What is Curb Weight?

The curb weight of a car, truck, or SUV is the total weight of the vehicle, including a full tank of gas and standard options – but not passengers, cargo, or optional equipment. It is the theoretical weight of a vacant and fully fueled car. Knowing a vehicle’s curb weight is useful when assessing fuel economy, towing capability and other performance metrics.

Curb Weight vs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) also known as the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), is the maximum allowable weight of the car with its full load, including all fluids, passengers, and cargo. In other words, it is the sum total of a car’s curb weight plus the weight of all its occupants and cargo. When the GVWR is exceeded, the car is overloaded, creating a safety hazard.

How to Determine Curb Weight

The vehicle’s curb weight is typically listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. It can also be found in the owner’s manual, or on the car’s specification sheet. If any accessories or upgrades have been installed, the curb weight value may not match the sticker. For instance, if a car has a new engine, tires, or suspension, these modifications can all add several hundred pounds to the base curb weight.

Knowing a vehicle’s curb weight is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it provide an indication of the performance and fuel economy, but it can also provide valuable information when selecting a tow vehicle, determining the towing capacity, and planning for long distance travels.