How Much Should a Full Car Detail Cost?
In the United States in 2025, a full interior-and-exterior car detail typically costs about $150–$300 for a standard sedan, $200–$400 for most SUVs and trucks, and $300–$600 for premium packages; unusually large, luxury, or heavily soiled vehicles can run $400–$800 or more. Prices vary by region, vehicle size, condition, and whether the service is mobile or shop-based.
Contents
What Counts as a “Full Detail”
Shops don’t all define “full detail” the same way, but most include a comprehensive interior cleaning plus exterior wash and protection. Understanding what’s included helps you compare quotes fairly.
- Exterior hand wash, wheel and tire cleaning, and door jambs
- Decontamination (bug/tar removal; sometimes iron remover and/or clay treatment)
- Application of a wax or synthetic sealant (typically 2–6 months protection)
- Light polish or gloss enhancement (not always included; ask if machine polishing is part of the package)
- Interior vacuuming, dusting, and wipe-down of hard surfaces
- Steam cleaning or shampoo of carpets and mats; seat cleaning (fabric extraction or leather clean/condition)
- Interior and exterior glass cleaning, mirror and screen-safe methods
- Trim dressing and tire shine
- Optional add-ons: engine bay wipe-down, headlight restoration, odor/smoke treatment, pet hair removal
If a quote seems unusually low or high, check whether it includes decontamination, machine protection, shampoo/extraction, and door jambs—these can materially change time and cost.
Typical Price Ranges in 2025 (U.S.)
These ballpark figures reflect mainstream shop pricing in mid- to large U.S. markets; expect 10–30% higher in high cost-of-living areas and somewhat lower in rural regions.
- Compact/standard sedan full detail: $150–$300 (about 3–5 hours)
- Midsize sedan or small SUV/crossover: $200–$350
- Large SUV, minivan, or full-size truck: $250–$450
- Premium full detail (more decon, higher-end protection, light machine polish): $300–$600
- Luxury, oversized, or heavily soiled vehicles: $400–$800+ (more labor, specialized products)
- Mobile service surcharge: +$25–$75 (travel/setup time)
- Common add-ons:
- Pet hair remediation: +$25–$150
- Heavy stains, smoke, or odor treatment: +$75–$200
- Engine bay cleaning: +$25–$75
- Headlight restoration: +$80–$180
- Clay bar/iron removal (if not included): +$50–$150
- One-step paint correction: +$300–$600
- Ceramic coating (2–5 year protection): $700–$2,000 (usually beyond a standard “full detail”)
Time is the biggest cost driver: more contamination, stains, or paint defects mean more hours. Premium products and experienced technicians also command higher rates.
Key Factors That Affect Price
Several variables determine where your quote lands within (or outside) the typical range.
- Vehicle size and design complexity (three-row SUVs, crew-cab trucks, intricate interiors)
- Condition and soil level (pet hair, sand, kid messes, smoke, mold/mildew)
- Regional labor and shop overhead (urban vs. rural; coastal metros typically higher)
- Shop vs. mobile service (convenience premium for mobile)
- Scope and time (e.g., machine polishing, deep shampoo/extraction, decontamination)
- Product tier (pro-grade sealants, coatings, eco-friendly or specialty chemicals)
- Certification/experience and insurance (higher skill and coverage can cost more)
- Environmental compliance and water reclamation requirements
If two quotes differ sharply, they likely assume different time or service depth—clarify scope to compare them fairly.
How to Evaluate a Quote
Before booking, ask a few targeted questions to avoid surprises and ensure the package matches your needs.
- Request a written list of inclusions (interior shampoo/extraction, decon, protection type and duration).
- Confirm expected time on vehicle and whether technicians use machine polishing or hand-applied protection.
- Ask how pet hair, bio-spills, or odors are priced and handled (flat fee vs. hourly).
- Verify products used (pH-safe cleaners, leather-safe methods, window-safe on tints and screens).
- Check portfolio photos/reviews and whether the shop is insured.
- Clarify mobile surcharge, travel area, and access needs (power/water).
- Get an itemized, out-the-door estimate including taxes and add-ons; confirm deposit and cancellation policy.
Clear documentation prevents scope creep and helps you match a shop’s strengths to your priorities—speed, deep cleaning, gloss, or long-term protection.
Real-World Scenarios
These snapshots illustrate how condition, size, and scope shape price and outcomes.
- Daily-driver compact sedan, light soil: $200–$260 at a shop, 4 hours; includes interior vacuum/wipe, carpet/mat shampoo, exterior decon, and a 3–6 month sealant.
- Three-row SUV with kids and pet hair: $375–$475, 5–7 hours; pet hair surcharge and fabric extraction included.
- Work truck, heavy dirt and staining: $400–$650, 6–8 hours; intensive interior extraction and exterior decon; engine bay add-on likely.
- New Tesla Model 3, owner wants protection: $240–$320 for full detail with decon and sealant; $1,000–$1,600 if adding one-step correction plus ceramic coating.
Most drivers fit the first two examples; the higher ranges reflect either tough starting conditions or upgraded finish goals.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart timing and maintenance can keep your detailing budget in check while preserving results.
- Book midweek or off-season; many shops run spring/fall promotions.
- Ask about maintenance plans or 6–8 week “maintenance details” at a lower rate.
- Bundle multiple vehicles for a small discount.
- Choose shop-based service over mobile to avoid convenience surcharges.
- Pre-clean trash and personal items; regular vacuuming reduces labor time.
- Be selective with add-ons; target the few that solve your biggest pain points.
A little preparation and scheduling flexibility can trim 10–20% without lowering the standard of work.
Bottom Line
For a true interior-and-exterior full detail in 2025, expect roughly $150–$300 for sedans, $200–$400 for most SUVs and trucks, and $300–$600 for premium depth—more for large, luxury, or heavily soiled vehicles. Verify what’s included, match the package to your goals, and compare itemized quotes to get fair value.
Summary
A full car detail’s cost hinges on size, condition, region, and scope. In the U.S., standard packages cluster around $150–$300 for cars and $200–$400 for SUVs/trucks, with premium or challenging jobs reaching $400–$800+. Clarify inclusions like decontamination, shampoo/extraction, and protection type, and use itemized estimates to compare shops on equal terms.
Is a full car detail worth it?
Why Should I Get My Car Detailed? Keeping your car clean is a great way to feel great about your ownership, and it can actually help preserve the value of your ride over time. A clean, shiny vehicle is worth much more in resale or trade-in value than one with dingy, faded paint.
What to charge for full detail?
Car detailing price list
| Service | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Basic car detailing | £37 to £183 |
| Full car detailing | £250 to £800 |
| Interior car detailing | £62 to £125 |
| Exterior car detailing | £93 to £125 |
Why is detailing so expensive?
At its core, professional detailing is more than just washing and waxing—it’s an intricate process that requires high-end products, specialized tools, and trained experts. Reliable car detailers invest significant time and effort into ensuring a vehicle looks its best while also preserving its longevity.
How much to charge for a full detail?
A complete car detailing will likely cost between $200 and $350+ depending on the size of the vehicle. This package includes both interior and exterior detailing.
