Denali vs TBM 960
Denali and TBM 960 are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation Denali (introduced 2025) and the Daher (TBM) TBM 960 (introduced 2022) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Denali 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.
Denali vs TBM 960: the key differences
- The TBM 960 delivers 8% more range (Denali: 1,600 nm; TBM 960: 1,730 nm).
- The TBM 960 delivers 16% more cruise speed (Denali: 285 kt; TBM 960: 330 kt).
- The Denali delivers 50% more passenger capacity (Denali: 9 seats; TBM 960: 6 seats).
- The Denali is the newer design (introduced 2025 versus 2022 for the TBM 960), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Denali is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,500 lbs versus 7,394 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 Denali 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 TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Denali when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 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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Denali vs TBM 960: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Denali or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 has the longer published range — 1,730 nm versus 1,600 nm for the Denali.
Does the Denali or TBM 960 seat more passengers?
The Denali carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 960.
Which is faster, the Denali or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 cruises faster, at 330 kt versus 285 kt for the Denali.
Which is newer, the Denali or the TBM 960?
The Denali is the newer design, introduced in 2025 versus 2022 for the TBM 960.
Is the Denali or the TBM 960 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Denali is the larger aircraft — 8,500 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 960.
Should I buy the Denali or the TBM 960?
Choose the TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Denali when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 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 Denali vs TBM 960?
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.