Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Piper M350 vs Piper M500

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips and high payload flexibility. It typically carries the most people of this group (often up to about 9–14 depending on interior and regulations) but generally trades speed and long-range efficiency for cabin volume and mission versatility; real‑world ranges are commonly in the roughly 900–1,000+ nm class depending on load and reserves. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a premium single‑engine turboprop with higher cruise speed and a quieter, more refined cabin than the Caravan. Passenger capacity is commonly around 6–9 in executive layouts, with strong baggage capability. It usually offers the best combination of speed, comfort, and practical range here, often around 1,500–1,800 nm. The Piper M500 is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop positioned as a step‑up personal/business aircraft. It generally seats about 5–6 in typical configurations, with ranges often around 1,000–1,300 nm. The Piper M350 is a pressurized piston twin focused on owner‑pilot IFR travel. It typically carries about 5–6, with ranges commonly around 1,000–1,300 nm, but at lower cruise speeds than the turboprops.