New 2009 Suzuki Equator

It was only a matter of time before Suzuki entered the midsize pickup domain and judging by its off-road capabilities, the all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator looks to deliver on all levels.

Built by Nissan and modeled after the Frontier, the Equator is both dependable and recognizable. Available as a Crew Cab or Extended Cab, the Equator comes in four trims: Base, Premium, Sport and ultra-rugged RMZ-4. A 2.5-liter, 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine provides adequate power, while a 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V-6 cranks out 281 pounds-feet of torque. A five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission are both available. The Equator receives an average 15-19 mpg in the city and 19-23 mpg on the highway.

Seat up to five passengers and choose between a 5- or 6-foot-long bed and two- or four-wheel drive with the Crew Cab. The Crew Cab can carry a 1,471 pound payload and can tow up to 6,300 pounds. The Extended Cab seats four, tows up to 6,500 pounds, has a 986 pound payload capacity and a 6-foot-long cargo bed.

The Equator is meant to appeal to those that will use it for all of its functionality. Simply put, those who like to get off the beaten path and haul their dirt bikes and ATVs around. That’s why the Equator features the RMZ-4 trim. The RMZ-4 trim features a moonroof, Dana 44 axles, electronic rear-locking differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates and BFG Rugged Trail T/A tires. A premium nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system with subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity and Suzuki TRIP Navi System are optional. Even more noteworthy is the standard 7-year/100,000 mile Powertrain Warranty.

When it comes to safety, the Equator is totally capable. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger dual-stage supplemental airbags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental airbags come standard. 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Tire Pressure Monitoring System come standard and help keep the Equator on the road no matter what the conditions are. Hill Descent Control allows you to focus on the road and Hill Hold prevents the Equator from rolling back when you transfer your foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

If you have a motorbike, ATV or just want the space and off-road capability for whatever gets in your way, the all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator is the real deal.