Against 323 other 4-cyl cars rated 2010–2012, the Equator trails their 26.2 mpg average by 7.2 mpg, about $555 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2009, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2009–2012), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 6-cyl (2009–2012), 17: $430 a year apart.
Every Suzuki Equator engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 19 / 23 | 2009–2012 | $1,829 | |
| 4L 6-cyl | 15 / 20 | 2009–2012 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet Colorado gets 18.7 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 2012 Equator. The Equator is the cheapest of them to run: $32 a year less than the Chevrolet Colorado.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2010–2012 | +$555 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,300 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 Suzuki Equator gives up 4.5 mpg in town: 21.5 on the highway against 17 in the city, $473 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21.5 mpg | $1,786 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4.5 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Equator changed over the years
Combined figure across the 4 model years the Equator was rated in, all of them at 19 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 17 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2011 | 17 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2010 | 17 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Suzuki Equator — 2 engines across 2009–2012. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,300. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 Suzuki Equator get?
19 mpg combined, 17 city and 21.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 17 to 21. Across every year since 2009 the Equator has averaged 19 mpg.
Is the 2012 Equator more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Does the Equator get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Colorado?
About the same: 19 mpg for the 2012 Equator against 18.7 for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
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