Citroën ë-C5 Aircross Wins Family Car of the Year 2026 in Portugal

Citroën reported that the ë-C5 Aircross was named Family Car of the Year 2026 at Portugal’s Seguro Directo Car of the Year awards, judged by automotive journalists.

Citroën ë-C5 Aircross has been named “Family Car of the Year 2026” in Portugal, receiving the award at the Seguro Directo Car of the Year / Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy, one of the most prestigious automotive prizes in the country.

The ceremony took place in Lisbon on March 12, 2026. In the family car category, Citroën’s SUV outperformed ten competing models, with the award presented to Hugo Sequeira, Marketing Director of Citroën Portugal.

The jury of the competition is composed of automotive journalists representing major national media outlets. Vehicles are evaluated across a wide range of criteria, including design, technological innovation, build quality, efficiency, performance, comfort, and suitability for the national market. According to the jury’s assessment, the new C5 Aircross stood out as one of the most balanced vehicles in its segment.

A key factor behind the model’s success is its focus on family use. The SUV combines generous interior space, modern onboard technologies, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems. Comfort remains a central element of Citroën’s philosophy, reflected in features such as the brand’s Advanced Comfort seats and the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension, designed to absorb road imperfections and deliver a smoother ride.

Practicality also plays a major role in the C5 Aircross concept. The rear row consists of three individual seats of equal width, improving passenger comfort, while the luggage compartment offers up to 1668 litres of capacity with the seats folded, making the SUV well suited for everyday family travel.

The model’s range of electrified powertrains also contributed to its recognition. The C5 Aircross is available with several options, including a hybrid system producing about 145 hp, a plug-in hybrid delivering around 195 hp with an electric driving range of up to about 80 km, and a fully electric ë-C5 Aircross variant producing around 213 hp with a range of up to 680 km according to the WLTP cycle.

The victory in the family car category reinforces Citroën’s position in developing vehicles focused on comfort, versatility, and efficient mobility solutions. It also reflects a broader trend in the SUV segment, where buyers increasingly value practicality, electrified powertrains, and onboard well-being alongside traditional performance and design considerations.