At next month’s 2009 Chicago Auto Show Suzuki will unveil a trio of customized Equator pickup trucks co-developed with three different off-road and lifestyle magazines... January 29, 2009 by Jeremy Weber
The 2009 Suzuki Equator shines mainly due to its cargo storage versatility and the performance from its optional 4.0-liter V-6.
Those looking for more carlike refinement and accommodations would be wise to check out the Honda Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline has a much better on-road ride and handles almost like a car, but it won't be able to crawl trails as well as the Suzuki.
The Nissan Frontier is a nearly identical pickup, though we prefer the Suzuki's nose, cargo system, and warranty.
Toyota's Tacoma is similar to the Suzuki Equator, though with arguably fresher interior materials and better ergonomics; the Tacoma suffers from an unsettled ride in some trims, however.
The Ford Ranger is the oldest beast of burden here, a truly utilitarian rig, but it's cheap—very cheap—to own and operate and quite capable off-road when outfitted properly The Ranger, however, doesn't offer side airbags, even as an option—a sore omission on the safety front.