@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Opel / Stellantis Media
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Citroen C5 Aircross vs Vauxhall Frontera – Which car suits you better?

Two cars, one duel: Citroen C5 Aircross meets Vauxhall Frontera.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Citroen C5 Aircross vs Opel Frontera: An In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to choosing an SUV or off-roader, the decision often boils down to individual brand preferences, design aesthetics, and engine capabilities. In this comparative analysis, we delve into the technical specifications and innovations of two contenders: the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Opel Frontera. Both models present unique features, but which one aligns better with your expectations? Let’s find out.

Frontera @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Design and Dimensions

The Citroen C5 Aircross stands at 4500 mm in length, 1859 mm in width, and 1688 mm in height, offering a spacious and comfortable interior for up to five passengers. It boasts a trunk capacity of 580 liters, ideal for families and adventurers alike.

On the other hand, the Opel Frontera measures slightly smaller at 4385 mm in length and 1795 mm in width, with a height of 1635 mm. This off-roader offers seating for five to seven passengers, fitted with a trunk capacity of 460 liters, accommodating every passenger’s needs while still providing practical storage options.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Powertrains and Performance

The Citroen C5 Aircross offers an impressive range of engine options including diesel, petrol MHEV, and plug-in hybrid variants, with power outputs ranging from 131 HP to a robust 224 HP. The maximum torque can reach up to 360 Nm, promising confident acceleration and smooth drives. Fuel consumption is economical, with ratings between 1.4 to 5.6 L/100km and a maximum electric range of 58 km for hybrid variants.

In contrast, the Opel Frontera features petrol MHEV and electric engine options producing between 100 HP and 136 HP. With torque peaking at 230 Nm, the Frontera delivers decent performance, although it may not match the C5 Aircross’s capabilities. Nevertheless, it offers an extensive electric range of 305 km for its electric model, plus reasonable fuel efficiency at 5.5 L/100 km.

Frontera @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Transmission and Driving Experience

The Citroen C5 Aircross benefits from an automatic transmission with options like a dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring smooth gear shifts and efficient power delivery. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 8.9 seconds, with top speeds reaching up to 225 km/h, making it a dynamic choice for urban and highway driving.

Meanwhile, the Opel Frontera also comes with an automatic transmission and a reduction gearbox, which enhances its off-road performance. It achieves 0 to 100 km/h in 9 to 12.1 seconds depending on the variant, with top speeds capped around 190 km/h. While it cannot quite match the C5 Aircross in terms of acceleration, it offers capability where it matters off the beaten path.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Citroen C5 Aircross is available in various configurations, allowing for customization in CO2 emissions, ranging from 32 g/km for hybrid models to 144 g/km for the standard petrol variants. The efficiency class ranges from B to E, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly driving options.

In comparison, the Opel Frontera has a CO2 emission range from 0 g/km for the electric variant to 126 g/km for petrol options, achieving a better environmental efficiency class with A to D ratings. This makes it an appealing option for consumers mindful of their carbon footprint and those interested in adopting electric mobility.

Frontera @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the Citroen C5 Aircross and Opel Frontera offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences and driving needs. The C5 Aircross shines with its powerful engine options, spacious design, and advanced hybrid technology, while the Frontera excels in electric mobility and off-road capabilities.

Choosing between these two vehicles will largely depend on whether you prioritize urban efficiency and performance or off-road prowess and electric driving range. Regardless, both models are poised to make strides in the automotive landscape for the 2024 model year.

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

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

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.

Vauxhall Frontera has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 20500 £, while the Citroen C5 Aircross costs 29100 £. That’s a price difference of around 8649 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C5 Aircross manages with 2.50 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Vauxhall Frontera with 5.20 L. The difference is about 2.70 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Vauxhall Frontera: with 15.80 kWh per 100 km, it’s hardly perceptible more efficient than the Citroen C5 Aircross with 17 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.20 kWh.

As for range, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs distinct better – achieving up to 520 km, about 112 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Citroen C5 Aircross has a distinct edge – offering 210 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 65 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Citroen C5 Aircross is slight quicker – completing the sprint in 8.30 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9 s. That’s about 0.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs to a small extent better – reaching 220 km/h, while the Vauxhall Frontera tops out at 194 km/h. The difference is around 26 km/h.

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

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is distinct lighter – 1344 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 285 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers a bit more room – 565 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs minimal better – up to 1668 L, which is about 68 L more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

When it comes to payload, Vauxhall Frontera distinct takes the win – 644 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 173 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Citroen C5 Aircross proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Citroen C5 Aircross is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

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.

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Vauxhall Frontera

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The Opel Frontera wears its rugged, go-anywhere intentions proudly, serving up a simple, no-nonsense package that feels as comfortable off the beaten track as it does at the supermarket. It won’t set hearts racing with glamour, but its honest practicality and rugged charm make it a smart pick for buyers who prefer substance over style.

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Citroen C5 Aircross
Vauxhall Frontera
C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
Frontera @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 41600 £
Price
20500 - 30000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L
Consumption L/100km
5.20 L
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.2 kWh
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
305 - 408 km
Battery Capacity
17.8 - 73 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
0 - 119 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1629 - 2184 kg
Curb weight
1344 - 1610 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
4650 mm
Length
4385 mm
Width
1870 mm
Width
1795 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1635 mm
Max trunk capacity
1668 L
Max trunk capacity
1600 L
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
436 - 644 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 210 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
170 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
143 - 194 km/h
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
107 - 157 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Vauxhall
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.