Chevrolet Equinox 73·Chevrolet Equinox EV 66on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Equinox EV about $2,322 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,322 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Chevrolet Equinox counters with more cargo room (29.8 vs 26.4 cu ft).
Go with the Chevrolet Equinox EV for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Equinox if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Chevrolet Equinox EV
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox versus 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox EV
MotiveGrid Score
73
66
Cost of Ownership
74
78
Powertrain
63
57
Driver Assistance
22
16
Livability
48
29
Safety
96
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,371
$46,049
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,705
$20,297
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,508
$3,432
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$12,120
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,275
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$1,610
Starting Price
$29,300
$34,995
Horsepower
175 hp
213 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
—
Electric range
—
319 mi
Cargo volume
29.8 cu ft
26.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Electric
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
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 Equinox scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Equinox
0
/ 100
Chevrolet Equinox EV
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox
74
Equinox EV
78
Winner: Equinox EV
$2,322 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox
63
Equinox EV
57
Winner: Equinox
+6 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox
22
Equinox EV
16
Winner: Equinox
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox
48
Equinox EV
29
Winner: Equinox
+19 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Equinox EV is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,322 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Equinox still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Chevrolet Equinox
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Equinox
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 Equinox
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$806
$48,371 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$806/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 recoups its $5,695 price premium in 2.8 years ($2,058/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Equinox EV comes out about $2,322 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.