Chevrolet Bolt 83·Chevrolet Equinox 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Equinox
MotiveGrid Score
83
73
Cost of Ownership
91
74
Powertrain
69
63
Driver Assistance
38
22
Livability
67
48
Safety
80
96
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
Horsepower
210 hp
175 hp
MPG (combined)
—
27 mpg
Electric range
262 mi
—
Cargo volume
16.2 cu ft
29.8 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
Gas
2026$29,300
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.
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.