Two cars, one duel: Citroen C5 Aircross meets Renault Rafale.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Citroen C5 Aircross has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 8408 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Citroen C5 Aircross with 2.50 L. The difference is about 1.90 L per 100 km.
As for range, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs convincingly better – achieving up to 520 km, about 423 km more than the Renault Rafale.
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 Renault Rafale has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 300 HP compared to 210 HP. That’s roughly 90 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 6.40 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.30 s. That’s about 1.90 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs somewhat better – reaching 220 km/h, while the Renault Rafale tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Citroen C5 Aircross is slight lighter – 1629 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 105 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Renault Rafale offers hardly perceptible more room – 627 L compared to 565 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Renault Rafale performs somewhat better – up to 1910 L, which is about 242 L more than the Citroen C5 Aircross.
When it comes to payload, Citroen C5 Aircross minimal takes the win – 471 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.
The Renault Rafale proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Renault Rafale is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Renault Group Media
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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@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
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.
details
@ Renault Group Media
@ Renault Group Media
@ Renault Group Media
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@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
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@ Renault Group Media
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
29100 - 41600 £
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Price
37500 - 49500 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L
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Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
81 - 520 km
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Electric Range
97 km
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Battery Capacity
17.8 - 73 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 121 g/km
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co2
14 - 109 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
55 L
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Fuel tank capacity
55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1629 - 2184 kg
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Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
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Trunk capacity
565 L
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Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
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Length
4650 mm
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Length
4710 mm
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Width
1870 mm
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Width
1886 mm
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Height
1695 mm
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Height
1613 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1668 L
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Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
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Payload
446 - 471 kg
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Payload
415 - 444 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
145 - 210 HP
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Power HP
200 - 300 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
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Max Speed
170 - 220 km/h
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Torque
230 - 300 Nm
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Torque
-
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
107 - 157 kW
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Power kW
147 - 221 kW
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Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3
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Engine capacity
1199 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
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Brand
Citroen
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Brand
Renault
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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.
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