Citation CJ4 vs Citation XLS — Full Specifications
A complete side-by-side comparison of the Cessna Citation CJ4 and Cessna Citation XLS. Both aircraft serve the Light Jet and Mid Jet markets, and understanding their differences is critical for making the right charter or acquisition decision.
| Specification | Citation CJ4 | Citation XLS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet | Mid Jet |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation) | Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation) |
| Cruise Speed | 451 kt | 441 kt |
| Range | 2,165 NM | 2,100 NM |
| Passengers | 10 | 9 |
| Registered Fleet | 29 | 273 |
| Charter Rate | $3,500–$5,500/hr | $4,000–$6,500/hr |
Speed & Performance
The Citation CJ4 cruises 10 knots faster at 451 kt versus 441 kt. In practice, this difference is marginal on most routes.
At 451 kt, the Citation CJ4 qualifies as a high-speed platform suitable for time-sensitive missions. The Citation XLS at 441 kt performs well within its category benchmarks.
Range & Mission Capability
The Citation CJ4 extends 65 NM further with a 2165 NM range versus 2100 NM. Both handle similar mission profiles.
Both aircraft handle coast-to-coast US missions comfortably. For transoceanic flights, a fuel stop may be required depending on routing and payload.
Cabin & Passengers
The Citation CJ4 seats 10 passengers versus 9 for the Citation XLS. Both accommodate similar party sizes.
Cabin configuration, baggage capacity, and in-flight amenities vary by individual aircraft. Contact The Jet Finder for specific tail-level cabin details when chartering either the Citation CJ4 or Citation XLS.
Charter Cost Comparison
The Citation CJ4 typically charters at $3,500–$5,500/hr while the Citation XLS runs $4,000–$6,500/hr. The category difference means different cost structures. Your budget and mission requirements will determine the right choice.
For acquisition, pre-owned Citation CJ4 aircraft and Citation XLS aircraft are available through The Jet Finder's acquisition advisory service. Fleet sizes of 29 and 273 respectively provide adequate market liquidity.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Citation CJ4 if speed is your priority. It suits short regional missions with smaller groups.
Choose the Citation XLS if its mission profile matches your needs. It delivers strong value across diverse missions.
Citation CJ4 vs Citation XLS — Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions comparing the Citation CJ4 and Citation XLS
The Citation CJ4 cruises 10 knots faster at 451 kt versus 441 kt. In practice, this difference is marginal on most routes.
The Citation CJ4 extends 65 NM further with a 2165 NM range versus 2100 NM. Both handle similar mission profiles.
The Citation CJ4 seats 10 passengers versus 9 for the Citation XLS. Both accommodate similar party sizes.
The Citation CJ4 charters at approximately $3,500–$5,500/hr and the Citation XLS at approximately $4,000–$6,500/hr. Actual pricing varies by route, season, and operator. Contact The Jet Finder for a specific quote on either aircraft.
The Citation CJ4 is the better choice for long missions with 2165 NM of range versus 2100 NM for the Citation XLS.
The choice between a Citation CJ4 and Citation XLS depends on your mission profile. If speed and range are priorities, the Citation CJ4 leads in both categories. Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition advisory to match the right aircraft to your specific needs.
The FAA registry shows 29 Citation CJ4 aircraft and 273 Citation XLS aircraft currently registered. The Citation XLS's larger fleet provides more options for charter and acquisition.
Both the Citation CJ4 and Citation XLS are available for charter through The Jet Finder. We access 15,000+ aircraft worldwide with no membership required. Contact us to check same-day availability on either aircraft.
The Citation CJ4 is a Light Jet while the Citation XLS is a Mid Jet. This category difference affects cabin size, operating costs, and mission capability.
Operating costs depend on fuel burn, maintenance intervals, insurance, and crew requirements. The Light Jet (Citation CJ4) typically has lower operating costs than the Mid Jet (Citation XLS). Contact The Jet Finder for detailed cost analysis.
For short missions under 1,000 NM, both aircraft perform well. The Citation CJ4's higher cruise speed shaves minutes off shorter routes. Airport compatibility and runway requirements may be more decisive than raw performance on short trips.
The Jet Finder provides acquisition advisory for both the Citation CJ4 and Citation XLS. With 302 combined aircraft in the registry, pre-owned options are available. Visit our acquisitions page or contact our team for current market inventory.
Charter or Acquire Either Aircraft
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