Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Honda Aircraft Hondajet Elite
The Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E sit at the top of the light-jet category, while the HondaJet Elite is typically positioned as a very light jet. In practical terms, that means the CJ4 and Phenom 300E generally offer more cabin volume and payload flexibility than the HondaJet Elite, especially when flying with more people and bags. For range, the CJ4 is usually the longest-legged of the three, commonly cited around 2,000 nautical miles class, making it well suited to longer nonstop missions. The Phenom 300E follows closely behind in the high‑1,900 nautical mile class, and is often chosen for a balance of speed, cabin comfort, and strong runway performance. The HondaJet Elite is shorter-range by comparison, commonly around the 1,400–1,500 nautical mile class, aligning with regional and mid-length trips. Passenger capacity also reflects their categories: both the CJ4 and Phenom 300E are commonly configured for about 7–8 passengers (sometimes more depending on layout), while the HondaJet Elite is typically configured for about 5–6 passengers.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Honda Aircraft HondaJet Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.88 | $ 2.73 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Honda Aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | Phenom 300E | HondaJet Elite |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 2,010 | 1495 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.68 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 6914 | 3432 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,135 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 464 | 419 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $9,650,000 | $ 5,400,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.4 | 8.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 25560 | 23060 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | Canada PW535E1 | HF120-H1A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 3360 | 2050 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | — | 439 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 51.2 | 42.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 52.16 | 39.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 17.2 | 12.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 16.75 | 14.9 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.6 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 14.8 | 10.2 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 74 | 66 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | 10 | — |