Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation XLS

The Citation CJ3 and Citation XLS (officially the Citation Excel with upgraded avionics, later the XLS+) bookend a critical size break in the Citation family. The CJ3 is a light jet — it flies single-pilot, weighs in at roughly 13,870 lb max gross, and fits the spirit of owner-pilot operation that Cessna built the CJ series around. The XLS is a midsize jet — heavier, wider cabin, and certified to the more demanding FAR Part 25 transport category standard. Both have similar range figures (~1,850 nm), which is why their spec sheets look deceptively similar until you step inside.

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
Cessna Citation XLS
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

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation CJ3 Cessna Citation XLS
Cessna Citation CJ3
View 69 listings →
Median $5,422,500
 Cessna Citation XLS
View 27 listings →
Median $6,495,000
Price Range $4,840,000 – $5,580,000 $2,276,000 – $13,736,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 9
Cruise Speed 391 kts (724 km/h) 433 kts (802 km/h)
Range 1,875 nm (3,472 km) 1,796 nm (3,326 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) 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Fuel Capacity 438.0 gal (1658 L) 950.0 gal (3596 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 $400,000
Annual Fixed $335,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $1,850 $2,400
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

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 CJ3 or Cessna Citation XLS?

Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for the single-pilot operating model — lower acquisition cost, lower per-hour burn, and a proven owner-pilot ecosystem with factory training support. For a Part 91 operation carrying four to five passengers on typical business trips, the CJ3 handles the mission capably with less overhead. Choose the XLS when cabin volume is the deciding factor — the XLS (and XLS+) has a flat floor, stand-up headroom of approximately 5'7", and a side-aisle that changes the cabin experience for passengers on 2+ hour legs. The extra width and headroom are real, not marketing. Safety axis: the XLS's Part 25 (transport category) certification applies a higher structural and systems standard than the Part 23 certification of the CJ3, reflecting the different design targets of each aircraft. For operators flying under Part 135 air carrier rules, the XLS's certification may simplify regulatory compliance.

Pick the Citation CJ3 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2400/hr.
  • Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1796 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2003.
  • More inventory — 69 listings vs 27.

Pick the Citation XLS if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,276,000 vs $4,840,000, you save ~$2,564,000.
  • Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 391 kts.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Citation XLS+ compared to the Citation XLS?
The Citation XLS+ is the avionics-upgraded version introduced in 2009, adding a Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite in place of the Honeywell Primus 1000 system of the earlier XLS. The airframe and engines (JT15D-5C turbofans) remain unchanged; the glass panel upgrade significantly modernizes the flight deck. Buyers evaluating used XLS aircraft should distinguish between XLS and XLS+ avionics as part of their value assessment.
Does the Citation XLS have stand-up headroom?
Yes — one of the XLS's marketing differentiators is a cabin height of approximately 5 feet 7 inches, allowing most passengers to stand at the aisle without crouching. The CJ3 does not have stand-up headroom; it shares the lower-profile cabin architecture of the entire CJ series. For passengers over six feet tall, the XLS represents a meaningful comfort improvement on legs over 90 minutes.
Which burns less fuel per hour, the CJ3 or XLS?
The CJ3 is more fuel-efficient, burning roughly 130–140 gph at cruise compared to the XLS at approximately 160–180 gph. The CJ3's lighter weight and newer Williams engines contribute to the advantage. Over a 500 nm leg the fuel difference can reach 30–50 gallons — meaningful for cost-conscious Part 91 operators running moderate annual hours.
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 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 CJ3 and Cessna Citation XLS?
Citation CJ3 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-3A. Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B. Cruise: 391 vs 433 kts. Range: 1875 vs 1796 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load. Citation XLS: 9 seats / 6,000 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. 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