Jerry Robbin

The Equator is Suzuki’s entry into America’s mid-size pickup truck market. The 2009 Equator. is based off the Nissan Frontier, but it has its own unique character. My test vehicle was the RMZ-4 Equator (Short Bed) which was named after the championship-winning Suzuki RM-Z dirt bikes
The Equator Crew Cab offers three trim lines, all available with the V6 with five-speed automatic transmission. The RMZ-4 crew cab is ready and willing to go off road along with your dirt bike! This rugged vehicle comes standard with Dana 44 axles, electric rear locking differential, Bilstein high-performance shocks, skid plates and BF Goodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires. Fog lamps, chrome mirrors and door handles and a bed extender are available. All 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, is backed by America’s #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible power train limited warranty.

Under the Hood

A 4.0 -liter V6 engine producing 261 HP and 281 lb-ft of torque and matched to a 5 speed automatic transmission. A part-time 4WD system was on our test vehicle, and an electronic locking rear differential, limited-slip traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control.

Built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator offers a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an available 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing an 261 horsepower with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. The Equator has outstanding performance and durability and the Equator’s V6 engine features an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners
The Equator comes equipped with either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission available only on four-cylinder models, and offers an available shift-on-the-fly 4WD system that features an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel active limited slip traction control, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control.

Driving Experience

The V6 is more than capable to accelerate you into any traffic condition and the steering was responsive when making quick turns. The Equator was quiet and held the road with superlative handling. And you feel like you are definitely riding in a truck but it is responsive to your commands.

The RMZ-4 package includes Bilstien shocks, skid plates, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles and meaty 265/75R16 tires. The RMZ-4 package can handle a maximum trailer towing capacity of 6,100 pounds.

Safety

Here is the standard list of safety features for the Equator: Front and rear crumple zones, dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental airbags and seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags. Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters tire pressure-monitoring system. And LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor system is provided in the rear seat of the Crew Cab model.

Inside

RMZ-4 seat material is durable and is highlighted with a unique red stitching, chrome instrument cluster and vent trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel .The Equator’s interior makes you feel as if you are in a car, but also it is rugged and durable in case you go off road. The rear seats and the front passenger seat fold-flat for transporting any gear you may want to keep out of the elements. There is removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. There are many convenience features, which include a dual glove box with lock and center console storage with power outlet. A number of power points and cup holders, including one-liter bottle storage in the front doors, are standard throughout the truck. My RMZ-4 packages included standard cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows and remote keyless entry. Other standard features on the Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4 moon roof, AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio with eight high-performance speakers and subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth and audio controls are located on the steering wheel (not lighted) so drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

Outside

On the outside there are many similarities to the Nissan Frontier until you see the Grill. The Equator front styling is unique as it has a squared off look and a large Suzuki “S” in the grille. The Equator has a contemporary exterior design with a number of unique Suzuki elements, including hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, front fascia and tailgate. The Equator’s is just the right size for many mid-size truck buyers. and it has the exterior look of a big truck!
My Equator also featured spray in bed liner, rugged BF Goodrich mammoth P26575R18 tires and an innovative tie-down system with adjustable tracks, extending cargo-hauling versatility. The tie-down system employs five special “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed. Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of for securing cargo.

Summary

The Equator is a rugged truck that that will be a welcome addition for Suzuki dealers and will fill a void in an area was there is additional business. The 7 years / 100,000 miles on the power train is a plus for potential

Specifications

Exterior Dimensions
Overall Length (short bed / long bed) 206.6 / 220.11
Overall Width 72.8
Overall Height 70.1
Wheelbase 125.9
Track Width (front) 61.8
Front Overhang 31.3
Rear Overhang 48.2
Bed Length (Short Bed/Long Bed) 59.5
Bed Width at tailgate 58.8 At C-Channel 61.4 Between Wheel Wells 44.4 Bed Depth 18
Interior Dimensions
Head Room, front / rear (in.) 40 / 38.7
Shoulder room, front / rear (in.) 58.3 / 58.3
Hip Room 55.6 / 58.0
Leg Room 42.4 / 33.6
Seating Capacity 5
] Interior Volume (EPA1) 101.1 cu.ft.
Interior Volume, 1st Row (EPA1) (cu. ft.) 57.2 cu.ft.
Interior Volume, 2nd Row (EPA1) (cu. ft.) 38.8 cu.ft.
Cargo Bed Volume (Short Bed/Long Bed cu.ft.) 27.1 cu. ft.
Fuel capacity (gal.) 21.1
Engine Type 24-valve DOHC V6
Displacement 4.0 liter
Horsepower 261 @ 5600 RPM
Torque 281 lb.-ft @ 4000 RPM
Drive Train 5-Speed automatic w/ Over Drive
Drive system RWD RWD / Optional 4WD with two-speed transfer case and low-range gear; standard Active Limited-Slip Traction Control1 4WD with two-speed transfer case and low-range gear; standard Active Limited-Slip traction control with electronic locking rear axle
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates RWD automatic city / highway (mpg**) 15 / 20
4WD automatic city / highway (mpg**) 15 / 19