Compare the Quest Kodiak, Cessna Caravan & Grand Caravan EX

Discover the latest high-wing single engine turboprops available and in-production from various manufacturers with air.one. While there is no perfect aircraft, each model offers unique performance characteristics depending on the mission. Find out which turboprop is right for you.

In this analysis, we will be comparing the high-wing single engine turboprops that are currently available and in-production from various manufacturers. Our focus is on an owner-flown land aircraft that provides comfort while transporting families, camping gear, kayaks, surfboards, and other equipment to remote areas. It's important to note that the performance characteristics of each aircraft are different, and there is no perfect aircraft for every mission.

To aid in this comparison, air.one has developed the New Aircraft Showroom, which is a free tool that enables users to compare every available aircraft side-by-side on a like-for-like basis. This tool is designed to help users accurately compare and evaluate each aircraft to find the best fit for their specific needs. Please note that if you are a short-haul passenger operator where seats are a premium, your results may vary.

There is no doubt that the Cessna Caravan has established itself as the pioneer of the rugged turboprop category since its inception in 1982. Over the years, Cessna has continued to enhance the Caravan product line, with the latest models, such as the Caravan and Grand Caravan EX, equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi flight decks and quick-change seating configurations with embedded floor rails. Furthermore, both models are also available on amphibious floats, further expanding their capabilities.

In 2008, the introduction of the Quest Kodiak 100 has challenged the Caravan's market position with its superior interior finish and relative performance advantages over the Caravan series. With a 750 hp PT6A-34 engine and an operating weight of just 3955 lbs, the Kodiak's power-to-weight ratio of 0.19 hp: 1 lb is substantially higher than the Caravan's 675 hp PT6A-114A engine, which has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.14 hp: 1 lb.

This additional horsepower is a significant advantage in aviation, and it shows in the performance comparison between the two aircraft. The Kodiak outperforms the Caravan in almost every metric except speed, with less than half the take-off performance of either Caravan, a greater range, endurance, and more.

The Grand Caravan EX has the most extensive cabin, with a maximum seating capacity of 14 (12 in the cabin), surpassing the Caravan's 12 seats and the Kodiak's ten seats. To make an informed decision based on specific mission requirements, air.one offers the New Aircraft Showroom, a free tool to compare every available aircraft on a like-for-like basis.

As a rugged, owner-flown adventure machine, our choice would undoubtedly be the $2,150,000 750 hp Quest Kodiak.

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