Cars drive so smoothly that it's hard to contextualize just how much they weigh. Comparing car weights side-by-side can put into perspective just how much of a behemoth they are — and how our tastes have changed over time. Not only is knowing your car's weight an important part of car ownership, but it's also a unique fun fact to whip out at parties.

From massive super-duty trucks that weigh as much as a small elephant to sleek hybrids that you still wouldn't want to act out the Wicked Witch of the North's house-falling scene with, we're exploring how much a car weighs and how you can figure out yours.

List of Popular Car Curb Weights From 2012-2024

Car weight can vary a lot. The model, engine type, and other factors each have a substantial impact on how much the car weighs. Our list details the most popular car model weights from 2012-2024 based on published findings from Motor Trend, Edmunds.com, Vehicle History.com, and Automobile Magazine.

2023 Car Weights

The popular car weights from 2023 show just how much variability there is at the top of the market.

2022 Car Weights

From hybrids to SUVs, these are a handful of the most popular car weights for 2022.

2021 Car Weights

These are some of the curb weights for the most popular car models from the 2021 manufacturing cycle.

2020 Car Weights

The pandemic didn't stop manufacturers from pumping out new cars. These are the car weights for popular models from 2020.

2019 Car Weights

Here are some of the top-selling vehicles in 2019 and their curb weights.

2018 Car Weights

Looking for curb weights for a variety of popular 2018 car models? We've got 10 of the best-selling.

2017 Car Weights

The top-selling cars in 2017 and their curb weights range from the mid-2,000s to the high 4,000s.

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2016 Car Weights

We've got several of the most popular 2016 vehicles and their curb weights, including one climbing above 6,000 pounds.

2015 Car Weights

Here are the curb weights for the best-selling cars from the 2015 manufacturing cycle.

2014 Car Weights

Here are the curb weights for many of buyer's favorite vehicles from the 2014 cycle.

2013 Car Weights

We're bringing you the curb weights for some of 2013's highest-selling cars.

2012 Car Weights

Many of these popular cars from 2012 are still active in the used car market and weigh about as much as you expect.

Average Vehicle Curb Weight by Class

From the make and model to the year you purchased it, your vehicle's weight can vary significantly from similar cars. Humans are curious creatures and like to know how their stuff measures up to the rest on the market. Thankfully, we've got the comparative chart you've been looking for.

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The Lightest and Heaviest Models on the Market

Some cars can claim to be the heaviest or lightest cars in their vehicle class. Prove your car is worth the title by seeing which recent cars weigh in as the lightest and heaviest.

• The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is the lightest compact car, weighing in at 2,084 pounds.

• The 2023 Hyundai Venue is the lightest in the compact SUV market at 2,612 pounds.

• The heaviest large truck/SUV is the 2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty DRW Crew Cab weighing in at 8,587 pounds.

8 Different Ways to Measure Vehicle Weight

If you're not a car person, you probably don't realize there are multiple ways to measure how much a car weighs. Knowing the different measurement styles and what the distinctions are is an important skill to have as a car owner. Automotive literacy doesn't have to feel out of your reach!

• Gross vehicle weight (GVW): This measurement includes all your cargo, extra equipment, and passengers aboard.

• Curb weight: This is the weight of your vehicle with all fluids and components but without the drivers, passengers, and cargo.

• Payload: The payload is the weight including passengers, equipment, cargo, and anything being towed.

• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): This is the maximum total weight of your vehicle, passengers, and cargo measured to avoid damaging the vehicle or compromising your safety.

• Gross combined weight: This weight measurement includes the vehicle and a trailer if you're pulling one. This should be calculated while the trailer is full and attached to the vehicle.

• Maximum loaded trailer weight: This amount is much like the gross combined weight, but it includes a fully loaded trailer.

• Gross axle weight: The gross axle weight is the amount of weight that's supported by each axle, both front and rear.

• Gross axle weight rating: The gross axle weight rating is the total weight each axle is capable of hauling.

How to Find Out the Maximum Vehicle Weight for Your Roadways

Determining what weight limits there are for road-going motorized vehicles is up to state governments in the United States. Most U.S. states established a weight limit of about 80,000 pounds, and many Canadian Provinces allow over 90,000 pounds.

Federal law governs the interstate system, which places a limit of 80,000 pounds GVW, with 20,000 pounds on one axle and 34,000 on a tandem axle group. If you're concerned about your car exceeding the road limits, it's a good idea to consult a weight chart for the state or province where you'll be traveling.

Here are a few examples of different weight charts across the United States.

• Wisconsin lists legal vehicle weights based on the distance between axles.

• Ohio provides a chart of the maximum vehicle dimensions for their highways.

• California provides a detailed chart of legal weights based on the axle distance and number of axles.

How to Find Your Car's Weight

Now that you've gotten a taste for these exciting facts and figures, you're probably wondering how much your car weighs. While you can try to look it up online, there are four more accurate ways to measure your car's weight.

• Look at the driver's side door sill. There should be a weight label or sticker on the sill listing the weight.

• Reference the car manual. Consider your car manual the bible on your car; everything you need to know should be in there.

• Consult the manufacturer. They'll likely ask for your year, make, model, and VIN number so they can look up the weight for you.

• Use a vehicle scale. If you want a precise weight, find a local vehicle scale to measure your current weight.

Get to Know Your Car Inside & Out

Comparing a decade's worth of car weights is a fun way to spend your lunch hour. But understanding how much your car weighs, how much you can feasibly tow, and what the weight restrictions are on your local roadways can mean the difference between a safe drive and an unsafe one. Time to get to know your car inside and out — weight and all.