Chevrolet Equinox 73·Ford Mustang Mach-E 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Equinox about $677 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the cheaper one to own — roughly $677 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Mustang Mach-E counters with more power (264 vs 175 hp).
Go with the Chevrolet Equinox for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox versus 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Mustang Mach-E
MotiveGrid Score
73
78
Cost of Ownership
74
73
Powertrain
63
66
Driver Assistance
22
49
Livability
48
40
Safety
96
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,371
$49,048
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,705
$22,299
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,508
$4,412
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$11,340
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,590
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$5,687
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$1,670
Starting Price
$29,300
$37,795
Horsepower
175 hp
264 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
—
Electric range
—
260 mi
Cargo volume
29.8 cu ft
29.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$37,795
MSRP
$37,795
Mo · 5yr
$817
$49,048 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
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 →
Ford Mustang Mach-E scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Equinox
0
/ 100
Ford Mustang Mach-E
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox
74
Mustang Mach-E
73
Winner: Equinox
$677 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox
63
Mustang Mach-E
66
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+3 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox
22
Mustang Mach-E
49
Winner: Mustang Mach-E
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox
48
Mustang Mach-E
40
Winner: Equinox
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Equinox is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $677 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Mustang Mach-E still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Equinox
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Better safety rating
Highway driver
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$817
$49,048 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$817/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Ford Mustang Mach-E recoups its $8,495 price premium in 4.7 years ($1,799/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Equinox comes out about $677 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.