Journal-News

Suzuki's thoughts for the need of adding a pickup truck to its automotive lineup was elementary: With so many of its products — motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft — being transported on the open road, why not also supply the transport?

Hence, the 2009 Equator, a fabulously sturdy-sounding name to match a sturdy, midsize truck.

The Equator is based on the Nissan Frontier, which has a solid reputation so there are pluses in place already. The looks are appealing, the upgraded 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 engine is ample (there is also a 152-hp, 2.5-liter

4-cylinder engine) and there is a washable spray-on bedliner for easy cleanup of any messes. That it can tow up to 6,500 pounds — remember those other Suzuki products — adds to the functionality of the truck.

Equators come in extended cab or crew cab form with rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive and short or long beds. There are five trim levels.

We drove the top-of-the-price line RMZ-4 sport crew cab that has a base price of $30,600. This is a true offroader with switch on the fly capability by turning a dial to go from 2WD to 4WD High to 4WD Low.

Features of note on the vehicle are Hill Descent control and Hill Hold control, side curtain airbags, a sunroof and split rear seats that fold against the back wall.

While interior materials seem utilitarian, do consider that this is a pickup truck. With the short, 5-foot bed, it is also imminently garageable, even with plenty of stuff at the front of the garage.

The 2009 Suzuki Equator might not be breaking new ground when it comes to midsize pickup trucks, but it is on firm ground with the competition.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.

Click here to view photos of the Suzuki Equator.