Cessna Citation V vs Cessna Citation XLS

The Citation V (light, ~420 kt) and Citation XLS (mid-size, ~441 kt, stand-up cabin) are different-class Citations — the V is a light 500-series; the XLS is the segment-defining mid-size Excel/XLS family that replaced the V in production.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna Citation V
For sale now
104
Median asking
$2,047,500
Range
$473,625–$3,660,250
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
42
Source marketplaces
13
Model years available
1989–2008
Cessna Citation XLS
For sale now
29
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
10
Model years available
2004–2025

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 V Cessna Citation XLS
Cessna Citation V
View 102 listings →
Median $2,047,500
Cessna Citation XLS
View 27 listings →
Median $6,495,000
Price Range $473,625 – $3,660,250 $2,276,000 – $13,736,000
Category Light Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 9
Cruise Speed 390 kts (722 km/h) 433 kts (802 km/h)
Range 1,800 nm (3,334 km) 1,796 nm (3,326 km)
Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (13,716 m) 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Max Gross Weight 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg)
Useful Load 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg)
Fuel Capacity 500.0 gal (1892 L)
Fuel Burn 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) 185.0 GPH (700 L/h)
TBO 4,500 hrs 4,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $300,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $300,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,000 $2,400
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation V

Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $700,000/yr

Cessna Citation XLS

Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $830,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation V or Cessna Citation XLS?

Bottom line: Choose the XLS for the stand-up mid-size cabin, modern Pro Line 21 cockpit and the best-selling mid-size jet of the 2000s-2010s. Choose the V only for materially lower acquisition cost and the lighter-jet operating costs.

Pick the Citation V if…

  • Budget matters — from $473,625 vs $2,276,000, you save ~$1,802,375.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2000/hr vs $2400/hr.
  • Longer range — 1800 nm vs 1796 nm.
  • More inventory — 102 listings vs 27.

Pick the Citation XLS if…

  • Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 390 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1989.

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 V or Cessna Citation XLS?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 nm range. The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 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 V and Cessna Citation XLS?
Cruise: 390 vs 433 kts. Range: 1800 vs 1796 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation V: about $2000/hr variable cost. Citation XLS: about $2400/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 V: 9 seats / 4,250 lb useful load. Citation XLS: 9 seats. 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 V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000. Citation XLS: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. 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