Suzuki won't be the first auto maker named when you ask people to name a pickup truck. It is a restyled Nissan Frontier, the company's midsized truck. The Suzuki features great styling and a huge list of standard features. The Equator is a comfortable vehicle, even if it lacks some of the more common luxury appointments. For the drive, the Equator will not disappoint, with responsive brakes, responsive steering, and suspension that is up to the task for on road or off. With the V-6 engine, this midsize truck is capable of carrying over 1000lbs and a towing capacity over 6000lbs. Suzuki offers a sport package that covers the bottom of the trucks vitals with skid plates, offers up a dana 44 locking rear axle, and dual range 4 wheel drive.
Engines for the Equator are either an economical 2.5 liter four cylinder worth 152 HP or a less economical but more capable 4.0 liter V6 making 261 HP. Both route their power through a 5 speed automatic transmission. Some may dislike the idea that there is no standard cab option but most people will find the equator to be a great all around midsized truck.
The Range
Bodystyles: 4-door pickup truck
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 4.0L V-6
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Models: Extended Cab Sport 6-foot bed, Extended Cab Sport 6-foot bed 4X4, Extended cab Base 6-foot bed, Extended Cab Comfort 6-foot bed, Extended Cab Premium 6-foot bed, Crew Cab RMZ-4 5-foot bed 4x4, Crew Cab RMZ-4 Sport 5-foot bed 4X4, Crew Cab Sport 5-foot bed, Crew Cab Sport 6-foot bed, Crew Cab Sport 6-foot bed 4X4
What's New
Not much has changed for the 2010 Equator, but a portable Garmin navigation unit has been made available on all RMZ models, while all V-6-powered Equators receive standard stability control.
Exterior
The Equator is arguably a better looking truck than its Nissan-badged cousin. With a muscular, chrome-trimmed front end and aggressive fender flares, this Suzuki looks ready for whatever you can throw at it.
Interior
There's nothing glamorous about the Equator's cabin, but it's functional. Despite plenty of plastic and a hopelessly dated stereo, there's plenty of room and storage inside, including the rear seat passengers when the Crew Cab box is ticked.
Performance & Handling
While the four-cylinder base engine is fine for around-town commuting and light-duty use, the V-6 provides impressive grunt for heavier applications and off-roading, at the expense of thirst and a little more noise. The Equator's turning circle is a huge 43.6 feet, but the truck rides well and when equipped with the RMZ-4 package is imminently capable at the nearest trailhead.
Safety
All Equator models include standard front, side-curtain, side, and rollover supplemental airbags. Equator V-6 models include standard traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Extended Cab, Extended Cab Comfort: 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway
Extended Cab Premium: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway
Cab Sport, Extended Cab Sport 4WD, Crew Cab Sport, Crew Cab Sport Long Bed: 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway
Crew Cab Sport Long Bed 4WD, Crew Cab RMZ 4WD, Crew Cab RMZ Sport 4WD: 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Massive utility for its size
- RMZ-4 model is a true off-roader
- Sporty good looks
- Punchy V-6 engine
You Won't Like
- Bare-bones interior
- Short on amenities
- V-6 engine a little rough, noisy
- Poor turning radius
Sum Up
All the truck most will need
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Ranger
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma