2012 Suzuki Equator Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Suzuki Equator doesn't have enough ratings to earn a valid Total Car Score. 
 
The Equator is essentially a rebadged Nissan Frontier. 
 
Many of the Suzuki’s reviews sounded the same high and low notes as the Nissan’s. Critics appreciated the Equator's powerful V6 engine, sturdy F-Alpha chassis (adapted from Nissan’s fullsize trucks), nimble handling and serious off-roading chops, particularly with the RMZ-4 equipment. Other high points include payload and tow capacities that are near the top of the class.  
 
The Suzuki is also burdened with the Nissan’s weaknesses, including a cabin that’s cramped even in Crew Cab models and cheap-looking interior materials.  
 
Potential buyers need to know, too, that Base Equators are truly stripper models that don’t even come with air conditioning or a radio as standard equipment. The Comfort Package, a $1,400 option, brings those features to the Base truck.  
 
The 2012 Suzuki Equator, now three years into its product cycle, enters the new model year unchanged from previous versions.

2012 Suzuki Equator Model Line-Up

The 2012 Suzuki Equator is available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4x2 and 4x4 powertrains.  
 
Extended Cab trucks are powered by a four- or six-cylinder engine and come in Base, Premium and Sport trim levels. Base trucks are outfitted with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery and front bucket seats; the Comfort Package adds air conditioning. Premium models have 16-inch alloy wheels, an AM/FM/CD radio, power windows and locks and cruise control. Sport models are powered by the V6 only and roll on 17s.  
 
Crew Cab trucks are offered in Sport and RMZ-4 models, all V6 powered. Sport versions are similar to their Extended Cab brothers, while the RMZ-4 models feature 16-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates and a bed extender.  
 
The Suzuki’s 2.5-liter inline-4 makes 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. It’s backed by either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V6, good for 261 hp and 281 lb-ft, gets the automatic only.  
 
Fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg city, 23 highway and 21 combined for a 2WD four-cylinder model to 15/19/16 for a V6 4x4.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2012 Suzuki Equator will tow up to 6,300 pounds.

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