How Much Does a Car Weigh? (Average Weight by Car Type)

Knowing the weight of your car can be very useful in a lot of different situations. For example, it can be beneficial to know if you are going to tow your car or drive over a weak bridge.

But how much does the average car weigh, and how can I find out how much my car weighs?

In this article, you will learn the average car weights by car type and by car model. You will also learn how to find out the exact weight of your car.

How much does a car weigh?

The average car weighs 4,094 pounds, according to U.S. Environmental Environmental Protection Agency. The average small car (e.g., Nissan Micra) weighs 2600 pounds, while the average large car (e.g., Audi A8) weighs 4400 pounds.

We will first go through a list of car weights for different car types like small, large, trucks, or SUVs.

These weights are the average curb weights of different car types. If you want to learn a bit more about the different car weight specifications, you can find the answer to this further down in the article.

Weights by Car Type:

Weights by Car Model:

Now when you know the weight of different car types, you may also want to know different car models’ weights.

There are a lot of different car models on the market. We couldn’t include all of these in our list, so we wrote about the 25 most common car models on the market.

These car models’ weight can differ depending on the year model, engine type, and accessories installed in your car.

Different types of car weights

In the list above, we talk about the curb weight, which means that it’s the weight without driver, passenger, and cargo. This is the most common weight used. But if you are searching for different weights, you will find a lot of options.

Here are the most common different types of weight with a short explanation:

• Curb Weight: The weight without the driver, passengers, or any cargo.
• Gross Weight: The weight of a car with max cargo loaded and the driver and all passengers.
• Gross Combined Weight: This is a unit for you have to consider if you have a trailer. The weight of both the trailer and car together.
• Payload: The car’s weight, cargo, passengers (gross weight), + anything you tow behind the car.
• Gross Weight Rating: The max total weight your car can handle with the driver, passengers, and cargo.
• Gross Axle Weight: The weight load on each axle of your car.
• Maximum Load Trailer Weight: Very similar to the gross combined rate. But this does also include the weight of a fully-loaded trailer.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating: The maximum weight that one axle on your car can handle.

RELATED: Average Car Length – List of Car Lengths

Where can I find the exact weight of my car?

If we listed all existing car models in this article, the article would be an E-book because there are so many different car models and years.

How can I find my car weight if I can’t see it on the list you provided above? Well, there are several ways that you can find the exact weight of your car.

This is a much better method than checking the list above because the weight can differ significantly depending on the different equipment you have on your car model. Here are some easy tips on how to find the car weight.

1. VIN decoder

One great way to find your car’s exact weight is to use a Free VIN decoder online. This will give you the most information you need to know about your car.

You can find your VIN code in several places inside your car. For example, under the hood at a plate, inside the driver’s door, or in the trunk. You can often find your VIN in your repair manual also.

2. Check the car repair manual

If you have a car manual for your car, you will most likely find your car model’s exact weight. If you do not have a car manual for your car, you can sometimes find them online for small bucks. It’s always good to own one for other different purposes also.

3. Driver side door

There is a sticker with the VIN and different specifications on almost all car models. This sticker can often be found on the body of your car behind the driver’s door. Open your driver’s door and check for any label near the central locking bracket.

4. Call your manufacturer

If you have your license plate number or the VIN-number, you can call your authorized dealer and ask them if they could find any specifications on your specific car model.

5. Car scale

Of course, the best way to get your car’s exact weight is to scale it. There are several car scales out there. You can often find these at car junkyards and motor vehicle inspection places.

This is especially good if you installed many external accessories inside your car, like a sound system, for example.

Car Weight FAQ