In 1953 Cessna introduced a more powerful partner for the Model 170: using the same wing and flap system as the Model 170B, the new Cessna Model 180 featured a completely new fuselage and tail unit, plus an additional 60kW delivered by the 168kW Continental O-470-A flat-six engine. At. the same time a fully adjustable tailplane was introduced, obviating the need for elevator trim tabs. Most significantly, the additional power available for the Model 180 permitted an increase in maximum take-off weight from 998 to 1157kg with the same wing area of 16.16m². In the late 1970s the Model 180 was available in two forms: the basic Model 180 Skywagon, and the improved Model 180 Skywagon II with a factory-installed avionics package. During 1981 production of the Model 180 ended after well over 6,000 had been built.

In July 1960 Cessna flew the prototype of the Model 185 Skywagon. This was in most respects similar to the Model 180 apart from the provision of extra power in the form of a 224kW Continental IO-520 engine. Like its predecessor the Model 185 was a six-seater, and was made available in basic form as the Model 185 Skywagon, and in more advanced form as the Model 185 Skywagon II. Greater versatility is conferred on the two Model 185 versions by their ability to carry under the fuselage a detachable glassfibre Cargo-Pack, capable of carrying some 136kg. The Model 185 Skywagons can also be fitted with Sorenson spray-gear for agricultural work, and like the Model 180 Skywagons can be fitted with alternative ski or float landing gears.

By February 1980, 4,000 Model 185 variants had been delivered and when production ceased, in mid-1985 4,356 Skywagons had been built, including 497 U-17A/B/C military versions.

In 1971 Cessna introduced an extremely versatile version of the Model 185 in the form of the AGcarryall. This was designed principally for the agricultural role in the widest possible sense, being able to demonstrate spraying procedures, ferry people and equipment, serve as an agricultural pilot trainer, and act as a backup spray aircraft in peak periods. It failed to attract sufficient sales and production ended in 1979 after 108 had been built.

During 1962 the USAF sought a suitable light utility aircraft for supply to countries eligible for MAP aid. Cessna's Model 185 was selected and ordered under the designation U-17, more than 450 being supplied. These comprised the U-17A with a 194kW Continental IO-470-F flat-six engine, followed by the U-17B with a 224kW Continental IO-520-D. The final U-17C production version had a Continental O-470-L engine which had a carburettor instead of fuel injection.