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Suzuki Equator - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Suzuki Equator ranks 4 out of 9 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 21 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Equator, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Suzuki Equator is Suzuki's first entry into the world of pickup trucks.  Based on the Nissan Frontier, the Equator is meant to be a capable hauler for Suzuki's ATVs, boats and jet skis.

Autoblog sums up reviewer opinion by saying, "Overall, the Equator is a decent truck that offers a good option for fans of Suzuki cycles, ATVs and watercraft who want to keep all their modes of transportation in the same family." Reviewers took the Equator off road, towed boats in it, threw dirt bikes and ATVs in the back, and one even took it deer hunting. The overwhelming conclusion is that the Equator is a good truck for active pursuits.

However, reviewers also note that if you're looking for a pleasant commuter with a bed you can use for weekend projects, you should probably look elsewhere. Though the Equator is an adequate performer, reviewers complained about its loud engine and sometimes skittish handling. Inside, the front seats are comfortable, but those looking for luxury will likely be disappointed by the cramped rear seats and utilitarian materials in the interior.

Buyers looking for a rugged truck should also take a long hard look at the Nissan Frontier.  Suzuki is quite open about the fact that the Frontier is a rebadged Frontier. The trucks are mechanically identical, with only cosmetic differences, and are built side-by-side in Tennessee. Many reviewers note that being a dressed up Frontier doesn't hurt the Equator any, as the Frontier is a well-liked compact truck. In general, reviewers recommend the Equator over the Frontier, mainly because the two trucks cost about the same, but the Equator has a much longer warranty.  Buyers who plan to use their truck for commuting or longer trips may want to check out the Toyota Tacoma.  It offers better performance, a lower base price and marginally better gas mileage.

The Equator is a compact pickup truck.  It comes with either an extended or crew cab, short or long bed, and tow or four-wheel drive. There are three trims: Premium, Sport and the RMZ-4 trim, which adds off-roading capabilities and accessories.

• "For those who need a decent truck to tow their Suzuki-powered boat or a means of hauling their 4-wheeler or dirt bike into the woods, Equator is just the ticket." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Which, then, to buy? Well, a base Equator is $245 cheaper than a base Frontier, and our Equator cost $355 less than a comparably equipped Frontier. Then there's this: Nissan's powertrain warranty spans five years/60,000 miles versus Suzuki's generous seven years/100,000 miles. Jeez, that's four laps 'round the Equator. Er, equator." -- Car and Driver
• "After digging deeply and conducting many off-the-record interviews with shadowy informants on both sides of the Pacific, I've established that the Equator and Frontier are, in fact, the same truck. The ruse is up." -- New York Times
• "No fat, but not much surprise and delight, either; it's no Dodge Ram with pop cans stored in the bed walls. And no gas/electric." -- Chicago Tribune
• "We also test drove the new Suzuki Equator pickup-and if you've spent any time in a Nissan Frontier lately, you know in advance what a capable truck it is." -- Four Wheeler
• "It's essentially a Frontier underneath, which isn't a bad thing by any means. The Frontier is widely considered to be one of the best compact pickups available." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "The truck has all the underpinnings of Nissan's Frontier, but with select option packages and several key differences that make it better-suited for a different user." -- PickupTrucks.com
• "The Equator wasn't just a vehicle that could go off-road when it was forced to -- the truck almost begged to be taken into the wilderness. It longed for an adventure." -- The Sunbury PA Daily Item

Equator Performance - 7.3 (Good)

The Equator offers either a four or six cylinder engine, but most reviewers focus their comments on the six.  While the V6 is generally seen as competent, many note that it is loud.  Others complain about the Equator's less-than-perfect handling. Still, on the whole, reviewers say the Equator is a good truck for towing and hauling ATVs, bikes or jet skis, even if it's not the best commuter. Read More

Equator Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

It can be hard to tell the Suzuki Equator from its platform mate, the Nissan Frontier, but that's not a bad thing.  While few reviewers comment on the Equator's looks, most are happy that the Equator has Nissan's in-bed cargo system, which includes a factory-installed spray-in bed liner, as well as adjustable cargo tie downs. Read More

Equator Interior - 7.0 (Good)

The interior of the Suzuki Equator is all business -- specifically the business of getting outside and enjoying Suzuki's other outdoor toys.  The interior features rugged rubberized materials that many reviewers say should wear well and clean up easily.  An innovated navigation system and under seat storage are strong points, but reviewers complain about the cramped rear seats. Read More

Equator Safety - NA

The Suzuki Equator gets good crash test scores from both the federal government and the insurance industry.  An added bonus is that the Equator has standard side curtain airbags, something that the Nissan Frontier only offers as an option. Read More

Equator Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Suzuki Equator reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Suzuki equator is covered by a seven-year/ 100,000-mile warranty Read More