Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Rivian R2

Chevrolet Equinox EV 67Rivian R2 72on the MotiveGrid ScoreChevrolet Equinox EV about $9,247 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,247 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Rivian R2 counters with more range (345 vs 319 miles) and more towing capacity (3,500 vs 1,500 lbs).

Go with the Chevrolet Equinox EV for the better long-term value; consider the Rivian R2 if you prioritize more driving range and more towing capacity.

Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Rivian R2

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV versus 2026 Rivian R2.
MetricChevrolet Equinox EVRivian R2
MotiveGrid Score6772
Cost of Ownership7964
Powertrain5771
Driver Assistance1657
Livability2940
Safety9980
5-Year Cost to Own$45,969$55,216
Depreciation (5-yr)$20,297$25,942
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$3,432$3,373
Insurance (5-yr)$12,120$13,645
Maintenance (5-yr)$1,195$1,175
Tires (5-yr)$2,050$1,900
Financing (5-yr)$5,265$7,296
Registration (5-yr)$1,610$1,885
Starting Price$34,995$48,490
Horsepower213 hp350 hp
Electric range319 mi345 mi
Cargo volume26.4 cu ft28.7 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity1,500 lbs3,500 lbs
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Electric
2026$34,995
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$766
$45,969 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$48,490
2026 Rivian R2 electric SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$48,490
Mo · 5yr
$920
$55,216 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
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 →

Rivian R2 scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Equinox EV
0
/ 100
Rivian R2
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox EV
79
R2
64
Winner: Equinox EV
$9,247 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox EV
57
R2
71
Winner: R2
+14 pts
Long electric range
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox EV
16
R2
57
Winner: R2
+41 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox EV
29
R2
40
Winner: R2
+11 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Equinox EV
99
R2
80
Winner: Equinox EV
+19 pts
5-star overall NHTSA rating
IIHS Top Safety Pick
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Chevrolet Equinox EV is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,247 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Rivian R2 still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.

Daily commuter
Rivian R2
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Rivian R2
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Rivian R2
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
$766
$45,969 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$766/mo
Rivian R2
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$920
$55,216 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$920/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Rivian R2 would need 855.9 years to recoup its $13,495 price premium ($16/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Chevrolet Equinox EV comes out about $9,247 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 →

Charge times, connector, and home-charging cost: Chevrolet Equinox EV charging · Rivian R2 charging

What each one costs at the counter

Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:

Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

Helpful guides