Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs Phenom 300E
The Phenom 300E leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation CJ4 Gen2 (introduced 2023) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 300E (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
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Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs Phenom 300E: the key differences
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 delivers 8% more range (Citation CJ4 Gen2: 2,165 nm; Phenom 300E: 2,010 nm).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 0% more cruise speed (Citation CJ4 Gen2: 451 kt; Phenom 300E: 453 kt).
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 and Phenom 300E are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 10 seats.
- The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the newer design (introduced 2023 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E), a gap of 5 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 17,110 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 transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Citation CJ4 Gen2 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 CJ4 Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Phenom 300E 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 300E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 has the longer published range — 2,165 nm versus 2,010 nm for the Phenom 300E.
Which is faster, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 451 kt for the Citation CJ4 Gen2.
Which is newer, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 is the newer design, introduced in 2023 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E.
Is the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 300E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Phenom 300E is the larger aircraft — 17,968 lbs versus 17,110 lbs for the Citation CJ4 Gen2.
Should I buy the Citation CJ4 Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
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 300E 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 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.