for two years. But by 2009, it vanished from the table. Did Ford discontinue it? Yes. The Sport Trac was pulled after 2008. The data reflects that reality.
The Escape and Escape Hybrid kept identical ratings across the board: 2240 front, 2115 rear. Even the hybrid version didn’t shift the axle load limits significantly, despite the added battery weight. Ford engineered it well. The payload capacity absorbed the difference.
GMC and Chevy Sister Lines
GMC and Chevrolet share platforms. The data reflects this symmetry. The Sierra 3500 and Yukon lines dominate the high-end numbers.
The 2006 Sierra 3500 rear axle rating is 6500 lbs. But by 2007, it drops to 6390 lbs. The 2008 and 2009 models stay at that lower number. Why the drop? Possibly a recalibration of the sensor systems or a minor suspension component change. It’s consistent across both the Sierra and the Yukon. The 2009 Yukon XL also sits at 4200 lbs rear capacity.
The Canyon and Sierra 1500 models are lighter duty. The 2009 Canyon front axle rating jumps slightly from 2533 lbs to 2633 lbs. A small change. But in trucking, pounds matter. The Sierra 1500 held steady at 3200/3750 from 2007 through 2009. Reliability in numbers.
The Acadia entered the scene in 2007 with 3197/3527 lbs. It stayed there through 2009. No changes. No surprises. It’s a crossover. The limits are set for comfort and safety, not heavy hauling.
The Envoy was a stalwart. 2950/3200 lbs from 2006 to 2009. Then it disappeared. The Hummer H2 sat at 4000/5000 lbs. Simple. Bold. Large. The H3 and H3T had no listed ratings. Again, the dash indicates a lack of published data for consumer reference.
Honda’s Conservative Approach
Honda doesn’t usually advertise axle limits. They advertise reliability. The data shows why.
The 2006 Ridgeline is an anomaly in this list. The front rating is 309 lbs. That must be a typo in the source data. Or it’s 3090. Given the rear is 3252, a front of 309 is physically impossible for a truck. We’ll assume it’s 3090. The rest of the Ridgeline specs (2007-2008) show 3105/3252. That makes sense. The truck is balanced.
The Odyssey holds steady at 2833/3197 lbs from 2006 through 2008. It’s a people hauler. Not a cargo hauler. The Pilot enters in 2007 with 2865/3155 lbs. By 2009, the front capacity increases to 2921 lbs. A small tweak. Maybe better suspension bushings.
The Civic and CR-V have dashes. No GAWR data. Honda doesn’t publish it for these trims. You rely on the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and subtract the curb weight. It’s the standard method for non-commercial vehicles.
Hummer, Hyundai, and Infiniti: Niche Numbers
Hummer is simple. H2 is 4000 front, 5000 rear. Consistent. Unchanging. The H2 was a landship. It didn’t need complex engineering tweaks. Just more steel. The H3 and H3T have no data.
Hyundai is sparse. The Entourage minivan holds 2998/3064 lbs. The Santa Fe is 2976/3197 lbs. These numbers are close. Symmetrical. The Veracruz is missing. The Genesis is missing. Hyundai wasn’t pushing heavy loads in these models. They were pushing style and value.
Infiniti is almost entirely blank. FX35, FX45, G35, M35, QX56. All dashes. No GAWR data. Infiniti likely didn’t publish these figures for the consumer market. They assumed buyers wouldn’t be loading their luxury SUVs to the brink. The EX35 in 2008 also lacks data. The focus there was on performance, not payload.
Isuzu and Jaguar: The End of an Era
Isuzu is quiet. The Ascender holds 2950/3200 lbs for three years. The i-290 and i-370 stick to 2533 front and 2896 rear. It’s the same platform as the GMC Canyon and Yukon. Shared bones. Shared limits.
Jaguar is all dashes. S-Type. X-Type. XJ8. XKR. XF. XK Coupe. Nothing. Jaguar doesn’t provide GAWR data for these years. Why? Their vehicles are engineered around dynamic handling. The limits are implied by the chassis design. You don’t overload a Jag. You ruin the ride. The manufacturer assumes the buyer knows this. No sticker needed.
“If the table has a dash, the manufacturer didn’t think you’d ask. Or they didn’t want you to know.”
The Missing Links
The tables stop at 2009. But the questions don’t. What about 2010? The F-150 transitioned to aluminum body panels. Did the GAWR change? The data doesn’t say. The Edge dropped from the Ford list after 2008? No, it appears in 2007 and 2008. Then silence.
The Flex appears in 2009 for Ford. Dashes. No numbers. A large crossover. No axle limits published.
The Taurus X is also empty. Ford was losing its way in the crossover market. The data reflects that uncertainty. No clear specs. No clear identity.
GMC’s Sierra Hybrid is listed with a dash in 2009. It was a short-lived experiment. The battery packs added weight. The axle limits might have been tighter. Or looser. We don’t know. The dash remains.
The Hummer H3T is empty. It was a truck with a car’s heart. Or a car with a truck’s soul. The ambiguity continues in the data.
Why This Matters
You don’t need GAWR to drive to work. You do need it if you’re modifying your suspension.
Jeep Axle Load Limits: Wrangler and Liberty
Jeep tends to leave most of the GAWR data in the shadows for the Commander and Grand Cherokee. If you’re looking at a 2006-2009 Commander or Grand Cherokee, you won’t find the numbers in this specific breakdown. The Liberty held steady for a few years. In 2006 and 2007, you were looking at 2,750 lbs up front and 3,150 lbs in the back.
The Wrangler changed things up. That 2006 model sat at 2,200 lbs front and 2,650 lbs rear. It wasn’t until 2007 that the numbers jumped to 2,650 lbs and 3,400 lbs. They kept that setup through the Wrangler Unlimited variants from 2008 to 2009. The Patriot and Compass never listed specific axle weights in this data set.
Kia’s Front-Heavy Setup
Kia’s early 2000s lineup was a mix of sedans and SUVs, and the GAWR numbers reflect that. The Sedona and Sorento were the heavy hitters. In 2006 and 2007, both models shared a symmetrical load capacity: 3,307 lbs front and rear for the Sorento, and 2,998 lbs front with 3,064 lbs rear for the larger Sedona minivan.
The Sportage was oddly balanced for a crossover of its size. It sat at 2,579 lbs up front and dropped to 2,425 lbs in the rear. The Rio models in 2007 and 2008 shifted slightly to 1,918 lbs front and 1,874 lbs rear. By 2009, the Borrego and Spectra models entered the mix but didn’t have these specific axle ratings listed here.
Land Rover’s Weight Distribution
Land Rover didn’t always share these figures for their flagship models. The LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport from 2006 to 2008 appear without listed GAWR values in this specific dataset. Then came the 2009 LR2.
That small crossover changed the game slightly. The 2009 LR2 listed 2,885 lbs on the front axle and 2,995 lbs on the rear. It’s a more balanced spread than you often see in older SUVs, though the rear still carries a bit more load. The larger Range Rovers remained unlisted in this specific snapshot.
Lexus: Precision Engineering, Missing Data?
Lexus lists a massive lineup, but the GAWR numbers are conspicuously absent for almost every model. The ES 350, GS series, GX 470, IS models, LS 460, LX 570, RX 350, and SC 430 all show empty spaces for 2006 through 2009.
Even the high-performance IS-F and hybrid RX 400h didn’t have their axle weights recorded in this specific data pool. It’s a significant gap in the record for a brand known for detail. Without those numbers, you’re left relying on GVWR and payload estimates to figure out how much weight you can actually put on the tires.
Lincoln’s Heavy-Duty Trucks
Lincoln was all about size in this era. The Mark LT and Navigator were the only models with clear GAWR listings. The Mark LT, which is essentially a Ford F-150 with a luxury badge, sat at 3,450 lbs front and 3,850 lbs rear. That setup didn’t change from 2006 through 2008.
The Navigator got heavier. In 2006, it was 3,300 lbs front and 4,128 lbs rear. By 2007 and 2008, the front axle took on a bit more load (3,350 lbs) while the rear jumped to 4,300 lbs. The 2009 Navigator matched the Mark LT’s rear capacity but bumped the front to 3,450 lbs. The MKX, MKZ, and Town Car didn’t list these specific axle limits.
Mazda’s Odd Balancing Acts
Mazda’s truck division (B-Series) had distinct limits. The B2300 sat at 2,400 lbs front and 2,750 lbs rear. The B4000 pushed that to 2,850 lbs front and 2,750 rear. It’s rare to see a truck with identical rear axle ratings across different bed/engine configurations.
The passenger cars were weirdly balanced. The Mazda6 had more capacity up front (2,372 lbs) than in the back (2,119 lbs) in 2006. The MazdaSpeed3 in 2007 dropped to 2,216 lbs front and 2,064 lbs rear. The MX-5 had a reverse bias in 2007 at 2,449 lbs front and 2,103 lbs rear. By 2009, the Mazda6 settled at 2,286 lbs front and 2,062 lbs rear. The CX-7 and CX-9 never listed these numbers.
Mercedes-Benz and the AMG Factor
Mercedes-Benz lists a huge array of models from C-Class to SLR McLaren, but the GAWR data is sparse. Almost all C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, and SLK models from 2006 to 2009 show empty slots.
The G-Class and ML series also lack data for most years. The 2009 ML350 and ML550 don’t have their axle limits listed here. The CLS 550 and GL models are also missing from this specific breakdown. It’s a frustrating gap for those trying to dial in suspension setups or tow capacity on these German SUVs.
Mercury’s Final Years
Mercury was winding down. The Mountaineer, which was essentially a Lincoln Mountaineer, was the only model with listed GAWR in 2006. It sat at 2,860 lbs front and 3,340 lbs rear.
For 2007, 2008, and 2009, the Mountaineer, Mariner, Milan, and Grand Marquis all show no axle weight data. The Sable returned in 2008 and 2009 but also lacked these specific ratings. If you’re working on a late-model Mercury, you’re on your own for axle limits.
MINI’s Compact Limits
MINI’s numbers are small, but they’re specific. The 2007 Cooper Convertible and Hardtop were roughly equal up front at 1,918 lbs and 1,929 lbs, with rear capacities dropping to 1,697 lbs and 1,653 lbs respectively.
The 2008 Cooper Clubman was perfectly symmetrical at 1,830 lbs front and rear. The 2009 John Cooper Works models showed interesting splits. The Hardtop sat at 1,918 lbs front and 1,676 lbs rear. The Clubman version reversed that slightly, listing 1,929 lbs front and 1,863 lbs rear. It’s a reminder that even small cars have hard limits on what those axles can handle before things get messy.
Nissan GAWR: Load Limits for the Altima, Titan, and Frontier
If you are hauling gear in a Nissan GAWR vehicle, the numbers matter more than the badge. For the 2007-2009 Nissan Frontier, the axle breakdown is consistent: 3296 pounds on the front and 3197 pounds on the rear. That split is tighter than you might expect for a mid-size truck.
The heavy hitters are different. The 2007 Titan got a solid front/rear split of 3300/3800 pounds. It’s the only model in that year to show rear-biased strength. The 2009 GT-R didn’t list specific GAWR figures, likely because it’s not designed for heavy payloads anyway.
Pontiac GAWR: The Final Years of Torque
Pontiac was winding down. By 2008, most model lines were gone or merged. The Torrent SUV held steady at 2535 pounds per axle across its run from 2006 to 2009. Symmetric. Boring. Functional.
The Grand Prix in 2007 showed a weird split: 62/38. This usually indicates a typo in source data or a specific trim-level limitation that wasn’t standardized. Don’t assume this applies to all Grand Prix models. The G8 sedan appeared in 2008-2009 but listed no GAWR data, which is odd for a performance sedan with that much chassis rigidity.
Porsche GAWR: Precision Engineering Numbers
Porsche doesn’t publish payload specs in the same way as mass-market brands. For the 2008-2009 911, Boxster, and Cayman, there are no listed GAWR figures. The Cayenne SUV for 2006 and 2008-2009 also lacks specific axle load ratings in this dataset.
This isn’t a lack of data. It’s a lack of interest in heavy hauling. If you’re trying to fit a trailer hitch on a Cayman, you won’t find these numbers. You’ll find a “tow package” option that likely maxes out at 1000 pounds or less. The GAWR is irrelevant when the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the bottleneck.
Saab GAWR: The 9-7X Exception
Saab’s lineup was shrinking fast. The 9-3 and 9-5 sedans never listed GAWR figures in this period. The 9-7X, however, shared its bones with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT.
For 2008 and 2009, the 9-7X carried a front/rear split of 2950/3400 pounds. That rear bias makes sense. It’s an SUV platform with a cargo bed. If you are towing with a Saab, check the 9-7X specs. The other models were passenger cars with no towing intent.
Saturn GAWR: The Outlook Carry
Saturn was struggling. The Outlook SUV became the only model with consistent GAWR data from 2007 to 2009. It shared the same 3197/3527 pound split as its Buick Enclave sibling.
The VUE and Aura models listed no GAWR figures. This is common for crossovers where the manufacturer focuses on GVWR rather than axle-specific loads. If you are modifying a Saturn Sky or Ion, don’t look for payload limits here. The chassis wasn’t rated for significant rear loads.
Scion GAWR: Minimalist Spec Sheets
Scion data is sparse. The tC, xA, xB, and xD models from 2006 to 2009 show no GAWR figures. This is typical for sport compacts. The focus is on curb weight and handling, not payload capacity.
If you need payload for a Scion, you’ll have to calculate it using GVWR minus Curb Weight. The manufacturer didn’t prioritize axle-specific load ratings for these entry-level performance cars.
smart GAWR: Micro-City Limitations
The 2008 smart fortwo is in the data. No GAWR figures are listed. This is expected. The vehicle weighs under 2000 pounds. Axle load ratings are redundant when the total capacity is so low.
Subaru GAWR: Symmetry and Stability
Subaru models from 2006 to 2009—including the Forester, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, and Impreza variants—show no GAWR figures. This is standard for AWD platforms where torque distribution is managed electronically.
The lack of specific front/rear GAWR data in this dataset doesn’t mean the axles are weak. It means Subaru publishes payload limits as a total figure. You’ll find the GVWR and Curb Weight elsewhere. The GAWR is a secondary calculation for enthusiasts, not a primary spec for buyers.
Suzuki GAWR: Small SUVs, Specific Limits
Suzuki had more concrete data. The 2006-2008 Aeria consistently showed 1918/1940 pounds front/rear. The Forenza sedan was 1918/1764 pounds.
The XL7 SUV varied. 2006: 2205/2866. 2007-2008: 2590/2921. The increase suggests a suspension update or a change in chassis reinforcement. The SX4 in 2007 listed 2050/1786 pounds. Later model years dropped the specific GAWR data.
Toyota GAWR: Reliability in Numbers
Toyota provides solid GAWR data for several models. The 2006-2007 Land Cruiser held 3595/4220 pounds. That rear axle is strong. It’s built for towing and off-road crawling.
The RAV4 fluctuated. 2006: 2535/2435. 2007: 4430/4730. 2008: 2535/2435. The 2007 numbers look like an outlier or a specific heavy-duty trim. The later years returned to the lower split. The 2007 Tundra listed 3900/3800 pounds. Nearly balanced. A full-size truck meant for work.
The Tacoma, Sequoia, and Sienna had no GAWR figures listed. Again, these are heavy vehicles where total payload is the metric that matters. If you’re loading a Tacoma, check the door jamb sticker. The axle limits are secondary to the total weight capacity.
The Fine Print on Volvo Axles
You don’t have to look far to see why most German and Swedish cars feel planted. It’s engineering. But for the average driver, it’s just numbers on a sticker. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is that sticker. It’s the maximum load a single axle is designed to handle. Ignore it. You’ll bend the suspension. You’ll snap the control arms. You’ll end up paying for repairs that could have been avoided by checking the specs.
2006 Volvo Specs
The 2006 lineup is sparse. Volvo was consolidating. The S80 is one of the few with listed limits.
- S80: 2230 lbs front / 2290 lbs rear.
- XC90: 2820 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear.
Everything else. C70. S40. S60. V50. V70. XC70. Blank. No data available in this specific breakdown. If you’re loading a 2006 S40, you’re flying blind on this specific metric.
2007 Volvo Specs
Same story. The XC90 holds steady.
- XC90: 2820 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear.
The rest. C70. S40. S60. S80. V50. V70. XC70. Still blank. Volvo wasn’t prioritizing public disclosure of these numbers for non-heavy-duty models.
2008 Volvo Specs
The C30 arrives. The lineup shifts. Some models finally get their numbers.
- V70: 2690 lbs front / 2513 lbs rear.
- XC70: 2800 lbs front / 2646 lbs rear.
- XC90: 2820 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear.
Notice the asymmetry in the V70. Front axle takes more. The suspension geometry favors the driver’s side. The XC70 is similar. Balanced, but not identical. The XC90 remains the heavy hitter.
2009 Volvo Specs
Stability. The numbers don’t change much.
- V70: 2690 lbs front / 2513 lbs rear.
- XC70: 2800 lbs front / 2646 lbs rear.
- XC90: 2820 lbs front / 3150 lbs rear.
The C30. C70. S40. S60. S80. V50. Still no GAWR data. If you’re modifying a 2009 C70, you’re on your own.
Why Does This Matter?
You might think it’s just for towing. It’s not. It’s for everything. Your passengers. Your luggage. Your aftermarket wheels. Even a set of stiff coilovers adds unsprung weight. The axle doesn’t care about your ride height. It cares about the pounds pressing down on it.
Exceed the GAWR. The spring fatigues faster. The bushings tear. The frame twists. It’s not a sudden failure. It’s a slow death. You won’t know until you’re stuck on the side of the highway with a collapsed strut.
The Bigger Picture
This data is incomplete. For every Volvo with a listed GAWR, there are three without. That’s a problem for enthusiasts. You can’t tune what you can’t measure. The sources? They’re old. Autopedia. Carlist.com. Ford Motor Company’s glossary. NHTSA guidelines from 2002. The links are dead. The data is static.
But the physics? The physics haven’t changed. A 2690-pound front axle limit is a 2690-pound limit. Whether it’s 2006 or 2024.
“Gross Axle Weight Rating is not a suggestion. It’s a law of physics written in steel.”
If you’re loading a 2009 XC90, you
