Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A Tale of Two Winning Compact EVsCompact EVs are the sweet spot for the technology because they provide solid range, good power, and a reasonable price of entry. Two of the best contenders in the space are also two of the best-selling electric vehicles made today: the 2027 Chevy Equinox EV ($34,095 base) and the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 ($35,000 base). They're priced almost idenically, abnd the two are very competitive when it comes to the core features compact EV SUV buyers are looking for.The 2027 Equinox EV has three trim levels ranging from the base LT1 all the way to the RS AWD ($49,195). The 2026 IONIQ 5 has five trim levels starting with the base SE Standard Range all the way up to the off-road-y XRT ($46,275). Here's how the two models stack up against each other.Charging, Range, and PowerRange is a strength for both models. Chevrolet rates the front-wheel-drive Equinox EV at up to 319 miles, while all-wheel-drive versions are rated at 307 miles. Every Equinox EV uses an 85-kWh battery pack, and the front-drive configuration produces 220 horsepower; choosing AWD brings a second motor and 300 horsepower. That makes the FWD Equinox EV a sensible efficiency-first commuter and the AWD model the more confident choice for drivers facing Midwestern winters or regularly carrying passengers and gear. Every trim level is FWD standard and AWD available as an option.The Ioniq 5 comes close on maximum range, with the larger-battery rear-wheel-drive model rated for up to 318 miles. Its entry-level standard-range rear-wheel drive model is rated for 245 miles, while dual-motor AWD models deliver between 259 and 290 miles, depending on trim. The standard long-range AWD Ioniq 5 makes 320 horsepower, giving it a modest but noticeable advantage over the AWD Equinox in everyday acceleration.AdvertisementAdvertisementChevrolet's 319-mile FWD rating gives the Equinox EV a slight edge on paper, and it is more than enough for a multi-day commute between home charging sessions. Its DC fast-charging system can add up to 84 miles in 10 minutes for front-drive models, while charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 42 minutes. The Equinox EV uses a standard NACS port, expanding access to compatible Tesla Supercharger stations.The Hyundai has much faster charging architecture. Its 800-volt setup supports charging from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes at a suitable 350-kW DC charger, and it can add up to 178 miles in 15 minutes. For home charging, both vehicles can conveniently replenish their batteries overnight on a Level 2 setup. But for road-trip drivers and apartment residents who rely on public chargers, the Ioniq 5's shorter stops are a decisive advantage.Interior Comfort and SpaceChevroletThe Equinox EV looks and feels like a conventional compact crossover adapted for an electric future. That will appeal to drivers who want familiar proportions and a straightforward cabin rather than a futuristic lounge. It's, shall we say, normal. 38 inches of rear legroom is plentiful for tall adults. It seats five and provides 26.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind its rear seats, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet when they are folded. A dual-height cargo floor adds useful flexibility for organizing charging cables, groceries, or smaller camera and travel bags.HyundaiHyundai's cabin is more distinctive—and, in several important ways, more accommodating. The Ioniq 5's dedicated EV architecture creates a flat floor and allows the cabin to feel unusually airy for its exterior footprint. It's also far more modern looking inside than the Equinox EV with a cleaner layout and more contemporary styling. Rear-seat passengers benefit from a very generous 39.4 inches of legroom, while the flexible layout helps the Ioniq 5 handle family duties, weekend gear, and longer trips without feeling cramped. With the seats folded, the Ioniq 5 gets up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Equinox EV has a comfortable and easily accommodating cabin, but the Ioniq 5 is the better people carrier. Its broad glass area, open center space, and more accommodating seating arrangement make routine trips feel less confining. For a buyer who frequently has adults in the second row, that difference may matter more than a few additional miles of rated range.TechnologyChevroletThe Equinox EV benefits from Chevy's latest interface and a sizeable 17.7-inch center touchscreen, among the larger displays offered in this class. The brand was smart to make its large touchscreen standard across the trim line. Every trim level also comes standard with an 11″ color instrument display. It's a genuinely impressive setup for the price.Chevrolet also includes more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including Enhanced Automatic Braking, Intersection Emergency Automatic Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Side Bicyclist Alert, Teen Driver, and Rear Seat Reminder. Buyers can access features such as Google Built-In navigation and voice controls for added convenience. Even the LT1 base trim allows you to remote start your vehicle from the companion smartphone app. A premium 8-speaker Bose audio system is available on the top two trims, but standard equipment is a 6-speaker system.HyundaiHowever, the Ioniq 5 offers a more complete everyday technology package. It combines a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to use their preferred navigation, media, and messaging services with less friction. Higher trims can add a head-up display, Bose audio, a surround-view monitor, and Hyundai's blind-spot camera system.AdvertisementAdvertisementSafety tech on the base Ioniq 5 include such features as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with car/pedestrian/cycle/junction turning detection, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Park Distance Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Nav-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control, and Rear Occupant Alert.Chevrolet's Google-based interface is capable, but buyers should consider how they prefer to use their phones. The Ioniq 5's native wireless smartphone integration makes it the easier choice for households that rely heavily on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.Driving ExperienceThe Equinox EV is tuned for easygoing, everyday transportation rather than sharp handling. Its low center of gravity gives it a stable, settled feel, while the front-drive model's 220 horsepower is adequate rather than thrilling. The 300-hp AWD version is the better fit for buyers who want stronger passing response and added traction in rain or snow. In testing, both drivetrains delivered roughly 260 miles at a sustained 75 mph, reinforcing that the Equinox is a credible highway vehicle as well as a city commuter.The Ioniq 5 feels more refined and more engaging. Its longer wheelbase contributes to a composed ride, while its available 320-hp AWD powertrain responds more eagerly to throttle inputs. It is still comfort-oriented, but it better balances smoothness, body control, and acceleration. Even in base trim, the rear-wheel drive dynamics make it more entertaining to drive than the FWD Equinox EV.AdvertisementAdvertisementChoose the Equinox EV if you want excellent range, a roomy cargo hold, and a familiar crossover personality. The Ioniq 5 is the stronger daily-driver recommendation, though: it charges dramatically faster, treats passengers better, and delivers a more entertaining driving and technology experience.Final ThoughtsThe 2027 Chevrolet Equinox EV offers the range, practicality, and familiar crossover look and usability that will make it very approachable for many first-time EV buyers. Yet the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains the more complete daily driver: its ultra-fast charging, airy passenger space, intuitive connectivity, and more refined road manners make everyday ownership feel simpler and more rewarding. Its top trim XRT is also more off-road ready and less expensive than the pavement-only Equinox EV RS. The Equinox EV is the value pick for drivers who prioritize highway range and cargo flexibility, but the Ioniq 5 is the one to choose for the more polished all-around EV experience.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Crossover section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.