Citation XLS Gen2 vs PC-24
The Citation XLS Gen2 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation XLS Gen2 (introduced 2022) beside the Pilatus Aircraft PC-24 (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. 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. 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 XLS Gen2 vs PC-24: the key differences
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 5% more range (Citation XLS Gen2: 2,100 nm; PC-24: 2,000 nm).
- The PC-24 delivers 2% more cruise speed (Citation XLS Gen2: 430 kt; PC-24: 440 kt).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 9% more passenger capacity (Citation XLS Gen2: 12 seats; PC-24: 11 seats).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2018 for the PC-24), a gap of 4 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 18,960 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 XLS 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 XLS Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PC-24 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 PC-24: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the PC-24?
The Citation XLS Gen2 has the longer published range — 2,100 nm versus 2,000 nm for the PC-24.
Does the Citation XLS Gen2 or PC-24 seat more passengers?
The Citation XLS Gen2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 11 on the PC-24.
Which is faster, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the PC-24?
The PC-24 cruises faster, at 440 kt versus 430 kt for the Citation XLS Gen2.
Which is newer, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the PC-24?
The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2018 for the PC-24.
Is the Citation XLS Gen2 or the PC-24 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation XLS Gen2 is the larger aircraft — 20,600 lbs versus 18,960 lbs for the PC-24.
Should I buy the Citation XLS Gen2 or the PC-24?
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 PC-24 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 PC-24?
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.