185 Skywagon vs Grand Caravan EX
The Grand Caravan EX leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 185 Skywagon (introduced 1961) against the Cessna / Textron Aviation Grand Caravan EX (introduced 2013) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers. undefined
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185 Skywagon vs Grand Caravan EX: the key differences
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 49% more range (185 Skywagon: 720 nm; Grand Caravan EX: 1,070 nm).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 28% more cruise speed (185 Skywagon: 145 kt; Grand Caravan EX: 185 kt).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 133% more passenger capacity (185 Skywagon: 6 seats; Grand Caravan EX: 14 seats).
- The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon), a gap of 52 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,807 lbs versus 3,350 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Grand Caravan EX is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,070 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 185 Skywagon, at 720 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 185 Skywagon's range, the Grand Caravan EX's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon 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.
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185 Skywagon vs Grand Caravan EX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 185 Skywagon or the Grand Caravan EX?
The Grand Caravan EX has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 720 nm for the 185 Skywagon.
Does the 185 Skywagon or Grand Caravan EX seat more passengers?
The Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 14 seats, compared with 6 on the 185 Skywagon.
Which is faster, the 185 Skywagon or the Grand Caravan EX?
The Grand Caravan EX cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 145 kt for the 185 Skywagon.
Which is newer, the 185 Skywagon or the Grand Caravan EX?
The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 1961 for the 185 Skywagon.
Is the 185 Skywagon or the Grand Caravan EX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft — 8,807 lbs versus 3,350 lbs for the 185 Skywagon.
Should I buy the 185 Skywagon or the Grand Caravan EX?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 185 Skywagon 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 185 Skywagon vs Grand Caravan EX?
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.