Chevrolet Equinox EV 66·Hyundai IONIQ 5 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Hyundai IONIQ 5
MotiveGrid Score
66
78
Cost of Ownership
78
79
Powertrain
57
58
Driver Assistance
16
49
Livability
29
40
Safety
99
100
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
Horsepower
213 hp
168 hp
Electric range
319 mi
245 mi
Cargo volume
26.4 cu ft
27 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
0 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Electric
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$767
$46,049 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Electric
2026$35,000
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.
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.