Safety on the other hand has long been a Citroen strong point, but this model is still too new to have an official Euro NCAP rating. However, with excellent credentials and a strong list of safety kit, we expect it to achieve a full five-star rating.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | NA |
| Adult occupant protection | NA |
| Child occupant protection | NA |
| Vulnerable road user protection | NA |
| Safety assist | NA |
There’s such a wide spread of different powertrain options that the C5 Aircross to choose will depend on your personal circumstances. We feel that for the average buyer, the base hybrid is the weakest powertrain option with the EV making the most sense.
We’d also avoid the top-spec Max model, as its extra cost undermines the value-led proposition of the C5 Aircoss, especially when all the real USP features, such as the cabin space and technology interface, are standard across the range. We’d also avoid upsized wheels, and while the panoramic glass roof is nice, feels expensive at £1,100.
Citroen C5 Aircross alternatives
The Citroen C5 Aircross operates within a huge glut of competitors in the mid-size SUV class. Within the Stellantis group, these include the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the new Jeep Compass and Vauxhall Grandland – all of which are available with the same combination of hybrid, PHEV and EV powertrains.
Outside of the Stellantis group sit the popular Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, both of which come with hybrid and PHEV powertrains. These are popular options, but aren’t class leading. Toyota’s RAV4 is practical and very reliable, but limited in terms of engine choice in the UK with only the expensive PHEV available. The Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester are left-field and rugged Japanese alternatives, with the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V offering more road-biased options.
There’s also Ford’s Kuga and Explorer, Renault’s half-baked Austral and excellent Scenic, and the VW has its own options including the excellent Tiguan and the ID.4. Elsewhere in the VW Group, Cupra’s Terramar matches the Tiguan’s powertrain options and Skoda’s Kodaiq ups the game with more space for less money.
Chinese offerings, such as the MG HS, BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7, all follow a similar theme of impressive numbers, lots of tech and low prices, but also place a lower priority on driving dynamics and comfort.
The gist is that, for the class, the C5 Aircross offers lots of car, for not much money, with good tech, lots of space, a comfortable ride and a distinctive character. It’s not class leading in any one area, but offers a compelling combination of factors for family car buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the new C5 Aircross offers a combination of space, tech and comfort that raise it above the competition, while also undercutting most rivals in terms of price.
