Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Embraer Phenom 300 vs Cessna Citation XLS
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
- For sale now
- 64
- Model years available
- 2004–2026
- For sale now
- 88
- Model years available
- 2010–2025
- For sale now
- 29
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
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
| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Embraer Phenom 300 | Cessna Citation XLS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 | $7,621,250 – $14,537,500 | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | |||
| Seats | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 430 kts (796 km/h) | 433 kts (802 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,010 nm (3,723 km) | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 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) | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 527.0 gal (1995 L) | 950.0 gal (3596 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,200 | $2,400 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Embraer Phenom 300
Cessna Citation XLS
Which Should You Buy?
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…
- Lowest operating cost — about $1850/hr
Pick the Phenom 300 if…
- Most seats — 10
- Longest range — 2010 nm
- Newest design — built from 2009
- Most listings for sale — 73
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- Lowest entry price — from $2,276,000
- Fastest cruise — 433 kts
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.