The light jet segment has two standouts that attract very different buyers. The Embraer Phenom 300 is the proven bestseller: bigger, faster and longer-legged. The HondaJet Elite II is the newer, more radical design: smaller, cheaper to run and packed with modern flight-deck technology.
Here is how the HondaJet Elite II vs Phenom 300 matchup breaks down on performance, cabin, cost and market availability.
Quick Comparison
| Specification | HondaJet Elite II | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated purchase price (Conklin) | About $6.5M | About $8.65M |
| Max range | 1,547 nm (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | About 1,970–2,000 nm with four passengers; 1,811 nm with eight |
| Max cruise speed | 422 kts | 453 kts |
| Max takeoff weight | 11,100 lb | 18,387 lb |
| Engines | 2 × GE Honda HF120 (2,050 lbf each) | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E (3,360 lbf each) |
| Service ceiling | 43,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin length / height / width | 12 ft 1 in / 4 ft 9 in / 5 ft 0 in | 17 ft 2 in / 4 ft 9 in / 5 ft 1 in |
| Typical seating | 5 in club layout (optional additional seats) | 6–8 |
| Baggage volume | 66 cu ft | 85 cu ft |
| Annual cost at 150 hrs (Conklin) | About $627,000 | About $1.06M |
Performance: The Phenom Is Faster and Goes Farther
The Phenom 300 wins on raw capability. With roughly 3,360 pounds of thrust per engine and a much higher maximum takeoff weight, it cruises about 30 knots faster and reaches farther. Its range lets it link, for example, the Southeast to the West Coast with a fuel stop or the Northeast to Florida and beyond nonstop.
The HondaJet Elite II covers a lot of the same territory on shorter trips. Honda raised the Elite II's maximum takeoff weight by 200 pounds to add fuel, extending NBAA IFR range by about 110 nm over the Elite S. That is enough for New York to Miami-type trips, but it is a regional jet at heart.
Where the HondaJet pushes back is efficiency. Its over-the-wing engine mounting reduces drag and cabin noise and frees up cabin and baggage space.
Cabin and Comfort
On paper, the Phenom's cabin is almost five feet longer, with a similar height and width. In practice, that length translates to more legroom, more seating flexibility, and room for a proper aft lavatory. The Phenom is more likely to feel comfortable for four to six adults on a multi-hour leg.
The Elite II is typically configured for five passengers in a club arrangement. Honda has added enhanced soundproofing, updated materials and refined cabin controls, but this is a cabin for shorter trips and smaller groups.
Technology and Safety
This is the Elite II's strongest card. Its Garmin G3000 flight deck brings advanced autothrottle capability and emergency Autoland-class safety features. The Phenom 300 uses Garmin avionics as well, and the latest Phenom 300E variants bring flight-deck and braking improvements. Both aircraft are approved for single-pilot operation in many jurisdictions, though insurers commonly require a second pilot or specific training.
Operating Costs: A Big Gap
Using Conklin's October 2026 model at 150 hours per year and $7.24 per gallon for Jet A:
| Cost measure | HondaJet Elite II | Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Variable cost per hour | About $2,037 | About $3,086 |
| Annual fixed cost | About $321,000 | About $599,000 |
| Total annual cost | About $627,000 | About $1.06M |
| Cost per hour | About $4,180 | About $7,081 |
| Cost per nautical mile | About $11.61 | About $17.70 |
| Annual cost including depreciation | About $985,000 | About $1.54M |
The Elite II costs roughly 40% less per hour to operate. Per seat, the gap narrows: Conklin puts the Elite II at about $2.32 per seat-nautical-mile versus $2.53 for the Phenom, because the Phenom carries more people.
Market Availability and Pricing
The Jet Guys market summaries show two very different markets:
- Phenom 300: 506 aircraft in operation, only six for sale (1.2%). Asking prices ranged from about $8.5M to $10.8M, averaging roughly $9.4M, with an average of 353 days on market. Recorded sales averaged about $7.7M.
- HondaJet Elite II: 53 in operation and 80 in the overall fleet count including aircraft still at the manufacturer. Three were for sale, all in North America, with average days on market around 152. Pricing is mostly "inquire," and recorded sales are limited because most Elite IIs are young.
The Phenom is a liquid, established market with a long record of resale values. The Elite II is a newer type with limited used inventory, which can mean fewer choices but also strong demand.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the HondaJet Elite II if most missions are 300–900 nm with two to four passengers, you want the lowest operating cost, and you value the latest safety technology.
Choose the Phenom 300 if you need more range, room for six or more, a more spacious cabin and a proven resale market.
Either way, have the aircraft examined before you buy (see our pre-purchase inspection checklist). To see how these numbers fit into a bigger picture, read how much it costs to own a private jet in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HondaJet faster than the Phenom 300? No. The Phenom 300 cruises faster, at about 453 knots versus 422.
Which is cheaper to operate? The HondaJet Elite II, by roughly $2,900 per flight hour in Conklin's model.
Can you fly either with one pilot? Both are certified for single-pilot operation, but insurance and operational rules often add requirements.
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