Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300E leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ2+ (introduced 2006) and the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 300E (introduced 2018) 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 cabin capacity, where the Phenom 300E carries more passengers. undefined
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Citation CJ2+ vs Phenom 300E: the key differences
- The Phenom 300E delivers 25% more range (Citation CJ2+: 1,613 nm; Phenom 300E: 2,010 nm).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 8% more cruise speed (Citation CJ2+: 418 kt; Phenom 300E: 453 kt).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 43% more passenger capacity (Citation CJ2+: 7 seats; Phenom 300E: 10 seats).
- The Phenom 300E is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2006 for the Citation CJ2+), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Phenom 300E is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (17,968 lbs versus 12,500 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 CJ2+, at 1,613 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 CJ2+'s range, the Phenom 300E's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Phenom 300E leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Citation CJ2+ 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 300E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E has the longer published range — 2,010 nm versus 1,613 nm for the Citation CJ2+.
Does the Citation CJ2+ or Phenom 300E seat more passengers?
The Phenom 300E carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 7 on the Citation CJ2+.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 418 kt for the Citation CJ2+.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2006 for the Citation CJ2+.
Is the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 300E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Phenom 300E is the larger aircraft — 17,968 lbs versus 12,500 lbs for the Citation CJ2+.
Should I buy the Citation CJ2+ or the Phenom 300E?
On published specifications the Phenom 300E leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Citation CJ2+ 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 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.