Market Niche:
Mid-size pickup truck, badge-engineered from Nissan Frontier. Positioned as a more affordable alternative or a vehicle for those seeking Suzuki's specific brand attributes in the truck segment.
Primary Competitors:
Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon
Key Selling Points:
Robust chassis and powertrain (shared with Nissan), available V6 engine, towing and payload capacity, off-road capability (in specific trims).
Engine Systems:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emission Control System
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drive Shafts, Differentials, Axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical Systems:
Electrical System Overview, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Instruments & Gauges, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules
Body Systems:
Body & Frame, Exterior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-Ups
Repair Procedures:
Removal & Installation, Disassembly & Assembly, Component Overhaul, Troubleshooting Guides
Diagnostic Procedures:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Component Testing
Depth Of Coverage:
Full Workshop Level (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repair)
Engine Options:
2.5L Inline-4 QR25DE, 4.0L V6 VQ40DE
4.0L V6 Horsepower:
Approximately 261 hp @ 5600 rpm
4.0L V6 Torque:
Approximately 281 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Configuration:
DOHC, 24-valve (VQ40DE) / DOHC, 16-valve (QR25DE)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual (for 2.5L I4)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic (RE5R05A for V6) / 6-speed Manual (FS5R30A for V6)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Wheelbase Options:
125.9 inches (standard bed), 139.6 inches (long bed)
Bed Length Options:
63.1 inches (standard), 73.3 inches (long)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,700 lbs
Maximum Payload Capacity:
Up to approx. 1,500 lbs (Varies by configuration)
Maximum Towing Capacity:
Up to approx. 6,500 lbs (Varies by configuration)
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Refer to specific NHTSA reports for 2010-2012 Nissan Frontier for equivalent ratings. Generally good for its class, but varies by test and year.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) (often standard on V6 models)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, Front-seat side-impact airbags, Roof-mounted curtain airbags (available), Front-seat active head restraints
Infotainment System:
Base models featured a basic AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered optional Rockford Fosgate audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation systems (often with a 6-disc CD changer).
Driver Assistance Features:
Primarily focused on safety systems like ABS, TCS, and VDC. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not common for this era of pickup truck.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jack for audio devices. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard but may have been available as an aftermarket addition or on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles (refer to manual for specific oil type and intervals)
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped plugs typically have a longer life, often around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for the VQ40DE. Refer to manual for exact specs.
Engine Oil Type Vq40De:
API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Engine Oil Type Qr25De:
API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Nissan Matic S (ATF or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Nissan Genuine Long Life Antifreeze (blue)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings), exhaust system components, potential for camshaft/crankshaft position sensor issues on VQ40DE.
Timing Chain Vq40De:
VQ40DE engines generally use a timing chain, which is designed for longevity. However, premature wear or stretching can occur with poor maintenance or very high mileage.
Oil Consumption Qr25De:
Some QR25DE engines (across various Nissan/Suzuki applications) have been known to consume oil, particularly if piston rings are not seated properly or if PCV system is neglected.
Suzuki Truck Lineage:
Limited in the North American market. The Equator was Suzuki's primary entry into the mid-size pickup truck segment in the US, leveraging a partnership.
Development Basis:
Based on the second-generation Nissan Frontier (D40 platform), sharing chassis, powertrains, and significant body components.
Manufacturing Location:
Nissan's Canton, Mississippi assembly plant (shared with Nissan Frontier and Xterra)
Production Timeline:
2008 - 2012 model years (introduced in 2008)
