Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation XLS+
The Cessna CJ3 (light jet, single-pilot, ~417 kt) and Citation XLS (mid-size, two-crew- typical, ~441 kt, stand-up cabin) are a light-to-mid-size step-up within the Citation family.
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 | $6,500,000 – $15,295,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 441 kts (817 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,100 nm (3,889 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $420,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $380,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Cessna Citation XLS+
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$880,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation XLS+?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for single-pilot certification, light-jet economics and the straight-wing CitationJet handling. Step up to the XLS for the genuine mid-size stand-up cabin and more range — when cabin size justifies higher operating cost.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,750,000 vs $6,500,000, you save ~$1,750,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 33.
Pick the Citation XLS+ if…
- Faster cruise — 441 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2100 nm vs 1875 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2008 vs 2004.
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 CJ3 or Cessna Citation XLS+?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Citation XLS+ cruises at 441 kts with 2,100 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 CJ3 and Cessna Citation XLS+?
Cruise: 391 vs 441 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 2100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Citation XLS+: about $2500/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Citation XLS+: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000.
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