Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Bolt vs. Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Bolt 83Chevrolet Equinox 73on the MotiveGrid ScoreChevrolet Bolt about $9,785 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,785 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Chevrolet Equinox counters with more cargo room (29.8 vs 16.2 cu ft).

Go with the Chevrolet Bolt for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Equinox if you prioritize more cargo space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Bolt vs. Chevrolet Equinox

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt versus 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
MetricChevrolet BoltChevrolet Equinox
MotiveGrid Score8373
Cost of Ownership9174
Powertrain6963
Driver Assistance3822
Livability6748
Safety8096
5-Year Cost to Own$38,586$48,371
Depreciation (5-yr)$16,124$15,705
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$3,824$12,508
Insurance (5-yr)$10,150$10,630
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,090$2,490
Tires (5-yr)$1,750$1,750
Financing (5-yr)$4,183$4,408
Registration (5-yr)$1,465$880
Starting Price$27,800$29,300
Horsepower210 hp175 hp
MPG (combined)27 mpg
Electric range262 mi
Cargo volume16.2 cu ft29.8 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Electric
2027$27,800
2027 Chevrolet Bolt in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$27,800
Mo · 5yr
$643
$38,586 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$29,300
2026 Chevrolet Equinox in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 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
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Bolt
91
Equinox
74
Winner: Bolt
$9,785 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Bolt
69
Equinox
63
Winner: Bolt
+6 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Bolt
38
Equinox
22
Winner: Bolt
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Bolt
67
Equinox
48
Winner: Bolt
+19 pts
Easy to maneuver and park
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Bolt
80
Equinox
96
Winner: Equinox
+16 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Chevrolet Bolt is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,785 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Chevrolet Equinox 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
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
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$806
$48,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$806/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Chevrolet Bolt comes out about $9,785 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.

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