DecodedCars2012 Suzuki Equator
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 61 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Suzuki Equator is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 23 highway), 10% better than the 2012 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Equator — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Equator →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equator 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Equator 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Equator 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Equator 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Suzuki Equator.
Similar 2012 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Suzuki Equator (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 GMC Canyon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Hub · Sep 19, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V464000 · 25 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2012 Equator two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is driven with a cracked wheel hub, the wheel hub may break, which would reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- All of the affected vehicles have been quarantined at Suzuki dealers prior to being sold. As such, a recall notification letter will not be issued. Suzuki dealers will replace the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. Customers may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 19, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V593000 · 73 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 EQUATOR PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 16, 2011, THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2011. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.
- Risk
- IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-714-996-7040.
Not every 2012 Suzuki Equator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Suzuki Equator buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Suzuki Equator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Equator years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Equator | 21 | – | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 Equator | 21 | 220.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2009 Equator | 21 | 220.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →