2010
Suzuki Equator

Starts at:
$17,520
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New 2010 Suzuki Equator
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD Ext Cab I4 Man
    Starts at
    $17,520
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Ext Cab I4 Man Comfort
    Starts at
    $18,825
    19 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Ext Cab I4 Auto Premium
    Starts at
    $22,075
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Ext Cab V6 Auto Sport
    Starts at
    $23,245
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab V6 Auto Sport
    Starts at
    $24,775
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 2WD Crew Cab V6 Auto Sport Long Bed
    Starts at
    $25,125
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Ext Cab V6 Auto Sport
    Starts at
    $25,645
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab V6 Auto Sport Long Bed
    Starts at
    $27,825
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs
  • 4WD Crew Cab V6 Auto RMZ-4
    Starts at
    $28,850
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    N/A
    Payload Capacity
    N/A
    Towing Capacity
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2010 Suzuki Equator 2010 Suzuki Equator 2010 Suzuki Equator 2010 Suzuki Equator 2010 Suzuki Equator 2010 Suzuki Equator

Notable features

First compact pickup offered by Suzuki
Based on Nissan Frontier platform
Front hood, fenders, grille and bumpers different from Frontier

The good & the bad

The good

100,000-mile/seven-year powertrain limited warranty
Styling easily distinguishes it from Frontier
Removable GPS developed by Garmin
Aggressive RMZ-4 off-road package
Utility-minded cargo bed

The bad

No six-speed manual transmission for off-road package or V-6 engine option
No 4x4 extended cab
Tow package should be standard on RMZ-4
No auxiliary jack for MP3 players in base audio systems
See all specifications

Expert 2010 Suzuki Equator review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Equator arrived for 2009 as Suzuki’s first venture into the compact pickup market. The truck is built by Nissan and features mostly Frontier hardware, but Suzuki had plenty of input in its styling. The fully loaded Equator isn’t a luxurious model, but it does come in the RMZ-4 off-road package. The RMZ-4 features a moonroof, Dana 44 axles, electronic rear-locking differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, BFG Rugged Trail T/A tires, unique seat trim with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Equator is available as an extended cab only in two-wheel drive and as a crew cab in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder. A 4.0-liter V-6 engine is available in the extended cab and standard in the crew cab. There’s a choice of Base or Premium trims in the extended cab inline-four-cylinder models; the V-6 comes in a Sport trim. The crew cab is available in Base or Sport with two-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive models are available in either Sport or the off-road RMZ-4. All extended cabs have a 6-foot-long cargo bed, while the crew cab comes with a 5- or 6-foot bed.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes for 2010.

Exterior
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.

  • 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

Interior
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 4×4 and RMZ-4 get a premium eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system with a 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.

  • 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

Under the Hood
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 4×2 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

Safety
Suzuki also takes advantage of Nissan electronic controls, such as active limited-slip traction control, electronic stability system, hill descent control and hill start assist. Hill descent control helps maintain a slow, steady speed down steep hills so the driver can concentrate on steering. Hill start assist helps keep the truck from rolling back on a steep hill when the driver moves from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

  • Standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags

Of interest to truck owners
Extended cab:

  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,690 pounds (I-4), 5,577 pounds (V-6)
  • Maximum payload: 986 pounds (I-4 manual), 883 pounds (I-4 automatic), 1,461 pounds (V-6)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds (I-4), 6,500 pounds (V-6)

Crew cab:

  • GVW: 5,730 pounds (4×2), 5,816 pounds (4×4 Sport), 5,600 pounds (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Maximum payload: 1,471 pounds (4×2 short bed), 1,423 pounds (4×2 long bed), 1,382 pounds (4×4 Sport short bed), 1,293 pounds (4×4 Sport long bed), 1,105 pounds (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 6,300 pounds (4×2), 6,100 pounds (4×4)
  • Transfer case low range: 2.625:1
  • Crawl ratio: 33.86:1
  • Axle ratio: 4.083:1 (I-4 manual), 3.916:1 (I-4 automatic), 3.133:1 (V-6 4×2), 3.357:1 (V-6 4×4)
  • Minimum ground clearance: 10.1 inches (4×4 RMZ-4 at rear differential)
  • Approach angle: 32.6 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Departure angle: 23.3 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Ramp breakover: 20.5 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Cargo floor length: 73.3 inches (long bed), 59.5 inches (short bed)
  • Cargo floor width: 61.4 inches
  • Cargo floor width at wheel well: 44.4 inches
  • Cargo bed depth: 18 inches

2010 Suzuki Equator review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Equator arrived for 2009 as Suzuki’s first venture into the compact pickup market. The truck is built by Nissan and features mostly Frontier hardware, but Suzuki had plenty of input in its styling. The fully loaded Equator isn’t a luxurious model, but it does come in the RMZ-4 off-road package. The RMZ-4 features a moonroof, Dana 44 axles, electronic rear-locking differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, BFG Rugged Trail T/A tires, unique seat trim with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Equator is available as an extended cab only in two-wheel drive and as a crew cab in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder. A 4.0-liter V-6 engine is available in the extended cab and standard in the crew cab. There’s a choice of Base or Premium trims in the extended cab inline-four-cylinder models; the V-6 comes in a Sport trim. The crew cab is available in Base or Sport with two-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive models are available in either Sport or the off-road RMZ-4. All extended cabs have a 6-foot-long cargo bed, while the crew cab comes with a 5- or 6-foot bed.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes for 2010.

Exterior
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.

  • 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

Interior
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 4×4 and RMZ-4 get a premium eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system with a 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.

  • 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

Under the Hood
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 4×2 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

Safety
Suzuki also takes advantage of Nissan electronic controls, such as active limited-slip traction control, electronic stability system, hill descent control and hill start assist. Hill descent control helps maintain a slow, steady speed down steep hills so the driver can concentrate on steering. Hill start assist helps keep the truck from rolling back on a steep hill when the driver moves from the brake pedal to the gas pedal.

  • Standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags

Of interest to truck owners
Extended cab:

  • Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,690 pounds (I-4), 5,577 pounds (V-6)
  • Maximum payload: 986 pounds (I-4 manual), 883 pounds (I-4 automatic), 1,461 pounds (V-6)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds (I-4), 6,500 pounds (V-6)

Crew cab:

  • GVW: 5,730 pounds (4×2), 5,816 pounds (4×4 Sport), 5,600 pounds (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Maximum payload: 1,471 pounds (4×2 short bed), 1,423 pounds (4×2 long bed), 1,382 pounds (4×4 Sport short bed), 1,293 pounds (4×4 Sport long bed), 1,105 pounds (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Maximum towing capacity: 6,300 pounds (4×2), 6,100 pounds (4×4)
  • Transfer case low range: 2.625:1
  • Crawl ratio: 33.86:1
  • Axle ratio: 4.083:1 (I-4 manual), 3.916:1 (I-4 automatic), 3.133:1 (V-6 4×2), 3.357:1 (V-6 4×4)
  • Minimum ground clearance: 10.1 inches (4×4 RMZ-4 at rear differential)
  • Approach angle: 32.6 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Departure angle: 23.3 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Ramp breakover: 20.5 degrees (4×4 RMZ-4)
  • Cargo floor length: 73.3 inches (long bed), 59.5 inches (short bed)
  • Cargo floor width: 61.4 inches
  • Cargo floor width at wheel well: 44.4 inches
  • Cargo bed depth: 18 inches

Safety review

Based on the 2010 Suzuki Equator base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.2
Performance 3.5
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Suzuki driver from Orange County, CA
    Owns this car
    April 23, 2019

    Most dependable car I've ever owned.

    The Suzuki Equator is the same chassis as the Nissan Frontier with some nice upgrades. The truck is quiet and comfortable and gets great gas mileage. I keep up on the maintenance, which is cheap. Never have any problems.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By lockroter from newton,ks
    Owns this car
    October 8, 2010

    look close

    every since I bought the truck it has had problems with the rear door not latching. First the dealership replaced the door switch , no luck, then the bottom latch...no luck. Now there telling me it could be latch alighnment and the striker. It has become quite annoying and cannot use the interior light and had to pull the bulbs out of cargo lamp....everytime the door ajar light flickers so does the lights. I think the problem is being addressed too slow and am not sure if the local dealer is workin hard enough to fix this problem. not sure if anyone else has had this issue.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By truckin' mama from Sunny Carolina
    Owns this car
    August 8, 2010

    Great truck for everything

    The 2010 Suzuki extended cab is just right for me. I am very impressed with the exterior styling and interior comfort. The gas mileage is not as good as my old truck but it is better than some of the other trucks I considered before buying the Suzuki. The interior looks classy. One negative about the interior design is the placement of the cup holders and console storage box between the front bucket seats. They seem to be a little further back than I find comfortable. Perhaps it is that I have my seat closer to the steering wheel because I am short. As far as handling on the road, it's a great ride. The power steering and ABS brakes make driving it a pleasure. However, it does not have as tight of a turning radius as I would like. I ultimately bought the Suzuki Equator because of the safety ratings, front and side airbags and the price. The Suzuki Equator was the best value for the money. I compared this truck with 3 other comparable makes and the Suzuki came out on top for best value AND best drive train warranty. 7 years/100,000 mi is unbeatable. This truck looks sharp, handles well, has great base features, plenty of zip, even for 4 cylinders, hauls my boat with no problem. Plenty of room for the dogs and groceries in the cab. Can haul a load of lumber or firewood. I could not be happier. This truck is the best little secret on the road. So glad I did my homework.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By crawfish from louisiana
    Owns this car
    July 13, 2010

    awesome truck

    very nice truck, i have the rmz4 4x4 and could not be happier, i think the front grill is much better looking than any other truck out there, very very tough truck, excellant offroading, i have a 2" lift kit on mine with stock tires and i have climbed everything and have been thru everything, very impressed with the equator, stereo is nice and the room inside is great, fuel economy could be better, but not too bad, i just love it and i get compliments all the time, very fun and afffordable truck
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Crazy old man
    Owns this car
    June 2, 2010

    A truck for my needs.

    I have mixed feelings about this truck. I needed a truck to replace my totaled 1999 Tacoma. Both the new and the old trucks have 4 cylinders. Being heavier and larger the Equator feels slow. Pulling a 1000 pound trailer makes no difference on the small hills here in Indiana. As I'm nearing retirement age I need a little slower anyway. This truck is what I need. Economical. Very comfortable for a truck. Softens terrible pothole-filled Indiana roads great. Can tow up to 3500 pounds if needed. This is a rare truck. I have put 10238 miles on my 2009 and have only seen 4 other Equators on the road in 10 months.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Equator owner from wichita, Ks.
    Owns this car
    December 4, 2009

    Good deal for the money

    I have the "premium" trim option. The trucks appearance is vary nice. It has stylish seats for being cloth. On the down side they hold my dogs hair. The larger wheels are nice. It sits up as high as a full size truck just not as long. The truck is under powered when going up hills but still gets it done. In fact I drove it to the top of Pikes peak. On the way down the four wheel disk breaks were nice. The so called "expert" review said it comes standard with a spray on bed liner. It is not standard. I wish it were I'm looking into getting it done.I found it odd that the owners manual dose not fit in either of the two glove boxes. The sheet metal that the bed is made of is so thin that I put about 500 lbs of weight in the bed and it flattened some of the ribs in the bed. So a work horse it is not. It takes turns wide like a larger truck but handles pretty well over all. I was shopping for a used truck but with the incentives that were offered It was about the same price. Its a great daily driver. Its looks good. and it hauls home most anything I buy. I do wish it had more get up and go. I hate rev-ing it up to 4500 RPM on the on ramp to get up to speed. And I have concerns about damaging the bed if I haul something heavy again. If I were ever to buy another one it would have to be the 6 Cyl. The pricing did get me into a newer truck than I could have other wise been able to buy.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2010 Suzuki Equator?

The 2010 Suzuki Equator is available in 5 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Comfort (1 style)
  • Premium (1 style)
  • RMZ-4 (1 style)
  • Sport (5 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2010 Suzuki Equator?

The 2010 Suzuki Equator offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2010 Suzuki Equator reliable?

The 2010 Suzuki Equator has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2010 Suzuki Equator owners.

Is the 2010 Suzuki Equator a good Truck?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2010 Suzuki Equator. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 3.5
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.3
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