Best Car Reviews - 2009 Suzuki Equator 2WD

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Introduction

The 2009 Suzuki Equator 2WD is a compact, rear-wheel-drive pickup aimed at drivers who want traditional truck utility without moving to a full-size model. New for 2009, it was closely related to the Nissan Frontier, pairing a 4.0-litre V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its combination of a strong V6, practical cargo bed and relatively uncommon Suzuki badge gives it appeal as a used work-and-weekend truck.

Design and Exterior Features

The Equator has a square-shouldered, body-on-frame pickup design with a tall grille, prominent wheel arches and a purposeful front end. Extended-cab models use a 6-foot bed, while crew-cab versions were offered with 5-foot or 6-foot beds depending on trim. As this was the Equator’s launch year, there was no previous Suzuki pickup generation to update; instead, it arrived as an all-new Suzuki-styled version of an established Nissan platform.

Rear-wheel-drive small-pickup layout with a sturdy separate frame.
Available extended-cab and crew-cab body styles.
Sport trims added 17-inch alloy wheels, a sprayed-in bedliner and movable bed tie-down cleats.
Extended-cab models have a 6-foot cargo bed for tools, materials and outdoor equipment.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is functional rather than luxurious, with straightforward controls, durable-looking plastics and a truck-focused seating position. The extended cab is best for occasional rear passengers or secure in-cab storage, while crew-cab models offer more passenger capacity. Higher trims improved daily comfort with upgraded cloth upholstery, power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel and a sliding rear window.

Simple, easy-to-use dashboard and climate controls.
Bucket seats and a centre console in base configurations.
Available air conditioning and CD audio system on better-equipped trims.
Higher trims added power windows, locks and mirrors.
Crew-cab rear space is useful but tighter than that of some midsize rivals.

Performance and Handling

The specified 2WD V6 model uses a 4.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive gives it conventional pickup handling, and the V6 provides confident merging, passing and loaded driving. A period road-test estimate put V6 acceleration from 0 to 60 mph at about 7.7 seconds. EPA-era ratings for the 2WD V6 automatic were 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 15.7, 11.8 and 13.8 L/100 km respectively.

4.0-litre V6 with 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
Five-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel-drive layout suited to paved-road hauling and towing.
Estimated 0-60 mph time of about 7.7 seconds for the V6.
Combined fuel use of about 13.8 L/100 km is substantial by modern standards.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the 2009 model year. The Equator offered conventional audio and convenience equipment rather than modern smartphone integration, touchscreen infotainment or advanced driver-assistance systems. Buyers should judge an individual truck by its trim level and any aftermarket upgrades, especially because factory equipment varied considerably across the range.

Available four-speaker CD audio system.
Available keyless entry and power accessories.
Sliding rear window on higher trims.
No factory Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or built-in modern connectivity.
No contemporary lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included antilock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags. Traction control was standard on Sport models, while stability control was limited to the top RMZ-4 Sport. IIHS ratings for the structurally similar Equator crew cab were Good in the original moderate-overlap front, side and roof-strength evaluations, while the head-restraint and seat rating was Poor. Government frontal ratings varied by cab, with the crew cab receiving four stars for both driver and passenger protection.

Antilock braking system.
Standard front side airbags and side-curtain airbags.
Traction control on Sport models.
Stability control availability was limited by trim.
Check the VIN for outstanding recalls, including the recall affecting certain factory-equipped Garmin navigation units.

Pricing and Variants

The 2009 Equator started at about $17,520 including destination for the basic extended-cab four-cylinder model. The V6 2WD automatic range began around $22,895 for the extended-cab Sport, while 2WD V6 crew-cab models ranged from about $23,210 to $24,725 before options. Trim choices included Base, Comfort, Premium, Sport and RMZ-4 variants, although not every trim was available with rear-wheel drive or the V6. Its main competitors included the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Ford Ranger.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong, responsive 261-horsepower V6.
Useful pickup-bed configurations and available tie-down hardware.
Traditional body-on-frame truck durability and capability.
Standard side and curtain airbags for the model year.
Mechanical kinship with the Nissan Frontier can help with service knowledge and parts sourcing.

Cons

Fuel consumption is high for a compact pickup.
Rear-wheel drive is less suitable for deep snow, mud and off-road use than 4WD.
Cabin materials and infotainment feel dated.
Extended-cab rear seating is limited, and crew-cab rear space is not class-leading.
Low production volume and Suzuki’s departure from the U.S. auto market can complicate model-specific parts and dealer support.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A dependable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost estimate is not well established because the Equator sold in low numbers, so owners should budget according to mileage, rust exposure and local labour rates rather than rely on a precise published figure. Reported 2009-model concerns are relatively sparse, which makes it important not to treat them as failure-rate data. Areas reported by owners include airbag or crash-sensor warning lights, fuel-system concerns, isolated engine complaints, electrical or tow-package wiring faults, and hissing or vacuum-related noises. A pre-purchase inspection should include a diagnostic scan, inspection of the airbag system and wiring, verification of recall completion, and a careful check of the cooling system, transmission operation, underbody corrosion and service history.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.1/10. Design: 7.0/10 for its tough, useful pickup form. Comfort: 6.6/10 because the interior is practical but not especially refined. Performance: 7.8/10 thanks to the V6 and automatic transmission. Technology: 5.5/10 for its era-appropriate but basic equipment. Safety: 7.4/10, supported by standard side airbags and strong IIHS structural results, though modern active safety technology is absent.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback typically values the Equator as an uncommon but capable alternative to the Nissan Frontier. Sentiment tends to be most positive around V6 power, bed utility and straightforward truck character, while criticism commonly focuses on fuel use, dated equipment and the realities of owning a discontinued Suzuki-badged vehicle.

Owners often appreciate the V6’s strong pulling power and highway performance.
The truck bed and available tie-down system are frequently valued for work and recreation.
Many buyers like the rarity of the Suzuki badge and Frontier-based engineering.
Fuel economy is a regular complaint, particularly for commuters.
Buyers commonly advise checking service records, recall status and parts availability before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2009 Nissan Frontier V6 2WD
2009 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
2009 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD
2009 GMC Canyon 2WD
2009 Ford Ranger 2WD

Summary

The 2009 Suzuki Equator 2WD V6 is best suited to drivers who want a straightforward used pickup with strong naturally aspirated V6 performance, rear-wheel-drive manners and practical cargo capacity. It is not the economical or technology-rich choice, but it remains an appealing alternative for buyers who value a conventional truck platform and can find a well-maintained example with documented recalls and service history.