Chevrolet Equinox 73·Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox
Hyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score
73
78
Cost of Ownership
74
79
Powertrain
63
58
Driver Assistance
22
49
Livability
48
40
Safety
96
100
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
Horsepower
175 hp
168 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
—
Electric range
—
245 mi
Cargo volume
29.8 cu ft
27 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
0 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$35,000
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.
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.