Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E195-E2
The Embraer E195-E2 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 (introduced 2000) beside the Embraer Executive Jets Embraer E195-E2 (introduced 2019) 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 E195-E2 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E195-E2: the key differences
- The Embraer E195-E2 delivers 67% more range (Dash 8 Q400: 1,556 nm; Embraer E195-E2: 2,600 nm).
- The Embraer E195-E2 delivers 27% more cruise speed (Dash 8 Q400: 360 kt; Embraer E195-E2: 458 kt).
- The Embraer E195-E2 delivers 62% more passenger capacity (Dash 8 Q400: 90 seats; Embraer E195-E2: 146 seats).
- The Embraer E195-E2 is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400), a gap of 19 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Embraer E195-E2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (146,959 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 E195-E2 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,600 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 E195-E2's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Embraer E195-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.
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Dash 8 Q400 vs Embraer E195-E2: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E195-E2?
The Embraer E195-E2 has the longer published range — 2,600 nm versus 1,556 nm for the Dash 8 Q400.
Does the Dash 8 Q400 or Embraer E195-E2 seat more passengers?
The Embraer E195-E2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 146 seats, compared with 90 on the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is faster, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E195-E2?
The Embraer E195-E2 cruises faster, at 458 kt versus 360 kt for the Dash 8 Q400.
Which is newer, the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E195-E2?
The Embraer E195-E2 is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2000 for the Dash 8 Q400.
Is the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E195-E2 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Embraer E195-E2 is the larger aircraft — 146,959 lbs versus 64,904 lbs for the Dash 8 Q400.
Should I buy the Dash 8 Q400 or the Embraer E195-E2?
On published specifications the Embraer E195-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 E195-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.