U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #475: June 25, 2007
Light Vehicle Weight on the Rise

In 1975, the average weight of a new car and the average weight of a new light truck were both just over 4,000 lbs. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, the average weight began to decline. Both cars and light trucks were at their lightest weight in 1987. Since then, the weight for both vehicle types has been generally increasing. In 2006, light trucks averaged 1,149 lbs. heavier than cars.

Graph showing the average weight of a new car and a new light truck from 1975 to 2006. The weight has steadily been increasing for both since 1978. For more detailed information, see the table below.

Note: Light trucks are defined as trucks less than 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating.

Supporting Information

Average Weight of New Cars and Light Trucks, 1975-2006 (Pounds)
Year Cars Trucks
1975 4,058 4,072
1976 4,059 4,155
1977 3,944 4,135
1978 3,588 4,151
1979 3,485 4,252
1980 3,101 3,869
1981 3,076 3,806
1982 3,054 3,806
1983 3,112 3,763
1984 3,099 3,782
1985 3,093 3,795
1986 3,041 3,738
1987 3,031 3,713
1988 3,047 3,841
1989 3,099 3,921
1990 3,176 4,005
1991 3,154 3,948
1992 3,240 4,056
1993 3,207 4,073
1994 3,250 4,125
1995 3,263 4,184
1996 3,282 4,225
1997 3,274 4,344
1998 3,306 4,283
1999 3,365 4,412
2000 3,369 4,375
2001 3,380 4,463
2002 3,391 4,546
2003 3,421 4,586
2004 3,462 4,710
2005 3,490 4,711
2006 3,563 4,712

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2006, Appendix D, July 2006.

 

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