2010 Suzuki Equator Review

Once again a favorite choice of avid outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, the 2010 Suzuki Equator is the perfect choice for those who find themselves hauling motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATV's, boats, campers and more on a regular basis. It's a small-sized pickup truck that offers style, comfort and lasting durability - all matched with very affordable pricing and loads of utility. Getting an auto loan in today's economy may not be as difficult as many think. Suzuki suggests retail pricing between $17,520 and $28,850. Competitors include the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger and the Dodge Dakota. Base model trims deliver 19/23 mpg city/highway.

Only the Base and Premium Extended Cab trims of the Suzuki Equator 2010 features the stock 2.5L 152hp inline 4-cylinder engine. It's mated to an efficient 5-speed manual gearbox that helps to deliver 171 lb-ft of torque at 4400 RPM. The other 6 versions feature a more powerful 4.0L 261hp 281 lb-ft V6 and 5-speed automatic tranny combo. 4-cylinder towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds while V6 trims can pull up to 6500 pounds of whatever behind them. Payload ratings vary accordingly and range from 986 pounds up to 1471 pounds. The Equator comes in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations and all trims require 21.7 feet of turning radius.

The Suzuki Equator for 2010 isn't perfect, but it comes close to perfection according to the NHTSA. It earned four out of five stars for driver's side frontal crash safety tests and five out of five on the passenger's side. The impressive list of standard safety features includes:

• The best fully-transferable warranty in America: 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain, roadside assistance and courtesy transportation included;
• 2-stage frontal, roof-mounted side-impact curtain and rollover supplemental airbag system;
• 3-point safety belts with active frontal head restraints, pre-tensioners and load limiters;
• Reinforcement beams in the doors;
• Crumple zones in the front and rear;
• Ventilated 4-wheel antilock brakes;
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution;
• Remote keyless entry;
• Tire pressure monitoring;

Electonic Vehicle Dynamic Control is a standard feature on all V6 trims of the 2010 Suzuki Equator. Crew Cab versions come from the factory with a spray-on bedliner and a very popular, completely adjustable tie down system in the bed. Concerning dimensions, exterior length, width and height measurements are reported at 206.6, 72.8 in 68.7 inches respectively. Trim-dependent, the ground is cleared by between 8.6 and 10.1 inches. All trims feature 40 inches of headroom, 58 inches of shoulder room, 56 inches of hip room and 42.4 inches of legroom. Curb weights range from 3686 pounds up to 4518 pounds and two wheelbase lengths are offered: 125.9 inches and 139.9 inches.