Citroen C5 Aircross vs Jeep Compass: Performance And Fuel Efficiency Compared

The Jeep Compass and Citroen C5 Aircross are two options if you want a premium midsize SUV. Both pack multiple features, good looks, and a punchy diesel engine. So the duo definitely merits consideration. But which one is faster and more frugal? 

To find that out, we got the two SUVs on the road for a comprehensive road test. With the VBox strapped on, we line up the two to tab their performance runs. But before we delve deep, let’s look at their specifications:

Specs

Both get a 2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. However, the C5 Aircross’ unit is 7PS and 50Nm more powerful than the Compass. That said, the only transmission in the Citroen is an 8-speed automatic. In the Compass, however, you have the choice of a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic. Opting for the latter means choosing the AWD.

Also Read: Citroen C5 Aircross Road Test Review: Comfort Over Dosh?

In this test, we pitted the Compass’ diesel-automatic variant against the C5 Aircross. Here’s how the two fared in our performance test:

Performance Runs

*Tested on wet conditions

Despite the C5 Aircross bearing the brunt of Maharashtra’s unruly monsoons, it managed to edge past the Compass in the 0-100kmph run. This could be because the Jeep’s gearbox always sets off from the second gear. However, in the 20-80kmph run, the Compass came out ahead of the Citroen. But only by a whisker.

Also Read: Jeep Compass Road Test: Proper Premium = Better Value?

Fuel Efficiency Runs

*Pre-facelift model tested

The C5 Aircross, with its front-wheel drivetrain, is the more fuel-efficient car in the city and on the highway. But we couldn’t test the facelifted Compass’ fuel efficiency. However, based on the pre-facelift model, the Compass AT’s AWD does hold it back from being the more frugal of the two.

Price And Verdict

Both models are equally impressive in performance and can go long distances easily. However, the Compass is a tad less fuel-efficient than the C5 Aircross. That said, considering the diesel-automatic Jeep has better hardware (read AWD) and a longer feature list, the Compass does seem more value-for-money, especially when its top-spec variant undercuts the C5 Aircross by around Rs 4 lakh (on-road).  

Meanwhile, if you are interested in seeing how the Compass compares with the Creta, check out this video.