Now in its third full model year, the Equator's most notable point is its continued production. In 2010 stability control was made standard on V6 models, while a semi-integrated Garmin navigation unit was added as an option. For 2011, according to Suzuki, the Equator is "designed to deliver real capability to consumers focused on both the journey and the destination." We think they've made the "journey" a mandatory option.
Considering Suzuki's long history of selling capable yet affordable off-road vehicles, its new mid-size Equator pickup truck seems like a logical addition to the brand's lineup. Interestingly, the decision to sell the Equator was driven largely by the needs of Suzuki's motorcycle and ATV riders and not pent-up demand by automotive buyers. From Suzuki's perspective, fans of the company's dirt bikes and ATVs should get to haul their toys with a Suzuki-branded truck. Rather than building one from the ground up, Suzuki achieved its goal by partnering with experienced truck builder Nissan. The end result is the Suzuki Equator, a clone of the Nissan Frontier sporting a lightly revised exterior, expanded warranty, lower purchase price and those all-important Suzuki badges.
advertisement
why ads?