Cessna 182 vs Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 and Cessna 182 Skylane are two of the most popular four-seat singles for serious travel. The composite SR22 offers high cruise speed, a side-stick, and the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, while the high-wing 182 is a rugged, easy-to-fly hauler with proven systems. This pits modern speed against time-tested utility.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna 182 | Cirrus SR22 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Price Range | $14,500 – $875,000 | $99,000 – $1,475,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 230 HP | 310 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 140 kts (259 km/h) | 183 kts (339 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 1,049 nm (1,943 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,100 ft (5,517 m) | 17,500 ft (5,334 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,110 lbs (503 kg) | 1,183 lbs (537 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 92.0 gal (348 L) | 92.0 gal (348 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 12.5 GPH (47 L/h) | 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $32,000 | $36,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $160 | $180 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 182
Fuel$69/hr
Variable$160/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$52,000/yr
Cirrus SR22
Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$61,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 182 or Cirrus SR22?
Bottom line: Choose the SR22 for speed, the parachute, and modern glass; pick the 182 for load-hauling, fixed-gear simplicity, and unmatched parts and support. Mission and budget decide it—travelers lean SR22, while utility and lower operating costs favor the Skylane.
Pick the 182 if…
- Budget matters — from $14,500 vs $99,000, you save ~$84,500.
- Lower operating cost — ~$160/hr vs $180/hr.
- More inventory — 516 listings vs 286.
Pick the SR22 if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 1049 nm vs 915 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1956.
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 182 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 182 cruises at 140 kts with 915 nm range.
The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $769,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 182 and Cirrus SR22?
182 engine: Continental O-470-L (230 hp).
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp).
Seats: 4 vs 5.
Cruise: 140 vs 183 kts.
Range: 915 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
182: about $160/hr variable cost.
SR22: about $180/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?
182: 4 seats / 1,110 lb useful load.
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 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?
182: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$32,000.
SR22: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$36,000.
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