Cessna Citation V vs Cessna Citation XLS
The Citation V (light, ~420 kt) and Citation XLS (mid-size, ~441 kt, stand-up cabin) are different-class Citations — the V is a light 500-series; the XLS is the segment-defining mid-size Excel/XLS family that replaced the V in production.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation V
- For sale now
- 104
- Median asking
- $2,047,500
- Range
- $473,625–$3,660,250
- Model years available
- 1989–2008
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
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation V | Cessna Citation XLS |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $473,625 – $3,660,250 | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 390 kts (722 km/h) | 433 kts (802 km/h) |
| Range | 1,800 nm (3,334 km) | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 500.0 gal (1892 L) | 950.0 gal (3596 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation V
Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$700,000/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 V or Cessna Citation XLS?
Bottom line: Choose the XLS for the stand-up mid-size cabin, modern Pro Line 21 cockpit and the best-selling mid-size jet of the 2000s-2010s. Choose the V only for materially lower acquisition cost and the lighter-jet operating costs.
Pick the Citation V if…
- Budget matters — from $473,625 vs $2,276,000, you save ~$1,802,375.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2400/hr.
- Longer range — 1800 nm vs 1796 nm.
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 390 kts.
- Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1989.
- More inventory — 27 listings vs 4.
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 V and Citation XLS?
The Citation XLS (Model 560XL) is a comprehensive redesign of the V platform — not a V upgrade. The XLS adds a wider, taller fuselage, eight seats versus the V's six, PW545B engines, and substantially more cabin volume. The V is a smaller, lighter, older aircraft built around a different fuselage cross-section; the XLS is the later-generation product in the 560 family.
Which is right for me — V or XLS?
Buy the Citation V if budget limits you to a smaller light jet, missions are typically four-to-five passengers on legs under 1,200 nm, and you accept older avionics and a smaller cabin. Buy the Citation XLS if six-to-eight passengers are routine, range regularly exceeds 1,200 nm, or you want a current-avionics glass cockpit. The XLS is the more capable aircraft in every dimension; the V is the budget entry into the 560 family.
How do the cabins compare?
The XLS has a meaningfully larger cabin cross-section — wider seats, a flatter floor, and more headroom than the V. Six passengers in an XLS are more comfortable than six in a V, and the XLS can seat eight. For owner-pilots flying solo or with one passenger, the V's smaller cabin is irrelevant; for regular group travel of five to eight, the XLS is the operationally correct choice.
Which is faster and has more range?
The XLS is faster — approximately 441 kt cruise versus the V's approximately 430 kt — and has more range, approximately 1,800–2,000 nm versus the V's approximately 1,500 nm. Both are single-pilot certified; the performance gap is meaningful on longer legs.
How do specs compare?
V: JT15D-5 engines, six seats, ~430 kt cruise, ~1,500 nm range. XLS: PW545B engines, eight seats, ~441 kt cruise, ~1,800 nm range.
How do prices compare?
See the comparison table above for current asking prices. The XLS commands a significant premium over the V — it is a newer, larger, more capable aircraft. The V is the budget entry; the XLS is the later-generation product.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The V is generally less expensive to operate — smaller engines, a lighter airframe, and lower maintenance complexity than the XLS. The XLS PW545B overhaul costs more than the V's JT15D-5. For mission-equivalent operations, the V's operating cost per hour is lower; the XLS justifies its higher cost through greater capability and capacity.
Which should I buy?
Buy the XLS for any regular group travel of five-plus passengers, routes over 1,500 nm, or when current avionics and a larger cabin matter. Buy the V for budget-limited acquisition where mission demands don't push the V's limits. The XLS is the better aircraft; the V is the more accessible price point.
Which is better, Cessna Citation V or Cessna Citation XLS?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 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 V and Cessna Citation XLS?
Citation V engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-5A.
Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B.
Cruise: 390 vs 433 kts.
Range: 1800 vs 1796 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation V: about $2000/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 V: 9 seats / 4,250 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 V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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