Chevrolet Equinox EV 66·Tesla Model Y 76on the MotiveGrid Score·Chevrolet Equinox EV about $6,714 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,714 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Tesla Model Y counters with more towing capacity (3,500 vs 1,500 lbs) and more cargo room (76 vs 26.4 cu ft).
Go with the Chevrolet Equinox EV for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Model Y if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Tesla Model Y
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV versus 2026 Tesla Model Y.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Tesla Model Y
MotiveGrid Score
66
76
Cost of Ownership
78
67
Powertrain
57
71
Driver Assistance
16
30
Livability
29
46
Safety
99
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,049
$52,764
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,297
$25,034
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,432
$2,863
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,120
$14,260
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,275
$1,125
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,265
$6,017
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$1,715
Starting Price
$34,995
$39,990
Horsepower
213 hp
295 hp
Electric range
319 mi
321 mi
Cargo volume
26.4 cu ft
76 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Electric
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$39,990
MSRP
$39,990
Mo · 5yr
$879
$52,764 / 5 years
Best for families
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 →
Tesla Model Y scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
0
/ 100
Tesla Model Y
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox EV
78
Model Y
67
Winner: Equinox EV
$6,714 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox EV
57
Model Y
71
Winner: Model Y
+14 pts
Long electric range▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox EV
16
Model Y
30
Winner: Model Y
+14 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox EV
29
Model Y
46
Winner: Model Y
+17 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Chevrolet Equinox EV is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,714 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Tesla Model Y still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Tesla Model Y
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Model Y
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Tesla Model Y
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Tesla Model Y
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
Tesla Model Y
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$879
$52,764 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$879/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Model Y would need 34.7 years to recoup its $4,995 price premium ($144/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 $6,714 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.
