Cirrus SR22 vs Cessna 206

The Cirrus SR22 (four-seat composite, ~180-185 kt) and Cessna 206 Stationair (six-seat high-wing, ~140-150 kt) are different-mission aircraft — the SR22 is the high-performance four-seat cross-country; the 206 is the load-hauling utility six-seater.

Live Market Snapshot

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

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
Cessna 206
For sale now
160
Median asking
$470,636
Range
$171,175–$898,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
63
Source marketplaces
20
Model years available
1962–2026

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)Cirrus SR22Cessna 206
All events124292
Serious823
Fatal3855
Fatalities74147
% Fatal31%19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cirrus SR22 Cessna 206
Cirrus SR22
View 251 listings →
Median $369,473
Cessna 206
View 160 listings →
Median $470,636
Price Range $233,400 – $867,970 $171,175 – $898,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5 6
Horsepower 310 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 183 kts (339 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 1,049 nm (1,943 km) 840 nm (1,556 km)
Service Ceiling 17,500 ft (5,334 m) 15,700 ft (4,785 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,183 lbs (537 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 13.5 GPH (51 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $36,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $25,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $180 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cirrus SR22

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

Cessna 206

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cirrus SR22 or Cessna 206?

Bottom line: Choose the 206 for six seats, large useful load, double cargo door and rough-field utility — the workhorse mission. Choose the SR22 for modern Garmin glass, CAPS parachute and much higher cruise — when load-hauling isn't the priority.

Pick the SR22 if…

  • Faster cruise — 183 kts vs 142 kts.
  • Longer range — 1049 nm vs 840 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2001 vs 1964.
  • More inventory — 251 listings vs 160.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $233,400, you save ~$62,225.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$175/hr vs $180/hr.
  • More seats — 6 vs 5.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cirrus SR22 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. The SR22 cruises at 183 kts with 1,049 nm range. The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cirrus SR22: from $649,900. Cessna 206: from $724,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cirrus SR22 and Cessna 206?
SR22 engine: Continental IO-550-N (310 hp). 206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp). Seats: 5 vs 6. Cruise: 183 vs 142 kts. Range: 1049 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
SR22: about $180/hr variable cost. 206: about $175/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?
SR22: 5 seats / 1,183 lb useful load. 206: 6 seats / 1,400 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. 206: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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