Cirrus SR20
The original certificated Cirrus, the lower-powered SR20, gets the same G6 treatment as the SR22. New in 2017 is a Lycoming four-cylinder, 210 hp IO-390 engine. The SR20 is in most ways the same airplane as its more powerful sibling. But it’s a significantly less speedy airplane than the SR22, just 155 knots compared with better than 180 for the normally aspirated ’22. The ’20 is the de facto beginner’s Cirrus, but still an airplane that will go a long way, with a range of around 650 nm, and do so pretty quickly at 150 to 155 knots, and with the same comfort as the SR22—it features the same cabin with almost all the same options available, including the 60-40 flex seating that provides an extra seatbelt in back. With the new engine, the SR20 will have a 100-pound higher max takeoff weight and a boost in useful load, too.
Niche: Fixed-gear personal
Base Price: $389,900
Competitors: Diamond DA40, Tecnam P2010, Piper Archer
Learn more at Cirrus Aircraft.