Vans RV-10 vs Cirrus SR22

The Van's RV-10 (four-seat kit) and Cirrus SR22 (factory-built composite single) are the classic kit-vs-factory four-seat decision — similar speed and mission, very different ownership path.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Vans RV-10
For sale now
11
Median asking
$435,000
Range
$287,000–$513,400
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
4
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
2007–2025
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)Vans RV-10Cirrus SR22
All events4124
Serious08
Fatal238
Fatalities474
% Fatal50%31%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Vans RV-10 Cirrus SR22
Vans RV-10
View 12 listings →
Median $435,000
Cirrus SR22
View 251 listings →
Median $369,473
Price Range $287,000 – $513,400 $233,400 – $867,970
Category Experimental Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 4 5
Horsepower 310 HP
Cruise Speed 171 kts (317 km/h) 183 kts (339 km/h)
Range 930 nm (1,722 km) 1,049 nm (1,943 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m)
Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,183 lbs (537 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 13.5 GPH (51 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $36,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $180
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Vans RV-10

Cirrus SR22

Fuel$74/hr
Variable$180/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-10 or Cirrus SR22?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-10 for far lower acquisition cost, owner-maintenance (experimental) and proven Van's performance if you build or buy a well-built example; choose the Cirrus SR22 for a factory-certified airframe, the CAPS whole-airframe parachute and turnkey ownership with dealer support. RV-10 = value/owner-built; SR22 = certified/parachute/turnkey.

Pick the RV-10 if…

  • Newer design — production from 2004 vs 2001.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • Budget matters — from $233,400 vs $287,000, you save ~$53,600.
  • More seats — 5 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 171 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 930 nm.
  • More inventory — 251 listings vs 12.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Vans RV-10 or Cirrus SR22?
It depends on your mission and budget. The RV-10 cruises at 171 kts with 930 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?
Vans RV-10: from $495,000. Cirrus SR22: from $649,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Vans RV-10 and Cirrus SR22?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). Seats: 4 vs 5. Cruise: 171 vs 183 kts. Range: 930 vs 1049 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
RV-10: 4 seats. 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?
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