According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average vehicle weighed 3,977 pounds in 2012. This is a decrease of 150 pounds compared to 2011.
The weight of a vehicle varies greatly depending on its type. The lightest cars on the American market weigh less than 2,000 pounds, while a mid-sized SUV weighs between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. A large, heavy-duty pickup truck can weigh well over 10,000 pounds. Regardless of the model, the trend in the automotive industry is shifting toward less weight. All other things being equal, a lighter vehicle gets better gas mileage, and with gas prices continuing to rising, fuel economy is an increasingly valued commodity.
