Overview

Suzuki entered the compact pick-up market with the Equator in 2009. The 2012 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 2012 Equator is a no-nonsense pick-up truck 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 2012 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 include 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

The Anti-lock brake system (ABS) of the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara keeps the wheels from locking and skidding during panic stop situations. This allows the driver to maintain directional stability and steer out of trouble. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Advanced, dual-stage driver and weight-sensing front-passenger airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), daytime running lamps, tire pressure monitoring system and rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) are standard. A rear view vision camera is optional on XSport and Luxury.