What is the difference between curb weight and gross vehicle weight (GVWR)?

Curb Weight

Curb weight refers to the total weight of a vehicle with all standard equipment, required fluids (like oil and coolant), and a full tank of fuel or a fully charged battery—but without any passengers or cargo.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

GVWR is the maximum total weight a vehicle is rated to safely carry, including:

  • Curb weight
  • Passengers
  • Cargo
  • Optional equipment
  • Tongue weight of a trailer (if towing)

Exceeding the GVWR can compromise safety, braking, and handling performance.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference helps ensure you don’t overload your vehicle, which can lead to excessive wear or even safety hazards.