Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E190-E2
The Embraer E190-E2 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E190-E2 (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Embraer E190-E2 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E190-E2: the key differences
- The Embraer E190-E2 delivers 83% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; Embraer E190-E2: 2,850 nm).
- The Embraer E190-E2 delivers 27% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; Embraer E190-E2: 458 kt).
- The Embraer E190-E2 delivers 27% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; Embraer E190-E2: 114 seats).
- The Embraer E190-E2 is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Embraer E190-E2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (124,341 lbs versus 64,904 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Embraer E190-E2 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,850 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Dash 8 Q400, at 1,556 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 Dash 8 Q400's range, the Embraer E190-E2's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Embraer E190-E2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8 Q400 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.
More comparisons
Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E190-E2: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E190-E2?
The Embraer E190-E2 has the longer published range — 2,850 nm versus 1,556 nm for the Dash 8 Q400.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or Embraer E190-E2 seat more passengers?
The Embraer E190-E2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 114 seats, compared with 90 on the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E190-E2?
The Embraer E190-E2 cruises faster, at 458 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E190-E2?
The Embraer E190-E2 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E190-E2 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Embraer E190-E2 is the larger aircraft — 124,341 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E190-E2?
On published specifications the Embraer E190-E2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Dash 8 Q400 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 Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E190-E2?
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.