Suzuki Equator compact truck ready to debut

Suzuki’s new truck, the new compact Equator, is all set to hit American dealerships. The design of the new truck is based on the chassis of the Nissan Frontier and is built for Suzuki by Nissan.

Photo: Suzuki Equator pickup truck

Suzuki has attached price tags starting at $17,995 for the for the base two-wheel-drive extended-cab Equator model that comes powered by a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. Meanwhile for the Suuki Equator crew-cab model, that comes only with an automatic gearbox and V-6 engine, prices start at $23,985.

Suzuki Equator pickup truck extended cab

The Suzuki Equator, though it takes off from the chassis of the Nissan, has a Suzuki brand of styling in its interiors. Bed lengths of 5 feet or 6 feet are offered to accommodate those who want to carry their motorcycles or water toys, the automotive major has said.

The Suzuki Equator incorporates engine choices such as a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 171 foot-pounds of torque, available only on the extended-cab model, or a 4.0-liter V-6 with 261 horsepower and 281 foot-pounds of torque, standard on the crew cab.

While the Suzuki Equator V-6 has an aluminum block, it also includes cast-iron cylinder liners, a forged-steel crankshaft and Teflon-coated pistons aimed at ensuring durability. The company has said that a five-speed automatic transmission is also available with the four-cylinder engine and standard with the V-6. A five-speed manual is standard with the four-cylinder version of the Suzuki Equator.

The design aspect holds an emphasis on Suzuki, with the Equator made as a fully boxed frame with a 125.9-inch wheelbase for both the extended-cab and crew-cab models. The overall length is 205.5 inches for both models, it said. Additional features include speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and a variety of available wheel and tire packages.

Meanwhile, Suzuki has also said that it has updated its Grand Vitara compact sport utility vehicle and will price it at $19,249 for the base two-wheel-drive four-cylinder model and at $20,349 with an automatic. The vehicle which will be available soon, comes powered by a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.