2012 Suzuki Equator Grand SE 119wb

What's New for 2012 Stability control is now standard on all 2012 Suzuki Equator models. Introduction When it comes to pickups, full-size trucks are definitely the most popular choice. For those who don't necessarily need industrial-strength capabilities and behemoth dimensions, midsize pickup trucks fill that just enough niche. Within that group, the 2012 Suzuki Equator doesn't immediately come to mind, but is certainly one capable pickup. While Suzuki is better known for compact cars and motorcycles, it's important to note that the Equator is essentially a Nissan Frontier underneath a slightly revised body. It stands to reason that both of these pickups share the same strengths. Of these, we count a very capable V6 engine option, secure handling, ease of maneuverability, sturdy construction and respectable off-road prowess. Likewise, both trucks share the drawback of cramped quarters in the rear of the crew cab. The 2012 Suzuki Equator does best the Frontier with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (Nissan offers a five-year/60,000 mile warranty). There is a hitch, though, as warranty work must be performed at Suzuki dealerships, which are few and far between compared to Nissan dealers. The Equator also lacks the Nissan's available standard cab body style and higher-end luxury features such as a premium sound system and leather seating. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2012 Suzuki Equator is a midsize pickup truck that is available in extended- and crew cab body styles. Extended cabs are available in base, Comfort, Premium and Sport trims, and all come with a 6-foot bed. Crew cabs are available in Sport and RMZ-4 trims. The Sport comes with either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed, while the RMZ-4 has the short bed only. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the Comfort and Premium trim in the extended cab, while the Sport extended cab and crew cab can be had with either rear or four-wheel drive. Finally, the RMZ-4 crew cab with its short bed is only available with four-wheel drive. The base Equator comes with 15-inch steel wheels, bucket seats, a center console and rear under-seat storage. The Comfort adds air-conditioning and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player. The Premium adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a sliding rear window, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, full power accessories and upgraded cloth upholstery. Opting for the Sport gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, a more powerful V6 engine, hill hold and descent control and bigger brakes. The Crew Cab Sport adds a spray-in liner and movable tie-down cleats for the cargo bed, but hill hold and descent control are not available on the short bed model. The RMZ-4 adds chrome exterior trim, a locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, skid plates, hill descent and hold control, 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road-oriented tires, foglamps, unique upholstery, metallic interior accents and a driver seat with height and lumbar adjustment. A bed extender is optional for the RMZ-4 crew cab. Powertrains and Performance The 2012 Suzuki Equator comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque and a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. The V6 is only available for crew cabs and 4WD variants, while the four-cylinder is available only in the lower-trim extended-cab models. The base Comfort trim four-cylinder is matched to a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is standard on all other models. Properly equipped, the Equator can tow up to 6,300 pounds. Fuel economy estimates range from 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the rear-drive extended cab with the inline-4 engine and automatic transmission to 15/19/16 mpg for the 4WD crew cab with its V6. In a recent Edmunds test of a V6-powered Sport model, the Equator accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, a suitably quick time for a midsize pickup. Safety Antilock disc brakes, fro