For those of you in the market for an efficient, midsize adventure vehicle, the '09 Equator from Suzuki is a truck you may want to take a gander at. The sporty truck was developed in a joint effort with Nissan North America. In our testing of the Equator, we've found that it's a very capable and comfortable vehicle both on- and off-road.
The peppy Equator is fun to drive and has plenty of head- and legroom. The truck is available in two- or four-wheel drive, extended or crew cab, and short- or longbed configurations. This makes plenty of room for storing gear in the cab or hauling motorized trail toys. It's no secret that the truck is a rebadged and updated version of the Nissan Frontier-but we have to say we like it.
Suzuki decided to enter the light-truck market after consistent requests from brand-loyal motorcycle and quad enthusiasts who wanted a vehicle to haul recreational toys with a dependable 4x4 for the trail. The Equator is a tough midsize truck with a strong, fully boxed frame constructed of high-tensile-strength steel. The truck is a good balance of sport/utility vehicle and pickup truck.
Tech Specs
2009 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab 4x4 RMZ-4
Base Price: N/A
Drivetrain
Engine (std/opt): 2.5L four-cylinder/4.0L V-6
Horsepower: 152/261
Torque (lb-ft): 171/281
Transmission: five speed manual/five-speed automatic
Transfer case: Part-time two-speed
Dimensions
EPA Mileage (city/hwy mpg): 15/19
Curb Weight (lb): 4,302
Wheelbase (in): 125.9 (extended and crew cab standard bed)
Length (in): 206.6 standard bed/219.4 longbed
Width (in): 72.8
Height (in): 70.1
Seating Capacity: 5
HeadRoom (in. front/rear): 40/38.7
LegRoom (in. front/rear): 42.4
Max. Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 27.1 standard bed/33.5 longbed
Max. Towing Capacity (V-6, lb): 6,300
Approach Angle (deg): 31.5
Departure Angle (deg): 22.6
Ground Clearance (in): 8.9