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 11 through 20 of 21.00

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Mike V - June 18 - 4:26 am

  I needed a newer truck with better gas mileage and Suzuki delivered. Suprised to find the price was $2000.00 less than the Nissian Frontier. I have been driving Equator for 3 months / 3000 miles and averageing 20mpg around town. The automatic transmission does take a bit of getting use to, maybe due to the 2.5l engine. I added spray on liner and a trifold cover. Many people surprised Suzuki has a truck and impressed with the look.

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  Great little/big truck - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By douglas98012 - May 14 - 1:10 pm

  I just bought this truck and love it. Comparable to any truck in this category, except way better price and warranty. I am looking forward to putting this truck through its paces and to see how it will hold up. Will update in a year after i use it and abuse it the way a truck is supposed to be treated.

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  Brand new owner - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Moose - December 12 - 12:20 am

  Well, I have been hunting for a new vehicle & stumbled upon this new Suzuki Equator! Looks great, but Ill admit I hadnt done any research on it. Dealer said it was basically a Nissan Frontier, but looks better to me! I just bought mine last night & will come back here after I have some experience with it.

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  So Far So Good - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By So far so good - November 4 - 7:33 pm

  Great little truck. No problems and paid much less that I thought. I guess I need to do this again in a year or two.

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  Premium Ride - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Roger - April 4 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned my new Equator 2 weeks now. With the big 16 inch tires and aloy wheels, it rides like a big ruck.So far combind mpg is 20. Things they could improve on are: Should have offered the V-6 in the "premium. Plastic flimsy glove box and door. Gas door is not remote and can be opened by anyone on the outside. No trip computer unless you buy the "sport model. Dash lights illumination level is fixed and cannot be changed. Auto/manual shift is nice feature. Mud guards; bed liner and other items all extras also. This truck in the premium package should offer more as standard features especially for the price of this model. Needs improvement if Suzuki stays in the truck business.

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  love the truck - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By davis2417 - March 14 - 1:33 pm

  i just bought the zuk a month ago have 1000 miles on it i agree gas milage is not that great but i am used to driving a civic. i am getting 17.5 mpg an i have the 4.0l v6 it has plenty of power you could ever ask for. got more features for less money over the nissan frontier and it looks better. i get alot of comments on how well it looks. feels like you are driving a full size truck with better fuel milage than the big v8 in those and with the big tires you have plenty of ground clearnce. interior is laid out very well everything is conviently laid out an well planed with plenty of storage. it is a nissan that looks better has better warranty and price.got to take a look if buying a new trk

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  Good Truck - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Snowman - February 26 - 11:10 pm

  This vehicle is made by Nissan for Suzuki however, Suzuki offers a better warranty and it comes standard with side curtain airbags. I cant tell you how many people that have stopped to talk to me about my truck. All of them were amazed that Suzuki is offering a pick-up truck. When I show them some of the features it comes with the factory (factory bed-liner, a utili-track tie down system, a Garmin navigation system, bed-extender, and the passenger seat folds down) they are simply impressed with the value. Now, I have driven this vehicle for approximately 5 months with no problems and or issues. The gas mileage I am getting with pure highway driving has been a consistent 22 MPG.

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  great truck - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By terry m - February 9 - 11:56 am

  We bought this truck after looking at a number of others,the Tacoma and the Frontier.Im 62" and the Tacoma just didnt have the head room as the other two had.the Suzuki is made by nissan but has a better warranty,all of the air bags(which are an option with Nissan) and cost $2000 less.The drivers seat is a good fit but the passenger seat has to much lumbar support .Weve been averging around 21 mpg with 70/30 highway city driving.The truck has plenty of power and the ride is very good.I can even sit in the back seat,its tight for me but kids would fit nicely.The bed comes with a sprayed on liner which is a nice cost savings.Great truck for the money.