2009 Suzuki Equator: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Suzuki Equator is a new pickup truck from this Japanese automaker. Equator is essentially a retrimmed Nissan Frontier, and shares that pickup's drivetrains and general dimensions. Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles are available, each with 4 doors. The extended's rear-hinged back doors don't open independently of the fronts; crews have 4 full-size doors. Extended Cabs have flip-up rear seats and a 6.1-foot cargo bed. Crew Cabs have a rear bench seat and offer a 5- or 6.1-foot cargo bed. Extended Cabs come in Base, Comfort, Premium, or Sport trim levels. Depending on model, Extended Cabs offer a 152-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, or a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb. Crew Cabs come only with the V6 in Base, Sport, and off-road-oriented RMZ-4. Depending on model, both body styles offer rear-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive that includes a low-range gear for off-roading but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available on the Sport crew cab and RMZ-4. A Sport Package for the RMZ-4 includes hill-descent control, sunroof, CD changer, and wireless cell phone link.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.

New for 2009 is the Suzuki Equator.