Overview

Suzuki entered the compact pick-up market with the Equator in 2009. The 2010 Equator is a mid-size four-passenger pick-up truck available in a wide variety of configurations like short-beds or long-beds, in 2WD or 4WD, with Crew Cab or Extended Cab. Basically the 2010 Suzuki Equator is a no-nonsense pick-up truck. Suzuki claims the hot new Equator pick-up is designed for people who have everything - and who need a sizzling sport truck to get it all to the water, the racetrack, or the mountains.

Powertrain and Performance

Two engine choices are available: a 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that gives 171 pounds-feet of peak torque and a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 that produces 281 pounds-feet of peak torque. A five-speed manual transmission is available only in base extended cab 4x2 with the inline-four engine and a five-speed automatic is standard on all other inline-four and V6 models. It also features an electronically controlled part-time four-wheel drive transfer case. The Extended Cab is available in Extended Cab, Premium, and Sport versions with manual transmission (Extended Cab delivering 19/23 mpg (city/highway)) and automatic transmission (Premium delivering 17/22 mpg (city/highway) and Sport delivering 15/20 mpg (city/highway)). The Crew Cab is available in RWD, Sport Short Bed RWD, Sport Long Bed RWD, Long Bed 4WD, and RMZ-4 4WD versions that have an automatic transmission and deliver 15/20 mpg (city/highway).

Build and Styling

The 2010 Suzuki Equator features the exclusive Suzuki's hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers, and tailgate. The prominent Suzuki badge on the honeycomb three-bar grille distinguishes the Equator from other models. The RMZ-4 features chrome door handles. Tow hitch is optional on all trims. The RMZ-4 comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and 17-inch alloy wheels are available on other V6 models. Those opting for four-wheel drive Equator models get all of the Equator's interior frills. All trucks come with bucket seats and a center console. The base audio system, which is standard in two-wheel drive Equators, doesn't include an auxiliary jack to accommodate MP3 players. The Extended Cab and long wheelbase Crew Cabs come with a six-foot box while the short wheelbase Crew Cabs have a five-foot box. Available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Equator is equipped with front, side, and curtain overhead airbags, ventilated anti-lock disc brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crew Cab models include a spray-on bedliner with an adjustable track tie down system.

Safety Features

Driver and front- passenger dual-stage supplemental airbags; 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); four-wheel, vented disc brakes; tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); and America's number 1 warranty with completely transferable 7-year/100,000 miles powertrain warranty including roadside assistance and courtesy vehicle program are standard. LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children) is standard on Crew Cab models.