Not many people can tell you off the top of their head what the average car weighs. Vehicles are available in a variety of sizes and will have different weights.
Knowing the weight of a car whether it’s your current vehicle or one you are planning to purchase is important for many reasons including safety.
Plus this information is interesting and educational.
Keep reading to find out more about the average weight of cars.
How Much Does The Average Car Weigh?
With so many cars available around the world, the weight can vary. But on average a small compact car weighs around 2,800 pounds and a large full-size car weighs around 4,600 pounds. According to the EPA Automotive Trends Report, the average vehicle in 2020 weighs 4,156 pounds. The average weight of a vehicle is expected to slightly trend upwards.
Why you need to know your car’s weight
Knowing the weight of your vehicle is important for several reasons.
Perhaps you are in the market for a new car and need to know its empty weight and payload to not exceed its weight limit.
Safety reasons. According to iihs.org, heavy cars are safer than lighter cars if involved in an accident and will provide better crash protection.
Fuel economy is generally better with lighter vehicles. Heavy cars are not as fuel-efficient and with the high cost of fuel these days, owning a lighter car will save you money.
Most bridges will have a maximum weight and you will need to know the weight of your vehicle to prevent exceeding this weight.
Different vehicle weights
The following is a list of vehicle curb weights based on the type and class of car.
Smart car
The average smart car has a curb weight of around 2050 – 2090 pounds. Some smart cars can weigh over 2600 pounds like the Smart EQ Forfour.
Smart Fortwo – 2050 pounds (930 kg, 1.025 ton)
Smart Cabrio – 2480 pounds (1125 kg, 1.24 ton)
Smart EQ Forfour – 2646 pounds (1200 kg, 1.32 ton)
Compact
The average compact car weighs around 2700 – 3000 pounds.
Kia Forte – 2908 pounds (1319 kg, 1.45 ton)
Hyundai Elantra – 2725 pounds (1236 kg, 1.36 ton)
Toyota Corolla – 2850 pounds (1292 kg, 1.45 ton)
Nissan Sentra – 3036 pounds (1377 kg, 1.51 ton)
Midsize
The average midsize car weighs around 3100 – 3300 pounds.
Hyundai Sonata – 3120 pounds (1415 kg, 1.56 ton)
Toyota Camry – 3296 pounds (1495 kg, 1.64 ton)
Honda Accord – 3150 pounds (1428 kg, 1.57 ton)
Nissan Altima – 3208 pounds (1455 kg, 1.60 ton)
Full Size
The average full-size car weighs around 4100 – 4600 pounds.
Lexus LS – 4696 pounds (2130 kg, 2.34 ton)
Dodge Charger – 4160 pounds (1886 kg, 2.08 ton)
Cadillac CTS – 4144 pounds (1879 kg, 2.07 ton)
Vehicle weight table
| Vehicle | Weight pounds | Weight Kg’s | Weight tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Fortwo | 2050 | 930 | 1.025 |
| Smart Cabrio | 2480 | 1125 | 1.24 |
| Smart EQ Forfour | 2646 | 1200 | 1.32 |
| Kia Forte | 2908 | 1319 | 1.45 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2725 | 1236 | 1.36 |
| Toyota Corolla | 2850 | 1292 | 1.45 |
| Nissan Sentra | 3036 | 1377 | 1.51 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 3120 | 1415 | 1.56 |
| Toyota Camry | 3296 | 1495 | 1.64 |
| Honda Accord | 3150 | 1428 | 1.57 |
| Nissan Altima | 3208 | 1455 | 1.60 |
| Lexus LS | 4696 | 2130 | 2.34 |
| Dodge Charger | 4160 | 1886 | 2.08 |
| Cadillac CTS | 4144 | 1879 | 2.07 |
Car weight ratings and definitions
Curb weight
A vehicle’s curb weight is the actual weight of the vehicle as it sits with all included parts. It does include the weight of a full tank of gas but does not include items you add into the car like passengers and cargo.
Cargo weight
The cargo weight is the total weight of luggage (cargo), and passengers added to the car. It does include the driver. Cargo weight is often referred to as the payload.
Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
The gross vehicle weight is the maximum weight that the vehicle can safely be operated. This is equal to the curb weight plus the cargo weight.
GVW = curb weight + cargo
Gross combined weight
If you plan on towing a trailer, the gross combined weight is the weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the trailer.
Where can you find the weight of your car?
There are several places to find out the actual weight of your car.
Most new and used cars will come with the owner’s manual which most people keep in the glovebox. Simply refer to the manual and it should tell you exactly the weight of the car plus other information about weight limits and towing.
If you have internet access, you can perform a Google search and find your vehicle’s make and model along with its weight. One of the best places to search is Wikipedia where you will find most vehicle specifications and weights.
If you have the VIN number for the vehicle, you can check out an online VIN decoder. Simply add your VIN to the search and it will pull up the information you are looking for.
Most vehicles will have a sticker placed on the side door panel that has information about the weight of the car, tire pressures, make and model year, and other information. Having a look at this sticker on your car is an easy and quick way to find its weight.
Another option to find out your vehicle’s weight is to drive to a weigh scale. Although not the most convenient method, it will tell you the exact weight at the time.
If none of these options help you find the weight of your vehicle, you can call the dealership or manufacturer and provide them with your car’s information.
They will be able to find the weight for you.
