Mat’s Car of the Day: the Citroen C5 Aircross is the most comfortable SUV you can buy for £30,000

This is the Citroen C5 Aircross, and in a world where many manufacturers are trying to make their SUVs look and feel as sporty as possible, this one is focused solely on comfort.

It’s a refreshing change of pace for me to drive a practical family car which has no delusions of being a track weapon, and that’s not the only thing I like about this Citroen. Here are three reasons to consider a C5 Aircross.

Three things I like about the Citroen C5 Aircross

1. It’s relaxing to drive

Considering this car costs a smidge over £30,000, it’s as comfortable over bumps as more premium cars such as the Audi Q3. The Citroen’s suspension glides over potholes and broken surfaces with little-to-no fuss, and it’s really refined on the motorway as well.

2. There’s a good selection of power options

You can get the Citroen C5 Aircross with a frugal 1.2-litre hybrid engine, which will return over 50mpg. There’s also a smooth plug-in hybrid with up to 62 miles of electric-only range, or if you want to go fully-electric then there’s an EV as well. There’s a C5 Aircross to suit all needs.

3. It’s really spacious

This is one of the roomier family SUVs on the market, with loads of rear legroom and plenty of interior storage for your bits and bobs. The 565-litre boot is also larger than you’ll get in a Skoda Karoq or the mechanically-similar Vauxhall Grandland, and it’s a nice square shape which is easy to load.

Citroen C5 Aircross prices and deals

One of the Citroen’s biggest selling points is the price, because at just over £30,000 it represents fantastic value for money. You can also save an average of more than £3,000* across the C5 Aircross range.

And it’s not like you’re short-changed on equipment either. All cars come with adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging and 18-inch alloy wheels.

But the best deal I’ve found is on the electric e-C5 in mid-spec Plus trim. This car usually starts from just under £37,000, but it can be yours through Carwow for around £32,000* at the time of writing. This gets you 320 miles of range, a reversing camera, interior ambient lighting and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Three drawbacks to the Citroen C5 Aircross

While I do like this car, it’s not perfect. Here’s three annoying things about the Citroen C5 Aircross.

1. The interior feels cheap in places

While it looks stylish, some of the interior plastics do feel a bit cheap and scratchy – especially those around the centre console. A Peugeot 3008 feels posher inside.

2. Annoying infotainment system

The 13-inch portrait touchscreen isn’t the easiest to use, and all the climate control functions are routed through it. At least you do get wireless phone mirroring so you don’t have to rely on the car’s software.

3. Rubbish cupholders

I like to have a coffee with me when I’m on the go, but the Citroen’s cup holders are a bit naff. There’s one behind the gear selector, but if that one is being used by your passenger then you have to do an awkward reach around to get to the ones underneath the infotainment screen. What a faff.

Small niggles aside, the Citroen C5 Aircross is one of the best family SUVs around, which is why it took home the Family Values trophy in the Carwow Car Of The Year awards 2026.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.