Overview & Reviews

When people think of pickups, they probably don't think of Suzuki. Even though the brand has been selling vehicles in the United States under its own name since the 1980s, it's never offered a real pickup for the U.S. market. The Suzuki Equator changed all that, but just because it now offers a pickup, doesn't mean it builds one.

You see, the Equator is essentially a clone of Nissan's midsize Frontier pickup, with the only significant differences related to exterior styling and features. This really isn't a bad thing, since the Frontier is a highly regarded pickup with a stout V6 engine, lots of versatility and substantial off-road capability. Therefore, like its twin, the Suzuki Equator pickup can handle just about anything thrown at it, short of the kind of major duty that a full-size truck would be better suited to. Fans of Suzuki's offbeat portfolio and beefy warranties will want to take a look, as should other midsize pickup truck shoppers.

Current Suzuki Equator
The Suzuki Equator midsize pickup truck is offered in two styles: a basic extended cab and a crew cab. Extended cabs are available in base, Comfort package, Premium and Sport trims, and all come with a 6-foot bed. Crew cabs are available in Sport and RMZ-4 trims -- the former can be had with either a 5- or 6-foot bed, while the RMZ-4 is 5-foot-only.

The Equator comes with a choice of two engines -- a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. The V6 is the only engine available for crew cabs and 4WD variants, while the four-cylinder is available only in the lower-trim extended-cab models. The base and Comfort trims with the four-cylinder are matched to a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is standard on all other models. The V6 is equipped with a five-speed automatic only.

Inside, the Equator is comfortable but far from luxurious. There is no leather seating option. Instruments are no-nonsense but easy to read. The crew cab provides a nice list of features, including a cleated "C-track" tie-down system, with various storage compartments and a spray-on bedliner for the Sport version. The RMZ-4 is an off-road-oriented truck with heavy-duty axles, an electric locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, hill descent and hold control, 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road-oriented tires and foglamps.

On the options roster are a removable Garmin navigation system (for RMZ models only), Bluetooth, a satellite-radio-ready audio system and a sunroof. Safety features are extensive and include side curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control on all Equators.

Driving dynamics are impressive for a midsize pickup. The steering is precise with ample feedback, the brakes are reasonably responsive and the suspension soaks up the bumps adequately, even for the 4WD-equipped trim when it's taken off-road. In fact, the specialized Equator RMZ-4, with its dedicated off-road-biased hardware, is especially appealing as a vehicle that can tackle the great outdoors. The four-cylinder engine provides superior fuel economy, but we suspect most buyers will be happier with the less economical V6.

In all, the Suzuki Equator is a solid truck that, while not outstanding in any one particular area (except for its seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty), can stand up admirably against its far better known competition. It's a good daily driver, with the only significant drawbacks being the absence of a regular cab option and limited availability of certain features.

Used Suzuki Equator Models
The Suzuki Equator debuted in the 2009 model year. For 2010, the removable Garmin navigation unit was made available only on the RMZ-4, whereas before, it was only offered on crew-cab Equators. In the first two years, there was also an RMZ-4 Sport trim, which included hill descent and hold control, plus luxuries like a sunroof, Bluetooth and an upgraded stereo.

Stability control was only available on the RMZ-4 for 2009. It became standard on all V6-powered models the following year, and it became standard on every Equator starting in 2012.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  Bang for the Buck - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By gonetruckin - November 12 - 7:01 pm

  This a great truck! Although it is a Suzuki, in reality it is a Nissan Frontier but with better looks,emminaties,and standard features. The reviews of this truck are not always fair. Test drive it and you will quickly see why. Gas mileage is that of a truck. But bang for the buck it is the best. Im glad I picked the Equator, a solid choice.

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  Solid Truck, Reasonable Price - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Steve - November 6 - 9:43 am

  A solid vehicle, good looks, powerful V-6, 100K powertrain warranty only available from Suzuki.

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  Go big or stay Nissan - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By R.Norman - August 30 - 7:20 am

  Good warranty, okay fuel mileage,and a comfortable ride. After buying my truck, I later returned to the dealer, and was unable to order parts,such as a bush guard, mouldings, etc. The Equator appeared to be there pink elephant, opposed to other Suzuki products on hand. The parts department had no answers, however I found every thing I needed at Nissan. When time for servicing the dealer had to back order a oil filter. I reside in British Columbia, and have only seen one or two Equators in passing over the last 6 months. In western Canada, Suzuki needs to go big or leave this truck to Nissan. My truck gets a lot of looks, along with questions. Obviously due to poor advertising.

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  Hidden Gem - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Chtyan - August 2 - 4:16 am

  I was shopping and didnt even know that Suzuki had a truck, I was looking at a Nissan frontier and after researching, I found out the equator was a frontier and the price was about the same but there are a few distinct differences 1-the better powertrain warranty 7 yr 100,000 miles vs 5 yr 60,000 miles 2-you get the better looking alloy wheels instead of the steel wheels 3- I think the grill is a lot better looking Ive had this truck for 2 weeks now and I have to say Im a very satisfied person. Im 6,3 and their is plenty of room for me. I would suggest to anyone to take a hard look at the Suzuki equator.

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  In the NYC area Nissan only offers 4.0 L - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Mr.G - January 3 - 8:30 am

  After considering the Frontier first, during the cash for clunkers period, I learned that Suzuki offers the same vehicle with 2.5L engine, I traded a v8 engine 5.0L/4X4. I wanted a engine, cut in half, to improve the mileage (10mpg), instead, the only engine offer in the neighboring area of 8 Nissan dealers was 4.0L. The vehicles 1st trip was to my getaway cabin in the Catskill area. It took some learning to deal with transmission on long hill climbs, but it handled well, I brought a 1/2" rubber mat, preferred over the spray on mat and hitch attachment to chassis was simple to install with 6 bolts on chassis, all the wiring connection are right there by the bumper area, simple! Great Truck.

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  great truck for the money - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By arnold - January 8 - 12:06 am

  Went from a v8 truck (14mpg combined) to a more fuel efficient truck great ride lots of power,very happy with my purchase looked at frontier,this was a much better deal(gps,side airbags step rails about $2800 cheaper than frontier)most important 7yr/100000 powertrain warranty.Has 2800 miles on it averages 21mpg combined will get better once engine breaks in.

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  Mileage - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By marvgolf - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  Estimated mileage, 17 city, 22 hwy. More like 14 city and 19 hwy. Trying to be very careful with speed and acceleration, does not help. Very unhappy with situation. 1800 miles so far, and no improvement. Would find it very hard to suggest this vehicle to a prospective buyer. My friends v-6 Toyota Tacoma gets better mileage than I do.

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  Great Value - Hard Find - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By Tim D - June 11 - 1:00 pm

  I searched locally, state-wide, and the internet. Finally, I found a dealer that would actually work for me to find the vehicle I wanted 250 miles away! Sales guy, was the best. I needed an extended-cab that was 4WD. Just not that into a 4-door pickup truck. The truck almost rides like a car. 17" wheels give you that extra height to get a good look down the road and the noise is low. Plenty of reserve power, CD player sounds phenomenal, cruise control is at your right hand thumb on the steering wheel and braking is smooth. The seats are comfortable. Holds the corners very well. Love the spray-on bed-liner and the tie-down rail system. A Nissan with a Suzuki warranty. Love it!

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  Solid Truck - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By James - May 11 - 2:36 am

  I recently just replaced my totalled 2009 Toyota Tacoma with a 2009 Suzuki Equator. I could not pass up the incredible rebates and the fact that the Equator is essentially a Nissan Frontier. My only complaint with the truck is that the 5th gear is too low which leads to higher cruising RPMs. I assume the Equator would get the same mileage as the Tacoma if it had a higher 5th gear. Overall, excellent truck. Well worth the purchase price! Also, get a sprayed-on bed liner...looks great with this addition.

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  I love my new Equator! - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By Chris Thomas - July 4 - 10:03 am

  I never thought I would ever own a truck other than a Toyota but after 20+ years here I am, the very happy and satisfied owner of a Suzuki Equator. I did serious research on this purchase as it was my first new vehicle purchase and it came down to the Equator and the Tacoma. Toyota did not seem to care if they sold the Tacoma to me, no incentives and the frame design is really sad compared to my old Toyota. So I went with the Equator which is rugged, durable, high quality, and well thought out and executed. Course I have only had it a few months and any new vehicle is a good thing. Still, I am really happy with this truck which sees lots of hunting trip use. Well done, Suzuki!