2011 Suzuki Equator in Xenia, OH - $8,991

As Suzuki's first entry into the midsize pickup truck market, the Equator offers a well-rounded combination of style, utility, comfort and off-road capability, which truck buyers demand and enjoy.

Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., the Equator is based on Nissan's rock-solid Frontier pickup and available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations.

To accommodate loads ranging from ATVs to motorcycles, Suzuki offers Crew Cab variants in both Short Bed and Long Bed configurations. Both Extended Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and an innovative tie-down system with adjustable tracks, extending cargo-hauling versatility for active and spontaneous lifestyles. The tie-down system employs five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo.

Available in Base, Sport and RMZ-4 models, base power for the Equator is produced by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The available 4.0L V6 motor has been designed for outstanding performance and durability featuring an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, Teflon®-coated pistons, micro-finished forged steel crankshaft, micro-finished camshafts driven by a silent two-stage timing chain and variable valve timing.

The Suzuki pickup truck 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.

Control hardware for the Equator includes an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension that balances rugged capability with everyday driving comfort. In the rear, a proven solid axle configuration uses overslung leaf springs and a long suspension travel for the best combination of on- and off-road dynamics and carrying ability.

The Equator's interior strikes a balance between pickup truck function and quality sedan comfort, with both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles featuring flip-up rear seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat and removable storage boxes tucked beneath the rear seats to provide additional cargo capacity. Additional convenience features include a dual glove box with lock and center console storage with power outlet. A number of power points and cupholders, including one-liter bottle storage in the front doors, are standard throughout the truck. Available equipment packages add cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows and remote keyless entry.

Dimensions & specifications

Equator Extended Cab

Wheelbase: 125.9; overall length: 206.6; width: 72.8; height: 68.7, 69.7 (Sport)

Equator Crew Cab Base/RMZ-4/Sport (Short Bed)

Wheelbase: 125.9; overall length: 206.6; width: 72.8; height: 70.1

Equator Crew Cab Sport/Long Bed

Wheelbase: 139.9; overall length: 220.1; width: 72.8; height: 70.1

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 152 hp at 5,200 rpm and 171 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 4.0L V6 – 261 hp at 5,600 rpm and 281 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual, five-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 19 city/23 hwy. (manual), 17 city/22 hwy. (automatic); 4.0L V6 – 15 city/20 hwy. (2WD), 14 city/19 hwy. (4WD).

Payload capacity: 1,471 lbs.

Towing capacity: 6,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, side-impact door beams and tire pressure monitors. Base w/premium adds remote keyless entry. Sport adds limited slip active control rear differential, engine immobilizer, hill descent control, hill holder system, traction control, and vehicle dynamic control. RMZ-4 adds limited slip active control electronic differential lock, fog lights, and alarm system. Optional safety features include navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 7-year/70,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Suzuki Equator pickup truck starts from $17,595 for the Base 2WD upto $29,150 for the RMZ-4 Crew Cab 4WD. Destination charges add $795.