Vans RV-12 vs Sonex SONEX
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
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $89,750
- Range
- $80,011–$120,850
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2011–2018
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2011–2023
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-12 | Sonex SONEX |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 2 | 2 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 2 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Vans RV-12 | Sonex Sonex |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $80,011 – $120,850 | $23,600 – $34,400 |
| Category | Experimental | Experimental |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Cruise Speed | 117 kts (217 km/h) | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Vans RV-12 or Sonex SONEX?
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 RV-12 if…
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- More inventory — 11 listings vs 2.
Pick the SONEX if…
- Budget matters — from $23,600 vs $80,011, you save ~$56,411.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.