Cubcrafters Nxcub vs Cessna 185
The Cessna 185 Skywagon (tailwheel, 300 hp Continental IO-520, ~145 kt) and modern backcountry options like CubCrafters NXCub (tailwheel, 180 hp Lycoming, ~135 kt with extreme STOL) or Maule M-7-235C (tailwheel, 235 hp Lycoming, ~140 kt) are competing backcountry singles — different takes on the bush-flying mission.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Cubcrafters Nxcub | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $419,900 – $525,000 | $150,000 – $899,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 520 nm (963 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 49.0 gal (185 L) | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $120 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCubcrafters Nxcub
Cessna 185
Which Should You Buy: Cubcrafters Nxcub or Cessna 185?
Bottom line: Choose the 185 for the largest payload, the classic Cessna character and the broadest tailwheel-utility support network. Choose the NXCub for the most extreme STOL/short-field capability in a new airframe. Choose the Maule M-7 for the best balance of capability and acquisition cost in a modern STOL platform.
Pick the Nxcub if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$120/hr vs $175/hr.
- Newer design — production from 2020 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $150,000 vs $419,900, you save ~$269,900.
- More seats — 6 vs 2.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 126 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 520 nm.
- More inventory — 68 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.