Cirrus SR20 vs Cirrus SR22

The Cirrus SR20 and Cirrus SR22 are the entry and the flagship of the same piston family — and for most shoppers, cross-shopping the SR20 and SR22 comes down to how much engine they need. Both are five-seat composite singles with the CAPS whole-airframe parachute and near-identical cockpits; the SR22 simply adds a bigger engine, more speed and more useful load. The SR20 is the economical way into the Cirrus world; the SR22 is the one most owners ultimately want. Current listings and prices for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cirrus SR20
For sale now
166
Median asking
$424,900
Range
$179,000–$739,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
113
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
1999–2026
Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
149
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
2001–2025

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cirrus SR20Cirrus SR22
All events37124
Serious18
Fatal1638
Fatalities3474
% Fatal43%31%
View full Cirrus SR20 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR20 Cirrus SR22
Cirrus SR20
View 185 listings →
Median $424,900
 Cirrus SR22
View 275 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $179,000 – $739,000 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 215 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 155 kts (287 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 875 nm (1,620 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,150 lbs (1,429 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 900 lbs (408 kg) 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 56.0 gal (212 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 11.5 GPH (44 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $32,000 $36,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $150 $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR20

Fuel$63/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/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: Cirrus SR20 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the SR20 for economy — lower purchase and running costs, easier insurance and a forgiving five-seat single that's a popular trainer and first airplane, with the same CAPS parachute as its bigger sibling. Choose the SR22 for capability — a 310-horsepower engine brings more speed, altitude and useful load, turning the same airframe into a serious cross-country machine. On safety the two are alike where it counts: both carry the same CAPS whole-airframe parachute and Cirrus training culture, so the real difference is performance and load, not the safety system. It comes down to budget and mission — the SR20 to learn and economise, the SR22 when you want to carry more and go faster.

Pick the SR20 if…

  • Budget matters — from $179,000 vs $233,400, you save ~$54,400.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$150/hr vs $180/hr.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 155 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 875 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1999.
  • More inventory — 275 listings vs 185.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the SR20 and SR22?
Mostly the engine. The SR22 has a larger 310-hp engine for more speed, altitude and useful load; the SR20 uses a smaller engine and costs less to buy, insure and run. The airframe, five-seat cabin and CAPS parachute are essentially the same.
Do both have the Cirrus parachute?
Yes — both the SR20 and SR22 include CAPS, the whole-airframe parachute, along with the same cockpit and Cirrus training approach. The safety system is shared; the SR22 just carries and climbs better.
Which should a first-time buyer choose?
The SR20 if budget and training are the priority; the SR22 if you'll regularly carry four or five people and bags or fly longer trips. Many owners start in the SR20 and move up to the SR22.
Which is better, Cirrus SR20 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR20 cruises at 155 kts with 875 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 SR20: from $159,900. Cirrus SR22: from $247,500. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR20 and Cirrus SR22?
SR20 engine: Continental IO-360-ES (215 hp). SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 155 vs 183 kts. Range: 875 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR20: about $150/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?
SR20: 4 seats / 900 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?
SR20: 1,500-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