Sonex SONEX vs Vans RV-12

The Sonex and Van's RV-12 are affordable all-metal sport two-seaters — the Sonex a low-cost builder's airplane (auto-engine options), the RV-12 the Van's-supported LSA.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Sonex SONEX

For sale now: 2
Model years available: 2011–2023

Vans RV-12

For sale now: 10
Median asking: $89,750
Range: $80,011–$120,850
Model years available: 2011–2018

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-12
All events	2	2
Serious	0	0
Fatal	1	2
Fatalities	1	2
% Fatal	50%	100%

View full Sonex SONEX NTSB record →View full Van's RV-12 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

Spec / Model	Sonex SONEX	Van's RV-12
	View 3 listings → Median $29,000	View 13 listings → Median $89,750
Price Range	$23,600 – $34,400	$80,011 – $120,850
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)	550 nm (1,019 km)
Service Ceiling	14,000 ft (4,267 m)	13,800 ft (4,206 m)
Useful Load	500 lbs (227 kg)	560 lbs (254 kg)
Fuel Burn	5.0 GPH (19 L/h)	5.5 GPH (21 L/h)
Engines	1 x Piston	1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Sonex SONEX or Van's RV-12?

Bottom line: Choose the RV-12 for Van's support, resale and LSA simplicity; choose the Sonex for the lowest-cost build and sport-flying fun (incl. AeroVee auto-conversion economy). RV-12 = support/LSA; Sonex = lowest-cost/sport.

Pick the SONEX if…

Budget matters — from $23,600 vs $80,011, you save ~$56,411.
Faster cruise — 130 kts vs 117 kts.

Pick the RV-12 if…

More inventory — 13 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-12?

It depends on your mission and budget. The SONEX cruises at 130 kts with 550 nm range. The RV-12 cruises at 117 kts with 550 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.

How do prices compare?

Sonex SONEX: from $21,617. 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-12?

Cruise: 130 vs 117 kts. Range: 550 vs 550 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-12: 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data