Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Embraer Phenom 300
The Cessna CJ4 and Phenom 300 are the two top light jets — the CJ4 is the largest single-pilot CitationJet (~451 kt, ~2,165 nm); the Phenom 300 is the best-selling light jet (~453 kt, ~3,000 nm).
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,500,000 – $12,700,000 | $7,495,000 – $14,750,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 420 kts (778 km/h) | 430 kts (796 km/h) |
| Range | 2,165 nm (4,010 km) | 2,010 nm (3,723 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 17,110 lbs (7,761 kg) | 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,700 lbs (2,132 kg) | 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 581.0 gal (2199 L) | 527.0 gal (1995 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 165.0 GPH (625 L/h) | 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $325,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $385,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,150 | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ4
Fuel$908/hr
Variable$2,150/hr
Annual Fixed$385,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$815,000/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 CJ4 or Embraer Phenom 300?
Bottom line: Choose the Phenom 300 for longer range, larger cabin and best-in-class dispatch reliability — it is the segment leader. Choose the CJ4 for single-pilot certification, CitationJet field performance and the Cessna service network.
Pick the Citation CJ4 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,500,000 vs $7,495,000, you save ~$2,995,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2150/hr vs $2200/hr.
- Longer range — 2165 nm vs 2010 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2010 vs 2009.
Pick the Phenom 300 if…
- Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 420 kts.
- More inventory — 76 listings vs 28.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ4 or Embraer Phenom 300?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ4 cruises at 420 kts with 2,165 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 CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300?
Cruise: 420 vs 430 kts.
Range: 2165 vs 2010 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ4: about $2150/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 CJ4: 10 seats / 4,700 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 CJ4: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$325,000.
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