Chevrolet Equinox 73·Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota bZ about $3,410 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota bZ is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,410 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time.
The Toyota bZ is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox versus 2026 Toyota bZ.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox
Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score
73
84
Cost of Ownership
74
81
Powertrain
63
83
Driver Assistance
22
49
Livability
48
39
Safety
96
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$48,371
$44,961
Depreciation (5-yr)
$15,705
$21,737
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,508
$2,520
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,630
$10,945
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$900
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,408
$5,469
Registration (5-yr)
$880
$1,640
Starting Price
$29,300
$36,350
Horsepower
175 hp
168 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
—
Electric range
—
236 mi
Cargo volume
29.8 cu ft
27.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$806
$48,371 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$36,350
MSRP
$36,350
Mo · 5yr
$749
$44,961 / 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 →
Toyota bZ scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Equinox
0
/ 100
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox
74
bZ
81
Winner: bZ
$3,410 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox
63
bZ
83
Winner: bZ
+20 pts
Efficient (high MPG-equivalent)▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox
22
bZ
49
Winner: bZ
+27 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox
48
bZ
39
Winner: Equinox
+9 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota bZ is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,410 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
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota bZ
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota bZ
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota bZ
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
Toyota bZ
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$749
$44,961 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$749/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota bZ recoups its $7,050 price premium in 3.0 years ($2,316/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota bZ comes out about $3,410 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.