Cessna Citation XLS vs Cessna Citation Sovereign
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation XLS
- For sale now
- 29
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 8
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 2004–2025
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
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 XLS | Cessna Citation Sovereign |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,276,000 – $13,736,000 | $2,560,070 – $22,171,750 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 12 |
| Cruise Speed | 433 kts (802 km/h) | 430 kts (796 km/h) |
| Range | 1,796 nm (3,326 km) | 2,850 nm (5,278 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 47,000 ft (14,326 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 30,300 lbs (13,744 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 851.0 gal (3221 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) | 210.0 GPH (795 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $350,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $2,400 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation XLS
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$830,000/yr
Cessna Citation Sovereign
Fuel$1,155/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation XLS or Cessna Citation Sovereign?
Pick the Citation XLS if…
- Budget matters — from $2,276,000 vs $2,560,070, you save ~$284,070.
- Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 430 kts.
Pick the Citation Sovereign if…
- More seats — 12 vs 9.
- Longer range — 2850 nm vs 1796 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2003.
- More inventory — 45 listings vs 27.
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 XLS or Cessna Citation Sovereign?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation XLS cruises at 433 kts with 1,796 nm range.
The Citation Sovereign cruises at 430 kts with 2,850 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 XLS and Cessna Citation Sovereign?
Seats: 9 vs 12.
Cruise: 433 vs 430 kts.
Range: 1796 vs 2850 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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 XLS: 9 seats.
Citation Sovereign: 12 seats / 6,300 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 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