208 Caravan vs Grand Caravan EX
The Grand Caravan EX leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) 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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208 Caravan vs Grand Caravan EX: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan and Grand Caravan EX are evenly matched on range, both at 1,070 nm.
- The 208 Caravan delivers 1% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; Grand Caravan EX: 185 kt).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 56% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; Grand Caravan EX: 14 seats).
- The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 28 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 8,000 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 regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Grand Caravan EX 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?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Grand Caravan EX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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208 Caravan vs Grand Caravan EX: FAQs
Does the 208 Caravan or Grand Caravan EX seat more passengers?
The Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 14 seats, compared with 9 on the 208 Caravan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the Grand Caravan EX?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 185 kt for the Grand Caravan EX.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the Grand Caravan EX?
The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan or the Grand Caravan EX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft — 8,807 lbs versus 8,000 lbs for the 208 Caravan.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the Grand Caravan EX?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Grand Caravan EX when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 208 Caravan 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.