Citation Ascend vs Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300E leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation Ascend (introduced 2025) against the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 300E (introduced 2018) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Citation Ascend carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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Citation Ascend vs Phenom 300E: the key differences
- The Phenom 300E delivers 6% more range (Citation Ascend: 1,900 nm; Phenom 300E: 2,010 nm).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 3% more cruise speed (Citation Ascend: 441 kt; Phenom 300E: 453 kt).
- The Citation Ascend delivers 20% more passenger capacity (Citation Ascend: 12 seats; Phenom 300E: 10 seats).
- The Citation Ascend is the newer design (introduced 2025 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Citation Ascend is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (21,000 lbs versus 17,968 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Phenom 300E is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,010 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Citation Ascend, at 1,900 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Citation Ascend's range, the Phenom 300E's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Phenom 300E when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Citation Ascend when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Phenom 300E holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Citation Ascend vs Phenom 300E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation Ascend or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E has the longer published range — 2,010 nm versus 1,900 nm for the Citation Ascend.
Does the Citation Ascend or Phenom 300E seat more passengers?
The Citation Ascend carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 10 on the Phenom 300E.
Which is faster, the Citation Ascend or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 441 kt for the Citation Ascend.
Which is newer, the Citation Ascend or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation Ascend is the newer design, introduced in 2025 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E.
Is the Citation Ascend or the Phenom 300E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation Ascend is the larger aircraft — 21,000 lbs versus 17,968 lbs for the Phenom 300E.
Should I buy the Citation Ascend or the Phenom 300E?
Choose the Phenom 300E when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Citation Ascend when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Phenom 300E holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Citation Ascend vs Phenom 300E?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.