The Citroën C5 Aircross was first introduced for the 2016/2017 model year and it became one of the most popular Citroën models immediately. It is a compact crossover/SUV that prioritizes space, ergonomics, and is really easy to drive and live with. So, is Citroën C5 Aircross a good car?
If you are after a family crossover/SUV that does not break the bank, yet also offers everything you expect from a modern-day family car, the C5 Aircross is indeed a really good car. It comes with a choice of a few diesel and gasoline engines including a hybrid for those who want to save the environment and benefit from better fuel efficiency.
The C5 Aircross certainly does look interesting with its design, especially the post-facelift 2022 model which even looks fairly eye-catching. The interior of the C5 Aircross is interesting as well, but it surely is no luxury car. Reliability-wise, it is okay, but there are some issues worth talking about in greater detail.
When it comes to value, you are getting a lot of car for the money, especially if you go for one used. One of the best aspects of the C5 Aircross is its practicality as the car offers an abundance of seating and trunk space. It comes with lots of family-friendly features and is easy to see out off.
Citroën C5 Aircross – The powertrain
The Citroën C5 Aircross engine palette consists of four different engine options. If you want a gasoline-powered C5 Aircross, you will have to go with the 1.2L 3-cylinder in-line engine with 130hp and 169lb-ft of torque. This engine is able to return up to 35MPG if you go with the automatic gearbox or 40MPG if you go for a manual.
The C5 Aircross can also be had with a 1.3L in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine that offers 130hp 221lb-ft of torque. The reason why you should go with the diesel is that it offers up to 45MPG. However, the most efficient C5 Aircross model is the hybrid, the C5 Aircross 225.
This model comes with a 4-cylinder 1.6L gasoline engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 181hp and 221lb-ft of torque. It gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox and returns up to 168MPG which is what makes the 225 the best C5 Aircross model out there. All versions of the C5 Aircross are FWD.
Citroën C5 Aircross – Design and chassis
When it comes to design, the C5 Aircross is really interesting, especially after the 2022 refresh which gave the car a new set of futuristic-looking headlights and more futuristic trim pieces. The interior of the C5 Aircross is also interesting, especially with all the modern-day screens. However, the C5 is no luxury car and that is rather obvious the moment you step inside.
The chassis and suspension tuning is solely focused on comfort and ease of use which means that the car feels soft and fairly well dampened. You do feel lots of body roll while going through corners swiftly, but the C5 Aircross was never intended to be a sports car anyway.
Citroën C5 Aircross – Reliability and common issues
Reliability-wise, the C5 Aircross is okay, but there are some issues we are going to discuss in more detail. For starters, the car experiences various electrical issues with systems such as the ECU, the lights, the power window, the infotainment system, and the car’s connectivity suite.
Other issues include problems with the equipment such as the sunroof and certain trim pieces, issues with fuel leaks, issues with the DPF (diesel particulate filter), and issues with the car’s emissions. The C5 Aircross is not all that expensive to maintain, but it does need maintenance fairly often.
Citroën C5 Aircross – Value and practicality
The Citroën C5 Aircross is not the most expensive crossover/SUV out there which is why so many people are interested in buying it. 2nd hand models are priced really affordably which makes them great used car purchases. From a value standpoint, the C5 Aircross is really good, but not as good as from the practicality standpoint.
With five doors, large seats, and large trunk space, the C5 Aircross is a perfect car for longer journeys as it sits 4/5 adults without any issues. It is also a car that is easy to get in and out of, and one that offers a bunch of family-friendly features.
FAQ Section
How long can the Citroën C5 Aircross last?
It is extremely difficult to say how long any car can last, but we can certainly say that many things you do can affect that. So, if you maintain your C5 Aircross whenever that is necessary, you are likely going to get a lot of life out of it. These cars should be able to last at least 100,000 to 200,000 miles without needing major overhauls.
However, it is more important to do what you have to do than it is how well a car “could” potentially be after 10 years of continuous use.
Is the Citroën C5 Aircross a luxury car?
In the last decade or so, we constantly see economy-level cars with technology that was once only reserved for true luxury cars. The C5 Aircross is one of those cars you can get with loads of awesome entertainment and safety features which do make the car feel more luxurious than it really is.
This does not make the C5 Aircross a luxury car, but it does somewhat bridge the gap between affordable luxury crossover/SUVs and these higher-end mid-level economy cars. If the technology continues to trickle down to more affordable cars, things could get a lot more confusing.
Is the Citroën C5 Aircross an SUV?
The shape of the Citroën C5 Aircross does resemble an SUV when you look at it and many outlets tend to call the C5 an SUV, but that is not the case. First of all, the C5 Aircross is more of a crossover than it is an SUV. Secondly, it does not get AWD nor does it get any equipment we are used to seeing on true SUVs.