Vehicle weight glossary

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of the vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's specifications and the certification label: Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment.

It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.

Vehicle curb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.

Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment.

GAW (Gross axle weight)
This is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) - including vehicle curb weight and all payload.

GAWR (Gross axle weight rating) This is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the certification label.

The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

GVW (Gross vehicle weight) This is the Base Curb Weight plus actual Cargo Weight plus passengers.

GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating) This is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is shown on the certification label located on the driver’s door sill.

    See also:

    Driving Impressions
    The 2006 Kia Sportage provides a carlike ride while returning relatively sporty handling on par with that of most peers. Should you push too hard through a corner, the standard stability and tract ...

    Your vehicle at a glance
    Interior overview Instrument panel overview ...

    What's New for 2002
    The Sportage is now in its eighth model year, so to help move its aged sport-ute along, Kia will offer the four-doors in just one trim level (eliminating the EX and Limited trim models) with more ...