Pilatus PC-12 vs Cessna Caravan
The Cessna 208 Caravan (single-engine unpressurised utility turboprop, ~186 kt) and Pilatus PC-12 (single-engine pressurised cabin-class turboprop, ~280 kt) are direct utility-turboprop competitors at different price points — the Caravan is utility unpressurised; the PC-12 is the pressurised cabin-class flagship.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Pilatus PC-12 | Cessna Caravan |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $3,300,000 – $7,450,000 | $1,395,000 – $3,700,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 14 |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 175 kts (324 km/h) |
| Range | 1,803 nm (3,339 km) | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 3,610 lbs (1,637 kg) | 3,585 lbs (1,626 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 402.0 gal (1522 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $500,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $180,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $900 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePilatus PC-12
Cessna Caravan
Which Should You Buy: Pilatus PC-12 or Cessna Caravan?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for utility/cargo/skydive operations at materially lower acquisition cost and Jet-A single-engine economics. Step up to the PC-12 for pressurisation, higher cruise, the executive cabin and the segment-leading cabin-class single turboprop — at multiples of Caravan cost. ================================================================ # CITATION INTRA — CITATIONJET LINE (4) ================================================================
Pick the PC-12 if…
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 175 kts.
- Longer range — 1803 nm vs 1070 nm.
Pick the Caravan if…
- Budget matters — from $1,395,000 vs $3,300,000, you save ~$1,905,000.
- More seats — 14 vs 10.
- More inventory — 79 listings vs 18.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.