Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation M2 and CJ4 sit in the light-jet category, with the M2 as an entry light jet focused on shorter missions (roughly 1,300–1,600 nm) and typically 4–6 passengers, while the CJ4 is a larger light jet with notably more range (about 2,000+ nm) and usually 6–8 passengers. The Embraer Phenom 300E is also a light jet but at the top of the class, combining strong speed and range (around 2,000+ nm) with a typical 6–8 passenger cabin. Stepping up, the Cessna Citation XLS+ is commonly described as a “super light” jet, offering a roomier cabin and good field performance, with mid-1,700 to ~2,100 nm class range and typically 7–9 passengers. The Embraer Praetor 500 moves into the midsize/super-midsize realm, emphasizing longer legs (about 3,000+ nm) and generally 8–9 passengers. The Pilatus PC-24 is a light jet with “super versatile” utility—often 6–8 passengers—paired with roughly 2,000 nm class range and standout rough/short-field capability.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | M2 | XLS+ | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1400 | 1906 | 2,010 | 3340 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 3810 | 7540 | 6914 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 404 | 430 | 464 | 466 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $15,500,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 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 | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.7 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 22027 | 25230 | 25560 | 27110 | 23500 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW545C | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 1965 | 4119 | 3360 | 6540 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 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 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 47.3 | 56.3 | 52.16 | 70.5 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 11 | 18.5 | 17.2 | 20.6 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 | 17.2 | 16.75 | 21.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 8.8 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 17.4 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 46 | 80 | 74 | 110 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 10 | 10 | 40 | 90 |