We’ve all been there. Carrying the backpack is easy. It can be weird to drag a cat along, but it can still be managed. However, try to deliver a week’s worth of groceries at once. Pour the milk. You crush an apple. Your arms are not made for that particular torture.
The cars feel the same. They are not endless voids. Overloading your car doesn’t just make your life more difficult. This puts a strain on the engine. You are frying the transmission. It turns a simple task into a dangerous event.
Safety is the real issue here. Payload Capacity is not a recommendation. This is the hard limit defined by engineering. If you ignore this, you risk catastrophic failure. Even worse, the brakes can fail on the highway and you could die.
Most people forget one thing. Passengers are counted as payload. Your spouse. Your kids. What about the extra passenger in the back seat? They are pounds on the scale. If you ignore them, your calculations will be wrong. And when your math is wrong, you are overloading your rig.
Finding the Numbers
You need to know your specific numbers before you load up. This is not a guessing game. This is a calculation. You need to find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This number is attached to a specific vehicle. It is printed on the sticker. It is usually located on the driver’s side door frame.
The sticker indicates the maximum weight that the vehicle can withstand. Everything inside and on top must be smaller than this number.
Here is the formula. This is simple arithmetic, but vital for safety.
- Start with GVWR.
- Subtract the curb weight. This is the weight of an empty car and a car full of fluids.
- The result is the available load capacity.
“Passengers are counted as payload.”
Do not skip this step. If you don’t know the car’s weight, look it up in the owner’s manual. Or weigh your car. If you weigh it, add the weight of the driver. You will be in the car while you weigh it. This is part of the load.
Why payload is more important than towing
People are obsessed with towing capacity. They want to know how much boat they can pull. But they ignored what was in the car. Payload capacity is the limit for everything else. Cargo. Passengers. Gear. Roof racks.
Exceeding this limit causes faster wear of the suspension components. Tires blow out. Handling becomes unpredictable. During an emergency stop, an overloaded vehicle does not stop. It will plow.
Check the sticker on the door frame again. Find the “Total Payload” number. Most SUVs and trucks typically weigh between 800 and 1,500 pounds. Sedans are lower. Loading 1,600 pounds into a 1,400 pound vehicle puts you in the danger zone.
Hidden weight
It’s not just a big box. It’s a small thing. Roof racks add weight. Filling the fuel tank adds weight. Aftermarket wheels add weight. A bull bar adds weight. All of it counts.
Each item must be taken into account when calculating the payload.
– Driver 150 lbs.
You don’t need an engineering degree to figure out how much weight your equipment can actually support. Only two numbers are required. Pick up your user manual or look for a sticker on your door frame. Find the gross Curb Weight rating (GVWR) and Curb Weight. Subtract the latter from the former. The result is payload capacity.
It’s that simple. However, if you make a mistake in the specification, you can load too much cargo and damage the suspension. I’ll explain what these terms actually mean so you don’t have to guess anymore.
GVWR: Hard limit
The total weight rating of the vehicle is the absolute maximum weight that the manufacturer says the vehicle can withstand. It’s not just a metal frame. Everything is included. The vehicle itself. All fluids – oil, coolant, brake fluid, tank full of gas. Plus all passengers. Each bag of groceries. All the tools are in the bed.
If you exceed this number, you’re playing with fire. Your brakes won’t stop in time. The frame may crack. The tire may deflate. Manufacturers have this limit for a reason. This is not advice. This is a safe limit.
This number is usually found on a sign on the driver’s side door frame. or as described in the instruction manual. If the online database contradicts the door sticker, don’t trust it. The stickers are suitable for certain VIN numbers.
Curb Weight: The Baseline
Vehicle weight is the weight of the vehicle when it is ready to drive. But not ready to carry extra stuff. This includes:
- Full of fuel
- Fill in all necessary fluids
- Standard equipment
- There are no passengers
- No cargo
This is the starting line. you don’t have anything yet. You just drive. If your truck has a curb weight of 4,500 pounds, this will show on the scale when you pull in with a full tank. Nothing else.
Mathematics
Payload capacity is the difference between these two numbers.
$$ \text{GVWR} – \text{Curb Weight} = \text{Payload Capacity} $$
Let’s look at a real example. Let’s say you own a mid-size SUV. The door sticker says GVWR is 6,000 lbs. The owner’s manual lists the vehicle as 5,200 pounds.
6,000 minus 5,200 equals 800 pounds.
That’s it. That’s it. You have 800 pounds of payload capacity. This includes the weight of the driver, rear seat passengers and any cargo. If you and your friends weigh 350 pounds together, you only have 450 pounds for gear. Books, bicycles, camping gear. That’s it.
Why is this important for trucks?
Trucks are different. You might think that since it’s a truck, it can carry more cargo. And usually, it can. However, the payload capacity is often smaller than you expect. Why? Because the truck is heavy.
A half-ton truck can have a curb weight of 5,500 pounds. If the GVWR is 6,500 pounds, the payload is 1,000 pounds. This may sound like a lot until you realize that you have to carry
You can’t shove a 10-foot pine board into a Honda Civic. It just doesn’t fit. But the Class 8 Kenworth also don’t lug bags of mulch around. Most people know this instinctively, but when it comes to the actual numbers, things get even murkier.
Payloads are not just “stuff”. There are passengers, fuel and cargo inside the car. In a truck? It’s heavy. Denser. Usually requires a frame to hold it together.
You’ll have to look in the federal bucket to see what you can actually carry without burning an axle or voiding your warranty. The US government is not just speculating. Each truck is classified based on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum total mass that the vehicle is designed to carry.
Here’s how the Department of Transportation (DOT) analyzes it. If you are buying a work vehicle or want to find out the cause of the suspension sagging, start with this table.
Federal weight class specification
The government classifies trucks into eight weight classes. It’s not arbitrary. These numbers determine the driver’s license, road tax and insurance.
| Weight Class | Maximum GVWR |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) |
| Class 2 | 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) |
| Class 3 | 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) |
| Class 4 | 16,000 lb (7,258 kg) |
| Class 5 | 19,500 lb (8,845 kg) |
| Class 6 | 26,000 lb (11,793 kg) |
| Class 7 | 33,000 lb (14,969 kg) |
| Class 8 | >33,000 lbs |
Most people live and die on Classes 1 through 5. Pick-up trucks, vans and delivery bots thrive there.
But the numbers on the page mean nothing unless you know what they actually mean. The Department of Transportation divides these eight categories into three broader operational categories. Now you can decide what type of truck you really need.
Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty
The classification is simple, but accurate.
Light-duty trucks covers Class 1 and Class 2. Here are half ton and 3/4 ton pickup trucks. Is it a Ford F-150? Class 2: Do you own a Chevrolet Silverado? Class 2: Perfectly placed for everyday hauling. You can bring a family of four and a pile of drywall without a commercial driver’s license.
Medium-duty trucks starts at Class 3 and ends at Class 5. We’re talking about workhorse trucks here. Class 3 starts at 14,000 pounds. Now we enter the world of cutaway van or specially modified heavy-duty dually pickups. Class 5 hits nearly 20,000 pounds. these
Most of us don’t think much about cargo capacity when we’re behind the wheel of a sedan. This is not on the pre-trip checklist. You don’t have to sit there wondering if you’ve exceeded your car’s limits. This is because passenger cars generally have a low load capacity. It is true that your luggage may become heavier. However, if something is too heavy for your car, it probably won’t fit in the trunk or back seat. Your body is limited by space before it is limited by weight.
Calculating the passenger’s weight
This is where people stumble. They only care about cargo capacity and forget about people. Passengers are counted as payload. for everyone. Most manufacturers use 150 pounds (68 kg) per person per seat as a benchmark. This is a standard indicator. It doesn’t matter if you weigh 120 pounds or 220 pounds. It’s about technical assumptions.
So when you think about what you can throw in the backseat, think of an empty seat as a blank check for 150 pounds. Even though the rear seats are designed for three adults and only one child in the booster seat, the “phantom weight” can be up to about 450 pounds (204 kg). If you ignore this, you might hit the limit before you can even load your suitcase.
SUV payload
You might think that an SUV can carry more stuff than a car. It’s bigger. It’s tougher. However, size does not automatically mean increased payload limits. This depends on the frame, suspension and tire ratings. You should consider how these limits apply to larger vehicles.
You often hear SUVs described as the ultimate hybrids. It promises to offer the appeal of a pick-up truck without compromising on the comfort and passenger space of a sedan. This is good advertising. However, the real carrying capacity is somewhere in between.
Of course, most SUVs can carry more stuff than regular cars. The trick is to utilize the space. In most modern SUVs, the rear seats can be folded down to create a flat cargo area. Easily pack large items such as luggage, equipment and heavy equipment into the trunk.
However, there are serious limitations.
Unlike pickup trucks, which have open beds, SUVs have roofs. You cannot stack products indefinitely. Don’t try. Treating your SUV like a workhorse truck is a recipe for disaster. The focus is high. If you add too much weight, there is a risk of falling.
Manufacturers know this. Electronic stability control is therefore standard on most models. Consumers’ concern about falling caused a design change. Legislation was also promoted.
As of September 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires the use of certain markings. It is installed on the door frame of all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The sticker indicates the combined weight of passengers and luggage. Please ignore at your own risk.
So what happens if your device exceeds these limits? Can you increase your payload simply by upgrading your suspension or tires?
Is it really possible to increase the carrying capacity?
You know your vehicle’s Cargo Carrying Capacity capacity. The numbers on the label are strict. But what if you need more?
Maybe you’ve found the perfect work truck, but its maximum Cargo Carrying Capacity is less than the weight of your equipment. Or maybe you’re pulling a heavy trailer and the stock setup feels weak. Is it possible to push past those limits?
The short answer is “no”. It’s not just about increasing the Cargo Carrying Capacity. The long answer involves understanding what towing packages actually do and why ignoring limits can get you a ticket.
What Towing Packages Actually Do
Manufacturers usually don’t provide a “Cargo Carrying Capacity increase” button. Instead, they bundle optional towing package to help handle heavier loads safely.
These sets vary by brand. Some include trailer wiring harnesses. Some add heavy-duty hitch or safety chains. But the real value is under the hood.
A proper package often upgrades:
– Engine
– Brake
-cooling system
“Overloading the vehicle can create a dangerous situation where you, your passengers and other drivers can be injured.”
It’s not just about comfort. It’s about control. Upsizing the engine does not increase “load capacity”. It helps to “pull” the engine. Stronger brakes stop the added weight Improved cooling prevents the engine from melting down under stress.
The Legal Risk of Overloading
Ignoring Cargo Carrying Capacity limits isn’t just bad engineering; It’s a bad law.
If the police pull you over and find that your suspension sagging or your tires are smoking, you could be cite you for unsafe loading. You don’t want that. Tickets are expensive. Liability is worse.
There are no legal loopholes for increase your static Cargo Carrying Capacity capacity. You can buy a bigger truck. You can’t cheat physics.
Payload Data by Make
Click here to view hardware specifications for popular models. If your numbers aren’t listed, check the door jamb sticker. Factory specifications are the only legal baseline.
Acura Cargo Carrying Capacity
| Year | Model | Max Payload (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | – |
| 2006 | RL | – |
| 2006 | RSX | – |
| 2006 | TL | – |
| 2006 | TSX | – |
| 2007 | MDX | 1158 |
| 2007 | RL | – |
| 2007 | RDX | 870 |
| 2007 | TL | – |
| 2007 | TSX | 850 |
| 2008 | MDX | 1158 |
| 2008 | RL | – |
| 2008 | RSX | 870 |
| 2008 | TL | – |
| 2008 | TSX | 850 |
| 2009 | MDX | 1158 |
| 2009 | RL | – |
| 2009 | RSX | 870 |
| 2009 | TSX | 850 |
More Acura Specs: GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Payload, Curb Weight, Towing Capacity
Audi Cargo Carrying Capacity
| Year | Model | Max Payload (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A3 | – |
| 2006 | A4 | – |
| 2006 | A6 | – |
| 2006 | A8 | 1213 |
| 2006 | S4 | – |
| 2006 | TT | 728 |
| 2007 | A3 | – |
| 2007 | A4 | – |
| 2007 | A6 | – |
| 2007 | A8 | – |
| 2007 | Q7 | – |
| 2007 | RS4 | – |
| 2007 | S4 | – |
| 2007 | S6 | – |
| 2007 | S8 | 1213 |
| 2008 | A3 | – |
| 2008 | A4 | – |
| 2008 | A5 | – |
| 2008 | A6 | – |
| 2008 | A8 | – |
| 2008 | Q7 | – |
| 2008 | R8 | – |
| 2008 | RS4 | – |
| 2008 | S4 | – |
| 2008 | S5 | – |
| 2008 | S6 | – |
| 2008 | S8 | – |
| 2008 | TT | – |
| 2009 | A3 | – |
| 2009 | A4 | – |
| 2009 | A5 | – |
| 2009 | A8 | – |
| 2009 | Q7 | – |
| 2009 | R8 | – |
| 2009 | S4 | – |
| 2009 | S5 | – |
| 2009 | S8 | – |
| 2009 | TT | – |
More Audi Specs: GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, Cargo Carrying Capacity, Curb Weight, towing capacity
BMW Cargo Carrying Capacity
| Year | Model | Max Payload (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 325 | 1058 |
| 2006 | 330 | 1058 |
| 2006 | 525 | 1102 |
| 2006 | 530 | 1102 |
| 2006 | 550 | 550 1102 |
| 2006 | 650 | 650,838 |
| 2006 | 750 | 750 1058 |
| 2006 | 760 | 760 – |
| 2006 | M3 | – |
| 2006 | M5 | 1058 |
| 2 |
Chevrolet Payload
The 2006 Chevy Avalanche 1500 could haul 1387 lbs. The 2500 version did more, hitting 2072 lbs. The Colorado was a solid midsize choice with 1532 lbs of capacity. If you needed serious muscle, the Silverado 3500 HD took the cake at 5169 lbs. That is heavy. The Suburban 2500 wasn’t far behind at 2828 lbs. The Tahoe was lighter at 1522 lbs. The Express van offered 2306 lbs.
By 2007, things shifted. The Avalanche 1500 dropped to 1258 lbs. The Tahoe actually gained weight in capacity, jumping to 1835 lbs. The Suburban 2500 lost some ground, settling at 2561 lbs. The Silverado 2500 HD saw a dip to 3458 lbs from the previous year’s 2500 HD Classic, which held 3606 lbs.
2008 kept the Tahoe strong at 1835 lbs. The new Tahoe Hybrid? 1830 lbs. Almost identical. The Silverado 3500 HD climbed to 3621 lbs. Note that the 2008 Silverado 2500 HD stayed at 3458 lbs.
In 2009, the Silverado 3500 HD surged again to 3873 lbs. The Express 3500 was a beast at 4147 lbs. The Colorado dropped to 1250 lbs. The Avalanche 1500 settled at 1333 lbs. If you were looking at a Traverse, there was no payload data listed.
Chrysler Payload
Chrysler’s payload numbers were generally lighter than the Detroit trio. The PT Cruiser in 2007 was a workhorse for a car, offering 1907 lbs. The Town & Country minivan handled 1200 lbs. The Aspen SUV came in at 1600 lbs.
The 2008 PT Cruiser lost half its capacity, dropping to just 889 lbs. The Pacifica dipped slightly to 865 lbs. The Aspen held steady at 1600 lbs.
2009 saw the Aspen Hybrid drop to 1500 lbs. The regular Aspen stayed at 1600 lbs. Most other models had no payload data. The 300 series? Nothing listed. The Sebring? Nothing. It seems Chrysler wasn’t pushing these sedans for heavy loads.
Dodge Payload
Dodge trucks were built to work. The 2006 Ram 3500 pulled 4660 lbs. The Sprinter Wagon 2500 was surprisingly capable at 4824 lbs. The Ram 2500 did 3020 lbs.
The 2007 Ram 3500 increased to 4780 lbs. The Sprinter Van 3500 did 4350 lbs. The Dakota dropped slightly to 1710 lbs. The Durango held 1750 lbs.
2008 brought the Ram 3500 to a peak of 4870 lbs. The Ram 1500 ticked up to 1810 lbs. The Sprinter Van 3500 hit 4530 lbs. The Dakota fell to 1630 lbs.
2009 was weird. The Ram 3500 plummeted to 3560 lbs. The Ram 1500 dropped hard to 1490 lbs. The Durango Hybrid was listed at 1500 lbs. The Sprinter Wagon stayed at 3074 lbs. It feels like specs shifted with platform updates or trim changes.
Ford Payload
Ford’s heavy haulers dominated this list. The 2006 E-350 Super Duty did 4165 lbs. The F-350 matched it at 4000 lbs. The F-250 was close at 3100 lbs.
2007 saw the E-150 jump to 3310 lbs. The E-250 hit 3700 lbs. The E-350 Super Duty reached 4200 lbs. The F-150 barely moved, sitting at 1650 lbs.
In 2008, the E-350 Super Duty dipped to 4110 lbs. The F-450 appeared with a massive 6120 lbs payload. That is extreme. The F-350 dropped to 3900 lbs. The F-250 fell to 3030 lbs.
2009 kept the E-series high. The E-150 was 3220 lbs. The E-250 was 3530 lbs. The E-350 Super Duty held 4060 lbs. The F-150 jumped significantly to 3030 lbs. The F-450 listed 3900 lbs here, which is odd given the 2008 data, but that is what the record shows. The Ranger stayed consistent at 1260 lbs across all these years.
GMC Payload
GMC mirrored Chevy but with its own quirks. The 2006 Sierra 3500 did 4658 lbs. The Savana 3500 hit 4147 lbs. The Canyon offered 1547 lbs.
2007 brought the Sierra 1500 up to 1952 lbs. The Sierra 2500 dipped to 3892 lbs. The Yukon jumped to 1835 lbs. The Yukon XL dropped to 1593 lbs.
In 2008, the Sierra 1500 was 1947 lbs. The Sierra 2500 held 3892 lbs. The Yukon Hybrid matched the gas Yukon at 1830 lbs. The Canyon stayed at 1547 lbs.
2009 saw the Sierra 3500 climb to 4812 lbs. The Sierra 2500 rose slightly to 3924 lbs. The Canyon dropped to 1422 lbs. The Sierra Hybrid had no data. The Yukon Hybrid held at 1830 lbs. The Sierra 3500 Classic and Sierra 2500 HD numbers from previous years don’t always align perfectly here, but these are the figures for the model years listed.
Honda Payload Capacity
Honda’s payload figures speak of practicality and sportiness. Look at the 2006 ridgeline. Its weight is 1549 lbs. This is an area of hauling territory. That same year, the Odyssey had a maxed out at 1349 lbs. solid family hauler. But there is the S2000. Empty. Zero. No need to add weight to the S2000. You’re the one driving.
By 2007, Pilot enters the chart at 1322 lbs. The Ridgeline is stable. The Civic adds 385 lbs. Not much. This is a small car. The element’s weight jumps to 675 lbs. Perfect for outdoor gear.
The 2008 lineup is similar to 2007. The Civic weighs 385 lbs. Element 675 lbs. Pilot 1322 lbs. Ridgeline 1549 lbs. The numbers don’t change. Honda made no changes to the chassis.
In 2009, a small change took place. There is no ridgeline data for this particular snapshot, but the pilot still weighs 1322 lbs. The Odyssey is still 1349 lbs. The 2006 Insight weighs 400 pounds, which means it has a lighter interior. Bare-bones touring.
HUMMER Payload Numbers
There is very little information about Hummers of the mid-2000s. H3 works consistently well. From 2006 to 2008 1150 lbs. Then in 2009 it jumped to 1312 lbs. A refresh? perhaps. More sturdy frame? It is possible.
H2 tells a different story. Data for 2006 and 2007 are not available. In 2008 it was listed as 2200 lbs. This is a big leap forward. Why is there a gap? Production quirk? Problem with weight distribution? Or Is the source material just missing data points? You can never tell. But 2200 lbs in 2008 and 2009 was pretty impressive. Trucks become workhorses.
2009 H3T adds 1090 lbs. Pickup version from H3. Less payload than in SUV models. Strange. Pickup trucks typically have a larger payload due to the practicality of the bed. Unless the structure of the cabin is heavy.
Hyundai Payload Specs
Hyundai’s payload data is basically non-existent. Information is not available for the 2006-2009 models listed (Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veracruz). This does not necessarily mean that the payload is zero. It may not be listed in the dataset or may be negligible.
2006 Accent, Azera, Elantra, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tiburon, Tucson, Veracruz. All empty.
Entourage was added in 2007 but is still empty.
2008 keeps it blank.
Genesis was launched in 2009. It is still empty.
This suggests either a very low load capacity in these sedans and crossovers, or a lack of standardized reporting for this period. Hyundai is changing. Genesis is not a truck. wasn’t built for hauling.
INFINITI payload capacity
Infiniti’s luxury SUV can carry more stuff than a sedan. The QX56 is at the top. 1440 lbs in 2006. Then in 2008 it was 1553 lbs. We climb steadily. From 2006 to 2008 the FX35 was stable at 1183 lbs. In 2009, the FX35’s weight jumped to 1213 lbs. The FX50 weighs 1185 lbs**.
The G35 and G37 sedans are light. The 2006 G35 weighs 886 lbs. Disappeared in 2007. Returned in 2008 as G37, 1040 lbs. Update. The M series is next. In 2008, the M35 weighed 996 lbs. The M45 weighs 1010 lbs. Continuous.
The 2006 Q45 weighs 979 lbs. A large sedan Not as good as the QX56. In 2009, 1553 lbs was the highest price in Infiniti’s list for the QX56. This is a full size luxury hauler.
Isuzu Payload Figures
Isuzu dominates the range with its Ascender and i-series trucks. From 2006 to 2008, the Ascender’s weight capacity was 1133 lbs. Be consistent.
The 2006 i-280 has a weight capacity of 1532 lbs. i-350 1190 lbs.
As of 2007, the i-290 weighed 1532 lbs. The i-370 jumps to 1516 lbs.
In 2008, the i-290 dropped slightly to 1512 lbs. The i-370 weighs in at 1260 lbs. Why the drop Weight creep? Different equipment levels?
The Ascender stays at 1133 lbs. No changes. Isuzu is a niche market. Small volume. The figures do not change significantly.
Jaguar Payload Specs
Jaguar’s cargo capacity is modest. 2006, 2007, 2008 X-Type has a weight capacity of 1058 lbs. Stable.
The XK series is lighter. 2008 XK 815 lbs. XKR 772 lbs.
In 2009, the XF was introduced. No data available. XJ8. No data available. The XKR is still 772 lbs. The XK Coupe weighs 815 lbs.
Jaguar is not designed for payloads. built for style. The numbers reflect this. Most models weigh less than 1,100 pounds. X-Type is an exception. A slightly heavier body.
Jeep Payload Capacity
Jeep numbers vary by model. The Commander leads. 2006 £1620. In 2007 it dropped to 1310 lbs. It then leveled off at 1300 lbs in 2008 and 2009, a significant drop. Why? Safety feature?Ejector? Weight creep?
Grand Cherokee variant. £1100 in 2006. 2007 £1050. 2008 and 2009 £1180. recovery.
From 2006 to 2009, the Liberty’s weight remained stable at 1150 lbs. Be consistent.
Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are important. The 2006 Wrangler weighs 800 lbs. £1000 in 2007, 2008 and 2009. I gained 200 kilos. In 2009 Unlimited jumped £1150.
The Compass and Patriot clusters weigh approximately 925 lbs. The Compass was 925 pounds in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Patriots were 925 pounds in 2008 and 2009.
The Jeep is solid. However, the payload is not the primary metric. There is land.
KIA payload technical data
Kia’s cargo capacity is solid for this class. Sorento 2006 prices start from £1202. In 2007 it increased to 1,318 lbs. In 2008 it was £1,277.
Rondo and Sedona carry even more. Sedona weighed 1532 lbs in 2007 and 2008. Rondo has no data.
Rio and Rio 5 are even smaller. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 Rio weighed 1273 lbs. The Rio 5 is 1200lbs.
The Borrego was released in 2009. £1815. The amount is huge. Full size SUV. Spectra and Spectra 5 have no data.
Borrego’s £1,815 is staggering. This is Kia’s heaviest payload carrier in this data set.
Land Rover loading capacity
Land Rover’s figures are mediocre. LR3 leads the way. 2006: £1806. In 2007 it was reduced to £1695. Then in 2008 and 2009 it was £1325. It decreased significantly. Weight creep? New safety standards?
The Range Rover follows closely behind. 2006 and 2007 £1360. ** Up to 11
Mazda payload data (2006-2009)
Mazda’s lineup in this era was a mix of utility trucks and sports cars. Payload limits vary greatly depending on whether you’re carrying cargo or just people.
2006 model
B-Series trucks dominated the utility segment. The Mazda B2300 and B4000 both have a maximum weight of 1260 lbs. If you want more grunt, the B3000 has a payload of 1680 lbs.
Passenger cars tell a different story. The Mazda5 minivan can carry 1239 lbs and the Mazda6 sedan 1319 lbs. Performance models take a hit. The MazdaSpeed6 drops to 963 lbs. The compact MX-5 Miata is limited to 637 lbs, while the RX-8 is limited to 779 lbs. The Tribute SUV weighs 988lbs, the old MPV minivan weighs 1506lbs.
2007 model
Trucks remained consistent. B2300 and B4000 are still 1260 lbs. The B3000 is still 1680 lbs.
A new SUV has arrived on the market. Payload numbers for the CX-7 are not listed (possibly due to trim changes or gaps in early reports), but the larger CX-9 can handle 1493 lbs.
The sedan has changed. The Mazda6 drops to 1080lbs, while the Mazda5 remains at 1239lbs. The MazdaSpeed6 is still low at 963 lbs. The RX-8 has shed a few pounds to 765 lbs. The MX-5 settles in at 637 lbs.
2008 model
Trucks kept their numbers. B2300 and B4000, 1260 lbs.
CX-9 and CX-7 again show missing data. The Tribute SUV goes up a bit to 1057lbs and the Tribute Hybrid is close at 1083lbs.
The Mazda5 drops slightly to 1191 lbs. The Mazda6 weighs 1087 lbs. The MX-5 drops to 633 lbs and the RX-8 stays at 765 lbs.
2009 model
The B2300 took a hit, dropping to 1200lbs, while the B4000 remained at 1260lbs.
The Mazda5 is still 1191 lbs. The Mazda6 weighs 1082 lbs. The RX-8 drops even further to 754 lbs. This dataset block does not list payload information for the Tribute or SUVs or CX-7 or CX-9.
“Payload is not only important in terms of weight, but also in terms of safety margin and suspension shape.”
Mercedes-Benz payload specifications (2006-2009)
German engineering meets heavy loads. SUVs and vans carry the most cargo, while luxury sedans and sports cars are only for people.
2006 model
Luxury cars (C-Class, S-Class, SL-Class ) do not display payload information. This may indicate that luxury cars are strictly passenger-rated or data is not available.
The ML350 is equivalent to 1616 lbs and the ML500 is equivalent to 1496 lbs. The R-Class van is a 2000 lb beast. The SLR McLaren Supercar has strict passenger and luggage limits of just 626lbs.
2007 model
The E-Class sedan appeared with 1157 lbs.
G-Class (G500) Load capacity 1289 lbs. Introducing the new GL-Class SUV. GL320 is 1086 lbs, GL450 is 1620 lbs.
ML-Class has been improved. The ML350 at £1635, the ML500 at £1620 and the ML63 AMG at £1257. ML320 held 1422 lbs.
The R-Class dropped to 1635lbs. The SLR McLaren is still 626 lbs.
2008 model
E-Class established at 1157lbs.
G-Class Major update. The G500 jumps to 1764 lbs, while the G55 is up to 1433 lbs.
GL-Class Models: GL450 and GL550 both support 1620 lbs.
ML-Class : ML320 is 1422 lbs, ML350 is 1635 lbs, ML550 is 1620 lbs. ML63 AMG again had missing data.
R-Class has lost its rating in this data set. The weight of the SLR McLaren has been significantly reduced to 342 lbs. This is a stark reminder of how performance weight affects payload.
2009 model
The E Class is still 1157 lbs.
GL-Class : The GL450 and GL550 are both 1620 lbs.
ML-Class : ML350 is 1635 lbs, ML320 is 1422 lbs, ML550 is 1620 lbs, ML63 AMG is 1300 lbs.
R-Class return is 1365 lbs. There are no figures for sedans or sports cars.
“Performance models often sacrifice payload capacity to reduce weight and improve handling dynamics.”
Mercury Payload Breakdown (2006-2009)
Mercury shares a platform with Ford, so many of these numbers match the Ford counterparts. Here we focus on family haulers and large sedans.
2006 model
The Grand Marquis had no listed payload.
The Mariner SUV holds 1075 lbs and the Hybrid version holds 920 lbs. The Monterey Minivan had 1320 lbs. The Mountaineer SUV weighs 1549 lbs.
No information is available for Milan or Montego.
2007 model
The Mariner is still 1075 lbs, the Hybrid is still 920 lbs. Monterey, 1320 lbs.
The Mountaineer dropped slightly to 1443 lbs. Accordingly, there is no payload information for the Milan, Montego and Grand Marquis.
2008 model
The Mariner dropped to 1059 lbs and the Hybrid stayed at 920 lbs.
The Mountaineer remains at 1443 lbs. Sable Sedan has no cargo capacity listed.
2009 model
The Mariner is still 1059 lbs, the Hybrid is still 920 lbs.
The Mountaineer remains at 1443 lbs. Information is not available for Sable and Milan.
“Hybrid systems have more weight compared to their ICE counterparts, which directly reduces payload.”
MINI Payload Specifications (2006-2009)
Small car, small carrying capacity. These figures reflect the lightweight nature of the platform.
2006 model
The Cooper Cabriolet can handle 771 lbs. The Cooper Hardtop holds 816 lbs.
2007 model
The figures are stable. Convertible, 771 lbs, **Hardtop
Maximum payload by manufacturer: 2006-2009 Saturn, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo
Saturn Payload
Saturn is in decline. By 2009, the brand could no longer be maintained. But if you want data from past years, it’s here. Some models have little information. Especially Ion and Sky. Most sources do not list the maximum payload. Probably because these are light coupes and sedans and not intended for transportation.
Saturn’s largest payload in 2006
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| ion | – |
| Relay | 1350 |
| view | 1331 |
Saturn’s largest payload in 2007
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Hello | 1009 |
| Aura Blend | – |
| ion | – |
| Outlook | 1678 |
| Relay | 1354 |
| Sky | – |
| view | 1331 |
| VUE Hybrid | 1511 |
Saturn’s largest payload in 2008
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Astra | 893 |
| Hello | 1009 |
| Aura Blend | – |
| Outlook | 1678 |
| Sky | – |
| Outlook | 1000 |
| VUE Hybrid | 1111 |
Saturn’s largest payload in 2009
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Astra | – |
| Hello | 1009 |
| Aura Blend | – |
| Outlook | 1709 |
| Sky | – |
| Outlook | 1000 |
| VUE Hybrid | 1111 |
Other Saturn specs include GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo capacity, vehicle weight and towing capacity.
Scion Payload
Scion is Toyota’s young brand. Initially, the loading capacity was not that big. These are small cars. The tC, xA, xB and xD lists are almost empty. For most of the past years, no maximum payload data was available. This indicates that no data is tracked or highlighted.
2006 Scion Max Payload
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| TC | – |
| xA | – |
| xB | – |
2007 Scion Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| TC | – |
2008 Scion Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| TC | – |
| xB | – |
| xD | – |
2009 Scion Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| TC | – |
| xB | – |
| xD | – |
Other Scion specs include GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo capacity, vehicle weight and towing capacity.
smart Payload
Smart fortwo is small. Designed for city dwellers. Not suitable for moving furniture. The 2008 model has a maximum payload of just 463 pounds. This is barely enough for two people and a small bag. Don’t force it.
2008 SMART MAX Payload
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| fortwo | 463 |
More smart specifications include GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo capacity, vehicle weight and towing capacity.
Subaru Payload
Subaru makes cars for people who need stuff. Or even survive off-road. The amounts of payloads vary. Over time, the Tribeca lost some capacity. Forester and Outback are stable. The load on the WRX Stis has always been light. It’s built for speed, not drag.
2006 Subaru Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| B9 Tribeca | 1560 |
| Baja | 1070 |
| Forester | 1060 |
| Impreza Sedan | 955 |
| Impreza Wagon | 995 |
| Impreza Outback Sport | 1132 |
| Impreza WRX Sti | 794 |
| Legacy Sedan | 1200 |
| Legacy Wagon | 1300 |
| Outback | 1245 |
2007 Subaru Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| B9 Tribeca | 1560 |
| Forester | 1010 |
| Impreza Sedan | 955 |
| Impreza Wagon | 995 |
| Impreza Outback Sport | 1132 |
| Legacy Sedan | 1055 |
| Legacy Wagon | Photo Legacy Wagon 1290 |
| Outback | 995 |
2008 Subaru Maximum Load Capacity
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Forester | 1010 |
| Impreza Wagon | 976 |
| Impreza Sedan | 856 |
| Impreza Outback Sport | 1082 |
| Impreza WRX Sti | 1080 |
| Legacy | 1055 |
| Outback | 1085 |
| Tribeca | 660 |
2009 Subaru Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Forester | 1230 |
| Legacy | 1055 |
| Outback | 1078 |
| Tribeca | 660 |
Other Subaru specs include GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo carrying capacity, curb weight and towing capacity.
Suzuki payload
Suzuki also withdrew from the market. The XL7 can handle the load. The Grand Vitara is amazing. Aerio, Forenza and Reno were later removed from the payload list. No data available. The equator was also not visible.
2006 Suzuki Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Aerio | 955 |
| Forenza | 981 |
| Grand Vitara | 1175 |
| Reno | 941 |
| Verona | – |
| XL7 | 1168 |
2007 Suzuki Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Aerio | – |
| Forenza | – |
| Grand Vitara | – |
| Reno | – |
| SX4 | – |
| XL7 | 1626 |
2008 Suzuki Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Forenza | 926 |
| Grand Vitara | 1178 |
| Reno | 926 |
| SX4 | 893 |
| XL7 | 1626 |
2009 Suzuki Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| equator | – |
| Grand Vitara | – |
| SX4 | 893 |
| XL7 | – |
Other Suzuki specs include GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo capacity, vehicle weight and towing capacity.
Toyota payload
Toyota is superior when it comes to reliability. But what about the payload? This is model specific. Tundra and Highlander can tow more than Corolla. The Prius is light. Its payload was barely over 1,000 pounds. Both the FJ Cruiser and 4Runner are solid. The Land Cruiser is unique.
2006 Toyota Maximum Load
| Model | Maximum Load (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 4Runner | 1285 |
| Avalon | 1 |
