Cessna 206 vs Cirrus SR22

The Cessna 206 Stationair and the Cirrus SR22 are two capable singles for very different missions — the high-wing utility 206 and the fast composite SR22. The 206 is the six-seat hauler with a big cargo door; the SR22 the fast, glass-cockpit single with a parachute. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 206
For sale now
160
Median asking
$470,636
Range
$171,175–$898,750
Model years available
1962–2026
Cirrus SR22
For sale now
255
Median asking
$369,473
Range
$233,400–$867,970
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)Cessna 206Cirrus SR22
All events292124
Serious238
Fatal5538
Fatalities14774
% Fatal19%31%
View full Cessna 206 NTSB record →View full Cirrus SR22 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 206 Cirrus SR22
Cessna 206
View 10 listings →
Median $470,636
 Cirrus SR22
View 249 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $171,175 – $898,750 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 5
Horsepower 300 HP 310 HP
Cruise Speed 142 kts (263 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 840 nm (1,556 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 15,700 ft (4,785 m) 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,400 lbs (635 kg) 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $36,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $25,000
Hourly Variable $175 $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 206

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/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 206 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the 206 Stationair for hauling — six seats, a big cargo door, float and rough-strip capability and the payload to use them. Choose the SR22 for speed and a modern safety net — a faster, glass-cockpit composite single with the CAPS whole-airframe parachute, built for cross-country travel. On safety each answers it differently — the 206 with a rugged, proven hauler record, the SR22 with a parachute — both strong; the divide is utility versus speed, not safety. Six-seat utility hauler, or fast parachute single.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $233,400, you save ~$62,225.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $180/hr.
  • More seats — 6 vs 5.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 142 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 840 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1964.
  • More inventory — 249 listings vs 10.

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 Cessna 206 and SR22?
The 206 Stationair is a high-wing six-seat utility hauler with a cargo door; the SR22 a fast low-wing composite single with a parachute. They serve hauling versus fast cross-country travel.
Which carries more?
The 206 — six seats and a big cargo door make it the hauler. The SR22 seats up to five and is built more for speed.
Which is faster, and which has a parachute?
The SR22 — faster and fitted with the CAPS parachute. The 206 trades speed for payload and utility, relying on a proven safety record.
Which is better, Cessna 206 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 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?
Cessna 206: from $225,000. Cirrus SR22: from $284,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 206 and Cirrus SR22?
206 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F (300 hp). SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 6 vs 5. Cruise: 142 vs 183 kts. Range: 840 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
206: about $175/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?
206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
206: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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