Vehicle weight

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.

E160700AUN-EU
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:

    Keys
    The key code number is stamped on the plate attached to the key set. Should you lose your keys, this number will enable an authorized Kia Dealer to duplicate the keys easily. Remove the plate ...

    Driving your vehicle
    Before driving Key positions Starting the engine Manual Transaxle Automatic transaxle Brake system Cruise control system Economical operation Special driving conditions Winter driving Traile ...

    2009 Kia Sorento
    The 2009 Kia Sorento remains unchanged from last year. ...