172 Skyhawk vs RV-12iS
The 172 Skyhawk leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) against the Van's Aircraft RV-12iS (introduced 2011) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
172 Skyhawk vs RV-12iS: the key differences
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 51% more range (172 Skyhawk: 696 nm; RV-12iS: 460 nm).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 3% more cruise speed (172 Skyhawk: 122 kt; RV-12iS: 119 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 100% more passenger capacity (172 Skyhawk: 4 seats; RV-12iS: 2 seats).
- The RV-12iS is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 56 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 172 Skyhawk seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
172 Skyhawk vs RV-12iS: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 172 Skyhawk or the RV-12iS?
The 172 Skyhawk has the longer published range — 696 nm versus 460 nm for the RV-12iS.
Does the 172 Skyhawk or RV-12iS seat more passengers?
The 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the RV-12iS.
Which is faster, the 172 Skyhawk or the RV-12iS?
The 172 Skyhawk cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 119 kt for the RV-12iS.
Which is newer, the 172 Skyhawk or the RV-12iS?
The RV-12iS is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 172 Skyhawk or the RV-12iS the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the RV-12iS.
Should I buy the 172 Skyhawk or the RV-12iS?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The RV-12iS can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 172 Skyhawk vs RV-12iS?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.