Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Cessna Citation Excel

The Citation Excel (mid-size, ~430 kt, ~1,850 nm) and Citation Sovereign (super-midsize, ~458 kt, ~3,200 nm) are different-class Citations — the Excel is mid-size; the Sovereign is super-mid with significantly longer range.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation Sovereign
For sale now
48
Median asking
$7,495,000
Range
$2,560,070–$22,171,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
16
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
2004–2025
Cessna Citation Excel
For sale now
100
Median asking
$6,497,500
Range
$1,630,750–$15,295,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
26
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1999–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation Sovereign Cessna Citation Excel
Cessna Citation Sovereign
View 45 listings →
Median $7,495,000
Cessna Citation Excel
View 91 listings →
Median $6,497,500
Price Range $2,560,070 – $22,171,750 $1,630,750 – $15,295,000
Category Midsize Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 12 9
Cruise Speed 430 kts (796 km/h) 410 kts (759 km/h)
Range 2,850 nm (5,278 km) 1,858 nm (3,441 km)
Service Ceiling 47,000 ft (14,326 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 30,300 lbs (13,744 kg) 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg)
Useful Load 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg)
Fuel Capacity 851.0 gal (3221 L) 580.0 gal (2195 L)
Fuel Burn 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) 170.0 GPH (643 L/h)
TBO 4,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $350,000
Annual Fixed $320,000
Hourly Variable $2,200
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation Sovereign

Fuel$1,155/hr

Cessna Citation Excel

Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$320,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $760,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Sovereign or Cessna Citation Excel?

Bottom line: Choose the Excel for mid-size economics and short/mid-range transcontinental missions. Step up to the Sovereign for super-mid cabin, ~3,200 nm range and modern Pro Line 21 — at materially higher acquisition and per-hour cost.

Pick the Citation Sovereign if…

  • More seats — 12 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 430 kts vs 410 kts.
  • Longer range — 2850 nm vs 1858 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1998.

Pick the Citation Excel if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,630,750 vs $2,560,070, you save ~$929,320.
  • More inventory — 91 listings vs 45.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna Citation Sovereign or Cessna Citation Excel?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation Sovereign cruises at 430 kts with 2,850 nm range. The Citation Excel cruises at 410 kts with 1,858 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Sovereign and Cessna Citation Excel?
Seats: 12 vs 9. Cruise: 430 vs 410 kts. Range: 2850 vs 1858 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Excel: about $2200/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation Sovereign: 12 seats / 6,300 lb useful load. Citation Excel: 9 seats / 5,100 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation Excel: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data