Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 100EV
The Citation CJ2+ leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ2+ (introduced 2006) and the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 100EV (introduced 2016) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Citation CJ2+ has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 100EV: the key differences
- The Citation CJ2+ delivers 37% more range (Citation CJ2+: 1,613 nm; Phenom 100EV: 1,178 nm).
- The Citation CJ2+ delivers 7% more cruise speed (Citation CJ2+: 418 kt; Phenom 100EV: 390 kt).
- The Citation CJ2+ and Phenom 100EV are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 7 seats.
- The Phenom 100EV is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2006 for the Citation CJ2+), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Citation CJ2+ is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 10,582 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Citation CJ2+ seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Citation CJ2+ leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Phenom 100EV can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 100EV: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 100EV?
The Citation CJ2+ has the longer published range — 1,613 nm versus 1,178 nm for the Phenom 100EV.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 100EV?
The Citation CJ2+ cruises faster, at 418 kt versus 390 kt for the Phenom 100EV.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 100EV?
The Phenom 100EV is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2006 for the Citation CJ2+.
Is the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 100EV the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation CJ2+ is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 10,582 lbs for the Phenom 100EV.
Should I buy the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 100EV?
On published specifications the Citation CJ2+ leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Phenom 100EV can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 100EV?
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.