Chevrolet Equinox EV 66·Toyota bZ 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota bZ about $1,088 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota bZ is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,088 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Chevrolet Equinox EV counters with more range (319 vs 236 miles) and more power (213 vs 168 hp).
Go with the Toyota bZ for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Equinox EV if you prioritize more driving range and stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV versus 2026 Toyota bZ.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Toyota bZ
MotiveGrid Score
66
84
Cost of Ownership
78
81
Powertrain
57
83
Driver Assistance
16
49
Livability
29
39
Safety
99
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,049
$44,961
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,297
$21,737
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$3,432
$2,520
Insurance (5-yr)
$12,120
$10,945
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,275
$900
Tires (5-yr)
$2,050
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,265
$5,469
Registration (5-yr)
$1,610
$1,640
Starting Price
$34,995
$36,350
Horsepower
213 hp
168 hp
Electric range
319 mi
236 mi
Cargo volume
26.4 cu ft
27.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Electric
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
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 EV
0
/ 100
Toyota bZ
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Equinox EV
78
bZ
81
Winner: bZ
$1,088 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Equinox EV
57
bZ
83
Winner: bZ
+26 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Equinox EV
16
bZ
49
Winner: bZ
+33 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Equinox EV
29
bZ
39
Winner: bZ
+10 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota bZ is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,088 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Equinox EV still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Toyota bZ
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota bZ
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Better safety rating
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 EV
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$767
$46,049 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$767/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 $1,355 price premium in 5.3 years ($257/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota bZ comes out about $1,088 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.