Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV more reliable than the Volvo XC60?

Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 has more recalls (42) compared to the Chevrolet Equinox-EV (7). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Volvo XC60?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 29.7 for the Chevrolet Equinox-EV. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or Volvo XC60 safer?

Both the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Volvo XC60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60: Reliability Compared

Chevrolet Equinox-EV

Good

More Reliable

Volvo XC60

Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and the Volvo XC60? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Volvo XC60 currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Volvo XC60 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volvo XC60 is in its second generation, which began in 2017. It last underwent a significant redesign with a facelift in 2025. Now in the later stages of its generation cycle, the XC60 benefits from a mature platform, typically offering well-sorted reliability due to years of refinement and incremental updates. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV is in its first generation, introduced in 2024, with a facelift in 2025. Being relatively early in its lifecycle, the Equinox-EV may experience typical first-generation issues as initial bugs are worked out. Buyers often find mature platforms like the XC60's more reliable than newer ones.

Verdict

The Volvo XC60 is more reliable than the Chevrolet Equinox-EV, scoring 74/100 vs 69/100.

The Volvo XC60 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Chevrolet Equinox-EV, with an average reliability score of 74/100 versus 66/100 for the Equinox-EV. Despite having more total recalls over a longer period, the XC60 has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 5.3 per 10,000 sold compared to the Equinox-EV's 29.7. Additionally, the XC60's estimated annual repair cost of $746 provides a clear view of maintenance expectations, which is unavailable for the Equinox-EV. Both models face issues with their electrical systems, but the XC60's overall lower complaint rate and established reliability history make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

1Chevrolet Equinox-EV has 35 fewer total recalls
2Volvo XC60 has 24.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Volvo XC60 scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Equinox-EV

—

2Volvo XC60

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Volvo XC60
Reliability Score	69/100	74/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	7	42
Complaints per 10k Sold	29.7	5.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	1	1

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 and Chevrolet Equinox-EV exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Volvo XC60 showing a higher concentration of complaints in the Electrical System at 81 reports, including 5 crash-linked incidents, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV's most significant issue lies in the Visibility/Wiper category, accounting for nearly half of its complaints at 126 reports, though none are crash-linked. Both models share issues with the Service Brakes, but the Equinox-EV has a slightly higher number of crash-linked complaints in this area. Overall, while the XC60's electrical issues stand out, the Equinox-EV struggles predominantly with visibility-related problems.

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60 common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Volvo XC60
VISIBILITY/WIPER	14.5Above Avg	0.2Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.9Average	0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.2Low	1.8Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	2.9Low	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	2.3Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	0.7Very Low	0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.9Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.5Very Low	0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.3Very Low	0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	0.2Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	—None
TIRES	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
ENGINE	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Equinox-EV or Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 has an annual repair cost of $746, with an average of 0.5 repair visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs, according to independent repair cost data. This translates to a potential outlay of $3,730 over five years, assuming no major repairs occur. In contrast, specific repair cost data for the Chevrolet Equinox-EV is not available, but electric vehicles typically have lower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts and less frequent oil changes. For cost-conscious buyers, the Volvo XC60 offers predictability in repair costs, but the Equinox-EV may provide a more economical option in the long run due to the generally lower maintenance requirements of electric vehicles. Additionally, the XC60's higher major repair risk might be a consideration for those prioritizing reliability.

How Does Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60 Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Volvo XC60	Edge
2026	76/1000R / 0C	74/1003R / 4C	Chevrolet Equinox-EV
2025	64/1006R / 153C	76/1004R / 22C	Volvo XC60

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox-EV scored 76/100 and the 2025 Volvo XC60 scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs the Volvo XC60?

If you prioritize reliability and lower repair frequency, the Volvo XC60 might be your best choice. With a reliability score of 74/100, it surpasses the Chevrolet Equinox-EV's score of 66/100. The XC60 also has fewer owner complaints, with 5.3 per 10,000 sold, and an estimated annual repair cost of $746 based on independent estimates. Furthermore, its major repair risk is only 7%, highlighting its dependability. On the other hand, if your main concern is avoiding recalls, you might lean towards the Chevrolet Equinox-EV, which has had only 7 recalls compared to the XC60's 42. However, be mindful of the higher number of owner complaints at 29.7 per 10,000 sold. The Equinox-EV may suit you if you value recall management but are willing to navigate some initial teething issues, especially around visibility and collision avoidance systems.

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volvo XC60: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV more reliable than the Volvo XC60?: Based on our data, the Volvo XC60 is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Volvo XC60?: The Volvo XC60 has more recalls (42) compared to the Chevrolet Equinox-EV (7). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Volvo XC60?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Volvo XC60 has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 29.7 for the Chevrolet Equinox-EV. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or Volvo XC60 safer?: Both the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Volvo XC60 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Chevrolet Equinox-EV comparisons

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Volkswagen ID-4 reliability Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Honda Prologue reliability Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Audi Q5 reliability Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Lexus NX reliability Chevrolet Equinox-EV reliability by year Chevrolet Equinox-EV years to avoid

More Volvo XC60 comparisons

Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q3 reliability Volvo XC60 vs BMW X1 reliability Volvo XC60 reliability by year Volvo XC60 years to avoid

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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