Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Equinox vs. Kia EV6

Chevrolet Equinox 73Kia EV6 68on the MotiveGrid ScoreChevrolet 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.
MetricChevrolet EquinoxKia EV6
MotiveGrid Score7368
Cost of Ownership7473
Powertrain6361
Driver Assistance2222
Livability4836
Safety9695
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
Horsepower175 hp168 hp
MPG (combined)27 mpg
Electric range237 mi
Cargo volume29.8 cu ft24.4 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 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 long-term savings
Electric
2026$37,900
2026 Kia EV6 electric crossover in three-quarter front view
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.
Equinox
96
EV6
95
Winner: Equinox
+1 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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