Cessna Citation CJ4 vs Embraer Phenom 300

The Embraer Phenom 300, Citation CJ4 and Learjet 45 are three light jets with different strengths — the best-selling Phenom 300, the larger CJ4 and the fast, classic Learjet 45. The Phenom leads on sales and cabin, the CJ4 tops the CitationJet line, and the Lear 45 brings speed and ramp presence. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna Citation CJ4
For sale now
29
Model years available
2010–2024
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 CJ4 Embraer Phenom 300
Cessna Citation CJ4
View 39 listings →
Median $6,522,500
 Embraer Phenom 300
View 73 listings →
Median $9,245,000
Price Range $4,937,500 – $12,687,500 $7,621,250 – $14,537,500
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

Estimate

Cessna 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 the all-round leader — speed, range, cabin and the best-selling record in the class. Choose the CJ4 for the top CitationJet — more range and cabin than smaller CJs, with Cessna support. Choose the Learjet 45 for speed and character — a fast, classic light jet, now an affordable used option. On safety all three are twin-engine jets with redundancy and proven records; the divide is performance, cabin and age, not safety. Sales leader, top CitationJet, or fast classic.

Pick the Citation CJ4 if…

  • Budget matters — from $4,937,500 vs $7,621,250, you save ~$2,683,750.
  • 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 — 73 listings vs 39.

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 Phenom 300, CJ4 and Learjet 45?
The Phenom 300 is the best-selling all-rounder, the CJ4 the largest CitationJet, and the Learjet 45 an older, fast classic. They differ in performance, cabin and age.
Which is newest?
The Phenom 300 and CJ4 are the modern designs; the Learjet 45 is older and now a more affordable used buy.
Which is fastest?
The Learjet 45 was built for speed and is quick; the Phenom 300 and CJ4 are close and add modern cabins and efficiency.
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?
Cessna Citation CJ4: from $6,150,000. 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?
Citation CJ4 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-4A. 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