October 6, 2023 9:26 pm by Mark Holthoff

The Heaviest Cars, SUVs, and Trucks on the Road

Introduction

What matters most when shopping for a used vehicle? Buyers typically consider how it drives, how safe or fuel-efficient it is, or how much it costs to maintain. But another factor can significantly influence each of these areas: the vehicle’s weight.

Vehicle weight is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, thanks to Newton’s First Law of Motion, a heavy vehicle more easily soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road. It also tends to be safer. In an impact, the bigger vehicle usually wins. However, there are downsides. For instance, heftier vehicles typically get worse fuel economy. They’re also less agile, with a tendency to corner ponderously and take longer to haul to a stop. Plus, their additional mass can wear out braking and suspension components faster, driving up maintenance costs.

With all that in mind, we reached out to our friends at Edmunds to get the skinny on the heaviest cars, SUVs, and trucks from the last decade (2012-2022). Our list looks specifically at the average curb weight for all trims in a given model year. It also breaks out electric vehicles (EVs). That’s because, with their heavy battery packs, EVs tend to weigh more than similarly sized vehicles with internal combustion engines.

You’ll find each heavyweight listed below, organized by body type. We’ve also included a runner-up in each category to round things out.

Heaviest Cars

First Place: 2012 Maybach 62 (6,340 lbs)

The Maybach 62, produced from 2002 to 2013, is the long-wheelbase sibling of the Maybach 57. Mercedes-Benz sub-brand Maybach created both cars for high-net-worth individuals looking for an alternative to the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of the world. A standard twin-turbo V12 ensures powerful and near-silent acceleration. But the real marvel is the interior — a sanctuary akin to a five-star hotel suite. It features plush, reclining seats with massage functions, high-grade wood trim, individual entertainment screens, and even an optional partition for privacy between the driver and rear passengers. The 62’s additional length makes it the obvious choice for those who prefer to let their chauffeur do the driving. Weighing in at a whopping 6,340 pounds, the Maybach 62 is the heaviest car on the road.

Runner Up: 2020 Audi S8 (5,302 lbs)

Developed by Audi’s high-performance division, the S8 is a more athletic version of the German automaker’s flagship luxury sedan, the A8. The “S” treatment includes a powerful twin-turbo V8 that can launch the big Audi from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds — quite a feat considering its sizable mass. It’s also surprisingly agile thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive system and adaptive air suspension. The S8’s interior doesn’t skimp on luxury either, featuring sumptuous leather seats, real wood and metal accents, and state-of-the-art technology, including available night vision. Like the Maybach, it even offers heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats, making it as comfortable as it is exhilarating.

Electric: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS (5,812 lbs)

The Mercedes EQS, which debuted in 2022, marks Mercedes-Benz’s foray into the world of luxury electric vehicles. Positioned as a battery-powered counterpart to the brand’s iconic S-Class, the EQS blends elegance and innovation. Its dual-motor setup enables impressive acceleration, pushing the car from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds while maintaining the quiet poise one expects from a premium EV. Inside, the cabin is a technological marvel featuring an expansive “Hyperscreen,” a continuous digital display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. Luxurious amenities include plush seating with available heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while advanced driver-assistance systems keep the driver relaxed and fresh even on long journeys. All of that luxury and tech adds up, though. The EQS tips the scales at nearly 6,000 pounds.

Heaviest SUVs

First Place: 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (6,390 lbs)

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer, launched in 2022, marks the brand’s return to building full-size luxury SUVs. Its bold styling and satisfying blend of rugged capability with lavish comfort is a nod to its iconic predecessor from the ’80s and ’90s. We’ve even seen some new GWs with fake wood body trim. Under the hood, a robust V8 gives the big sport-ute enough power to tow up to 10,000 pounds, a standout in its class. On the inside, it impresses with a large cabin filled with luxe materials and features, such as an available 23-speaker McIntosh audio system. True to its Jeep heritage, the GW also offers plenty of off-road prowess, especially when equipped with optional four-wheel drive. In sum, the Grand Wagoneer is a substantial machine designed to make a statement on and off the road. At 6,390 pounds, it’s the heaviest SUV on the road.

Runner Up: 2016 Lincoln Navigator (6,065 lbs)

The Navigator is Lincoln’s flagship sport-ute. The full-size SUV shares a platform with the Ford F-series pickup, giving it robust (and heavy) body-on-frame constriction. But the luxury automaker’s design team has done an excellent job keeping the looks upscale and on-brand. The Navigator’s distinctive grille and elegant styling give it a majestic road presence. That’s backed up by an authoritative twin-turbo V6, which provides plenty of thrust for the big family hauler. The Navigator’s cabin may not be entirely up to Maybach standards. Still, it offers the expected accouterments, such as heated and ventilated leather seats. It’s also quite spacious with generous second and third rows, which can be stowed to create a cavernous cargo area. All that room and equipment add up, giving the large Lincoln a curb weight of over 6,000 pounds.

Electric: 2022 Rivian R1S (6,986 lbs)

Conceived by American startup Rivian, the R1S delivers luxury and adventure with an all-electric powertrain. The SUV’s most advanced version features a unique quad-motor setup (one electric motor per wheel), which produces remarkable on-road acceleration and off-road maneuverability. Plus, it can travel over 300 miles on a single charge. Visually, the midsize Rivian turns heads with its clean, modern shape and distinctive round headlights. Inside, its cabin features durable and sustainably sourced materials and loads of tech, including a customizable digital dashboard. The R1S also boasts an adjustable air suspension that can raise ground clearance to nearly 15 inches and advanced terrain modes that make it as capable as an old-school Land Cruiser on the trail. All that performance and range means the R1S employs a rather large (and weighty) battery pack, swelling its curb weight to nearly 7,000 pounds.

Heaviest Trucks

First Place: 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty (8,611 lbs)

The F-450 Super Duty, one of the most capable trucks in Ford’s heavy-duty line, is designed for those who need a little more than the average pickup. Or a lot more. With a towing capacity of over 30,000 pounds, it’s the go-to option for heavy towing and hauling tasks, thanks to its sturdy frame and a standard Power Stroke diesel V8 engine. While primarily designed for work, the F-450 doesn’t skimp on interior comfort, especially in its higher trims, where you’ll find features like comfy leather seats and, on newer models, advanced infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Payload and towing capabilities are among the best in its class, making it a popular choice for commercial applications or those needing to tow large RVs, boats, or horse trailers. Not surprisingly, it takes a fair amount of heft to deliver all that performance. That makes the mighty Ford, at over 8,600 pounds, the heaviest pickup truck on the road.

Runner Up: 2012 Ram 3500 (7,456 lbs)

One rung down is the Ram 3500. As the biggest non-commercial Ram pickup, it, too, is a serious contender in the heavy-duty truck market, known for its robust 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine with stump-rending levels of torque. Whether it’s a boat, camper, or a trailer full of construction equipment, the 3500 can pull it with confidence. On the inside, the full-size Ram distinguishes itself with one of the more luxurious cabins in its class, particularly in recent years, as leather-clad seats and state-of-the-art tech systems have become the pickup norm. The 3500 also offers a surprisingly smooth and composed ride for a heavy-duty truck. As you might guess, the large and sturdy Ram 3500 is no lightweight, weighing in at 7,456 pounds for the 2012 model year, its beefiest.

Electric: 2022 Rivian R1T (7,148 lbs)

EV automaker Rivian’s goal with the R1T was no less than to reinvent the American truck. Like its sport-ute sibling, the R1S, the midsize Rivian pickup debuted in 2022, offering excellent range, absurdly quick acceleration, advanced off-roading capabilities, and a tech-rich cabin. The R1T takes utility to the next level with a versatile truck bed designed to accommodate a range of accessories for camping, biking, and other outdoor activities. Some models even offered a pull-out kitchen, complete with two burners and a sink — perfect for frying up some bacon and eggs before an all-day hike. All these features come at a price, though — both in dollars and weight. The 2022 R1T, which sold for as much as a hundred grand when new, weighs 7,148 pounds. That compares to 6,855 pounds for its main rival, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.

The Bottom Line

When choosing a used vehicle, weight isn’t just a number — it’s a major factor affecting everything from safety and ride comfort to fuel and maintenance costs.

In the luxury segment, the Maybach 62 and Audi S8 demonstrate how extravagance in both amenities and performance can come at the cost of massive curb weight. At the same time, electric contenders like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Rivian models show that going green doesn’t necessarily mean going light.

In the SUVs and truck realm, options like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Ford F-450 Super Duty justify their heft with their robust capabilities. But the additional pounds can take a toll on your wallet through lower fuel efficiency and faster wear and tear on parts like brakes and tires.

No matter what model you’re in the market for, a vehicle’s mass is a factor worth, um, weighing in your decision.

Photos courtesy of Audi, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Stellantis