2009 Suzuki Equator
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is based on the 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Unlike most auto manufacturers, Suzuki also has a powersports division which produces a full line of Suzuki motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and powerboat engines. The company claims its brand-loyal powersports customers typically own one or more pieces of powersports equipment and expressed interest in a Suzuki-brand pickup truck to haul their “toys.” Enter the 2009 Suzuki Equator.

Consumer Guide welcomes the compact Equator RMZ-4 to our long-term test fleet, where it will be evaluated over the course of the next six months. The vehicles in our long-term fleet stay with us for six months to a year and are evaluated in real-world situations, such as day-to-day living, long road trips, and seasonal weather conditions.

About CG’s Test 2009 Suzuki Equator

More Information
Based on the 2009 Nissan Frontier, Equator is a retrimmed version of that truck. The base model, a 4-door extended-cab truck with a 4-cylinder engine, starts out at $17,220. Our test example, a V6-powered, 4-door crew cab with the off-road package and all the bells and whistles, stickers at $30,600.

Our Equator came in off-road-oriented RMZ-4 trim and is equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and the sport package. Its features include 4-wheel drive with low-range gearing, off-road suspension, and bigger tires. Other off-road-themed features include hill ascent and descent control, a locking rear differential, and underbody skid plates. Tie-down cleats in the pickup bed, which can be moved to almost any position along the top edge or floor of the bed, provide secure points for strapping in large or oddly-shaped cargo.

Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment

As rough-and-tumble as it is on the outside, the Equator treats its passengers relatively well. Available features on our test truck include air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a premium Rockford Fosgate stereo with six-disc CD changer, XM satellite radio, and a wireless cell-phone link. All Equators come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system, a tachometer, rear tinted windows, and a fold-flat front-passenger seat. When unoccupied, the rear-bench seat cushions flip up, yielding a large, open space for cargo.

Safety features, standard on all models, include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

Initial Impressions

The Equator is a traditional body-on-frame truck and it acts like one. The ride is rather firm, yet the suspension absorbs most bumps with brief jiggling and bouncing. Like most trucks, this one leans in turns, but doesn’t feel unstable. Many testers noted that the turning radius is rather large, and find this truck somewhat unmaneuverable when parking, due to steering that firms-up and works slowly at low speeds. Also, like most trucks, the high step-in height can challenge shorter occupants.

2009 Suzuki Equator
So far, Consumer Guide is averaging 15.8 mpg in the 2009 Suzuki Equator.

Inside, the dashboard, center console, and most associated controls are made of hard plastic, though they don’t look out of character for a vehicle in this segment and are well-assembled. Some testers say that the radio buttons are a bit out of reach for the driver, however. Headroom and legroom in the front seat are good for six-foot-tall people, but back-seat legroom is a bit cramped for anyone but pre-teens.

So far, in Consumer Guide testing, we’ve netted an average of 15.8 mpg during a mix of city and highway driving. That’s not too bad for a pickup, but is disappointing otherwise.

Since it’s basically a copy of the Nissan Frontier, the Equator doesn’t really bring anything new or substantive to the compact-pickup-truck class. Yet, with a good blend of available V6 power, its not-too-big size, and the availability of serious off-road gear, it’s a great truck in its own right. Check back for updates during our six-month test of the 2009 Suzuki Equator.

05.27.2009