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Friday, July 1, 2011
Like most everything else in the U.S., pickup trucks have been supersized over the last couple of decades. Perhaps with the latest trend of downsizing, midsize trucks may regain some footing. Choices are few in this category, but among this select group, the 2011 Suzuki Equator ranks very highly.
Although the Equator has its own traditional style, it's essentially identical to the Nissan Frontier under the sheet metal. The Equator and Frontier interior treatments are fundamentally similar as well, with just a few badge changes for the Suzuki. Under the hood, you'll even find some traces of Nissan labeling.
As a result, you get all the advantages and disadvantages that come with the Nissan Frontier. The Equator shares the strength of an optional V6 engine, relatively nimble handling, a manageable size, sturdy construction and respectable off-road performance. Likewise, both trucks suffer from the same cramped quarters in the rear of the crew cab. The Equator also isn't available in the simple standard cab from the Frontier lineup, although this is simply because it has relatively little market appeal.
Suzuki offers a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Nissan stops at five years and 60,000 miles. The drawback here is that warranty work must be performed at Suzuki dealerships, which are outnumbered considerably by Nissan dealers. If a Suzuki dealer is conveniently close to you, however, the 2011 Suzuki Equator should be an enticing midsize pickup.
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.
Only those opting for four-wheel drive will get all of the Equator's interior frills. The RMZ-4 package includes chrome trim on the instrument panel, more adjustments in the driver's seat and upgraded seat material. The Sport 4x4 and RMZ-4 get a premium eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system with subwoofer. 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. Interior features include:
Available hands-free Bluetooth connectivity
Optional Rockford Fosgate audio system
Sport, RMZ-4 packages have only one 12-volt outlet, others have two
RMZ-4 gets illuminated ignition key cylinder
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.
The hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers and tailgate are exclusive to Suzuki. The bed comes with a factory spray-on bedliner and an adjustable tie-down system. The prominent Suzuki badge on the honeycomb three-bar grille distinguishes the Equator. Exterior features include:
Chrome door handles on RMZ-4
Tow hitch optional on all trims
16-inch alloy wheels on RMZ-4
Available 17-inch alloy wheels on other V-6 models
Engine and transmission configurations include:
*152-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder, aluminum block/cylinder head, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with 171 pounds-feet of peak torque
*261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6, aluminum block/cylinder head, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with 281 pounds-feet of peak torque
*Five-speed manual available only in base extended cab 4x2 with inline-four engine
*Five-speed automatic standard in all other inline-four and all V-6 models
*Electronically controlled part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case
Antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all trims. Traction and stability control are standard on Sport and V6 models. Hill-hold and descent control is standard on the four-cylinder Sport and V6-powered long bed and RMZ-4 models.
The 2011 Equator has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in four stars (out of five) in frontal tests for both driver and passenger and five stars for side impact protection. The extended cab garnered four stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for frontal-impact passenger protection and driver protection in side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its highest score of "Good" for frontal-offset testing.
a crew cab Equator Sport model came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet. It's an admirably short distance, but the soft pedal was far from confidence-inspiring, and sometimes it went all the way to the floor under heavy pressure.
reference:www.cars.com,autos.aol.com,www.edmunds.com
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