"This truck is just the right size for freeway or around town driving," notes managing editor Rusty Kurtz. "It's comfortable on the road and can maneuver in parking lots with ease." Kurtz adds, "All is not perfect. It does have a large turning radius, so you have to swing wide to get into tight parking spots. The brake pedal feels like mush. In fact, it caused a moment of panic the first time I stopped--the stepping-in-oatmeal feel takes getting used to. The faux wood trim looks cheap and the interior would look better without it. The power window controls were in an awkward position for me; they should be placed farther forward on the door panel. I also didn't care much for the position of the dead pedal." Still, Kurtz likes the Equator enough that he concludes, "Sign me up any time this truck needs miles."
| Months/miles in service | 2/8743 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 16.6 mpg/1.17 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $29.17 (oil change/inspection/rotate tires) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |