Cessna Citation CJ1 vs Cessna Citation XLS

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna Citation CJ1 Cessna Citation XLS
Cessna Citation CJ1
View 79 listings →
Median $1,549,000
Cessna Citation XLS
View 27 listings →
Median $6,495,000
Price Range $595,000 – $2,395,000 $1,795,000 – $15,295,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 6 9
Cruise Speed 359 kts (665 km/h) 433 kts (802 km/h)
Range 1,150 nm (2,130 km) 1,796 nm (3,326 km)
Service Ceiling 41,000 ft (12,497 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,600 lbs (4,808 kg) 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg)
Useful Load 2,850 lbs (1,293 kg)
Fuel Capacity 357.0 gal (1351 L)
Fuel Burn 110.0 GPH (416 L/h) 185.0 GPH (700 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 4,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $260,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $280,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $1,800 $2,400
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation CJ1

Fuel$605/hr
Variable$1,800/hr
Annual Fixed$280,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $640,000/yr

Cessna Citation XLS

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $830,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ1 or Cessna Citation XLS?

Pick the Citation CJ1 if…

  • Budget matters — from $595,000 vs $1,795,000, you save ~$1,200,000.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$1800/hr vs $2400/hr.
  • More inventory — 79 listings vs 27.

Pick the Citation XLS if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 6.
  • Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 359 kts.
  • Longer range — 1796 nm vs 1150 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2003 vs 2000.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ1 or Cessna Citation XLS?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation CJ1 cruises at 359 kts with 1,150 nm range. The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ1 and Cessna Citation XLS?
Seats: 6 vs 9. Cruise: 359 vs 433 kts. Range: 1150 vs 1796 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ1: about $1800/hr variable cost. Citation XLS: about $2400/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation CJ1: 6 seats / 2,850 lb useful load. Citation XLS: 9 seats. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation CJ1: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$260,000. Citation XLS: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data