Chevrolet Equinox 73·Kia EV6 68on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Equinox about $842 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the cheaper one to own — roughly $842 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Chevrolet Equinox 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. Kia EV6
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox versus 2026 Kia EV6.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox
Kia EV6
MotiveGrid Score
73
68
Cost of Ownership
74
73
Powertrain
63
61
Driver Assistance
22
22
Livability
48
36
Safety
96
95
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,371
$49,213
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,705
$23,309
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,508
$4,413
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$11,115
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$955
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,050
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$5,702
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$1,670
Starting Price
$29,300
$37,900
Horsepower
175 hp
168 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
—
Electric range
—
237 mi
Cargo volume
29.8 cu ft
24.4 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$37,900
MSRP
$37,900
Mo · 5yr
$820
$49,213 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
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
Kia EV6
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox
74
EV6
73
Winner: Equinox
$842 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low tires cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox
63
EV6
61
Winner: Equinox
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox
22
EV6
22
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox
48
EV6
36
Winner: Equinox
+12 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Equinox is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $842 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia EV6 still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Kia EV6
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Equinox
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox
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
Kia EV6
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$820
$49,213 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$820/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Kia EV6 recoups its $8,600 price premium in 4.5 years ($1,926/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Chevrolet Equinox comes out about $842 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.