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Citroen C5 Aircross vs Renault Rafale comparison

Compare performance (225 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C5 Aircross or Renault Rafale?

Citroen C5 Aircross vs Renault Rafale: Key differences

Citroen C5 Aircross

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • marginally lighter
details

Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
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  • clearly more power
  • visibly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
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

The automotive market is a treasure trove of options, especially when it comes to compact SUVs. Two contenders that stand out in this segment are the Citroen C5 Aircross and the Renault Rafale. Both vehicles bring a blend of style, technology, and performance, but which one ultimately wins the competition? Let's dive deeper into their technical specifications, innovations, and overall driving experience.

Rafale

Design and Dimensions

The Citroen C5 Aircross measures 4500mm in length, 1859mm in width, and 1688mm in height. Its robust design is complemented by a spacious trunk capacity of 580 liters, making it ideal for families or those who need extra storage space.

In contrast, the Renault Rafale is slightly longer at 4710mm, wider at 1886mm, and taller at 1613mm. It offers an impressive trunk capacity of 627 liters, surpassing the C5 Aircross. Both vehicles feature a five-door configuration, appealing to convenience and accessibility.

C5 Aircross

Engine and Performance

When it comes to engine types, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers a range of options including diesel, petrol MHEV, and plug-in hybrid variants, delivering power outputs ranging from 131 to 224 HP. The vehicle provides an impressive torque of up to 360Nm and achieves acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds for the most powerful model. It also features an electric range of 58 km with a battery capacity of 12.9 kWh in its plug-in hybrid variant.

The Renault Rafale presents a more robust lineup with power outputs ranging from 200 to 300 HP from its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. It showcases a remarkable acceleration of 6.4 seconds from 0-100 km/h in its most potent variant. Furthermore, the Rafale excels in environmental aspects with a CO2 efficiency class rating of B and an electric range of 97 km.

Rafale

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel consumption is critical in today’s automotive market, and both cars perform admirably. The Citroen C5 Aircross has an average consumption figure of 5.5-5.6 L/100km for its gasoline engines and as low as 1.4 L/100 km for the plug-in hybrid. In comparison, the Renault Rafale impresses with a standard consumption of just 4.7 L/100km, reaching a staggering 0.6 L/100km with its plug-in hybrid variant.

C5 Aircross

Driving Dynamics

Both vehicles boast automatic transmissions, but the C5 Aircross also offers options for a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which can enhance driving responsiveness and comfort. The Rafale, while solely equipped with an automatic gearbox, is engineered for a sporty driving experience, balancing comfort with agility.

Rafale

Interior and Comfort Features

Inside the Citroen C5 Aircross, driver comfort is paramount, featuring premium materials and ergonomic seating designed for long journeys. The technology suite includes advanced infotainment systems complemented by modern connectivity options.

The Renault Rafale does not lag behind and includes a host of comfort features, such as customizable ambient lighting and an advanced driver-assistance system that enhances the overall driving experience. The interior speaks to Renault's commitment to modern styling and user-friendly technology.

C5 Aircross

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Both the Citroen C5 Aircross and Renault Rafale offer compelling features in the compact SUV segment. The C5 Aircross triumphs in versatility and range of powertrains, catering to a broader audience, while the Rafale’s exceptional hybrid efficiency and performance make it a formidable competitor.

Your choice will ultimately depend on your preferences: if you prioritize a solid hybrid performance with cutting-edge technology, the Renault Rafale may be for you. Conversely, if you prefer a well-rounded SUV that emphasizes comfort and spaciousness, look no further than the Citroen C5 Aircross. Each vehicle represents a unique blend of innovation and practicality in today’s competitive market.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C5 Aircross
DS Automobiles DS 7
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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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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 markedly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,580 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the Citroen C5 Aircross with 2.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers significantly more range – reaching up to 520 km, about 423 km more than the Renault Rafale.

Rafale

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 Renault Rafale offers clearly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 225 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.3 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.

C5 Aircross

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C5 Aircross is marginally lighter – 1,629 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers barely more boot space – 627 L compared to 565 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.

When it comes to payload, the Citroen C5 Aircross carries marginally more – 471 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C5 Aircross is far ahead overall 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
Renault Rafale

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)
rate
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
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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
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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
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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

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

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cfebb339f4dc89e3dc217122d50fd1c5-l
b2cc54a3ff665644e95268836bc0f658-l

Reviews Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
Wiktor
4 Jul 2026, 13:09:04

Comfortable, fast, solidly built, modern, elegant, everyone turns to look at it!

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
andy
19 Jun 2026, 12:58:24

Very good value for money for a well-equipped car.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
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Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Low Budget Urus
4 May 2026, 18:28:11

Resonably good, efficiant and very good looking family hyper Hybrid....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
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Technology & Infotainment
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Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
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PILI
18 Feb 2026, 08:48:58

Very good car — responsive, supple, comfortable and reasonably economical. Not quite at the German premium level for noise insulation, but very close... Exceptional chassis.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Martin
4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

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The Citroën C5 Aircross and the Opel Grandland are two popular compact SUVs that prioritize practicality and family-friendly space, but they take different approaches to comfort, interior design, and driving character. If you favour a plush, spacious ride with innovative seating the C5 Aircross …
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Peugeot 5008
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The Citroën C5 Aircross is the sofa-like French cruiser that pampers passengers with magic-carpet suspension and outrageously comfy seats, while the Peugeot 5008 is the sharper, more practical grown-up — genuinely seven-seater flexibility and a cabin that feels a touch more premium. Choose the C5 …
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Renault Rafale
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Nissan Qashqai
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Citroen C5 Aircross
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 43,000 £
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
43 - 108 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
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,870 mm
Width
1,886 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 225 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
107 - 165 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Renault
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.