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Citroen C5 Aircross vs Nissan Qashqai comparison

Compare performance (225 HP vs 205 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 29,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C5 Aircross or Nissan Qashqai?

Citroen C5 Aircross vs Nissan Qashqai: Key differences

Citroen C5 Aircross

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • slightly more trunk space
details

Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

C5 Aircross

Overview: Citroen C5 Aircross VS Nissan Qashqai

Citroen C5 Aircross and Nissan Qashqai sit on the same family‑SUV turf but take very different approaches to everyday life. The Citroen plays the comfort card hard: soft suspension, plush seats and a roomy, easy‑to‑use load area that turn long drives into relaxed cruises. The Qashqai leans on modern tech and an EV‑like driving feel, prioritising low city consumption, a refined drive feel and a very practical infotainment package. Where the Citroen forgives poor roads and packs more usable luggage space, the Qashqai rewards commuters with efficiency, physical climate controls and clever driver aids. Choose between a serenity‑first cruiser and a techy, city‑smart crossover depending on what you actually do with the car day to day.

Qashqai

Comfort and long‑distance behaviour

The Citroen C5 Aircross is unmistakably tuned for calm: its suspension soaks up potholes and motorway seams with a plush, floating quality that makes hours behind the wheel feel easier. The Nissan Qashqai is quieter in terms of drivetrain noise thanks to its EV‑like power delivery, and it rides very comfortably on smaller wheels, but it never aims to be a sofa on wheels — it feels firmer and more controlled. On sustained high‑speed stretches the Citroen’s softer setup gives a more relaxed seat and lower perceived fatigue, while the Qashqai rewards steady cruising with composed stability and better real‑world efficiency if you avoid sustained high speeds. If you prioritise seat comfort and a tranquil cabin for long trips take the C5 Aircross; if you want a restrained, fuel‑sipping motorway companion with modern drive manners, the Qashqai is the more pragmatic pick.

C5 Aircross

City friendliness and daily usability

In town the Nissan Qashqai really comes into its own: near‑silent, EV‑like pullaway, intuitive Google‑based infotainment and a superb 360° camera make parking and navigation less stressful. The Citroen C5 Aircross isn’t far behind — its light steering and cushioned ride are pleasant in urban traffic — but its larger footprint and softer responses mean it’s less nimble in tight parking situations. The Qashqai’s physical climate knobs and crisp software reduce fiddling at the lights, whereas Citroen’s big vertical screen and simplified controls aim for comfort over rapid interaction. For stop‑start commuting, short trips and tight spaces the Qashqai edges ahead; for relaxed suburb-to-suburb trips where potholes and kerbs are the enemy, the C5 Aircross remains more forgiving.

Qashqai

Practicality, seating and luggage usability

The Citroen C5 Aircross is the pragmatic family vehicle in this match: a squarer, flatter boot and a 40/20/40 split rear seat make loading skis, suitcases and kid paraphernalia straightforward and flexible. The Nissan Qashqai offers clever packaging too, with a useful double‑floor option and wide door openings that speed up child‑seat installation, but the loading lip and some option‑dependent compromises reduce absolute luggage ease. Citroen’s rear bench slides and the generous footwell space feel like they were designed around real family life, while the Qashqai trades a little cargo volume for tidier interior storage and a neater cabin layout. If you regularly carry bulky gear or need the most straight‑forward loading, the C5 Aircross is the more forgiving choice; if your priorities are easy daily access and tidy trunks for school runs, the Qashqai holds its own.

C5 Aircross

Cabin feel, technology and perceived quality

Step into the Nissan Qashqai and the cockpit immediately feels contemporary: Google Built‑in navigation, quick voice assistant and hard controls where you want them create an efficient, modern impression. The Citroen C5 Aircross trades a bit of tech polish for a more relaxed cabin ambience — large windows, a roomy layout and comfortable seat textures that emphasise comfort over sporty finesse. Material quality in both cars is mostly solid but different: the Qashqai favours pragmatic, well‑finished surfaces with a tech focus, while the Citroen places value on tactile comfort even if some plastics feel simpler. For buyers who want slick software and straightforward ergonomics the Qashqai will impress; for those who value a soothing interior mood and seat comfort, the C5 Aircross feels more inviting.

Qashqai

Buyer fit: who should pick which car

If your life is long commutes, motorway miles with heavy luggage and a family that values comfort, the Citroen C5 Aircross maps directly to that use‑case with its forgiving ride and capacious boot. If you spend most time in town, value the calm, EV‑like driving feel without having to plug in, and want a modern, user‑friendly infotainment system, the Nissan Qashqai suits daily life better. The trade‑off is clear: Citroen buys you serenity and load‑carrying practicality at the cost of dynamic sharpness, while Nissan gives you urban efficiency, tech polish and a tauter on‑road demeanour but less outright cargo flexibility. Use this buyer split to choose which strengths matter most before diving into the technical comparison that follows.

Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
Nissan Qashqai
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, family-friendly compact SUV — roomy, quietly comfortable and packed with practical tech for long motorway miles. The VW T-Roc swaps a little rear-seat space for cheeky styling and sharper handling, so if you want personality and a bit more driver engagement it’s …

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

C5 Aircross

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Citroen C5 Aircross is marginally cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Nissan Qashqai costs 29,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 471 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Citroen C5 Aircross uses 2.5 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Nissan Qashqai with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.

Qashqai

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 offers very slightly more power – delivering 225 HP compared to 205 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Qashqai is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.3 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Qashqai delivers very slightly more torque with 330 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm more.

C5 Aircross

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Nissan Qashqai is slightly lighter – 1,420 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 209 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers slightly more boot space – 565 L compared to 504 L. That’s a difference of about 61 L.

When it comes to payload, the Nissan Qashqai carries only slightly more – 516 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,100
C5 Aircross

Citroen C5 Aircross

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 145 - 225 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 81 - 520 km
details
Citroen C5 Aircross
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Reviews Citroen C5 Aircross

4.1 (7 Reviews)
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Şafak Eğridereli
7 Jul 2026, 13:28:02

C5 a.c.is more comfortable.Also entertainment system is better .Android auto supported.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Claude Juillet
3 May 2026, 14:17:36

I drive the 1.2 petrol hybrid from new since January 2026, which was registered in November 2025. Great car to drive. However, for tall person like myself, there is not enough room for your left keg to stretch and cramps happen in long journeys. Acceleration from start is better than my older 1.6 diesel c4 picasso. Overall best car I ever had, although infotainment a bit dodgy with a left hand and not at all practical. I minor inconvenience!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Jan Hansen
10 Apr 2026, 21:38:06

It's a pleasant car; it's not coarse or brutal. As a 60-year-old, I don't need acceleration or top speed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
privat
27 Mar 2026, 16:55:05

Cars like the C5 Aircross are probably one reason why Stellantis is almost bankrupt — or already is.
Uncomfortable and completely unsuitable for long-distance driving.
Huge on the outside, small on the inside.
Extremely uncomfortable seats, poor infotainment, very bad driver aids (360° camera, cruise control, lane-keep assist, navigation… are really awful), confusing, poor road manners, loud engine and noisy wind.
I can only hope that I’ll never again be forced to drive this vehicle.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Alexis vasquez
15 Feb 2026, 21:03:58

I find the Citroën better suited to my daily driving — more comfortable and efficient, with a softer suspension compared with the firmer Toyota Cross.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover that blends everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed driving experience and a smart, well finished interior. It feels sensible and versatile for city life and longer trips, appealing to buyers who want a reliable, low fuss family car.

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13. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
3. New refreshed Qashqai 2024 in fuji sunset color driving on the road in Faro, Portugal
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All-New Nissan Qashqai - Interior 32

Reviews Nissan Qashqai

4.9 (4 Reviews)
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karol
3 Jun 2026, 20:17:58

Great car — it has everything you need. Others are still learning, e.g. folding mirrors, a double trunk, and it's well soundproofed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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The Nissan Qashqai stays the sensible family favourite — roomier, better built and more composed on the motorway, so it’s the pick if you value comfort and practicality without drama. The Renault Captur, meanwhile, charms with bolder styling, clever packaging and nippier city manners (usually for …
Citroen C5 Aircross
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Two French SUVs go head-to-head: the Citroën C5 Aircross brings cushy, family-focused comfort while the DS 7 poses as the sharper, more upscale pick. We’ll judge them on space, ride, tech and running costs to tell you whether to buy sensible comfort or fashionable flair — the driveway’s decision is …
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Honda HR-V
Nissan Qashqai
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Choosing between the Honda HR‑V and the Nissan Qashqai comes down to how you balance practical space, fuel economy and driving refinement. The HR‑V shines for clever interior packaging and city-friendly practicality, while the Qashqai prioritizes comfort, tech features and a more composed on-road …
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The Citroen C5 Aircross is a sofa on wheels — prioritising pillowy ride comfort, acres of rear-seat space and family-friendly practicality, while the Peugeot 3008 swaps that float for sharper steering, a classier cabin and more engaging driving manners. Choose the C5 Aircross for comfort and …
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Renault Symbioz
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Comparing the Nissan Qashqai with the Renault Symbioz highlights a clash between a proven compact crossover and Renault's forward-looking Symbioz concept that showcases the brand's electric and connected ambitions. This comparison will focus on how they differ in design, practicality and technology …
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Skoda Karoq
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Choosing between the Nissan Qashqai and the Skoda Karoq is largely about whether you want a polished, tech-focused compact SUV or a straightforward, space-first family mover. Both deliver sensible packaging and efficient engines, but they differ in ride feel, interior cleverness and ownership costs …
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the grown-up choice — roomier, more composed on the motorway and better suited to families who need practicality without fuss. The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheeky city-smart alternative: nippier, easier to park and blessed with Toyota’s hybrid know-how, perfect if you want …
Citroen C5 Aircross
Nissan Qashqai

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 43,000 £
Price
29,600 - 39,900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
98 - 152 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 2,184 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,624 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
479 - 504 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,870 mm
Width
1,835 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
446 - 516 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 225 HP
Power HP
158 - 205 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 9.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
260 - 330 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
107 - 165 kW
Power kW
116 - 151 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,498 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Nissan
Is the Citroen C5 Aircross offered with different drivetrains?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.