Chevrolet Bolt 83·Ford Mustang Mach-E 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Bolt about $10,462 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the cheaper one to own — roughly $10,462 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang Mach-E counters with more cargo room (29.7 vs 16.2 cu ft) and more power (264 vs 210 hp).
Go with the Chevrolet Bolt for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Bolt vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt versus 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Metric
Chevrolet Bolt
Ford Mustang Mach-E
MotiveGrid Score
83
78
Cost of Ownership
91
73
Powertrain
69
66
Driver Assistance
38
49
Livability
67
40
Safety
80
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,586
$49,048
Depreciation (5-yr)
$16,124
$22,299
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,824
$4,412
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,150
$11,340
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,090
$1,590
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$4,183
$5,687
Registration (5-yr)
$1,465
$1,670
Starting Price
$27,800
$37,795
Horsepower
210 hp
264 hp
Electric range
262 mi
260 mi
Cargo volume
16.2 cu ft
29.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Electric
2027$27,800
MSRP
$27,800
Mo · 5yr
$643
$38,586 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 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
Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Bolt
91
Mustang Mach-E
73
Winner: Bolt
$10,462 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Bolt
69
Mustang Mach-E
66
Winner: Bolt
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Bolt
38
Mustang Mach-E
49
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Bolt
67
Mustang Mach-E
40
Winner: Bolt
+27 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 $10,462 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang Mach-E 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
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Much stronger safety with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$817
$49,048 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$817/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Bolt comes out about $10,462 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.