Use the search box to filter common terms used throughout the site.
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- A drivetrain that can send power to all four wheels, usually automatically. It does not replace suitable tires.
- Assembly plant
- A facility where the complete vehicle is put together, configured, inspected, and tested.
- Axle rating (GAWR)
- The maximum allowable load for a specific axle as stated by the manufacturer.
- Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- A vehicle powered only by electricity stored in a rechargeable traction battery.
- Body-on-frame
- Construction in which the body is mounted on a separate frame, common in many pickups and large SUVs.
- Certification label
- The manufacturer label, commonly on the driver-door area, that identifies ratings and compliance information.
- Country of final assembly
- The country in which the vehicle’s final manufacturing stage was completed.
- Crossover
- A utility vehicle generally based on unibody passenger-vehicle construction.
- Curb weight
- The weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids, usually without occupants or cargo.
- Door-label payload
- A vehicle-specific statement of the combined weight of occupants and cargo that should not be exceeded.
- Four-wheel drive (4WD)
- A drivetrain intended to power all four wheels, often with selectable modes or low range on some vehicles.
- GCWR
- Gross combined weight rating: the maximum permitted combined weight of tow vehicle and trailer system.
- GVWR
- Gross vehicle weight rating: the maximum permitted loaded weight of the vehicle.
- Hitch weight
- The downward load a trailer places on the tow vehicle through the hitch.
- Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)
- A vehicle combining an internal-combustion engine and electric drive without routine external charging.
- Model year
- A manufacturer’s designation that may not match the calendar year in which the vehicle was built or sold.
- Parts content
- The origin share of components and materials, which is different from final assembly.
- Payload
- The combined weight of occupants, cargo, accessories, and applicable hitch load carried by the vehicle.
- Plant code
- A manufacturer-specific VIN character or code used to identify an assembly plant.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- A hybrid with a larger battery that can be charged from an external source.
- Recall
- A safety or compliance campaign requiring inspection, repair, or another remedy for affected vehicles.
- Tongue weight
- The downward force a conventional trailer coupler applies to the hitch ball.
- Tow rating
- A manufacturer limit for trailer weight under specified conditions and configuration.
- Trim
- A particular equipment level within a vehicle model family.
- Unibody
- Construction in which the body and main structural platform are integrated.
- VIN
- The 17-character vehicle identification number used for identity, manufacturer, attributes, and production information.
- WMI
- World Manufacturer Identifier, the first three VIN positions.
- Winter tire
- A tire designed for cold temperatures and winter traction, commonly identified by the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol when it meets the applicable standard.