How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Lifted in 2025?

Most drivers in the U.S. can expect to pay about $300–$800 for a basic front leveling kit installed, $800–$2,000 for a 1–2 inch spacer/body lift, $1,500–$5,000 for a 2–3 inch suspension lift, and $3,000–$10,000 or more for a 4–6 inch lift, with premium or custom builds reaching $12,000–$30,000+. These totals vary based on vehicle, kit quality, labor rates, and add-ons like wheels, tires, and calibrations. Below, we break down real-world pricing, hidden costs, and examples to help you budget accurately.

What “lifting a car” means—and how it varies by vehicle

“Lifting” typically means increasing ride height for more ground clearance, larger tires, or a level stance. For body-on-frame trucks and SUVs, you can choose body lifts, leveling kits, or full suspension lifts. For unibody cars and crossovers, lifts are usually modest 1–2 inch spacer kits or upgraded coilovers/air systems. The complexity and cost depend heavily on suspension design (solid axle vs. independent front suspension), drivetrain, electronics (ADAS), and whether supporting components need upgrades.

Typical price ranges by lift type (parts and installed)

The following list outlines common lift options in 2025 U.S. pricing, noting typical parts costs and installed totals. Installed totals usually include an alignment but exclude wheels/tires unless stated. Actual quotes vary by brand, vehicle, and region.

• Front leveling kit (usually 1–2 in, trucks/SUVs): parts $70–$350; installed $300–$800 including alignment.
• Spacer lift for crossovers/unibody cars (1–2 in): parts $200–$600; installed $800–$2,000.
• Body lift (1–3 in, body-on-frame trucks): parts $300–$1,000; installed $700–$2,000.
• Suspension lift 2–3 in (springs/UCAs/shocks or link kits): parts $700–$2,500; installed $1,500–$5,000.
• Suspension lift 4–6 in (IFS drop brackets/knuckles, more hardware): parts $1,500–$4,500; installed $3,000–$10,000.
• Premium coilover systems (e.g., Fox/Icon/King) 2–3 in: parts $2,000–$6,000; installed $3,500–$9,000.
• Air suspension lift/adjustable systems: parts $2,500–$7,500; installed $4,000–$10,000.
• Extreme/custom 7–12 in or show builds: parts $8,000–$20,000+; installed $12,000–$30,000+.

Prices trend higher on late-model vehicles with complex electronics, on independent front suspension trucks requiring more components, and in high-cost metro areas. Brand choice matters: budget kits are cheaper but may ride harsher and wear components faster; premium kits improve geometry and damping but cost more.

Hidden and downstream costs to budget

Beyond the lift kit itself, several add-ons and follow-up services can significantly affect the final price and ownership costs. Plan for these line items when comparing quotes.

• Alignment: $100–$250 after installation; may be needed again after tire/wheel changes.
• ADAS calibration (lane-keep, radar, cameras): $150–$500 on many 2018+ vehicles after ride height or alignment changes.
• Wheels and tires: $1,200–$3,500+ depending on size/brand; speedometer/TPMS reprogramming $100–$200.
• Regearing for larger tires (common with 35s+): $1,200–$2,500; more on heavy-duty axles or if both axles require new gears.
• Driveshaft/CV upgrades or spacers: $300–$1,500 if angles exceed safe limits.
• Upper control arms (IFS trucks/SUVs) for proper alignment: $300–$900 parts; $200–$400 additional labor.
• Brake lines, drop brackets, sway-bar links, track-bar adjusters: $100–$600 in added parts/labor.
• Rust/seized hardware and subframe bolts: add $100–$500 in labor on older vehicles.
• Insurance adjustments: premiums can rise 5–20%; disclose modifications to avoid claim issues.
• Fuel economy: expect a 1–4 mpg drop with lift and larger, heavier tires.
• Legal compliance: headlight/bumper height limits, fender coverage, and inspection rules vary by state; fines or inspection failures can add cost.

Well-planned builds that consider gearing, alignment range, and ADAS needs upfront tend to cost less in the long run and drive better daily.

Labor time and shop rates

Labor is a major factor. Time varies by vehicle complexity and kit completeness, while shop rates differ by market. Ask whether quotes include alignment and any required calibrations.

• Leveling kit: 2–4 hours.
• Spacer lift (crossover/unibody): 3–6 hours.
• Body lift: 5–8 hours.
• 2–3 in suspension lift: 6–12 hours.
• 4–6 in suspension lift: 12–20 hours.
• Typical shop rates: $110–$180/hour nationally; $160–$220/hour in high-cost cities.

Complex ADAS-equipped vehicles and rust-belt trucks often land at the higher end of labor estimates. Reputable shops will provide a written estimate with a contingency line for unforeseen issues.

Example build scenarios in 2025

These sample budgets illustrate realistic out-the-door costs using average U.S. labor rates and mainstream parts. Taxes vary by location.

• Compact crossover (e.g., Subaru Forester) 1.5 in spacer lift: parts ~$350; labor 4h at $140/hr = $560; alignment $150. Total ≈ $1,060 before wheels/tires.
• Midsize truck (Toyota Tacoma) 2 in front leveling with new UCAs: parts $250 + UCAs $500; labor 4h = $560; alignment $150. Total ≈ $1,460; add wheels/tires (~$2,000) and optional regear (~$1,800) if moving to 33–34 in tires.
• Jeep Wrangler JL 2.5 in spring/shock kit: parts ~$1,400; labor 8h = $1,120; alignment/track-bar set $200. Total ≈ $2,720; add 35 in wheels/tires (~$2,200) and potential regear (~$2,000) for best drivability.
• Ford F-150 6 in IFS lift: parts ~$2,200; labor 16h = $2,560; alignment + ADAS $350; driveshaft spacer $150. Total ≈ $5,260; add 35 in wheels/tires (~$2,400) and likely regear (~$2,200) for an all-in ≈ $9,800–$10,200.

Your quote may be lower or higher depending on brand choice (economy vs. premium dampers), regional labor rates, and whether you bundle tires and alignment with the install.

How to save money and choose the right shop

Smart planning and shop selection can improve results and reduce unexpected costs without compromising safety or handling.

• Define your use case (daily driver, towing, trails) to choose the right lift height and components.
• Favor complete kits with geometry corrections (UCAs, track-bar brackets) and quality monotube shocks.
• Get 2–3 written quotes that specify labor hours, alignment/ADAS, parts brands, and warranty terms.
• Ask about parts and labor warranties and whether the shop road-tests and re-torques after 500–1,000 miles.
• Verify local laws on bumper/headlight height and fender coverage before buying.
• Bundle wheels/tires with the install to save on mounting, balancing, and alignment.
• DIY only if you have the tools, torque specs, and safety gear; improper installs can be dangerous and void warranties.

Choosing a reputable 4×4 or suspension specialist—especially for larger lifts—usually pays off in drivability, tire life, and fewer return trips.

The bottom line

In 2025, lifting a vehicle in the U.S. ranges from a few hundred dollars for a simple leveling kit to well over $10,000 for big or premium builds. For most daily drivers, expect $1,500–$5,000 for a well-sorted 2–3 inch suspension lift before wheels and tires, and budget additional funds for alignment, possible ADAS calibration, and any supporting upgrades. Get detailed quotes, plan for downstream costs, and choose components that match how you actually use your vehicle.

Summary

Budget $300–$800 for a basic leveling kit, $800–$2,000 for modest spacer/body lifts, $1,500–$5,000 for 2–3 inch suspension lifts, and $3,000–$10,000+ for 4–6 inch systems, plus tires, alignment, and potential calibrations or gearing. Prices hinge on vehicle type, kit quality, labor rates, and compliance needs; careful planning and shop selection are key to a safe, cost-effective lift.

How much is a 2-inch lift?

For example, a basic 2-inch lift kit can cost around $1,500 to $2,500, while a more comprehensive kit with heavy-duty components, such as extended brake hoses, upper control arms, and sway bar links, can cost $4,000 or more.

How expensive is a 2-inch lift?

A 2-inch lift for full-size pickup trucks.
For pickups like the Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Ford F-150, a suspension lift kit can average around $1,200 in parts. Installation can easily be $600 to $800, for a total nearing $2,000.

Is it expensive to lift your car?

Total Costs: – Overall, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1500 to $7000 or more for a complete lift, depending on your specific choices and needs. It’s a good idea to get quotes from local shops and consider the long-term benefits and potential impacts on your vehicle’s handling and warranty.

How much does it cost to have your vehicle lifted?

How much is it to lift a truck if a professional does it? Having a shop lift your truck can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000. The reason the cost varies so much is that it depends on several factors such as whether a leveling or lift kit is used, what kind of setup you want, and what kind of truck you have.