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Citroen C5 Aircross vs VW Tiguan comparison

Compare performance (225 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 33,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C5 Aircross or VW Tiguan?

Citroen C5 Aircross vs VW Tiguan: Key differences

Citroen C5 Aircross

3.9 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • substantially more electric range
details

VW Tiguan

4.1 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • a bit 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

Head-to-Head: Citroen C5 Aircross vs. VW Tiguan

In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, two names consistently resonate with consumers seeking style, comfort, and innovation: the Citroen C5 Aircross and the VW Tiguan. Both models feature intriguing advancements and specifications, making the choice between them as challenging as it is exciting. In this comparison, we will delve into their technical details and innovations, helping you to make an informed decision.

Tiguan

Exterior and Design

The Citroen C5 Aircross, with its distinctive French flair, boasts a unique design that emphasizes comfort and practicality. Measuring 4500mm in length, 1859mm in width, and 1688mm in height, it presents a robust yet elegant silhouette. On the other hand, the VW Tiguan exudes a classic European elegance, slightly longer at 4539mm, with varying widths and a slightly lower height of 1658mm, which may appeal to those inclined towards a more traditionally styled SUV.

C5 Aircross

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers a wide range of options: diesel, petrol mild-hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid variants. Power outputs vary from 131 to 224 HP, providing a versatile spectrum for different driving preferences. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, with an automatic transmission ensuring a smooth drive.

The VW Tiguan provides even more variety, including petrol MHEV, plug-in hybrid, diesel, and petrol engines with both FWD and AWD variants. The power spectrum ranges wider, from 130 to a commanding 272 HP, with dual-clutch automatic transmissions enhancing driving dynamics. Options for higher torque with the Tiguan could appeal to those seeking a bit more muscle.

Tiguan

Efficiency and Range

When it comes to efficiency, the Citroen C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid achieves a remarkable 1.4 L/100km, buoyed by a 12.9 kWh battery delivering an electric range of 58 km. The more conventional engines are efficient too, with fuel consumption figures hovering around 5.5-5.6 L/100km.

The VW Tiguan’s plugin hybrid shines with an impressive 0.4-0.5 L/100km consumption and a larger 19.7 kWh battery, offering an extended electric range of up to 113 km. The additional range and slightly better efficiency might appeal to those with longer commuting needs.

C5 Aircross

Interior and Cargo Space

Both contenders offer spacious interiors, with comfortable seating for five passengers. The Citroen C5 Aircross provides a trunk capacity of 580 liters, making it more than capable of handling familial cargo needs.

The VW Tiguan, however, overshoots this with a trunk capacity of 652 liters, giving it the edge for larger storage needs. Combined with a slightly more substantial payload capacity, the Tiguan makes a compelling case for those who frequently travel with heavy loads.

Tiguan

Innovation and Technology

Citroen has integrated an array of comfort-focused technologies into the C5 Aircross, including their signature Progressive Hydraulic Cushions®, ensuring a smooth ride. As for the VW Tiguan, it stands out with advanced digital cockpit options, gesture control functionality, and expansive connectivity features, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

C5 Aircross

Conclusion

Deciding between the Citroen C5 Aircross and the VW Tiguan depends largely on individual priorities. If you value unique design, comfort innovations, and solid fuel efficiency, the Citroen C5 Aircross is a brilliant choice. Alternatively, if you prioritize versatility in powertrains, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology, the VW Tiguan might be your SUV of choice.

In conclusion, both models excel in their domains, offering compelling features and innovations tailored to different tastes and needs. Whichever you choose, both the Citroen C5 Aircross and VW Tiguan promise an enriching driving experience in the realm of modern SUVs.

Frequently compared as well

VW Tiguan
VW Touran
VS
Pick the Tiguan if you want SUV presence, a higher driving position and sharper styling — it’s the more grown-up, weekend-ready choice with modern tech and a bit of attitude. The Touran, by contrast, is the pragmatic family hero: lower, roomier and endlessly adaptable, with clever seating and …
Citroen C5 Aircross
Peugeot 5008
VS
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 …

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

C5 Aircross

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Citroen C5 Aircross is a bit cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the VW Tiguan costs 33,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,444 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Tiguan uses 1.4 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Citroen C5 Aircross with 2.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers substantially more range – reaching up to 520 km, about 394 km more than the VW Tiguan.

Tiguan

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 VW Tiguan offers somewhat more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 225 HP. That’s roughly 47 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Tiguan is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.9 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.3 s. That’s about 2.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Tiguan delivers markedly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

C5 Aircross

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Tiguan is only slightly lighter – 1,599 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 30 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Tiguan offers a bit more boot space – 652 L compared to 565 L. That’s a difference of about 87 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Tiguan carries slightly more – 544 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 73 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Tiguan has the upper hand 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 £33,600
Tiguan

VW Tiguan

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 130 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 118 - 126 km
details
Citroen C5 Aircross
VW Tiguan

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

3.9 (5 Reviews)
rate
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

VW Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is a calm, family‑first compact SUV that impresses with cavernous rear room, a versatile boot and sofa‑like seats that make motorway miles feel effortless, while its revamped infotainment is quicker and cleaner than before. It does demand a healthy budget and some compromises — the cabin leans heavily on touch controls for climate and the limited rear child‑seat anchoring and wide mirrors can frustrate buyers who prize simplicity or maximal flexibility.

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Reviews VW Tiguan

4.1 (9 Reviews)
rate
Peter
21 Feb 2026, 14:53:54

My Tiguan 2.0 TSI is flawless after eight years and still looks great. I really can't complain.

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
Thomas
21 Nov 2025, 21:33:38

What counts is longevity... and on that front VW doesn't convince.

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VW Tiguan
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Volvo XC60 feels like a Scandinavian living room on wheels — plush, impeccably safe and polished — while the VW Tiguan is the sensible all-rounder: practical, cheaper to run and surprisingly sprightly in town. Choose the XC60 if you want refinement and tech-laden comfort; pick the Tiguan if you …
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Citroen C5 Aircross
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In the world of compact SUVs, the Citroën C3 Aircross stands out with its playful design and nimble handling, appealing to urban drivers seeking versatility and style. In contrast, the Citroën C5 Aircross offers a more spacious interior and a focus on comfort, making it ideal for families or those …
Nissan X-Trail
VW Tiguan
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VW Tiguan
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Unsure whether the VW Taigo or the VW Tiguan is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Citroen C5 Aircross
Ford Kuga
VS
Citroën C5 Aircross pampers occupants with pillowy seats, a supremely comfortable ride and playful French styling, while the Ford Kuga answers with sharper handling, classier tech and a more engaging range of engines. If you value long‑distance plushness, pick the Aircross; if you want a sportier …
VW Tiguan
Skoda Elroq
VS
In the competitive SUV market, the VW Tiguan and Skoda Elroq stand out with their unique blend of practicality and style. While the Tiguan offers a more premium feel with its refined interior and advanced technology, the Elroq presents exceptional value with its spaciousness and impressive features …
Citroen C5 Aircross
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 43,000 £
Price
33,600 - 54,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
32 - 190 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
1,599 - 1,879 kg
Trunk capacity
565 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,870 mm
Width
1,842 - 1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 471 kg
Payload
460 - 544 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 225 HP
Power HP
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 165 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
Brand
Citroen
Brand
VW
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.