2009 Suzuki Equator: Road Test
2009 Suzuki Equator ▼
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- MSRP: $17,220 - $28,550
- Invoice: $16,531 - $27,408
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Our road test for the 2009 Suzuki Equator includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Suzuki Equator from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Suzuki Equator, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Suzuki Equator help you decide if a 2009 Suzuki Equator is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Only V6 Equators have been made available for testing so far. They're strong from a stop and around town. The automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an RMZ-4 averaged 15.2 mpg. Our extended-use RMZ-4 averaged 16.2 mpg over the course of its 5168-mile evaluation. Equator uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register, but don't jar. Typical truck-like bounding and jiggle over bumps with an empty bed is quickly quelled. RMZ-4's off-road biased suspension and tires contribute to additional jiggle and hop.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Nicely balanced for a pickup truck. The steering feels weighty and direct, but is slow to react in tight turns and parking spots. Body lean is evident in corners. RMZ-4's tall build makes it feel a bit more tippy, though it never feels uncontrolled. The RMZ-4 also suffers from a very large turning radius, a bit problem in close quarters.
QUIETNESS
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The V6 growls at full throttle, but isn't unduly loud. Wind rush is evident over 60 mph and rises sharply with speed. The tires drone on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
All controls are within easy reach. No audio or climate functions hold any mystery.
DETAILS
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Hard plastic abounds on the dashboard, console, door panels, and looks low-buck; other cabin materials are predictably workman-like. The controls do not operate with smooth precision.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Good six-footer headroom and legroom. The seats are comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold front passengers in place through turns. Wide-base windshield pillars can hinder visibility to the front corners, the view is fine to the rear corners and directly aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2.7 |
Extended Cab's rear seats are best used for small cargo; only preteens will fit comfortably. Crew cab has about as much rear-passenger space as a compact car.
CARGO ROOM
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3.9 |
There's useful space behind the front seats and some thoughtful small-items storage up front, though the console's shallow tray needs a rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 |
Like the Nissan Frontier on which it is based, the Suzuki Equator is a credible compact-pickup contender with a powerful V6 engine, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are decent for the class, but interiors disappoint with too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room.
Total Score
| Sport Extended Cab | RMZ-4 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 49 | 50.1 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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