Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Cessna Citation M2 sits in the very light jet category, typically carrying about 4–6 passengers with a range around 1,200–1,300 nautical miles, making it best for short regional trips. Stepping up, the Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets with similar typical capacity (about 6–9 passengers). The CJ4 generally offers roughly 2,000+ nautical miles of range, while the Phenom 300E is in a similar ballpark, often a bit under or around 2,000 nautical miles depending on configuration, suiting longer domestic missions. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet with a larger cabin and usually about 7–9 passengers in comfort, with range commonly around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles; it emphasizes cabin volume over maximum reach. The Embraer Praetor 500 is in the super-midsize class, typically seating about 8–9 passengers with substantially greater range, roughly 3,000+ nautical miles, making it the standout for longer nonstop routes and higher mission flexibility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | M2 | XLS+ | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1400 | 1906 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 3810 | 7540 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 404 | 430 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $15,500,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 22027 | 25230 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW545C | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 1965 | 4119 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 516 | — | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | 492 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 42.6 | 52.5 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 47.3 | 56.3 | 52.16 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 11 | 18.5 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 | 17.2 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 8.8 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 46 | 80 | 74 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 10 | 10 | 40 |