2012 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4 V6 4X4 Pickup Truck (922)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2012 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4 V6 4X4 small Pickup Truck. Many will appreciate that it is built by Nissan and other than styling it is a Frontier underneath it all.

If you need a small pickup and won’t be using the RMZ-4 off road feature / Package noted below, the pricing begins at $19,000.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 50%, Japan 25%. It is assembled in Smyrna, TN, U.S.A., Classification is Small Pickup Truck. Cars from Suzuki: Equator, Grand Vitara, Kizashi, SX4 Crossover and SX4 Sport.

Handling & Performance:

Oodles of power for a small truck, and I was surprised… but the fuel economy suffers. Turning radius is long and that was noticeable during around town driving, because it makes parking more difficult.

Towing capacity is very good at 6,500 pounds.

Styling:

Nice design and lots of room for 4 adults. Some refer to it as a Nissan Frontier under the Suzuki brand. I can’t argue with that and that is pretty common today to share platforms with other makes.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Higher pricing than I expected until I drove it and it is clear you get what you pay for. In any case it is in a group of competitors that are closely aligned in price. But as I say, if all the bells and whistles are not needed or wanted the base model at $19,000 is good.

The added cost of my test vehicle resulted from the inclusion of RMZ-4 off-road package that also features a moon roof, Dana 44 axles, electronic rear-locking differential, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, BFG Rugged Trail tires, unique seat trim with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Conveniences and comfort:

Nice spray on bed liner and the tie down tracks make it easy to secure loads. Nice. I’ve owned an extended cab truck so for me it is far more convenient to have the Crew Cab roominess and full size rear door.

Consumer Recommendation:

If a small truck is what you want this is a solid, tight truck that is a comfortable ride on the road. The field is close in most respects and I have no favorites here. The Ranger cannot be ignored however and I was impressed with the Honda Ridgeline as well. And since they are all so close price would be a determining factor. Be a tough negotiator because dealers are willing to deal. This is a buyer’s market. Don’t forget that.

Recognized Competition:

Suzuki Equator $30,000, Ford Ranger $25,000, Honda Ridgeline $29,000, Nissan Frontier $32,000, Toyota Tacoma $28,000, Chevrolet Colorado $30,000, GMC Canyon $29,000, Dodge Ram Dakota $30,000.

Good News:

Ride is surprisingly smooth for a pickup truck as equipped, power is plentiful, nice tie down system,

Bad News:

Poor turning radius, poor fuel economy, still pricy for a small truck.

Standard Equipment:

4.0 liter 261 hp V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel drive on demand, hill hold control, electric locking rear differential, skid plates, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, spray on bed liner and tie down tracks with cleats, dynamic control, front side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, fog lights, air conditioning, power windows and locks and mirrors, audio with CD, cruise control, tilt wheel, remote keyless entry, rear flip up seats, rear privacy glass.

Gas Stats:

$4.25/ Gal avg. May 18, 2012
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

15 City and 19 Highway MPG

Pricing: