• 2012 Suzuki Equator

• 2011 Suzuki Equator
• Used Suzuki Equator
• Repairs Suzuki Equator

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Suzuki Equator U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating:	8.5
Performance:	7.3
Interior:	6.8
Safety:	9.1
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Practical, durable interior
• Long warranty
• Competitive towing capacity

• Very few standard features
• Cramped rear seats
• Unrefined V6 engine

Research Other Years

• 2011 Suzuki Equator
• 2010 Suzuki Equator
• 2009 Suzuki Equator

The 2012 Suzuki Equator ranks 4 out of 4 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 28 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Equator, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Suzuki Equator comes with a better warranty than most, but rivals outshine the Equator in nearly every other way.

The Suzuki Equator is based on the Nissan Frontier, a compact pickup truck that test drivers like for its agile ride and standard features. Even in a class known for cheap-feeling, ill-equipped interiors and inefficient engines, the Suzuki Equator comes with fewer standard features and lower fuel economy ratings than the most of the class. It doesn’t even come standard with air conditioning or power locks, while most compact trucks do.

Test drivers appreciate the Equator’s easy-to-use features and easy-to-clean interior. However, they say that its materials feel more downmarket than most competitors, and it’s one of only two compact pickups that don’t come standard with air conditioning. Plus, its back seat is tight, even in crew cab models, so if you frequently carry back-seat passengers, you’ll want to choose a truck with a roomier second row.

Still, the Suzuki Equator isn’t all bad. It can tow almost as much as class leaders, and testers say it has fairly good handling for a compact truck. If you’re looking for a capable compact pickup truck with a low starting price and a long warranty, the Suzuki Equator is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for anything close to interior comfort, you should shop the competition.

Other Trucks to Consider

The Toyota Tacoma ranks at the top of its class for having an interior that’s high-quality, fairly comfortable and relatively well-equipped. Plus, it’s one of the more capable trucks in its class. The Tacoma even costs less than the Equator, though that’s for a regular cab model.

If you’re considering the Suzuki Equator, you should take a look at the Nissan Frontier as well. The two trucks were co-developed, but reviewers say the Nissan Frontier is a bit more nimble and fun to drive than the Equator. It’s also fairly capable off-road, although it has a similar lack of standard features.

Details: Suzuki Equator

The 2012 Suzuki Equator comes in base, Comfort, Premium and Sport trims. The Sport trim is only available with the V6 engine and four-wheel drive, while two-wheel drive is standard on the other trims. The Suzuki Equator doesn’t see any significant changes for 2012.

See the full list of 2012 Suzuki Equator specifications.

• "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
• "Like the Nissan Frontier on which it is based, the Suzuki Equator is a Recommended compact-pickup with a powerful V6 engine, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are decent for the class, but interiors disappoint with too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room, even on crew-cab models.” -- Consumer Guide