SR20 vs SR22
The SR22 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cirrus Aircraft SR20 (introduced 1999) and the Cirrus Aircraft SR22 (introduced 2001) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are piston singles, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. 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.
SR20 vs SR22: the key differences
- The SR22 delivers 2% more range (SR20: 1,000 nm; SR22: 1,015 nm).
- The SR22 delivers 18% more cruise speed (SR20: 155 kt; SR22: 183 kt).
- The SR20 and SR22 are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The SR22 is the newer design (introduced 2001 versus 1999 for the SR20), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The SR22 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (3,400 lbs versus 3,150 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 SR20 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 SR22 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the SR20 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the SR22 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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SR20 vs SR22: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the SR20 or the SR22?
The SR22 has the longer published range — 1,015 nm versus 1,000 nm for the SR20.
Which is faster, the SR20 or the SR22?
The SR22 cruises faster, at 183 kt versus 155 kt for the SR20.
Which is newer, the SR20 or the SR22?
The SR22 is the newer design, introduced in 2001 versus 1999 for the SR20.
Is the SR20 or the SR22 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the SR22 is the larger aircraft — 3,400 lbs versus 3,150 lbs for the SR20.
Should I buy the SR20 or the SR22?
Choose the SR22 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the SR20 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the SR22 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 SR20 vs SR22?
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.