Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota bZ

Chevrolet Equinox 73Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota 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.
MetricChevrolet EquinoxToyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score7384
Cost of Ownership7481
Powertrain6383
Driver Assistance2249
Livability4839
Safety9694
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
Horsepower175 hp168 hp
MPG (combined)27 mpg
Electric range236 mi
Cargo volume29.8 cu ft27.7 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs
DrivetrainFWDFWD
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$36,350
2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV in three-quarter front view
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.
Equinox
96
bZ
94
Winner: Equinox
+2 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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