The 2011 Suzuki Equator, as did the 2009 and 2010 versions before it, helps bring together the carmaker’s catalogue of big-girl and big-boy toys. Literally. The Suzuki enthusiast, if so inclined, can cart his Suzuki ATV or his Suzuki jet ski or even his Suzuki motorcycle around either in or behind the Equator.
Then again, the Equator, particularly in off-roading RMZ-4 trim, might be enough of a toy itself to satisfy many.
The Suzuki Equator remains, as it has from the start, based on the Nissan Frontier. That, professional reviewers are quick to note, is a good thing. The Frontier has long been a popular choice in the midsize pickup truck market and has likewise graded out well on reviewers’ report cards.
The 2011 Suzuki Equator follows suit. The experts aren’t sold on all aspects of the Equator, to be sure. They generally find it best fit for weekend truck warriors and don’t recommend it as a commuter vehicle, in part because of a ride that can be a little rough. They suggest stepping up from the Base trim, too.
But they also find plenty to praise.
For starters, the Equator carries Suzuki’s 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That impressive promise comes with a caveat, though: Warranty work must be done at Suzuki dealerships, and there are not a ton of them out there, which means it can at times be difficult to find one. Reviewers like the tie-downs in the cargo bed and the general toughness and build quality of the Equator.
Suzuki sends the truck out in Base, Comfort, Premium, RMZ-4 and Sport trims, with a couple of engine and cab (Extended or Crew), options. The lower trims come standard with the base 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which puts out 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage estimates are 19 mpg city/23 highway with the manual transmission and 17/22 with the automatic.
Reviewers prefer the Nissan 4.0-liter V6 that is available with all 2011 Suzuki Equator Crew cab versions. It’s good for 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque with a 5-speed automatic with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Gas mileage with the V6 dips to 15/20 with RWD and 14/19 with AWD.
Set up with the V6 and properly equipped, the 2011 Suzuki Equator is rated to tow 6,500 pounds. The Equator earns its truck props for its towing capabilities as well as its off-road work in the RMZ-4 trim. Reviewers praise the RMZ-4 especially with its skid plates, heavy-duty axles, off-road tires, and hill descent and hold controls, among other features.
The Base trim, in contrast, is truly that, and some experts feel that the Premium setup is more likely to serve as the bottom line for most buyers. The Base model has bucket seats and an interior center console, but neither air conditioning nor a sound system comes standard.
The Premium gets an upgrade in its cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry and 16-inch alloy wheels. The RMZ-4 receives further upholstery upgrades and a driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment to go along with its other features.
All 2011 Suzuki Equators get antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Stability control became standard with the Sport and V6 Equators starting in 2010. It is not available with 4-cylinder versions, however.
Page 4-15 of the owner's manual shows how to buckle the safety straps on the bed extender, but then says nothing about how to unbuckle them. I can't move the extender back into position or even shut the tailgate anymore!
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: .71 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Storage: accessory hook
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.08
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all terrain
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class III
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: .71 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.92
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: chrome · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class III
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: under rear seats · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Pickup bed liner: spray-on · Rear bumper color: body-color · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: under rear seats · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.13 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.36 · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: rear · Pickup bed liner: spray-on · Rear bumper color: chrome · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.71 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 3.36 · Locking differential: rear · Transfer Case: manual hi-lo gear selection
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: chrome · Mudguards: front · Pickup bed liner: spray-on · Rear bumper color: body-color · Skid plate(s): front · Tailgate: removable
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 20.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all terrain
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent