2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

$35,100 · Crossover

$35,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV and the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 pits pure efficiency against focused driving flair. The Equinox EV grabs attention immediately with its superior electric range, promising a phenomenal 319 miles on a single charge, appealing directly to road trippers. Chevrolet's offering delivers 213 hp, providing a noticeable performance edge over the IONIQ 5's 168 hp output. Conversely, the IONIQ 5, starting nearly identically at $35,000 compared to the Equinox EV's $35,100 MSRP, counters with a surprising torque advantage, generating 258 lb-ft to the Chevy's 236 lb-ft, which hints at punchier initial acceleration. While the Equinox EV is longer at 190.6 inches, optimizing interior space, the IONIQ 5 remains slightly more compact. Both crossovers offer comparable utility, each boasting around 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space, but the subtle mechanical differences dictate who wins where.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 319-mile electric range, reducing charging anxiety.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Equinox EV provides a slightly larger footprint (190.6 inches long) and marginally better cargo capacity (26.4 cu ft) for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV

With 213 hp versus 168 hp, the Equinox EV offers significantly greater peak power for a more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers better torque delivery (258 lb-ft) for the slightly lower MSRP of $35,000.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox EV if...

You prioritize maximizing distance, leveraging the outstanding 319-mile electric range.
You desire a more potent power figure, benefiting from the 213 hp output.
You prefer a marginally larger vehicle dimensionally, measuring 190.6 inches in length.

Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if...

Your budget is strict, as the $35,000 MSRP undercuts the competitor by $100.
You appreciate low-end punch, evidenced by the superior 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the balanced handling dynamics suggested by its rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox EV	Hyundai IONIQ 5
Length	190.6"	183.3"
Width	76.9"	74.4"
Height	64.8"	63.0"
Wheelbase	116.3"	118.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	213 hp	168 hp
Torque	236 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	117/100 MPGe	131/100 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	109 MPGe	115 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	319 mi.	245 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	31	29
Charging Time (240V)	9.5 hr.	6.3 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	NACS
Battery Capacity	—	63.0 kWh

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.2 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.0 in.	53.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/55R19	235/55R H
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
Drivetrain Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV and 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5.

What is the primary advantage of the 2026 Equinox EV over the IONIQ 5?

The biggest advantage for the Equinox EV is its electric range, topping out at an impressive 319 miles, which is substantially more than the IONIQ 5's 245 miles. This makes the Equinox EV the superior choice for drivers who frequently take long journeys between charging stops.

Which crossover is faster in a straight line based on available data?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is expected to be faster due to its higher peak horsepower rating of 213 hp compared to the Hyundai IONIQ 5's 168 hp. However, the IONIQ 5 has more torque (258 lb-ft vs. 236 lb-ft), suggesting it might feel quicker off the line initially.

How do the charging systems or battery capacities likely differ?

While specific battery sizes aren't listed, the Equinox EV's 319-mile range suggests a significantly larger or more efficient battery pack than the IONIQ 5’s 245-mile rating. Buyers should look into the specific DC fast-charging capabilities to compare recharge times.

Is the IONIQ 5’s rear-wheel-drive configuration better for driving fun?

Enthusiasts often favor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layouts like the IONIQ 5’s for better weight distribution and handling characteristics compared to the Equinox EV’s standard front-wheel-drive setup. This difference directly impacts the driving dynamics during spirited cornering.

Are the interior and cargo areas comparable in size?

Yes, the utility figures are very close, with the Equinox EV offering 26.4 cubic feet and the IONIQ 5 offering 26.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Equinox EV is slightly longer overall at 190.6 inches, potentially translating to more passenger volume.

Given their almost identical starting prices, how should I weigh the $100 difference?

The $35,000 IONIQ 5 technically has the lowest MSRP, making it the value winner on paper. However, a buyer must weigh that $100 savings against the Equinox EV's 74-mile range advantage for true long-term value assessment.