2009 Equator Has the Basics Down Pat

2009 Suzuki Equator RMZ-4

model as tested $29,325

Test Drove 2/19/09–2/26/09
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

The 2009 Suzuki Equator is a simple-looking compact pickup truck. There aren’t a lot of buttons, gadgets or thingamajigs. My test Equator was equipped with the RMZ-4 offroad package, but the truck was all about the basics. I’m on the fence as to whether I adore basic. A five-carat princess-cut diamond solitaire ring is basic and classy with its clean lines and simple elegance, but there’s another kind of basic that might remind you more of the ring your kids pull out of a Cracker Jack box. See what I’m sayin’? The question is, where does the Suzuki Equator fall on that scale?

As a solid four-wheel-drive pickup with plenty of room, great visibility and a fairly comfortable ride, the compact Suzuki Equator provides truck lovers with great usability at an affordable price. It has plenty of power with its V-6 engine, but only gets 15/19 mpg city/highway. While it may not be all glammed out like a diamond solitaire, the Equator holds its own.

The first and second rows were open, roomy and comfortable. This is important because in my 2009 Suzuki SX4 review, I pointed out my dissatisfaction with the seating quality. Somehow, Suzuki has it figured out with the Equator. While the cloth seats had to be manually adjusted, at least I could adjust the height and add a little lumbar support. That’s a big improvement over the SX4 I tested.

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