Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs Phenom 100EV
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ4 Gen2 (introduced 2023) against the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 100EV (introduced 2016) 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 range, where the Citation CJ4 Gen2 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs Phenom 100EV: the key differences
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivers 84% more range (Citation CJ4 Gen2: 2,165 nm; Phenom 100EV: 1,178 nm).
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivers 16% more cruise speed (Citation CJ4 Gen2: 451 kt; Phenom 100EV: 390 kt).
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (Citation CJ4 Gen2: 10 seats; Phenom 100EV: 7 seats).
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the newer design (introduced 2023 versus 2016 for the Phenom 100EV), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (17,110 lbs versus 10,582 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,165 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Phenom 100EV, at 1,178 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 Phenom 100EV's range, the Citation CJ4 Gen2's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Citation CJ4 Gen2 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 CJ4 Gen2 vs Phenom 100EV: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 100EV?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 has the longer published range — 2,165 nm versus 1,178 nm for the Phenom 100EV.
Does the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or Phenom 100EV seat more passengers?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 7 on the Phenom 100EV.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 100EV?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 cruises faster, at 451 kt versus 390 kt for the Phenom 100EV.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 100EV?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the newer design, introduced in 2023 versus 2016 for the Phenom 100EV.
Is the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 100EV the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the larger aircraft — 17,110 lbs versus 10,582 lbs for the Phenom 100EV.
Should I buy the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 100EV?
On published specifications the Citation CJ4 Gen2 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 CJ4 Gen2 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.