Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Cessna Caravan (208) is a rugged, single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft aimed at short, unimproved strips; it typically carries around 9 passengers in commuter layout (or more in high‑density cargo/utility configurations) and offers roughly 900–1,000 nm class range depending on payload, reserves, and equipment. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX (208B) is the stretched, more powerful evolution, keeping the same basic category but adding better hot‑and‑high and climb performance; it generally seats about 10–14 passengers in common commercial setups, with a similar ~900–1,000 nm class range that varies with load. The Daher Kodiak 100 Series III is also a single‑engine STOL utility turboprop, typically configured for up to 10 passengers, with about a ~1,000 nm class range and a strong emphasis on backcountry and rough‑field work. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a step up into the pressurized single‑engine turboprop category for business and high‑end utility missions; it commonly seats 6–9 passengers in executive layouts (more in commuter), and its range is typically about 1,800 nm class, making it the clear leader for longer, faster point‑to‑point flying.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 3.15 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | Grand Caravan EX | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 964 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.39 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 3332 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 614 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 195 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $2,695,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 9 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-140 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 867 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 24 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 335 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 41.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 52.1 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 16.8 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 15.1 | 14 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 32 | 40 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.25 |