Cessna Citation XLS vs Embraer Phenom 300

Buyers straddling the light-to-midsize jet line often weigh the Cessna Citation XLS against the Embraer Phenom 300 — Citation XLS vs Phenom 300, or the other way round, it's the same cross-class question. The XLS is the best-selling midsize Citation: a roomy stand-up cabin, easy runway manners and proven Cessna support. The Phenom 300 is the best-selling light jet: faster, more efficient and newer, trading some cabin for performance. Today's prices and how many of each are listed are below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna Citation XLS
For sale now
29
Model years available
2004–2025
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 XLS Embraer Phenom 300
Cessna Citation XLS
View 27 listings →
Median $6,495,000
 Embraer Phenom 300
View 73 listings →
Median $9,245,000
Price Range $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 $7,621,250 – $14,537,500
Category Midsize Jet Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Cruise Speed 433 kts (802 km/h) 430 kts (796 km/h)
Range 1,796 nm (3,326 km) 2,010 nm (3,723 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg)
Useful Load 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg)
Fuel Capacity 950.0 gal (3596 L) 527.0 gal (1995 L)
Fuel Burn 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) 155.0 GPH (587 L/h)
TBO 4,500 hrs 5,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $400,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $350,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,400 $2,200
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation XLS

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $830,000/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 XLS or Embraer Phenom 300?

Bottom line: Choose the Citation XLS for cabin and comfort — a larger, true stand-up midsize cabin, a forgiving airframe and the vast Cessna service network behind it. Choose the Phenom 300 for performance and modernity — a higher cruise speed, longer range and the efficiency of a newer design, in a light jet that has topped its class for years. On safety both are twin-engine jets with engine-out redundancy and strong records — the real divide is cabin size versus speed and economy, not safety. The XLS is the roomier, midsize choice; the Phenom 300 is the faster, more efficient one.

Pick the Citation XLS if…

  • Budget matters — from $2,276,000 vs $7,621,250, you save ~$5,345,250.
  • Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 430 kts.

Pick the Phenom 300 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2400/hr.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Longer range — 2010 nm vs 1796 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2009 vs 2003.
  • More inventory — 73 listings vs 27.

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 Citation XLS and Phenom 300?
Class and priorities. The XLS is a midsize jet with a larger stand-up cabin; the Phenom 300 is a light jet that's faster, longer-ranged and more fuel-efficient. The XLS prioritises cabin; the Phenom, performance.
Which is faster, the XLS or the Phenom 300?
The Phenom 300 — its newer design gives it a higher cruise speed and longer range. The XLS counters with a bigger cabin and the easy handling that made it the best-selling midsize Citation.
Which costs less to operate?
Generally the Phenom 300 — a lighter, more modern jet with strong fuel efficiency. The XLS's larger cabin and midsize airframe cost more to run, which buys the extra room.
Which is better, Cessna Citation XLS or Embraer Phenom 300?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 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 XLS and Embraer Phenom 300?
Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B. Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 433 vs 430 kts. Range: 1796 vs 2010 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation XLS: about $2400/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 XLS: 9 seats / 6,000 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 XLS: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 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