@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
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Citroen C5 Aircross vs Dacia Duster – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Citroen C5 Aircross or Dacia Duster fits your lifestyle better.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Understanding the Competition: Citroen C5 Aircross vs. Dacia Duster

The automotive market is packed with choices, particularly in the SUV segment. Among the contenders, the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Dacia Duster stand out as compelling options. In this comparison, we will explore their technical specifications, innovations, and features to help you make a more informed decision.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Technical Specifications

When it comes to technical metrics, both the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Dacia Duster present robust offerings, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.

Powertrains and Performance

The Citroen C5 Aircross offers a wider range of powertrains, including Diesel, Petrol MHEV, and Plug-in Hybrid options, with power outputs ranging from 131 HP to an impressive 224 HP. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is notably swift, with the hybrid variant clocking in at just 8.9 seconds. The Dacia Duster, on the other hand, offers a choice of Petrol MHEV, LPG, and Full Hybrid engines, with outputs varied between 91 HP and 140 HP, and acceleration times peaking at 9.9 seconds.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Both vehicles feature front-wheel drive configurations, but the Dacia Duster offers additional all-wheel-drive options for those needing more capability on challenging terrains. The Citroen C5 Aircross employs an automatic transmission setup, while the Dacia Duster provides a blend of manual and automated manual options.

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

In terms of fuel economy, the C5 Aircross excels, particularly with its Plug-in Hybrid variant boasting a combined consumption of just 1.4 L per 100 km. The Duster, while less efficient, holds its own with competitive figures, especially its full hybrid variant at 5.0 L/100 km. CO2 emissions are also worth noting, with the C5 Aircross exhibiting impressive figures of just 32 g/km for its hybrid model, compared to the Duster’s range of 114 to 147 g/km.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Innovations and Features

Innovative features are excellent indicators of a vehicle’s modernity and usability. Both SUVs have integrated technologies enhancing comfort and safety.

Interior and Comfort

The Citroen C5 Aircross shines in interior comfort, featuring a spacious cabin with a trunk capacity of 580 liters, ideal for families and luggage. It emphasizes a premium feel with high-quality materials and advanced climate control. The Dacia Duster, with its 453 liters of trunk space, may offer less room but compensates with a practical and simplified interior design, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Safety Technologies

In terms of safety, the Citroen C5 Aircross is equipped with a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and advanced braking systems are available, enhancing peace of mind. The Dacia Duster offers essential safety features, including multiple airbags and stability control, but may lack some of the more advanced driver assistance systems found in the C5 Aircross.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Conclusion: Which SUV Is Right for You?

In summary, the Citroen C5 Aircross and Dacia Duster each bring unique strengths to the table. The C5 Aircross is tailor-made for consumers looking for luxury, comfort, and a wide array of engine options, particularly those interested in hybrid technology. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster appeals to practicality and affordability, with solid fuel economy and essential features for a budget-friendly SUV.

Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints. Whatever your priorities, both SUVs are formidable competitors and offer distinct advantages that are sure to meet a variety of driving expectations.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Dacia Duster has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the Citroen C5 Aircross costs 29100 £. That’s a price difference of around 12857 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C5 Aircross manages with 2.50 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.70 L. The difference is about 2.20 L per 100 km.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Citroen C5 Aircross has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 210 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 52 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Citroen C5 Aircross is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 8.30 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 1.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs a bit better – reaching 220 km/h, while the Dacia Duster tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Citroen C5 Aircross pulls evident stronger with 300 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 70 Nm difference.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Duster is somewhat lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 252 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers barely noticeable more room – 565 L compared to 517 L. That’s a difference of about 48 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs slight better – up to 1668 L, which is about 59 L more than the Dacia Duster.

When it comes to payload, Citroen C5 Aircross hardly perceptible takes the win – 471 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 18 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Citroen C5 Aircross shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £29,100
C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C5 Aircross

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 145 - 210 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 5.4 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 17 kWh
  • Electric Range : 81 - 520 km

Citroen C5 Aircross

The Citroën C5 Aircross feels like a sofa on wheels, delivering a calm, floaty ride and clever packaging that makes life with luggage and kids noticeably easier. Quirky French styling and a supremely practical, family-focused cabin mean it quietly wins hearts by prioritising comfort over showroom bravado.

details

Dacia Duster

5 (1)
rate

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

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Citroen C5 Aircross
Dacia Duster
C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 41600 £
Price
16300 - 24900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
17.8 - 73 kWh
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
107 - 124 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1629 - 2184 kg
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Length
4650 mm
Length
4343 mm
Width
1870 mm
Width
1813 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Max trunk capacity
1668 L
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
450 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 210 HP
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Max Speed
170 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
107 - 157 kW
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Dacia
What drive types are available for the Citroen C5 Aircross?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.