Which is the cheapest version of the Citroen C5 Aircross?
In general, C5 Aircross petrol models are cheaper than the diesel or plug-in-hybrid versions.
Here’s a breakdown of prices for petrol versus diesel models, based on CarGurus listings for 2019-2020 cars with less than 60,000 miles on the clock:
Citroen C5 Aircross prices (2019-2020 models, up to 60k mileage)*
| Model |
Petrol manual |
Petrol automatic |
Diesel manual |
Diesel automatic |
| Average price |
£8,667 |
£11,598 |
£9,644 |
£11,752 |
Our data shows that, with a manual gearbox, you’ll pay about 11% more for a diesel Citroen C5 Aircross than for a petrol one. Go for an automatic and there’s little difference in price, regardless of fuel type. That’s partly because the majority of petrol automatics of that era came with the more powerful of the two petrol engines available (see the model history at the bottom of the page for more info).
If you’re looking at a newer model, you’ll also have the choice of a plug-in hybrid, since this version joined the range in mid-2020. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for 2023-2024 models that have covered less than 50,000 miles (note that by this time the diesel was automatic-only):
Citroen C5 Aircross prices (2023-2024 models, up to 50k mileage)*
| Model |
Petrol manual |
Petrol automatic |
Diesel automatic |
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) |
| Average price |
£12,940 |
£15,059 |
£15,312 |
£15,625 |
How does the Citroen C5 Aircross compare with other mid-size SUVs?
Key rivals for the C5 Aircross include cars such as the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq.
While it isn’t the most exciting car in its class to drive, the C5 Aircross does have some standout features. Firstly, it has a soft ride and cushy seats that make it especially comfortable. It’s also extremely practical, with three full-size rear seats that each slide and recline. A flat floor provides lots of foot space, while a boot capacity of 580 litres with the rear seats slid fully back (460 litres for PHEV models) is larger than average.
While the C5 Aircross isn’t always the cheapest option, it’s one of the most affordable cars in its class. Here’s how it compares with two of its most popular rivals – the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai – based on CarGurus listings for 2019-2020 manual petrol models with less than 60,000 miles on the clock:
Citroen C5 Aircross prices vs Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai (2019-2020 petrol models)*
| Model |
Citroen C5 Aircross |
Kia Sportage |
Nissan Qashqai |
| Average price |
£8,667 |
£10,078 |
£8,595 |
An earlier C5 Aircross arguably offers the best value. As our data shows, a 2019 or 2020 model costs about £1,400 less than a Kia Sportage of the same age and about the same as a Nissan Qashqai. The C5 Aircross has a more modern look and feel, however, because it was introduced in 2019: the Qashqai and Sportage were launched in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
A newer C5 Aircross still gives you a lot for your money, even if the Nissan Qashqai is again slightly cheaper on average. Here’s how prices compare for 2023/2024 manual petrol cars with sub-50k mileage.
Citroen C5 Aircross prices vs Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai (2023/2024 petrol models)*
| Model |
Citroen C5 Aircross |
Kia Sportage |
Nissan Qashqai |
| Average price |
£12,940 |
£14,584 |
£12,105 |
Citroen C5 Aircross: which trims are available?
Even the earliest, entry-level C5 Aircross models come impressively well-equipped. In terms of tech and safety, you actually get most of the features that you would in many brand-new equivalents.
Initially, three trim levels were available: Feel, Flair and Flair Plus. Entry-level Feel trim is a rare find, accounting for only 4% of used C5 Aircross listings on CarGurus at the time of writing. It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Mid-spec Flair is the most popular trim, accounting for 52% of listings at the time of writing. It adds features such as 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, a reversing camera, electrically folding door mirrors, satnav and electric driver’s seat adjustment.
Top-spec Flair Plus made up the remaining 44% of listings. Standard features include 19-inch alloys, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, a wireless device charger and a range of cosmetic upgrades.
Safety equipment is comprehensive, even by today’s standards. Automatic braking, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring systems are standard across the board. Top-spec Flair Plus models come with active cruise control and a driver-attention alert system. They also add Highway Driver Assist, which can gently steer the car to keep it centred in its lane on the motorway.
The three core trim levels were later renamed Shine, Shine Plus and C-Series. Then, as part of a mid-lifecycle update in 2022, they were changed to Sense Plus, Shine and C-Series Edition.
Standard spec was upgraded as part of the update and all post-2022 models have additional desirable features such as LED headlights, front parking sensors, a rear-view camera, electrically folding door mirrors, a 10.0-inch centre touchscreen, keyless entry and 18-inch (or larger) alloy wheels as standard.
Well-equipped e-Series and Max trim levels were added later, while towards the end of its model run, the mk1 C5 Aircross was sold only in high-spec Plus or Max Edition trims.
Why is the Citroen C5 Aircross so cheap?
The Citroen C5 Aircross is so affordable as a used buy for a few reasons. First and foremost, Citroen’s cars are generally priced below average when new. On top of that, it often offers discounts or promotions that knock money off the list price.
Citroens are also popular with car rental companies and business fleet buyers, who buy in bulk at discounted prices. When these cars hit the used market at the end of their lease or rental agreements, the glut of vehicles pushes values down.
Then there’s plain old depreciation. Most Citroens simply don’t hold their value particularly well, due to factors such as heavy discounting when new, polarising styling and historic concerns over reliability and build quality.
Is a used Citroen C5 Aircross reliable?
The Citroen C5 Aircross, like most modern Citroens, has neither a particularly good nor particularly bad reputation for reliability. In the 2026 What Car? Reliability Survey, for example, the C5 Aircross was placed 37th out of 76 cars in the Family SUV category.
Common issues include unexplained warning lights and infotainment glitches, although these are usually fairly quick and easy to fix. Diesel versions can suffer from DPF issues if they’re used mainly for short trips, while some owners have reported minor battery related faults with PHEV versions.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine – which has been used for various Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall models – can be problematic. Faulty sensors can cause it to run roughly, while pre-2023 versions can suffer from timing belt failure (a potentially very costly problem) and excessive oil use if not serviced according to schedule. Post-2023 mild-hybrid versions of this engine have a timing chain, rather than a belt, that largely eradicates the problem.
The first-generation C5 Aircross is the subject of more than 10 recalls, so it’s worth using the gov.uk recall checker to see if any apply to a particular car you’re interested in. It’s free, and you just need to enter the car’s registration number.
Should I buy a Citroen C5 Aircross?
The Citroen C5 Aircross can be a great buy if you’re looking for a family SUV that costs less than many alternatives and is comfortable, practical and well-equipped.
Earlier versions can be remarkably affordable, and although post-2022 models aren’t as cheap, they do have some useful spec upgrades. In either case, opting for a car with a good service history is recommended, and it’s worth checking that any recall work has been carried out.
Citroen C5 Aircross model history
The Citroen C5 Aircross went on sale in February 2019 in the UK as a five-door, five-seat mid-size SUV available only with front-wheel drive.
The most popular engine options were a 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel, both of which were available with either a manual or automatic gearbox (although not in all years). Higher-powered, auto-only 1.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel models were available early on in the car’s lifecycle.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that combines the 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor joined the range in mid-2020. It’s automatic-only and has a pure electric range of about 34 miles.
A facelift in mid-2022 gave the C5 Aircross a mild makeover. A new design for the front bumper and headlights are the key exterior changes, while the interior got a new-look dashboard with a larger centre touchscreen.
A mild-hybrid version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine was introduced in 2023, bringing slightly more power and improved fuel economy. It’s available only with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The range was slimmed down over the years, with only the mild-hybrid and PHEV versions offered towards the end of the model run. An all-new C5 Aircross - available with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric power - was introduced in 2025.
*Figures based on the lowest-priced examples (sample size of 10) that had a ‘Great Deal’, ‘Good Deal’ or ‘Fair Deal’ CarGurus Instant Market Value (IMV) rating.
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