Citroen C5 Aircross review - Boot space, practicality & dimensions
“Lots of space up front and a decent boot but C5 Aircross isn't generous on rear seat room”
Those in the front of the C5 Aircross enjoy lots of space to stretch out and very generous headroom, and the driver won't feel too hemmed in by the controls. The electrically adjustable driving seat that comes on Max Edition makes it easier to find a comfortable driving position.
There's a generous array of storage areas, including a central, chilled bin that's handy for keeping drinks cool on a long journey. There are useful cubby holes distributed throughout the interior.
The decision to fit three identical, individual rear seats appears to make the second row just as inviting as the first, but the default position of these seats leaves surprisingly little legroom.
Good news is that the C5 Aircross really is a genuine five-seater, with a centre rear seat that's unencumbered by a floor hump so occupants have somewhere to put their feet.
Size comparison | |||
Model | Length | Width | Height |
Citroen C5 Aircross | 4,500mm | 1,969mm | 1,654mm |
Nissan Qashqai | 4,425mm | 1,835mm | 1,625mm |
Renault Symbioz | 4,413mm | 1,797mm | 1,575mm |
Ford Kuga | 4,604mm | 1,883mm | 1,742mm |
Does the Citroen C5 Aircross have a big boot?
With rear legroom a little on the tight side, it seems a little strange that Citroen should provide the option of sliding the rear seats forwards to free up extra boot space. With an already generous 580 litres of luggage capacity available with the seats in their default position, the option to slide the seats backwards would be rather more worthwhile.
Nevertheless, if you do slide the seats fully forward, boot space increases to 780 litres in the regular models and from 460 to 600 litres in the PHEV, which loses some space to its under-floor battery. If you fold the seats down entirely – a somewhat fiddly task – there's 1,630 litres at your disposal. The boot floor is flat and the tailgate opens high, with a wide aperture to make it easy to load heavy items. There’s also a variable-height floor if you don’t mind a more pronounced loading lip and want more storage space, but a lack of hooks to hang items like takeaways and shopping bags seems like an odd omission.
Boot space comparison | |
Model | Boot space |
Citroen C5 Aircross | 780 litres |
Nissan Qashqai | 504 litres |
Renault Symbioz | 492 litres |
Ford Kuga | 645 litres |
Is the Citroen C5 Aircross a good tow car?
The Citroen C5 Aircross is rated to tow a braked weight of up to 1,250kg in Hybrid and BlueHDi diesel guise, while the plug-in hybrid can haul up to 1,300kg. This is a moderate towing capacity which equates to a small caravan or trailer.
Which Is Best?
Cheapest
- Name1.5 BlueHDi Plus 5dr EAT8
- Gearbox typeSemi-auto
- RRP£27,415
Most Economical
- Name1.5 BlueHDi Plus 5dr EAT8
- Gearbox typeSemi-auto
- RRP£27,415
Fastest
- Name1.6 Plug-in Hybrid Max Edition 5dr e-EAT8
- Gearbox typeSemi-auto
- RRP£37,425