Key Takeaways
The Cessna 182 and Cirrus SR22 are both capable four-seat singles, but they suit different pilots. The 182 rewards simplicity and short-field work; the SR22 trades that for speed, a modern cockpit, and a whole-airframe parachute.
How the two compare on paper
| Cessna 182 | Cirrus SR22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise speed | ~145 kt | ~183 kt |
| Useful load | ~1,100 lb | ~1,300 lb |
| Parachute | No | Yes (CAPS) |
Which one fits your mission?
If most of your flying is shorter hops from grass or gravel, the 182's forgiving handling and lower operating cost are hard to beat. If you routinely fly longer cross-countries and want glass avionics and the safety story of a parachute, the SR22 earns its higher price…