How much does a car weigh on average?

Cargo vans come in various roof height,wheelbase, and engine options affect their overall weight and hauling capabilities

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1 And here are several curb weight examples of some of the most popular cargo vans out there:

2 This is how much each of the ProMaster cargo van versions weighs without any cargo or passengers:

3 And these are the base curb weight figures of the popular Japanese-built Nissan NV cargo van:

4 There are 3 main weight capacity types for cargo vans that you need to know about:

5 Here’s an easy-to-digest explanation of each cargo van weight capacity type:

6 These are the vehicle classes and GVWR categories that affect cargo vans:

7 But how much does your car actually weigh?

8 And what factors influence a car’s weight?

9 Here’re some of the average weights by the most common car types out there on the market:

10 Here are the most common types of weight, and a short explanation of each of them:

Here’s examples of how much some of the most popular cargo vans weigh, including their payload and gross vehicle weight ratings:

Ford Transit:Curb weight – 4,985-5,847 lbsPayload – 3,060-5,110 lbsGVWR – 8,670-11,000 lbsMercedes-Benz Sprinter:Curb weight – 4,696-6,206 lbsPayload – 3,296-6,823 lbsGVWR – 8,550-12,125 lbsRam ProMaster:Curb weight – 4,554-5,020 lbsPayload – 3,763-4,681 lbsGVWR – 8,550-9,350 lbs

Note that all of these curb weight and limit amounts are real as they’re based on official data provided by each manufacturer

Each cargo van’s specific overall weight and weight limits of are determined by its configuration and technical characteristics

For example, a large cargo van with an extended wheelbase, high roof, and the most powerful engine in the lineup (if applicable) will have the highest curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

However, a high roof configuration with a large engine doesn’t always equal more payload (eg the Nissan NV3500 56L V8 high roof model)

To help you learn more about the various weight factors of cargo vans, in this article, I’ll cover the following topics:

Real curb weight examples of different cargo van modelsReal examples of weight limits of different cargo vansAn in-depth explanation about the cargo van weight capacity typesThe different cargo van weight classes and categories

Real Examples of Cargo Van Base Curb Weight

Curb weight is the overall weight of a cargo van, without any passengers or cargo

And here are several curb weight examples of some of the most popular cargo vans out there:

Ford Transit Cargo Van

Below I’ve gathered the base curb weight for all Ford Transit cargo van variations

Regular Wheelbase and Low Roof

Regular Wheelbase and Medium Roof

Long Wheelbase and Low Roof

Long Wheelbase and Medium Roof

Long Wheelbase and High Roof

Long Extended Wheelbase and High Roof

Base curb weight – 5,615 lbs(RWD) or 5,847 lbs (AWD)

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van

These are the base curb weight number for all the different models and specs in the MB Sprinter cargo van lineup:

144” Wheelbase and Standard Roof

Ram ProMaster Cargo Van

This is how much each of the ProMaster cargo van versions weighs without any cargo or passengers:

136” Wheelbase and Low Roof

159” Wheelbase and High Roof

159” Extended Wheelbase and High Roof

Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

Here’s the specific curb weight of each cargo van in the Chevy Express lineup

Note that there’s only one roof height available for this cargo van model – there are no low, medium or high options

Nissan NV Cargo Van

And these are the base curb weight figures of the popular Japanese-built Nissan NV cargo van:

Base curb weight – 6,359 lbs

Real Examples of Cargo Van Weight Limits

The weight limit of a cargo van is pre-determined by the manufacturer for each model, and it represents the maximum loaded weight of the van

This is also known as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)Here are some relevant cargo van weight limit examples, including the GVWR, maximum towing capacity, and maximum payload of different cargo van models and specs:

Ford Transit Cargo Van Weight Limit

Roof:Length:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):LowRegular35L PFDI V6RWD5,300 / 6,40028093,6308,670LowRegular35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,90028093,5508,670LowRegular35L PFDI V6AWD5,100 / 6,20028093,4008,670LowRegular35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,80028093,3208,670LowLong35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20031193,5308,670LowLong35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80031193,4408,670LowLong35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00031193,2908,670LowLong35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60031193,2108,670MediumRegular35L PFDI V6RWD5,300 / 6,40035873,5008,670MediumRegular35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,90035873,4108,670MediumRegular35L PFDI V6AWD5,100 / 6,20035873,2708,670MediumRegular35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,80035873,1808,670MediumLong35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20040053,3808,670MediumLong35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80040053,2908,670MediumLong35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00040053,1408,670MediumLong35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60040053,0608,670

Roof:Length:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):LowRegular35L PFDI V6RWD5,300 / 6,40028094,4609,500LowRegular35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,90028094,3809,500LowRegular35L PFDI V6AWD5,100 / 6,20028094,2309,500LowRegular35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,80028094,1509,500LowLong35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20031194,3609,500LowLong35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80031194,2809,500LowLong35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00031194,1209,500LowLong35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60031194,0509,500MediumRegular35L PFDI V6RWD5,300 / 6,40035874,3309,500MediumRegular35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,90035874,2409,500MediumRegular35L PFDI V6AWD5,100 / 6,20035874,1009,500MediumRegular35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,80035874,0109,500MediumLong35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20040054,2109,500MediumLong35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80040054,1209,500MediumLong35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00040053,9709,500MediumLong35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60040053,8909,500HighLong35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20045344,1109,500HighLong35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80045344,0309,500HighLong35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00045343,8709,500HighLong35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60045343,8009,500HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20053643,9109,500HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80053643,8209,500HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00053643,6709,500HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60053643,5909,500

Roof:Length:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20053644,0909,900HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00053643,8509,900HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20053644,1409,950HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80053644,0609,950HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6AWD4,900 / 6,00053643,9009,950HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60053643,8209,950HighLong-EL35L PFDI V6RWD5,100 / 6,20053644,55010,360HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80053644,47010,360HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60053644,23010,360HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6RWD6,80053645,11011,000HighLong-EL35L EcoBoost V6AWD6,60053644,87011,000

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van Weight Limit

Spec: 144’’ Wheelbase and Standard Roof

Model:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):15004-cylinder gasRWD5,000 3193,9208,55025004-cylinder dieselRWD5,000 319 4,2449,05025004-cylinder gasRWD5,000 319 4,4209,050 25006-cylinder dieselRWD5,000 319 4,1569,050 25006-cylinder dieselAWD5,000 319 3,8039,050 35004-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 319 4,6209,90035006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 22254,6449,9003500XD4-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 5,7615,76111,0303500XD6-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 2811 5,68411,030 3500XD6-cylinder dieselAWD7,500 2811 5,38611,030 45004-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 2811 6,82312,12545006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 2811 6,75712,125

Model:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs)Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):15004-cylinder gasRWD5,00037283,9208,55025004-cylinder dieselRWD5,000 3194,1679,05025004-cylinder gasRWD5,000 3728 4,4209,050 25006-cylinder dieselRWD5,000 374304,0799,050 25006-cylinder dieselAWD5,000 374303,7269,050 35004-cylinder dieselRWD7,5003194,5439,9008,55035006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 32854,5679,900 3500XD4-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 28115,68411,0303500XD6-cylinder dieselAWD7,500 3285 5,60711,030 3500XD6-cylinder dieselAWD7,500 32855,32011,030 45004-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 2811 6,82312,12545006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 28116,64712,125

Spec: 170’’ Wheelbase and High Roof

Model:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):25004-cylinder dieselRWD5,00048813,8369,05025004-cylinder gasRWD5,000 4881 4,0129,05025006-cylinder dieselRWD5,000 4881 3,7599,05025006-cylinder dieselAWD5,000 4881 3,3959,05035004-cylinder dieselRWD7,50032854,1909,90035006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 43014,2149,900 3500XD4-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 4301 533111,0303500XD6-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 4301 5,25411,030 3500XD6-cylinder dieselAWD7,500 4301 4,94511,030 45004-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 4301 6,82312,12545006-cylinder dieselRWD7,500 4301 6,32712,125

Spec: 170’’ Extended Wheelbase and High Roof

Model:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):25004-cylinder dieselRWD5,00053263,7269,050 25006-cylinder dieselRWD53263,6499,0509,050 25006-cylinder dieselAWD53263,2969,0509,050 35004-cylinder dieselRWD46944,1139,990 9,99035006-cylinder dieselRWD46944,0939,990 9,9903500XD4-cylinder dieselRWD7,50046945,24311,0303500XD6-cylinder dieselRWD5,00046945,13311,0303500XD6-cylinder dieselAWD5,00046944,82411,03045004-cylinder dieselRWD7,50043016,82312,12545006-cylinder dieselRWD7,50046946,19512,125

Ram ProMaster Cargo Van Weight Limit

Roof:Wheelbase:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):Low118’’36L V6 gasFWD6,910259 3,996 8,550 Low136’’36L V6 gas FWD 6,800304 3,888 8,550 High136’’36L V6 gas FWD 6,700353 3,763 8,550

Roof:Wheelbase:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):Low136’’36L V6 gasFWD6,8003044,2568,900High136’’ 36L V6 gas FWD 6,700 3534,1238,900 High159’’ 36L V6 gas FWD 6,4804204,0058,900

Roof:Wheelbase:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):Low136’’36L V6 gasFWD6,7003044,6819,350High136’’36L V6 gas FWD 6,600 3534,5549,350 High159’’36L V6 gas FWD 6,4804204,4279,350 High159’’ Extended36L V6 gas FWD 6,4104634,3309,350

Chevrolet Express Cargo Van Weight Limit

Roof:Wheelbase:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):StandardRegular28L dieselRWD7,00023942,8708,600Standard Regular 43L V6 gasRWD 7,400 2394 3,2808,600 Standard Regular 66L V8 gasRWD 10,0002394 3,0608,600 Standard Extended28L dieselRWD 7,000 28366,1008,600 Standard Extended 43L V6 gasRWD 7,400 2836 7,1008,600 Standard Extended 66L V8 gasRWD 10,000 2836 10,0008,600

Roof:Wheelbase:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):StandardRegular28L dieselRWD7,00023946,2009,600Standard Regular 43L V6 gas RWD 7,400 2394 7,4009,600 Standard Regular 66L V8 gas RWD 10,000 2394 10,0009,600 Standard Extended28L diesel RWD 7,000 28366,0009,900Standard Extended 43L V6 gas RWD 7,400 2836 7,2009,600Standard Extended 66L V8 gas RWD 10,000 2836 10,0009,900

Nissan NV Cargo Van Weight Limit

Spec:Roof:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):1500SStandard40L V6 gasRWD2,00023412,7308,500 1500SVStandard 40L V6 gas RWD 2,000 2341 2,6208,500

Spec:Roof:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):2500HD SStandard40L V6 gasRWD2,00023413,2709,1002500HD SHigh40L V6 gasRWD 2,000 2341 3,1109,100 2500HD SVStandard40L V6 gasRWD 2,000 2341 3,1409,100 2500HD SVStandard56L V8 gasRWD 9,4002341 2,9209,100 2500HD SVHigh40L V6 gasRWD 2,00032312,9709,100 2500HD SVHigh56L V8 gasRWD 9,4003231 2,7609,100

Spec:Roof:Engine:Drivetrain:Max Towing Capacity (lbs):Max Cargo Volume (cubic feet):Max Payload (lbs):GVWR (lbs):3500HD SVStandard56L V8 gas RWD9,40023413,7109,9003500HD SVHigh56L V8 gasRWD 9,400 32313,5509,900 3500HD SLHigh56L V8 gasRWD 9,400 32313,5409,900

Cargo Van Weight Capacity Types Explained

There are 3 main weight capacity types for cargo vans that you need to know about:

GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating)Curb weightPayload

Each weight capacity type represents a different number that’s directly tied to how big a cargo van is and how much weight it can carry

Here’s an easy-to-digest explanation of each cargo van weight capacity type:

Gross Vehicle Weight Training

The GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of the cargo van that’s determined by the manufacturer

This is the overall loaded weight of the van that includes everything from passengers to cargo

This weight rating is based on various factors such as the frame, wheels, axles, and the suspension of a cargo van

Curb Weight

Curb weight is the total weight of a cargo van, without any cargo or passengers

However, this weight includes the weight of any fuel or other fluids (eg coolant fluid) that a van needs in order to run

The curb weight is simply how much your cargo van weighs when it doesn’t have anyone (including the driver) or anything (in the form of cargo or other items) inside

Payload refers to the maximum amount of weight that a cargo van can safely transport (passengers and/or cargo), specifically in the cargo area

To put it simply, the payload is how much the cargo actually weighs

For example, if your cargo van has a payload of 4,000 lbs, then this means that it can safely haul 4,000 lbs of weight inside, mainly in the cargo area

Cargo Van Weight Classes and Categories

Cargo vans officially fall within vehicles classes 1-3 according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),

Each vehicle class and category is based on a specific gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that ranges from less than 6,000 lbs (class 1/light duty) to over 33,001 lbs (class 8/heavy duty)

These are the vehicle classes and GVWR categories that affect cargo vans:

Note that there are no cargo vans found under categories 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 because the cargo van with the highest GVWR is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with up to 12,125 lbs if properly equipped

Most cargo vans are available in multiple roof heights, wheelbase, body lengths and engine optionsThese determine their total weight and the maximum weight they can transport

Some of the most popular cargo vans out there have an average curb weight that ranges from 4,554-6,206 lbs, an average payload ranging from 3,060-6,823, and an average GVWR that ranges from around 8,550-12,125 lbs

The primary factor that affects the curb weight, payload, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a cargo van is its configuration that’s represented by the:

Logically, a larger cargo van with a high roof, an extended wheelbase, and a big V8 engine will have greater GVWR and curb weight figures

But this doesn’t always translate to a superior payload ie how much passengers and/or cargo the cargo van can haul, specifically in the cargo area

That’s why I’d recommend always checking the specific curb weight, payload, and GVWR amounts of a particular cargo van to ensure that it meets your needs

If you’re like most people, the weight of your car is probably something that you rarely think about

However, knowing your car’s weight can be very beneficial if you are about to tow it or drive over a weak bridge

Weighing your car can also help you make decisions about modifications and other changes

But how much does your car actually weigh?

And what factors influence a car’s weight?

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at average car weight by type and model and discuss some of the reasons why you may find different weights in your car’s specifications

We’ll also look at where you can find the weight of your car without weighing it on a scale

The average car weighs 4,094 pounds, according to US Environmental Environmental Protection Agency

Average car weights, in general, have gotten lower over time, even though newer models are larger in average size

One reason that cars weigh less now than they did a few decades ago is that newer car models are designed to be as lightweight as possible

Lighter weight reduces the amount of force required to stop and start, improving safety and handling

It also means that a car’s engine does not have to work as hard to move the vehicle, which reduces fuel consumption

Cars come in all different sizes and shapes

Although cars are built with different materials and in different ways, they tend to average in the same ballpark in terms of weight in the same type range

Here’re some of the average weights by the most common car types out there on the market:

Weights by Car Model

To be even more specific on the average car weight per car model and not just the car type, here is a list of average weights for some popular car models

The weight of these car models may vary depending on the model year, engine type, and the accessories installed in your car

Car ModelYearsWeight(Kg)Weight(lbs)Ford Mustang15-1917003700 Honda Accord94-9712952854 Honda Civic96-0011432519 Toyota Camry90-9412602770 Toyota Corolla201913012870 Dodge Charger06-1018874160 Jeep Cherokee87-0215233357 Jeep Grand Cherokee93-1523005100 Jeep Wrangler17-1817703900 Ford Explorer18-22154900 Mercedes Benz E-class16-1817233800 Honda CR-V18-15233358 Mercedes Benz C-class15-1815503417 Nissan Altima12-1814303153 Chevrolet Malibu15-1815263366 Chevrolet Silverado14-1822004800 Toyota Tundra00-0619003940 Cadillac Escalade02-0626005800 Chevrolet Tahoe92-0020004500 Toyota Highlander13-1820454508 Subaru Outback18-16503642 Mercedes Benz GLC-class15-1817903950 Ford Fusion13-1815543427 Toyota Tacoma95-0414513200

Different types of car weights

If you look at your car’s weight specifications in the owner’s manual or search by VIN, you may notice that you will see many different weights, so which one should you look at and what do all these different weights mean?

Here are the most common types of weight, and a short explanation of each of them:

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 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), plus 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

So if you couldn’t find your car model in the list above, there are some even better methods of finding it without weighing it on a scale

Here are a few easy ways to find your car’s weight fast with accurate results

The easiest and fastest way to find your car’s weight is probably by using a VIN decoder or lookup

The VIN code is found in several different locations on your car

On many car models, there is also a label with VIN around the area where the door lock to the car is latched

The owner’s manual you received when you bought the car is another good place to find the weight of your car

The instruction manual is often in the glove compartment, so if you still have the manual for your car, take a look there to find the weight of your car

Finding your car’s weight on Wikipedia is also an easy option as they have the most car models listed there with the specifications

But the disadvantage of this method is that cars are available in so many different types with different engines and other accessories, so you may not find the correct result

However, if you do not need to find the exact weight, but just need to get a rough idea of the weight, it can be a good option

There is a sticker with VIN and other different specifications, such as tire pressure, tire size and car weight on almost all car models

This sticker can often be found on the body of your car behind the driver’s door

If you have your registration number or VIN number, you can call your authorized dealer and ask them if they can find any specifications for your particular car model

Of course, the best way to get your car’s exact weight is to weigh it on a scale

But finding a scale large enough to weigh a car is probably easier said than done

Weighing your car on a scale may be necessary if you have installed many heavy accessories in your car, such as a large sound system or dog cages

The weight of this small car is 2018 lbs or 917 kg

There are lighter cars, but not if you are looking for a new purchase fresh from the factory

The Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Cab is the heaviest car you can buy if you are looking for a modern car in the US market

This Ford weighs 8600 lbs or 3900 kg

The average weight of a car in kg is 1857 kg

The average weight of a small car (eg Nissan Micra) in kg is 1200 kg and the average weight of a large car (eg Audi A8) in kg is 2000 kg

The heavier the car, the safer it is in collisions

The weight of a van is referred to as its unladen, or dry weight

It’s also known as kerb weight (UK) or curb weight (USA)

It is the total mass of the vehicle including standard equipment + secondary weight such as engine oil, brake fluid, a full tank of fuel and transmission fluid as well as any other consumables required for the vehicle to function, but are not a part of the vehicle itself

Let’s Take A Look At The Unladen Weight Of The Most Popular Vans

The weight of any van will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and then again from model to model

Even vans of the same make and model will differ in kerb weight depending on optional factory extras such as an air conditioning unit or a tail lift

It isn’t an exact science either but it’s worth keeping in mind that the less dry weight you have, the higher payload weight you’re able to carry

Ford Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Ford Transit Courier Van

Ford Transit Connect Van

Ford Transit Custom Panel Van

*There are so many models of Ford Transit available it’s next to impossible to list each definitively

Again, if you would like to know the GVW of your particular model, see your vehicle’s VIN plate

Ford Transit Flatbed Van

Ford Transit Luton Box Van

Iveco Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Iveco Daily Panel Van

Iveco Daily Luton Box Van

Mercedes Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Mercedes Citan Panel Van

Mercedes Sprinter Panel Van

Mercedes Sprinter Crew Van

Mercedes Vito Panel Van

Renault Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Renault Trafic Panel Van

Renault Master Panel Van

Renault Master Luton Box Van

Toyota Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Toyota Proace Panel Van

Vauxhall Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Vauxhall Vivaro Panel Van

Vauxhall Vivaro Luton Box Van

Volkswagen Vans | Kerb Weight, Payload & GVW

Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van

Volkswagen Crafter Panel Van

Volkswagen Crafter Luton Van

Kerb Weight: 2500 kg

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): 3500kg

Determining The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Of A Van

The question “how much does a van weigh?” is determined by the kerb weight + payload which then = GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

The information above is based on the manufacturer’s specifications of standard models in their range of vans

It’s worth noting that the kerb weight of any given van differs…

This of course determines how much weight you’re legally allowed to carry and penalties for exceeding the legal payload of your van can be steep

Although not an issue for smaller, lighter cargo, it is definitely worth keeping in mind if you’re running a collection orientated business such as a junk clearance service where loads vary wildly and payload accumulates quickly

You can find more info on the legal description of vehicle weight regulation here

It is your responsibility to check the unique weight of the vehicle you’re driving and determine your legal payload limit based on those figures

The Legal Weight Limit Of Your Own Van

A Typical Looking VIN Plate With Unladen Weight & Gross Weight Specifications

The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the maximum weight you’re legally permitted to carry as a payload + the kerb weight of your van

The GVW of any van is determined on that vehicle’s VIN plate which can be found in either the passenger side or the driver side door well

FAQ For Vans, Payloads & Weight

How Do I Find The Unladen Kerb Weight Of My Van

You can find the kerb weight of your van in the owner’s manual or your vehicle’s registration document

You can also find out your vans unladen weight by checking with the manufacturer on either their website or by giving them a call

How Do I Find The Maximum Payload For My Van

The maximum payload or load weight for your van will be displayed on your VIN plate

This is usually located in either your passenger or driver’s door well

How Do I Find The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) For My Van

The GVW for your van is also displayed on your vehicle’s VIN plate

It’s worth noting that your gross vehicle weight can drift + – a few kilos depending on added factory extras or fittings installed or removed by a previous owner

How Much Can My Van Weigh Before I’m Exceeding The Legal Limit

In short, you’re exceeding the legal limit as to how much your van can weigh once your payload (cargo weight + passengers) exceeds the weight stated on your vehicle’s VIN plate

Luckily, if your van is checked for weight, most traffic safety enforcement officers will allow a +5% over the maximum GVW but this is at their discretion

How Can I Tell If My Van Is Exceeding Its Maximum Allowed Payload Weight

The only way to know for sure how much your van will weigh once you have a load in the back is to take it to a weighbridge

You won’t be able to tell just by looking at whether or not your van is overloaded or if you’re exceeding the maximum allowed payload

If you’re loading boxes and other smaller items then you can of course weigh each item as it goes into the van

Your Van, Your VIN, Your GVW

The only legal requirement is to know how much of a payload you’re carrying but, at least the next time we’re asked, we’ll be able to answer

Minivans are the ultimate people haulers, but does all that space mean that they weigh more than a city bus?

This article will explore the topic of how much the average minivan today weighs

Knowing how much these vehicles weigh will help you understand how you can expect them to handle and also how hard the engine will have to work to transport the vehicle, you and your family, and all of your cargo to where you need to be

Minivan weight – range: 3,872 lbs to 4,987 lbs

The lightest van, the Ford Transit Connect, comes in way under the average across the line

Meanwhile, the heaviest van, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, is weighed down with a huge battery bank that is capable of moving the van 33 miles on electric power alone

Minivan weight – average across all models: 4,522 lbs

To get the average weight for all minivans on sale today, we added the average weights of each model, divided by the total number of models (7)

The figure we came up with, 4,522 lbs, is significantly higher than the average car weight of 4,000 lbs

That makes sense, considering that minivans are large vehicles designed to carry relatively heavy loads (up to 8 people at 150 lbs each)

We will start by providing the range and averages for each model on sale today, then describe some of the specs in more detail below

Weight by Make and Model

Listed below are the detailed curb weights (unloaded weights) for each current minivan model

If the carmaker’s website did not list the curb weights, a reliable outside source was used instead

Kia kindly lists the range of weights for each trim level on the Sedona website, from base-level to optioned-out

That gives us a really good idea of how much we can expect each trim level to weigh

Compared to other models currently on sale, the Kia is just about right on the average

And that makes sense, considering the Sedona is right about average when it comes to length and cargo room as well

Toyota has not given the Sienna a significant update since way back in 2010, but it still manages to be right about average when it comes to weight

Actually, the Sienna is a tad heavier, on average, than the other models being manufactured today

But that makes a lot of sense when you consider that the Sienna is also the only model to offer a heavy all-wheel-drive system

The lower figure in each trim weight range represents the front-wheel-drive weight

When we average those weights, we get 4,549 lbs, which is almost exactly on the class average

The Odyssey is one of the freshest designs on the minivan market today, with the current generation debuting in 2018

It appears that Honda focused on keeping the curb weight down as they designed the model, no doubt in an effort to sharpen handling and keep fuel economy in check

The Odyssey is the lightest minivan on our list, aside from the rather unusual Ford Transit Connect, which offers significantly less space inside

So, if you are looking for a lightweight minivan that doesn’t require compromising on interior space or convenience, the Honda can’t be beat

Non-hybrid trims: 4,330 lbs

Hybrid: 4,987 lbs

A curious thing happens when you research the curb weight of the Chrysler Pacifica

No matter which of the 9 trim level you look at (and there are a whopping 9 trim levels for both the non-hybrid and the hybrid models), Chrysler quotes a curb weight of 4,330 lbs

Well, this is somewhat fishy considering the vast amount of amenities added to each trim level, not to mention the huge battery pack installed on the plug-in hybrid models

Going to a trusted outside source, Edmunds, we see the curb weight for the Limited Hybrid version (presumably the heaviest Pacifica) listed at 4,987 lbs

That seems to be a reasonable jump over the base “L” trim for the non-hybrid van, so we will go with that for our purposes

Passenger Model: 4,850 lbs

Built on a cargo van chassis, the Metris, while not any longer than the average minivan, is heavier than just about any other van on the list

It can pack in more cargo than any other van on the list

It appears that its high curb weight also helps the Metris achieve the most impressive towing and payload ratings in the segment; 5,000 lbs and 1,874 lbs, respectively

Ford Transit-Connect

The Transit Connect, like the Metris, is different than the other minivans on sale today

Because Ford does not publish the curb weight of this van on their site, we again used the Edmunds figures for our list

The two listed weights, 3,872 lbs and 4,025 lbs, hinge on the engine installed in the Transit Connect

Models equipped with the 15-liter diesel engine weigh less than models that use the 20-liter gas engines

Note that recently it was announced that Ford has canceled plans for the diesel engine in the USA

No matter how you slice it, however, the Transit Connect is by far the lightest model on our list

All trims: 4,510 lbs

Average across range: 4,510 lbs

Like the Chrysler Pacifica (the other Fiat-Chrysler model on our list), the Dodge Caravan’s website only lists one curb weight for all trim levels

Edmunds follows suit, so we will just go ahead and assume they all weigh exactly 4,510 lbs, even though the higher trim levels are surely much heavier

If we assume that this figure is the true average for the Grand Caravan line, which we are forced to do, then it means the Dodge is right on the average weight in its class

If, however, this represents the base weight for the lightest trim level, then the Dodge is most likely one of the heavier vans

And that’s not good, considering it does not offer any impressive options such as a larger engine or hybrid system

Surprisingly, the heaviest minivan on the market is also the most fuel-efficient: the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

At 4,987 lbs, this model is nearly 5,000 lbs, yet it manages to achieve 82 MPGe with its hybrid + electric system and 30 MPG on regular hybrid mode

If we delete the outlier Pacifica Hybrid, the heaviest van is the Mercedes-Benz Metris at 4,850 lbs

Thanks to the carg0-can underpinnings, this van is much heavier than the average conventional minivan

It is our intent that this article will help you narrow down your search for the perfect minivan

It might also help you find some models that you were not previously considering

Either way, if weight is a concern for you, use this guide to pinpoint the models that will work for your purposes

If you are only considering more traditional models such as the Sedona, Odyssey, and Pacifica, then there is really not a lot of variation in weights

We have an article about How Long is a Minivan you should check out