Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Embraer Phenom 300

The Citation CJ3, Embraer Phenom 300 and Citation XLS straddle the light-to-midsize jet line — the efficient CJ3, the performance-leading Phenom 300 and the roomier midsize XLS. The CJ3 is the value light jet, the Phenom 300 the best-selling performer, and the XLS the stand-up midsize cabin. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation CJ3
For sale now
64
Model years available
2004–2026
Embraer Phenom 300
For sale now
88
Model years available
2010–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation CJ3 Embraer Phenom 300
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 68 listings →
Median $5,422,500
 Embraer Phenom 300
View 73 listings →
Median $9,245,000
Price Range $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 $7,621,250 – $14,537,500
Category Light Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 391 kts (724 km/h) 430 kts (796 km/h)
Range 1,875 nm (3,472 km) 2,010 nm (3,723 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg)
Useful Load 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg)
Fuel Capacity 438.0 gal (1658 L) 527.0 gal (1995 L)
Fuel Burn 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) 155.0 GPH (587 L/h)
TBO 5,000 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $275,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $335,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $1,850 $2,200
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation CJ3

Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $705,000/yr

Embraer Phenom 300

Fuel$852/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $790,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Embraer Phenom 300?

Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for efficiency and value — low operating costs and easy single-pilot flying. Choose the Phenom 300 for performance — the fastest and longest-legged of the three, with a refined cabin. Choose the XLS for cabin comfort — a true midsize stand-up cabin and the vast Cessna network. On safety all three are twin-engine jets with redundancy and strong records; the divide is performance and cabin, not safety. Value light, performance light, or midsize cabin.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,840,000 vs $7,621,250, you save ~$2,781,250.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2200/hr.

Pick the Phenom 300 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 391 kts.
  • Longer range — 2010 nm vs 1875 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2009 vs 2004.
  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 68.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the CJ3, Phenom 300 and XLS?
The CJ3 is an efficient light jet, the Phenom 300 the performance-leading light jet, and the XLS a roomier midsize. They differ in speed, cabin and cost.
Which is fastest?
The Phenom 300 — the performance leader. The XLS is a comfortable midsize; the CJ3 the most economical.
Which has the biggest cabin?
The XLS — a true stand-up midsize cabin. The Phenom 300 has a roomy light-jet cabin; the CJ3 is comfortable but smaller.
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Embraer Phenom 300?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range. The Phenom 300 cruises at 430 kts with 2,010 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 Embraer Phenom 300?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 391 vs 430 kts. Range: 1875 vs 2010 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost. Phenom 300: about $2200/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. Phenom 300: 10 seats / 4,800 lb useful load. 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. Phenom 300: 5,000-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