@ Citroën / Stellantis Media
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
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Citroen C5 Aircross vs Toyota Corolla Cross – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Citroen C5 Aircross or Toyota Corolla Cross?

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

When it comes to choosing a compact SUV, the market is inundated with options, but two contenders stand out - the Citroën C5 Aircross and the Toyota Corolla Cross. Each brings its unique essence and technical prowess to the table, catering to different preferences and user needs. In this article, we will delve into the strengths, technical specifications, and innovations of these two vehicles to see how they stack up against one another.

Corolla Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Design and Dimensions

The Citroën C5 Aircross makes a bold statement with its modern, aggressive design. Measuring 4500 mm in length and 1859 mm in width, it offers a robust stance on the road. With a height of 1688 mm, it provides ample headroom for passengers. The exterior is characterized by its distinctive front grille and sharp LED headlights, which contribute to its contemporary appearance.

On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Cross spans 4460 mm in length, 1825 mm in width, and stands at a height of 1620 mm. While slightly smaller in dimensions compared to the C5 Aircross, it maintains a sporty and sleek look, featuring bold lines and an aggressive front fascia. Both vehicles comfortably accommodate five passengers, with the C5 Aircross offering superior trunk space of 580 liters compared to the Corolla Cross’s 414 to 425 liters.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Engine Options and Performance

Under the hood, the Citroën C5 Aircross provides a variety of engine options: a 1.5L Petrol engine, a 1.2L Petrol MHEV, a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and a diesel variant. Power outputs range from 131 to 224 HP, allowing for performances that suit both city driving and long-distance travel. Its acceleration from 0-100 km/h varies depending on the engine, from 10.6 seconds for lower trims to an impressive 8.9 seconds for the PHEV. Additionally, it offers a maximum speed of up to 225 km/h. Fuel consumption is equally impressive, ranging from 1.4L/100km for the hybrid variant to around 5.6L for diesel.

The Toyota Corolla Cross, however, focuses exclusively on hybrid technology, featuring options of 1.8L and 2.0L engine configurations. It generates between 140 to 197 HP and showcases a quick acceleration that ranges from 7.6 to 9.4 seconds for its more powerful variants. Its fuel efficiency is commendable, with consumption figures as low as 5.1L/100km, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers. The Corolla Cross caps its performance with a top speed of 180 km/h, slightly behind the C5 Aircross.

Corolla Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Drive and Handling

Both the C5 Aircross and the Corolla Cross come with front-wheel drive, although the Toyota offers the option of all-wheel drive for those seeking enhanced traction in challenging conditions. The Citroën features an automatic transmission with options for both a traditional automatic gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic system that promises smoother and quicker gear changes.

The Corolla Cross employs a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), designed to maximize fuel efficiency while providing a seamless driving experience. While neither offers the sportiest driving dynamics in its class, the C5 Aircross leans towards comfort with its soft suspension, making it an excellent choice for long road trips. In contrast, the Corolla Cross delivers a responsive and energetic feel on the road, appealing to those who prefer a more engaging driving experience.

C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media

Technological Innovations

In terms of technology, the Citroën C5 Aircross is equipped with cutting-edge features, including an infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. Its hybrid variant includes a battery capacity of 12.9 kWh, enabling an electric-only driving range of up to 58 km, allowing for efficient city driving.

Similarly, the Toyota Corolla Cross is brimming with technological advancements, featuring a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. It also offers Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features including pre-collision systems, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alerts. This makes it a solid choice for safety-conscious consumers. The absence of a plug-in hybrid variant, however, means there’s no equivalent to the C5 Aircross’s electric range.

Corolla Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Citroën C5 Aircross and the Toyota Corolla Cross boils down to personal preferences and priorities. The C5 Aircross might appeal more to those looking for spaciousness, diverse powertrain options, and hybrid technology with a commendable electric-only range. On the other hand, the Corolla Cross stands out for its efficient hybrid drivetrain, engaging driving experience, and advanced safety technology.

Both vehicles offer compelling options in the compact SUV segment, showcasing innovation and dependable performance. It’s worth test-driving both to see which fits your lifestyle better, as they each have something unique to offer.

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.

Citroen C5 Aircross has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Toyota Corolla Cross costs 31700 £. That’s a price difference of around 2571 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Citroen C5 Aircross manages with 2.50 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Toyota Corolla Cross with 4.90 L. The difference is about 2.40 L per 100 km.

Corolla Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

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 a bit edge – offering 210 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 30 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota Corolla Cross is slight quicker – completing the sprint in 7.60 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.30 s. That’s about 0.70 s faster.

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

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 curb weight, Toyota Corolla Cross is to a small extent lighter – 1380 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 249 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers distinct more room – 565 L compared to 425 L. That’s a difference of about 140 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Citroen C5 Aircross performs slightly better – up to 1668 L, which is about 331 L more than the Toyota Corolla Cross.

When it comes to payload, Toyota Corolla Cross a bit takes the win – 560 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 89 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Citroen C5 Aircross proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects 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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Toyota Corolla Cross

5 (2)
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The Toyota Corolla Cross takes the familiar Corolla recipe, lifts it up and dresses it in SUV clothes — sensible, comfortable and blessedly unflashy. It won’t thrill the enthusiast, but its easy manners, clever packaging and dependable feel make it an ideal everyday car for shoppers who prefer sense over sass.

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Citroen C5 Aircross
Toyota Corolla Cross
C5 Aircross @ Citroën / Stellantis Media
Corolla Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 41600 £
Price
31700 - 41900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 5.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
17.8 - 73 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
112 - 120 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
36 - 43 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
1380 - 1500 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
414 - 425 L
Length
4650 mm
Length
4460 mm
Width
1870 mm
Width
1825 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1620 mm
Max trunk capacity
1668 L
Max trunk capacity
1333 - 1337 L
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
515 - 560 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 210 HP
Power HP
140 - 180 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 10 s
Max Speed
170 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 157 kW
Power kW
103 - 132 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1798 - 1987 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Toyota
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.