This 2020 CubCrafters NXCub Is a Backcountry-Designed ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Modern STOL performance and nosewheel versatility combine in a low-time, adventure-bound machine.

FLYING Staff

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 10:22 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2020 CubCrafters NXCub [Credit: Aerista]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 2020 CubCrafters NXCub, highlighting its revolutionary blend of high-performance STOL capabilities with user-friendly tricycle gear, making rugged off-airport adventures accessible to a wider range of pilots.
This "turnkey acquisition" aircraft boasts only 390 total hours, features a powerful 215 hp Lycoming CC393i engine, and offers a substantial 915-pound useful load for hauling passengers and gear.
Equipped with a modern Garmin G3X Touch glass panel, comprehensive avionics (including autopilot and ADS-B), and specialized hardware like rugged suspension and large Tundra tires, it's designed for seamless operation on diverse surfaces.
Listed at $419,900, this NXCub is presented as a premium, modern solution for pilots seeking a versatile and capable bushplane without the steep learning curve of a traditional taildragger.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s T o p Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2020 CubCrafters NXCub.

The legendary Cub silhouette is often synonymous with the challenges of tailwheel flying, but the NXCub represents a revolutionary shift in the backcountry world. By moving the third wheel to the front, CubCrafters opened the door to rugged, off-airport adventures for a wider range of pilots, combining high-performance STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities with the ground-handling ease of a tricycle gear.

With an airframe logging only 390 total hours since new, this aircraft is in its prime and ready for immediate service. It is a modern, factory-built solution for the pilot who wants the utility of a bushplane without the steep learning curve of a traditional taildragger. Located in the dry climate of Arizona, this NXCub has been well preserved and recently underwent a fresh condition inspection in February 2026, making it a truly turnkey acquisition.

Under the cowl, the NXCub is a powerhouse. It features the Lycoming CC393i engine, delivering 215 hp of fuel-injected muscle. This powerplant provides the get-up-and-go required to clear obstacles at high-density altitude strips, paired with a lightweight composite propeller that ensures snappy response and efficient cruise. With a healthy useful load of 915 pounds, it is more than capable of hauling two adults and plenty of gear into the wild.

The cockpit is a master class in modern avionics, centered around the Garmin G3X Touch glass panel. This system provides a comprehensive view of engine data, navigation, and flight instruments on a single, vibrant display. The panel is further bolstered by a Garmin G5 backup, Garmin GTR 20 VHF comm, and Garmin GMC 307 autopilot for those longer cross-country legs. Full ADS-B In and Out compliance is handled by the Garmin GTX 345R transponder, ensuring safety in congested airspace.

2020 CubCrafters NXCub [Credit: Aerista]

The NXCub’s rugged pedigree is evident in its specialized hardware. It is equipped with Grove spring aluminum suspension and a heavy-duty nose gear designed to handle unimproved surfaces. The aircraft rolls on massive 26-inch Alaskan Bushwheel Tundra tires on the mains and an 8-by-6 nose tire, allowing it to transition seamlessly from pavement to gravel or grass. Additional amenities like a side access baggage door, USB charging ports, and a Rosen sun visor ensure the mission remains comfortable as well as capable.

Listed at $419,900, this NXCub is a premium entry into the modern backcountry market. It represents the ultimate blend of CubCrafters’ STOL heritage and 21st-century utility.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.