Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Cessna Citation Sovereign (mid-size, ~458 kt) and Embraer Praetor 500 (mid-size, ~466 kt) are direct mid-size competitors — both stand-up cabins, both ~3,200-3,340 nm range, but the Praetor brings full fly-by-wire and a more modern interior.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation Sovereign
- For sale now
- 48
- Median asking
- $7,495,000
- Range
- $2,560,070–$22,171,750
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
Embraer Praetor 500
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 2016–2024
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 Sovereign | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,560,070 – $22,171,750 | — |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Super-Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 12 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 460 kts (852 km/h) | 466 kts (863 km/h) |
| Range | 2,850 nm (5,278 km) | 3,340 nm (6,186 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 47,000 ft (14,326 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 30,300 lbs (13,744 kg) | 37,567 lbs (17,040 kg) |
| Useful Load | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) | 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 851.0 gal (3221 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) | 230.0 GPH (871 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $400,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $2,800 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation Sovereign
Fuel$1,155/hr
Variable$2,800/hr
Annual Fixed$400,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$960,000/yr
Embraer Praetor 500
Fuel$1,265/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Sovereign or Embraer Praetor 500?
Bottom line: Choose the Praetor 500 for the most modern mid-size jet — fly-by-wire, Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion, longer range. Choose the Sovereign for the proven Citation cabin, Cessna's service network and typically lower used acquisition cost.
Pick the Citation Sovereign if…
- More seats — 12 vs 9.
- More inventory — 36 listings vs 6.
Pick the Praetor 500 if…
- Faster cruise — 466 kts vs 460 kts.
- Longer range — 3340 nm vs 2850 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2019 vs 2004.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation Sovereign and Embraer Praetor 500?
Generation. The Citation Sovereign (Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306C, ~458 kt, ~3,200 nm, eight to nine seats) is a 2004-era super-midsize with proven Citation service support. The Embraer Praetor 500 (Honeywell HTF7500E, ~466 kt, ~3,340 nm, nine seats) is a 2019-era super-midsize with a flat-floor cabin and Garmin G3000 avionics. The Praetor 500 is more modern; the Sovereign is the established platform with two decades of operator experience.
Citation Sovereign or Praetor 500?
Buy the Citation Sovereign if the Citation service network, established parts supply, and lower used-market acquisition cost define the priorities. Buy the Praetor 500 if modern G3000 avionics, a flat-floor cabin, and slightly longer range define the mission. The Praetor is the newer aircraft; the Sovereign is the battle-tested platform.
How do the avionics compare?
The Praetor 500 uses Garmin G3000 — modern, regularly updated, and widely familiar to current-generation pilots. Earlier Sovereign aircraft use Honeywell Primus avionics; later Sovereign+ models include upgrades. For operators who value current glass avionics, the Praetor 500 is the clear choice.
How do specs compare?
Citation Sovereign: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306C, eight to nine seats, ~458 kt, ~3,200 nm. Praetor 500: two Honeywell HTF7500E, nine seats, ~466 kt, ~3,340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Citation Sovereign's used-market acquisition cost is typically lower than a recent Praetor 500, reducing ownership overhead. Operating costs per flight hour are broadly comparable. Total ownership economics strongly favour a well-priced used Sovereign for operators on a budget.
Which should I buy?
Citation Sovereign for an established super-midsize with deep Citation support and favourable used-market pricing. Praetor 500 for a modern platform with G3000 avionics and a flat-floor cabin when new-generation capabilities justify the premium.
Which is better, Cessna Citation Sovereign or Embraer Praetor 500?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation Sovereign cruises at 460 kts with 2,850 nm range.
The Praetor 500 cruises at 466 kts with 3,340 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation Sovereign: from $7,300,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Sovereign and Embraer Praetor 500?
Citation Sovereign engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW300.
Seats: 12 vs 9.
Cruise: 460 vs 466 kts.
Range: 2850 vs 3340 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Sovereign: about $2800/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 Sovereign: 12 seats / 6,300 lb useful load.
Praetor 500: 9 seats / 6,500 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 Sovereign: 3,500-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