Cadillac Optiq vs Citroen C3 Aircross

What's the difference?

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Cadillac Optiq
Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen C3 Aircross

2021 price

Summary

2026 Cadillac Optiq
2021 Citroen C3 Aircross
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L
Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating

5
Dislikes
  • Ride can feel brittle on harsh road surfaces
  • Slow DC charge rate
  • Five-year warranty feels underdone these days

  • Far too expensive
  • Gloomy interior
  • Lack of storage
2026 Cadillac Optiq Summary

The lonely Cadillac Lyriq finally has some company, with the iconic US brand tripling its range down under with the launch of the much bigger Vistiq (which we've already tested) and this entry-level Optiq, which Cadillac describes as the gateway to its electric family.

It's a medium all-electric SUV with plenty of equipment and – depending on whether you see it as an established premium player or another newcomer brand – pretty sharp pricing.

Cadillac says it has the German big three in its sights with the Optiq, so how does it stack up?

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2021 Citroen C3 Aircross Summary

Citroen's C4 Cactus made quite an impression. A polarising machine, it was the Frenchest French car for ages which translated into almost no local sales but admiration for the bravery of those who signed it off.

It did quite well in its home market though and its designers took note. When the company turned its attention to a smaller SUV based on the C3 hatchback - complete with the baffling Aircross name - the Cactus was an obvious inspiration.

With the Hyundai Venue on the scene - as well as a wealth of larger machines at lower prices - the Citroen C3 Aircross needs to be good to justify a big sticker price.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cadillac Optiq 2021 Citroen C3 Aircross

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