Citation XLS Gen2 vs Hawker 400XP
Citation XLS Gen2 and Hawker 400XP are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation XLS Gen2 (introduced 2022) against the Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 400XP (introduced 2003) 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 XLS Gen2 carries more passengers. 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 XLS Gen2 vs Hawker 400XP: the key differences
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 47% more range (Citation XLS Gen2: 2,100 nm; Hawker 400XP: 1,430 nm).
- The Hawker 400XP delivers 5% more cruise speed (Citation XLS Gen2: 430 kt; Hawker 400XP: 450 kt).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (Citation XLS Gen2: 12 seats; Hawker 400XP: 8 seats).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2003 for the Hawker 400XP), a gap of 19 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Citation XLS Gen2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (20,600 lbs versus 16,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Citation XLS Gen2 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,100 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Hawker 400XP, at 1,430 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 Hawker 400XP's range, the Citation XLS Gen2's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Citation XLS Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Hawker 400XP 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 XLS Gen2 vs Hawker 400XP: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Hawker 400XP?
The Citation XLS Gen2 has the longer published range — 2,100 nm versus 1,430 nm for the Hawker 400XP.
Does the Citation XLS Gen2 or Hawker 400XP seat more passengers?
The Citation XLS Gen2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 8 on the Hawker 400XP.
Which is faster, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Hawker 400XP?
The Hawker 400XP cruises faster, at 450 kt versus 430 kt for the Citation XLS Gen2.
Which is newer, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Hawker 400XP?
The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2003 for the Hawker 400XP.
Is the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Hawker 400XP the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation XLS Gen2 is the larger aircraft — 20,600 lbs versus 16,500 lbs for the Hawker 400XP.
Should I buy the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Hawker 400XP?
On published specifications the Citation XLS Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Hawker 400XP 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 XLS Gen2 vs Hawker 400XP?
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.