Chevrolet Bolt 83·Chevrolet Equinox EV 66on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Bolt about $7,463 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,463 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Equinox EV counters with more range (319 vs 262 miles) and more cargo room (26.4 vs 16.2 cu ft).
Go with the Chevrolet Bolt for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Equinox EV if you prioritize more driving range and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Bolt vs. Chevrolet Equinox EV
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt versus 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Metric
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Equinox EV
MotiveGrid Score
83
66
Cost of Ownership
91
78
Powertrain
69
57
Driver Assistance
38
16
Livability
67
29
Safety
80
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,586
$46,049
Depreciation (5-yr)
$16,124
$20,297
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,824
$3,432
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,150
$12,120
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,090
$1,275
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$4,183
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$1,465
$1,610
Starting Price
$27,800
$34,995
Horsepower
210 hp
213 hp
Electric range
262 mi
319 mi
Cargo volume
16.2 cu ft
26.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Electric
2027$27,800
MSRP
$27,800
Mo · 5yr
$643
$38,586 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for families
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Chevrolet Bolt scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Bolt
0
/ 100
Chevrolet Equinox EV
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Bolt
91
Equinox EV
78
Winner: Bolt
$7,463 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Bolt
69
Equinox EV
57
Winner: Bolt
+12 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Bolt
38
Equinox EV
16
Winner: Bolt
+22 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Bolt
67
Equinox EV
29
Winner: Bolt
+38 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Bolt is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,463 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Equinox EV still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Chevrolet Bolt
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Bolt
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Chevrolet Bolt
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Bolt
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Chevrolet Bolt
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$643
$38,586 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$643/mo
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$767
$46,049 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$767/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Chevrolet Equinox EV would need 173.6 years to recoup its $7,195 price premium ($41/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Bolt comes out about $7,463 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.