Aircraft Comparison
Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs. Phenom 300E: The Ultimate Single-Pilot Jet Showdown
For discerning buyers at the upper end of the light jet category, two aircraft stand apart as top-tier contenders. Let’s review the Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs. Phenom 300E, manufactured by Cessna and Embraer respectively.
Both aircraft are certified for single-pilot operation, offer impressive performance, and feature sophisticated interiors tailored to private owners and corporate travelers alike. But while they occupy similar price points, they differ significantly in range, cabin layout, and mission flexibility.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you evaluate which jet is better aligned with your mission profile.
Avionics and Technology
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ProLine 21 avionics suite with full integration of autopilot, charts, and engine data.
Phenom 300E: Features Garmin G3000, customized by Embraer with advanced automation, predictive alerts, and integrated cabin management.
Advantage:
Speed, Range and Altitude
Cruise Speed:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: 451 KTAS
Phenom 300E: 464 KTAS
Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax):
Citation CJ4 Gen2: 2,165 NM
Phenom 300E: 2,010 NM
Ceiling: Both certified to FL450
The Phenom 300E is faster by about 13 knots, but the Citation CJ4 Gen2 has a 150 NM range advantage, making it better suited for longer nonstop missions like Teterboro to Aspen or Dallas to San Francisco without payload sacrifices.
Advantage: Citation CJ4 Gen2 for range; Phenom 300E for speed.
Climb and Field Performance
Time to FL450:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~28–30 minutes (heavier airframe but still strong climber)
Phenom 300E: ~26 minutes
Takeoff Distance (SL, ISA):
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~3,410 ft
Phenom 300E: ~3,209 ft
Landing Distance:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~3,180 ft
Phenom 300E: ~2,212 ft
The Phenom 300E outperforms the Citation CJ4 Gen2 on runway performance, making it more suitable for short-field airports or elevated strips.
The CJ4 Gen2’s heavier design translates to longer takeoff and landing distances but contributes to its stronger high-speed cruise and payload capacity.
Advantage: Phenom 300E for short-field access.
Cabin Comfort and Layout
Seating Configuration:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: 6–8 passengers with optional belted lav and refreshment center
Phenom 300E: Typically, 6–7 passengers in club plus side seats
Cabin Size (L x W x H):
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~17’4″ x 4’10” x 4’9″
Phenom 300E: ~17’2″ x 5’1″ x 4’11”
Cabin Features:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: Upgraded ambient lighting, enhanced galley options, USB-C ports, and redesigned sidewalls in the Gen2 refresh
Phenom 300E: Clean, modern design with Embraer’s “Bossa Nova” interior, upper tech panel, and ultra-quiet cabin
While the Citation CJ4 Gen2 technically offers more seating and better galley/lav options, the Phenom 300E has the edge in cabin height and width, making it feel more spacious to most passengers.
Advantage: Phenom 300E for aesthetics and perceived space. Citation CJ4 Gen2 for flexible seating and mission-configurable cabin.
Payload and Baggage
Payload with Full Fuel:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~1,000–1,100 lbs
Phenom 300E: ~900–1,000 lbs
Baggage Capacity:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~1,100 lbs total (external + internal)
Phenom 300E: ~660 lbs total
The Citation CJ4 Gen2 offers significantly more useful load and baggage capacity, making it the better choice for fully fueled missions with passengers and gear.
Advantage: Citation CJ4 Gen2 for mission flexibility and cargo-hauling.
Operating Costs and Ownership
Fuel Burn:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~160–170 GPH
Phenom 300E: ~140–150 GPH
Direct Operating Cost (estimated):
Citation CJ4 Gen2: ~$1,800–$1,950/hr
Phenom 300E: ~$1,600–$1,700/hr
Maintenance Support:
Citation CJ4 Gen2: Supported by Textron Aviation’s extensive global network of Citation Service Centers, Aviation International News (AIN) ranks Textron support above Embraer in the US
Phenom 300E: Embraer is making a significant investment in its US support network, but still lags behind Textron’s network
While the Phenom 300E wins on fuel efficiency and slightly lower DOCs, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 has a more expansive support network and greater parts availability. This can translate to fewer delays and more predictable maintenance planning.
Advantage: Phenom 300E for fuel economy. Citation CJ4 Gen2 for support and infrastructure.
Resale and Market Behavior
Fleet Size:
Citation CJ4 Gen2 (and legacy CJ4): ~400 in operation
Phenom 300E: ~270+ since 2018; part of ~700 Phenom 300 series total
Resale Demand:
Both aircraft retain value well, but the Phenom 300E enjoys a premium image and strong demand, particularly among international buyers and high-net-worth individuals due to its higher ramp appeal
Time on Market:
Similar for both, though Citation models generally offer more pricing comparables and faster appraisals due to longer market presence.
Advantage: Phenom 300E for ramp presence and international appeal; Citation CJ4 Gen2 for resale stability.
Citation CJ4 Gen2 vs. PHENOM 300E Comparison
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Cruise Speed | Phenom 300E |
Range | Citation CJ4 Gen2 |
Runway Performance | Phenom 300E |
Cabin Comfort | Phenom 300E |
Payload & Baggage | Citation CJ4 Gen2 |
Operating Cost | Phenom 300E |
Maintenance Network | Citation CJ4 Gen2 |
Resale Appeal | Phenom 300E |
Bottom Line: CJ4 Gen2 vs. Phenom 300E
If your mission profile favors short-field access, style, and speed, the Phenom 300E offers a refined experience with a modern cabin and class-leading performance. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize aesthetics, tech integration, and resale prestige.
But if you need a longer-range workhorse, carry more passengers or cargo, and want the peace of mind that comes with the largest single-pilot jet in the Citation lineup, the Citation CJ4 Gen2 stands out as the most capable and mission-flexible light jet on the market.
Still weighing your options? Contact us today for a customized mission profile analysis and real-time market data on available Citation CJ4 Gen2s and Phenom 300Es.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denise Wilson, CAM, is the founder and President of The Jet Agent. Wilson has more than 25 years of experience in all facets of the aviation industry. This includes 20+ years of flying Citations and other jets in both business aviation and commercial operations, and 18 years assisting clients in the acquisition and sales of jet aircraft.
She previously served as founder & CEO of Desert Jet, collectively consisting of an aircraft acquisitions and sales division, a jet charter and management company, a jet maintenance business, and a popular FBO featuring a newly built private terminal, Desert Jet Center. Under her leadership, the company grew exponentially, ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the nation’s fastest growing, privately-owned companies five consecutive years.
As a jet aircraft broker and acquisition consultant, Wilson provides concierge-level acquisition representation, aircraft sales, and coaching to clients. She authored the Amazon #1 Bestseller “The Insider’s Guide to Buying and Selling Jets.”
ABOUT THE JET AGENT
The Jet Agent helps clients navigate the complex world of jet acquisitions and sales with confidence. The Jet Agent is in the top 5% of aircraft brokers worldwide by transaction volume and ranks as the #1 seller of Citation M2s and CJ3s. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with offices in Denver, Dallas and Sacramento, The Jet Agent is dedicated to elevating the aircraft brokerage experience with expert guidance and concierge-level service.
