Sonex SONEX vs Vans RV-12IS
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Sonex SONEX
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 2011–2023
Vans RV-12IS
- For sale now
- 16
- Median asking
- $130,000
- Range
- $44,120–$196,200
- Model years available
- 2019–2026
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) | Sonex SONEX | Van's RV-12IS |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 1 | — |
| % Fatal | 50% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Sonex SONEX | Van's RV-12IS |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $21,776 – $33,800 | $44,120 – $196,200 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 80 HP | 100 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 117 kts (217 km/h) |
| Range | 550 nm (1,019 km) | 505 nm (935 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,320 lbs (599 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 560 lbs (254 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) | 5.0 GPH (19 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Sonex SONEX or Van's RV-12IS?
Pick the SONEX if…
- Budget matters — from $21,776 vs $44,120, you save ~$22,344.
- Faster cruise — 130 kts vs 117 kts.
- Longer range — 550 nm vs 505 nm.
Pick the RV-12IS if…
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Sonex SONEX or Van's RV-12IS?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The SONEX cruises at 130 kts with 550 nm range.
The RV-12IS cruises at 117 kts with 505 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Sonex SONEX: from $21,640.
Van's RV-12IS: from $30,400.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Sonex SONEX and Van's RV-12IS?
Cruise: 130 vs 117 kts.
Range: 550 vs 505 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
SONEX: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
RV-12IS: 2 seats / 560 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?
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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data