Curb Weight, GVWR, Towing Capacity for 6th Gen 4runner (2025+)

[NotApplicable]

They add a yellow "adjustment" sticker for the per-vehicle port/dealer installed options.

This also isn’t making sense. My limited has a sticker for 27 lbs or something like that, and the only PIO is rubber floor mats!

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[Nodak]

My gas limited 4wd also says 895. It was just delivered to the dealership on the 11th. How do all of these different trims have the same payload capacity, given different curb weights?

strangely the manual says that all 2-row models are 895 and all 3-row models are something like 1160. Makes no sense to me!

3 row doesnt have the hybrid battery pack

most 2 rows are hybrids and the ones without the hybrid should have a higher payload i am guessing

 

[Jakethewhippet1]

3 row doesnt have the hybrid battery pack

most 2 rows are hybrids and the ones without the hybrid should have a higher payload i am guessing

I'm ORP, no hybrid, 2 row seats, 895 payload.

 

[NotApplicable]

3 row doesnt have the hybrid battery pack

most 2 rows are hybrids and the ones without the hybrid should have a higher payload i am guessing

I don’t think most 2-rows are hybrids. Mine certainly isn’t, and the payload should be a lot more than 895 lbs based on the curb weight and the GVWR!

I sent a request to Toyota customer care to see if they can clarify the payload specs. Not holding my breath, but that would be nice.

The question here is, if you exceed the 895 but stay well under GVWR-Curb, can they use that against you if something were to go wrong.

 

[TRD-Ferguson]

I don’t think most 2-rows are hybrids. Mine certainly isn’t, and the payload should be a lot more than 895 lbs based on the curb weight and the GVWR!

I sent a request to Toyota customer care to see if they can clarify the payload specs. Not holding my breath, but that would be nice.

The question here is, if you exceed the 895 but stay well under GVWR-Curb, can they use that against you if something were to go wrong.

Thanks, and agreed. Hopefully they answer, but I'm also not optimistic that we'll get anything useful.

The manual (page 616 in mine) is clear: All 2 row models have 895 lbs capacity and all 3 row models have 1160 lbs. It seems to contradict itself and also creates a pretty large weight discrepancy depending on the trim.

It also doesn't make a lot of sense that adding a 3rd row of seats (additional weight) would increase the capacity. The battery guess is interesting, but yeah, I think most models sold are gas, whether they have 2 rows or 3, and the manual doesn't say anything about hybrid vs. gas.

 

[NotApplicable]

Here is the word salad Toyota responded with. They ignored that not only does the manual state 895, but so does the sticker, which specifically refers to it as the payload capacity.

Thank you for reaching out regarding your 2025 Toyota 4Runner and your question about the sticker on your vehicle related to payload capacity. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you further.



Based on our research using sources 2025 Toyota 4Runner Specifications | Toyota.comand 2025 Toyota 4Runner - Toyota USA Newsroom your vehicle’s curb weight is 4,970 lbs., and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 6,395 lbs.



The 895 lbs. figure you mentioned appears in the Owners Manual as the vehicle capacity weight, which refers to the combined weight of occupants and luggage. It’s important to understand that vehicle capacity weight and payload are related but not the same. Payload includes additional factors and represents the total weight your vehicle can safely carry beyond its curb weight, including passengers, cargo, accessories, and tongue weight (if applicable).



Since these terms involve different measurements and calculations, we recommend visiting your local Toyota dealership for a more detailed explanation and personalized assistance. They can also clarify the exact meaning of the sticker on your door.



We apologize for not being able to fully resolve your concern here. Please know your comments have been documented at Toyota National Headquarters under reference number

 

[TRD-Ferguson]

Love it. “We made the car but can’t actually answer a clear question about the car.” Was worth a try though. Thank you for posting the response.

 

[NotApplicable]

Here are some interesting tidbits I pulled from federal regulations with the help of Claude. The key takeaway is that while the rated cargo load is generally understood to be GVWR - (150 * # seating positions + unloaded vehicle weight), the only requirement is that GVWR >= unloaded vehicle weight + (150 * # seating positions) + rated cargo load. Manufacturers apparently have free rein to cap rated cargo load below that.

Core Definitions
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
49 CFR 571.3: "Gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle."

49 CFR 390.5T: "Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single motor vehicle."

Vehicle Capacity Weight
49 CFR 571.110 defines vehicle capacity weight as: "the rated cargo and luggage load plus 150 pounds (68 kilograms) times the vehicle's designated seating capacity."

Note: This definition references components (cargo + passengers) but does NOT define it as GVWR minus curb weight.

Rated Cargo and Luggage Load
NHTSA Interpretation Letter 10673: "The agency does not define the term 'rated cargo and luggage load' or otherwise regulate how that load is determined. The term simply refers to the vehicle manufacturer's determination of the cargo and luggage carrying capacity of the vehicle. The choice of methodology to be used in making that determination is left to the discretion of the vehicle manufacturer."

NHTSA Interpretation Letter 23087: "Although the term 'rated cargo load' is not defined by regulation, generally it is the GVWR of the vehicle minus the combined weight of the occupied designated seating positions (150 pounds times the total number of designated seating positions) and the unloaded vehicle weight."

Regulatory Requirements
Minimum GVWR Standard
49 CFR 567.4(g)(3): GVWR must be followed by "the appropriate value in pounds, which shall not be less than the sum of the unloaded vehicle weight, rated cargo load, and 150 pounds times the number of the vehicle's designated seating positions."

Tire and Loading Information Label
49 CFR Part 575.105 (referenced in NHTSA interpretations): Requires a tire and loading information label showing "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs"

The regulation requires this combined weight figure but does not explicitly specify how manufacturers should calculate it.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight
49 CFR 571.3 (as cited in NHTSA interpretation): "Unloaded vehicle weight" is defined as "the weight of a vehicle with maximum capacity of all fluids necessary for operation of the vehicle, but without cargo, occupants, or accessories that are ordinarily removed from the vehicle when they are not in use."

Key Regulatory Gaps

1. No standard calculation method: Federal regulations do not prescribe how manufacturers should calculate "rated cargo and luggage load" - this is left to manufacturer discretion.
2. No requirement to show simple math: Regulations do not require manufacturers to display "GVWR minus curb weight" as the maximum payload capacity on the door jamb sticker.
3. Interpretation flexibility: The regulation defines vehicle capacity weight by its components (cargo + 150 lbs per seat) rather than as a calculation from GVWR.

What the Regulations DO Require
Minimum Standard
The GVWR assigned by the manufacturer must be at least equal to: unloaded vehicle weight + rated cargo load + (150 lbs × number of seats)

Manufacturer Responsibility
NHTSA Interpretation Letter 9064: "NHTSA expects the GVWR (which includes rated cargo load) to reflect a manufacturer's good-faith evaluation of the vehicle's size, weight, load-carrying capacity and intended use."

Your Vehicle's Situation
Based on your door jamb stickers:

• GVWR: 6,395 lbs
• Curb weight: 4,970 lbs
• Mathematical capacity: 1,425 lbs
• Door jamb states: 895 lbs for combined occupants and cargo

The 530 lb difference exists because federal regulations give manufacturers discretion in how they calculate and present the "combined weight of occupants and cargo" figure, as long as the GVWR meets minimum requirements and reflects a good-faith evaluation of the vehicle's capabilities.

 

[jkr34]

For what it’s worth, I picked up my 2026 SR5 4x4 last week, and similarly have the 895lbs payload in the door jam sticker, and Gvwr 6075lbs. I went and weighed it: 7/8th tank of gas, dealer installed cross bars, all weather mats, plus a toddler car seat, and a moving blanket in the trunk: weight was 4760lbs. So a payload of 1315lbs after the above additions - pretty consistent with the Toyota reported curb weight, making the door jam sticker way off.

 

[jayT]

For what it’s worth, I picked up my 2026 SR5 4x4 last week, and similarly have the 895lbs payload in the door jam sticker, and Gvwr 6075lbs. I went and weighed it: 7/8th tank of gas, dealer installed cross bars, all weather mats, plus a toddler car seat, and a moving blanket in the trunk: weight was 4760lbs. So a payload of 1315lbs after the above additions - pretty consistent with the Toyota reported curb weight, making the door jam sticker way off.

Are you serious? wow, that's interesting. My 2025 SR5 4Runner with PT4WD illustrates 1160/1165 lbs on the door jam..i'm going to take a second look...i might be seeing things..lol

 

[jkr34]

Are you serious? wow, that's interesting. My 2025 SR5 4Runner with PT4WD illustrates 1160/1165 lbs on the door jam..i'm going to take a second look...i might be seeing things..lol

It was a shock when I picked it up - I had got it tow a camper and realised if the door jam was accurate I wouldn’t be able to bring my wife or kid!

Does yours have the 3rd row of seats? From what I have read models with the 3rd row seem to have a higher value in the door jam (but still lower than it should be)

 

[TRD-Ferguson]

Are you serious? wow, that's interesting. My 2025 SR5 4Runner with PT4WD illustrates 1160/1165 lbs on the door jam..i'm going to take a second look...i might be seeing things..lol

Do you have a 3rd row of seats? Seems like they are doing one weight for all two-row trims, and one slightly higher weight for all three-row trims. Actual weight, add ons, etc don’t influence the sticker. They do add an additional adjustment sticker. My theory is it’s what they tested or crash tested so that’s what they put.

 

[jkr34]

Do you have a 3rd row of seats? Seems like they are doing one weight for all two-row trims, and one slightly higher weight for all three-row trims. Actual weight, add ons, etc don’t influence the sticker. They do add an additional adjustment sticker. My theory is it’s what they tested or crash tested so that’s what they put.

I wondered if they had just based it off the payload of the heaviest spec for the 2 and 3 row versions respectively. ie the trail hunter only comes in 2 row, so all 2 rows got a door jam sticker for that payload.

 

[jayT]

Do you have a 3rd row of seats? Seems like they are doing one weight for all two-row trims, and one slightly higher weight for all three-row trims. Actual weight, add ons, etc don’t influence the sticker. They do add an additional adjustment sticker. My theory is it’s what they tested or crash tested so that’s what they put.

Yes. I do have a third row..

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