Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Cessna Citation M2 and CJ4 are both light jets, while the Citation XLS+ is typically positioned as a midsize jet and the Citation Sovereign+ as a super‑midsize jet. In range, the M2 is the shortest‑leg option, best suited to shorter regional trips (roughly around 1,500 nautical miles class). The CJ4 stretches light‑jet capability into longer missions (about 2,000+ nautical miles class), often enabling transcontinental U.S. legs with fewer stops. The XLS+ sits in the midsize segment with range generally in the low‑2,000 nautical mile class, but it emphasizes cabin comfort and runway flexibility more than maximum distance. The Sovereign+ is the longest‑range of the group, commonly cited around the 2,800–3,000 nautical mile class, and is designed for longer nonstop missions with strong high‑speed cruise. For passenger capacity, the M2 is typically configured for about 4–6 passengers, the CJ4 for about 6–8, the XLS+ for about 8–9, and the Sovereign+ for about 8–10 depending on layout.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 6.02 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | M2 | Sovereign + | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1400 | 3138 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 3810 | 12790 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 2,699 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 404 | 458 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $19,730,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 22027 | 25230 | 25230 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW306D | PW545C |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 6000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 16 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 1965 | 5907 | 4119 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 516 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | 492 | 1700 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 42.6 | 63.5 | 52.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 47.3 | 72.4 | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 11 | 25.3 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 | 20.4 | 17.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 8.8 | 17.4 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 46 | 100 | 80 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 35 | 10 |