Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Chevrolet Equinox EV 66Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid ScoreHyundai IONIQ 5 about $333 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $333 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Chevrolet Equinox EV counters with more range (319 vs 245 miles) and more power (213 vs 168 hp).

Go with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Equinox EV if you prioritize more driving range and stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Hyundai IONIQ 5

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV versus 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5.
MetricChevrolet Equinox EVHyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score6678
Cost of Ownership7879
Powertrain5758
Driver Assistance1649
Livability2940
Safety99100
5-Year Cost to Own$46,049$45,716
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,297$21,455
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$3,432$3,585
Insurance (5-yr)$12,120$10,795
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,275$955
Tires (5-yr)$2,050$2,050
Financing (5-yr)$5,265$5,266
Registration (5-yr)$1,610$1,610
Starting Price$34,995$35,000
Horsepower213 hp168 hp
Electric range319 mi245 mi
Cargo volume26.4 cu ft27 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs0 lbs
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Electric
2026$34,995
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Electric
2026$35,000
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 in Cyber Gray three-quarter front view
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 EV
0
/ 100
Hyundai IONIQ 5
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox EV
78
IONIQ 5
79
Winner: IONIQ 5
$333 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox EV
57
IONIQ 5
58
Winner: IONIQ 5
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox EV
16
IONIQ 5
49
Winner: IONIQ 5
+33 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox EV
29
IONIQ 5
40
Winner: IONIQ 5
+11 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Equinox EV
99
IONIQ 5
100
Winner: IONIQ 5
+1 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

⚖️

Too close to call — these two vehicles are within $333 of each other over 5 years. The cost difference is small enough that your priorities should drive the decision.

Chevrolet Equinox EV wins on best for safety-conscious buyers; Hyundai IONIQ 5 wins on best for long-term savings.

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
Marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai IONIQ 5
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 EV
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$767
$46,049 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$767/mo
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$762
$45,716 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$762/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Hyundai IONIQ 5 comes out about $333 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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