A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a comfortable family SUV that doesn’t break the bank? The Citroen C5 Aircross might just tick all your boxes. This French crossover puts comfort first, offering a surprisingly refined driving experience wrapped up in a practical and spacious package. It’s designed for families who want space, efficiency, and that distinctive French flair without the premium price tag of German rivals.
From the outside, the C5 Aircross certainly stands out with its bold styling and chunky plastic cladding. It looks more adventurous than many competitors like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. Step inside and you’ll find one of the most comfortable interiors in this class. The seats are genuinely supportive, and the ride quality is exceptionally smooth, making it ideal for long family trips or daily commutes.
What really sets the C5 Aircross apart is its focus on passenger comfort over sporty handling. The suspension soaks up bumps beautifully, creating a relaxed and peaceful driving environment. While it might not be the sharpest handler in its class, it excels at what most families actually need: a quiet, comfortable, and practical SUV that makes every journey more pleasant. With competitive pricing and strong equipment levels, it offers excellent value in the crowded family crossover market.
What's the Citroen C5 Like to Drive?
The Citroen C5 Aircross prioritises comfort and efficiency over outright performance, and that’s exactly what most buyers want. The petrol engine range includes a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo producing 130hp, which provides adequate power for most situations. There’s also a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo option delivering 180hp for those wanting extra punch. The plug-in hybrid variant combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 225hp, offering the best of both worlds.
Where the C5 Aircross truly excels is in its ride quality and refinement. This comfortable SUV glides over road imperfections with remarkable composure, thanks to Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension system. The steering is light and easy around town, though it lacks the precision of sportier rivals. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, creating a serene cabin environment that passengers will appreciate. It’s not designed to thrill on twisty roads, but it delivers exactly what families need: a smooth, stress-free driving experience.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.2L 3-cylinder turbo / 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo
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Power Output
130 - 225 bhp (with PHEV)
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0-60 mph
9.7 - 7.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 235 mpg (PHEV mode)
- Boot Space
- 580 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Citroen C5?
Open the doors and you’ll immediately notice the C5 Aircross feels more premium than its price suggests. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system that controls most functions. Material quality is generally good, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and attractive trim inserts. The driving position is excellent, with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to find your perfect setup.
The real star of the show is passenger comfort. The front seats are genuinely supportive with excellent cushioning, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom. Even the middle seat is usable thanks to the flat floor. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration, automatic climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Higher trim levels add luxuries like heated seats, wireless phone charging, and a premium sound system that further enhance the upmarket feel.
The Citroen C5 Aircross succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: provide maximum comfort and practicality at a reasonable price. The ride quality is genuinely exceptional, making it one of the most comfortable SUVs you can buy at any price. The spacious interior and large boot make it ideal for families, while the efficient engines keep running costs manageable.
Is the Citroen C5 Expensive to Run?
The C5 Aircross offers competitive running costs that make it attractive for budget-conscious families. The 1.2-litre petrol engine returns around 45-50 mpg in real-world driving, while the plug-in hybrid can achieve over 100 mpg if you regularly charge the battery. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically falling in groups 15-20 depending on the engine and trim level chosen.
Purchase prices start from around £28,000 for the basic petrol model, rising to £40,000 for fully loaded hybrid versions. This represents good value compared to German premium rivals. Depreciation is moderate, though not as strong as some Korean alternatives. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Citroen offers competitive warranty packages. car finance options are widely available, making monthly payments manageable for most budgets. The plug-in hybrid also qualifies for various government incentives and lower company car tax rates.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Citroen C5
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £28,000 | £26,500 | £29,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.2L turbo 130hp | 1.3L turbo 140hp | 1.6L turbo 150hp |
| Power | 130 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.4 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 48 mpg | 44 mpg | 42 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 580 litres | 504 litres | 591 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Superior comfort, Smooth ride, Spacious interior | Sharp handling, Good build quality, Proven reliability | Long warranty, Modern tech, Sporty styling |
Citroen C5 Practicality & Boot Space
The C5 Aircross excels in practical terms, offering genuine family-friendly usability. The 580-litre boot is one of the largest in its class, easily accommodating everything from weekly shopping to holiday luggage. The rear seats fold flat to create an enormous load bay, and there’s a useful underfloor storage area for keeping valuable items out of sight. Numerous storage pockets and cupholders throughout the cabin help keep family clutter organised.
Inside, space is genuinely impressive for all passengers. Adults will be comfortable in the back seats even on longer journeys, while children have plenty of room to stretch out. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, and the large doors make getting in and out easy. It’s an ideal choice for growing families who need maximum space and comfort. Compared to other used Citroen cars, the C5 Aircross represents the brand’s most practical and versatile offering.
We’ve had our C5 Aircross for six months now and love how comfortable it is on long trips. The ride is incredibly smooth and there’s loads of room for the kids and all their stuff. The only minor niggle is the infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond.
The Citroen C5 Aircross stands out in the competitive family SUV market by prioritising the things that matter most to real families: comfort, space, and value. It offers one of the smoothest rides in its class, generous interior space, and competitive running costs wrapped up in distinctive French styling. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels at making every journey more comfortable and pleasant.
You choose the C5 Aircross because you want a family SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality. Its focus on passenger well-being over sporting pretensions makes it perfect for families who value a stress-free driving experience. With strong equipment levels and competitive pricing, it represents excellent value in the family crossover segment.
