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Walk Around

The Equator has been equipped with a unique front clip, meaning that it has its own hood, grille, front fenders, and front fascia to distinguish it from the 2009 Nissan Frontier that it is based upon. The honeycomb mesh Suzuki grille is the most visible part of the Equator's identity, as it contains a large Suzuki emblem. Fenders are visibly flared upward and doors, shared with the Frontier, are wide and flat. The side view is designed with a low belt line that makes the Equator seem taller, and bigger.

Mirrors on most models are black, and not overly large, so they seem to disappear into the truck. The rear windows have darkened privacy glass, as does the back cabin window.

The tailgate is another unique Suzuki piece. Use of chrome is limited to the rear bumper, and on the RMZ package, mirror and door handles.

Sport and RMZ-4 packages are also distinguishable by wheel size. The Sport package, intended more for street use, has 17-inch wheels and 65-series tires. The RMZ-4 Equators have 16-inch wheels, and higher-profile P265/75 BFG Rugged Trail tires.

Interior

2009 Suzuki Equator

Inside the Suzuki Equator, the feeling is of practicality. There is no faux wood trim or European-luxury inspired arrays of controls. No attempt is made to load the cockpit with the stylistic features of a high-end SUV, but it is practically designed and well organized. Leather is not an option; instead, a rubberized, water-resistant material is the premium fabric option, designed to be easy to wash. A low-gloss textured plastic is used throughout, with bright-coated plastic accents on the center stack shifter panel and steering wheel. It may be all plastic, but our charcoal interior looked nice, and it would clean up well time after time.

The front seats accommodate two.

The audio controls are highest in the center stack. The system is located above the climate controls, which are actuated by simple round knobs. Both the audio and climate controls are so obvious and intuitive we'd wager anyone could set them the first time they drive the truck. There are dual glove boxes at the right end of the dash; the lower one has a lock.

The steering wheel is a three-spoke design, comfortably sculpted with cruise control buttons near the area your right hand would likely rest. Two cup holders are located in the center, just between the shifter and center console, along with a lever-actuated hand brake. The hand brake is a feature we like, as it can be an asset in tricky off-road situations, such as a failed hill climb.

Instrumentation consists of a four-gauge cluster with large tachometer and speedometer, flanked by smaller temp and fuel gauges, and indicator needles for battery charge and oil pressure. The gauges are done in white with red needles, simple, legible and functional.

The center console compartment is small but well-organized inside, and the padded top sits at a comfortable level to use as an elbow rest. The front doors hold a speaker, and a long side pocket with a generous bottle holder for larger drinks.

Getting in is aided by Bluetooth keyless entry, included on all but the base models, which allows the owner to avoid fumbling for keys when opening the doors and starting the truck.

Suzuki's TRIP navigation system, an option on Crew Cabs, consists of a docking station for a hand-held touch-screen GPS that can be removed, pocketed, and used on the move while riding, boating, or hiking.

The Crew Cab seats three in the rear for a total of five. Legroom for rear-seat Crew Cab passengers is generous, even behind front row occupants over six feet. Likewise, the Crew Cab offers head room and hip room enough to keep passengers from complaining even on longer trips. When carrying a mix of cargo and people, the rear bench seat can be split, 60/40, and the front passenger seat can fold flat, like a table. There is a hidden cargo area under the rear bench.

The four-wheel-drive system is actuated by a dial with three positions: 2WD, 4WD and 4-Lo. To the immediate right is the rear electronic locker switch. That Suzuki envisions the Equator being used in off-road situations is made clear by the fact that there are no fewer that six grab handles in the cabin of the RMZ-4.

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