Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Equinox vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Chevrolet Equinox 73Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai IONIQ 5 about $2,655 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,655 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Equinox vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox versus 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5.
MetricChevrolet EquinoxHyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score7378
Cost of Ownership7479
Powertrain6358
Driver Assistance2249
Livability4840
Safety96100
5-Year Cost to Own$48,371$45,716
Depreciation (5-yr)$15,705$21,455
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$12,508$3,585
Insurance (5-yr)$10,630$10,795
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$955
Tires (5-yr)$1,750$2,050
Financing (5-yr)$4,408$5,266
Registration (5-yr)$880$1,610
Starting Price$29,300$35,000
Horsepower175 hp168 hp
MPG (combined)27 mpg
Electric range245 mi
Cargo volume29.8 cu ft27 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs0 lbs
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Gas
2026$29,300
2026 Chevrolet Equinox in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$35,000
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 in Cyber Gray three-quarter front view
MSRP
$35,000
Mo · 5yr
$762
$45,716 / 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 →

Hyundai IONIQ 5 scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Equinox
0
/ 100
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox
74
IONIQ 5
79
Winner: IONIQ 5
$2,655 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox
63
IONIQ 5
58
Winner: Equinox
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox
22
IONIQ 5
49
Winner: IONIQ 5
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox
48
IONIQ 5
40
Winner: Equinox
+8 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Equinox
96
IONIQ 5
100
Winner: IONIQ 5
+4 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,655 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Chevrolet Equinox still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.

Daily commuter
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better safety rating
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
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
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Hyundai IONIQ 5 recoups its $5,700 price premium in 2.7 years ($2,092/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out about $2,655 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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