Citroen C5 Aircross review

The C5 Aircross – launched back in 2017 – is a fairly conventional (by Citroen’s standards) family SUV. But there is one major difference versus a normal family crossover, a difference that speaks to Citroen's Picasso MPV heritage. Each of the three rear seats is individual, and can be slid back and forth and reclines. That's good for passenger comfort and boot space versatility. It also makes kids feel happier and more important, having a seat to themselves.

In early 2022 it received a mid-life facelift with a slightly tweaked look (though you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference), enhanced tech, and revised trim levels. Key rivals include the likes of the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq, and Vauxhall Grandland, among others.

A 2024 change is to swap out the rather unrefined 1.2-litre turbo engine and eight-speed transmission pairing for a modified (and much quieter) version of that engine plus a mild-hybrid dual-clutch six-speed gearbox.

Just another in the hordes of family crossovers?

The C5 Aircross has managed to bust out of the SUV mould by cheerfully rejecting the notion that such cars should sacrifice everything that makes them half-decent in pursuit of relentless sportiness. Who wants their little darlings chundering in the rear footwells while the dog howls as it's flung about the boot?

Instead, like other recent Citroens, the C5 Aircross's shape articulates an inner comfort and a good-natured practicality.

Rounded corners and smooth surfaces bleed away any aggression from the looks. But the geometric simplicity and straight lines give it a formal vibe, saving it from any melted cuddliness. Airbumps bubble wrap the lower bodywork against the biffs of urban life.

Is it as comfortable as Citroen claims?

Pleasantly so. It wafts along easily and absorbs most imperfections in the road, though don't expect any miracles when it comes to the worst of our potholed roads. The steering too is feather-light, and while it can feel a little vague at times, this is a car that eases itself into family life.

The cabin uses all of Citroen's people carrier experience in pursuit of calmness for all passengers, as well as inanimate clobber. The seats use a novel construction to pamper your backside: it's a genuine pleasure to sink into them. The boot and in-cabin boxes are pretty huge too.

Whats's under the bonnet? 

The C5 Aircross is available with a 1.2-litre 130bhp petrol manual. Diesel is a 130bhp auto. Then comes a 1.2-litre petrol 48V mild hybrid set-up, or a 1.6-litre petrol plus e-motor – that’s the plug-in hybrid. The latter offers up to 34 miles of EV range, useful if you’re able to get a plug put in at home for charging.

Prices start from £26,670 for the petrol manual. The PHEV starts at £35,735. As ever, whether it’s worth the sizeable jump in price depends on how much you run it in electric mode.

We'd find it hard to scratch our driving itch by using one of these full-time. It's a bit too laid back. But that's just us. When you look at the way family crossovers are used and driven, the C5 Aircross is impeccably targeted.

It looks smart without being pushy. The cabin is also visually literate without any po-faced seriousness. It's quiet and easy to drive. Most of all it's extremely habitable: useful, comfortable, roomy, versatile. A part-of-the-family kind of car.