2026 Citroen C5 Aircross: Can “Living‑Room Comfort” Really Challenge The RAV4, Tucson, And The Rest?

In Europe’s packed compact‑SUV class, Stellantis is betting on a “one platform, many personalities” strategy. Under the skin, several models share the same architecture and tech, but each is tuned for a different type of buyer: the adventure‑leaning Jeep Compass, the stylish Peugeot 3008, the sensible Opel Grandland—and the Citroen C5 Aircross, which leans hard into one core promise: comfort. The fully redesigned 2026 C5 Aircross is longer, wider, more modern and more digital, and it’s trying to convince families that being the softest, calmest SUV in the class matters more than being the fastest or sportiest.

Positioning: Citroen Comfort vs. Jeep Adventure

• The new C5 Aircross sits on Stellantis’s STLA Medium platform (an evolution of EMP2), sharing genes with the Peugeot 3008 and Opel Grandland, but tuned very differently.​

• Where the Jeep Compass sells an adventurous, rugged image, Citroen goes almost to the opposite extreme: relaxed driving manners, heavy sound insulation, and a cabin that feels more like a lounge than a traditional SUV interior.​

This makes the C5 Aircross stand out in a field where many SUVs try to be “all things to all people.”

Hybrid Powertrain: Modest Numbers, Comfort‑First Calibration

• The tested model is the Hybrid 145, pairing:

  • A 1.2‑liter three‑cylinder turbo petrol engine (around 134 hp, 230 Nm).

  • A 48‑volt mild‑hybrid setup with a 28 hp electric motor and a 0.9 kWh battery.​

• On paper:

  • 0–100 km/h in about 11.2 seconds—slower than the previous comparable versions.

  • Top speed around 201 km/h.

  • WLTP fuel economy of roughly 5.4 l/100 km.​

On the road, the mild hybrid:

• Smooths low‑speed urban driving and stop‑start traffic.

• Struggles to feel lively when you floor it; the three‑cylinder sounds rough when pushed hard, despite better overall sound insulation compared to the previous generation.

Quick Comparison – Old vs. New C5 Aircross (1.2 Petrol)

Figures based on manufacturer and market data for EU models.​

Exterior Design: Bigger, Bolder, More Contemporary

• The new car has grown by about 150 mm in length and 60 mm in wheelbase, which improves stance and proportions.​

• The front is wider and more assertive:

  • Boxier headlights.

  • Black trim sections that visually widen and lower the car.

• At the rear:

  • Slim, protruding LED tail lights add a futuristic touch and emphasize the muscular rear shoulders.

  • Despite its larger footprint, Citroen says aerodynamics have improved.

Different trims wear 18‑, 19‑ or 20‑inch wheels, and the Max trim adds subtle gold accents in the bumpers and side skirts.

Lounge‑Like Cabin: Big Screen, Thought‑Out Storage, and Cushy Seats

• The interior’s centerpiece is a 13‑inch “Waterfall” touchscreen—the largest used in any Stellantis product to date—dominating the center console.​

  • It looks dramatic, but part of the screen is permanently reserved for climate controls, and the UI doesn’t fully exploit all that real estate.

• Thankfully, Citroen kept:

  • A physical volume knob.

  • A row of shortcut buttons under the display, reducing menu‑diving.

• A 10‑inch digital instrument cluster covers the basics; in Max trim, it’s paired with a wide head‑up display that works well to keep your eyes on the road.

• The steering wheel is smaller than before (though not as tiny as in the C3), with fresh buttons and paddle shifters replacing the old PSA‑era cruise‑control stalk.

Storage has been reworked:

• The central armrest bin is a bit shallower.

• A new lower shelf provides USB‑C ports and cupholders.

• Freed‑up upper space now houses the wireless charging pad, compact gear selector, and drive‑mode switches.

Seating and Space: Comfort Is the Main Event

• The seats are the true highlight:

  • Thicker foam and softer cushioning.

  • Better lateral support.

  • Noticeably improved long‑journey comfort, especially in the rear bench.

• Owners of the previous C5 Aircross may miss:

  • The three independent sliding rear seats.

• But the new model compensates with:

  • A wider cabin.

  • More legroom.

  • No real penalty in headroom.

Boot space is now 651 liters including under‑floor storage, comfortably surpassing the previous car in usable volume.

Material Quality and Cabin Ambience

• Despite Citroen’s “budget‑side” positioning within Stellantis, the interior doesn’t feel cheap:

  • Soft‑touch fabrics on the dash.

  • Pleasant, upmarket seat materials.

• There are still hard plastics in lower areas, and piano‑black trim on the doors and console that smudges easily, but overall perceived quality is good for buyers prioritizing comfort over ultra‑premium finishes.

On the Road: Comfort First, Handling Far Down the List

• The signature Citroen suspension with “progressive hydraulic cushions” feels even softer in this generation, doing an impressive job of ironing out broken Greek roads, even on 19‑inch wheels.​

• The C5 Aircross remains one of the most comfortable compact SUVs in its class—arguably the most comfortable.

Trade‑offs:

• There is noticeable body roll in corners, though not to a worrying level if you drive as the car intends: gently and smoothly.

• Steering:

  • Very light and more disconnected than before.

  • The previous generation wasn’t exactly sharp, but this one feels even less involving, which will disappoint enthusiastic drivers.

This is an SUV built for calm progress, not canyon runs.

Performance, Powertrains, and Alternatives

• The mild‑hybrid 1.2 cannot match the punch of the old diesel options—something diesel owners will feel immediately if they “upgrade.”

• The PHEV version (~193 hp combined) is the fastest in the range, despite having less peak power than the full‑electric variant (up to ~227 hp in Long Range spec).

• The full EV aims at drivers who want quiet running and fuel savings, with higher upfront cost and charging considerations.

• Currently, the entire C5 Aircross lineup is FWD only, but a dual‑motor AWD EV is rumored, in line with what Opel Grandland and Peugeot 3008/5008 siblings are doing.

Pricing and Rivals in Europe

Using Greece as a reference market:

• Mild‑hybrid C5 Aircross starts around €29,900, roughly €2,200 more than the last heavily discounted diesels.

• The battery‑electric version starts at €37,900 (pre‑subsidy).

• The plug‑in hybrid starts at €44,900, with the Max PHEV topping the range at about €48,900.

Trims:

• You (base) – surprisingly well equipped:

  • LED headlights.

  • 18‑inch wheels.

  • Dual‑zone climate.

  • 13‑inch infotainment, 10‑inch digital cluster, and full ADAS suite.

• Plus (mid‑spec).

• Max (top‑spec) – adds:

  • Large head‑up display.

  • Matrix LED Vision headlights.

  • Air‑quality system.

  • Heated seats and steering wheel.

  • Ambient lighting and more advanced driver assists.

  • Optional panoramic roof (~€1,426 extra).

Key rivals in the compact‑SUV segment:

• Internal Stellantis rivals: Peugeot 3008/5008, Opel Grandland, Jeep Compass.

• Others: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, VW Tiguan, Renault Austral, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, Skoda Karoq/Kodiaq.

Expert Verdict: Who Is the New C5 Aircross Really For?

Testing shows Citroen didn’t try to turn the C5 Aircross into a “sporty” crossover. Instead, it doubled down on:

• Ride comfort.

• Cabin space.

• Quietness and ease of use.

That makes it:

• An excellent choice for:

  • Families who mainly drive in cities and on highways.

  • Buyers prioritizing soft seats, relaxed suspension, and generous interior room over on‑limit handling.

• A weaker choice for:

  • Enthusiasts who want steering feel and playful cornering.

  • Former diesel owners looking for similar torque and punch from a mild‑hybrid petrol.

In a crowded market where many SUVs try to be a little bit of everything, the 2026 Citroen C5 Aircross chooses a clearer identity: the comfort king with SUV practicality. Whether that’s enough to win over buyers from more “multi‑talented” rivals will be decided in the sales charts—but for those who care more about calm journeys than cornering thrills, it’s a very strong contender.