How Much Does Car Detailing Cost? (2026)
Detailing quotes range from $99 specials to $2,000 ceramic packages — here's what each tier actually includes and what the market charges in 2026.
Quick answer: 2026 US car detailing: wash & wax $50–125 · interior detail $50–150 · full detail $125–200 sedan / $150–275 SUV · paint correction $150–500 · ceramic $500–2,500. Multipliers: SUV ×1.25, neglected ×1.8, mobile +$25–50. Pet hair +$25–75, headlight restoration +$75–150.
By service level (sedan, normal condition)
- Basic wash & wax: $50–125
- Interior detail only: $50–150
- Full detail (in + out): $125–200
- Paint correction (per step): $150–500
- Ceramic coating: $500–2,500
- Pet hair removal: +$25–75
- Headlight restoration: +$75–150
- Engine bay: +$50–100
By vehicle class (multipliers)
- Coupe: ×0.95
- Sedan: ×1.0 (baseline)
- SUV: ×1.25
- Truck: ×1.3
- Van: ×1.4
- Exotic: ×1.8
Condition multipliers
- Clean (regular maintenance): ×0.9
- Normal: ×1.0
- Dirty (weeks of neglect): ×1.3
- Neglected (months, mold/pet/stains): ×1.8
Reading quotes
A $99 'full detail special' is usually exterior-only. Compare quotes line by line: exterior, interior, add-ons, mobile fee. Then run both through the cost calculator — the itemized view makes 2× price differences explainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a full car detail?
$125–200 sedan, $150–275 SUV/truck (2026 US). Includes exterior wash & wax + interior vacuum/shampoo/condition + windows + trim. Correction and ceramic bill separately.
Is detailing worth the money?
For resale: yes — detailed cars photograph better and sell faster, often recovering 2–3× the cost. For ownership: monthly basics protect paint and interior from permanent damage. The $160 detail that prevents a $500 interior replacement pays for itself.
How often should I detail my car?
Full detail 1–2×/year, maintenance wash monthly, interior wipe-downs as needed. Ceramic owners: annual inspection + maintenance wash per warranty terms.
What's the difference between a wash and a detail?
A wash cleans surfaces; a detail restores and protects them — decontamination, polish, interior shampoo, conditioners, sealant. The price gap ($25 vs $160) reflects 4–6 extra hours of skilled work.
Do I need an appointment?
Mobile detailers book 1–3 weeks out; shops take walk-ins for washes but book details. Peak season (spring/summer) books earlier everywhere.
More tools used in this guide
Detailing Cost Calculator
Vehicle, condition, service and add-ons in — get the itemized cost with mobile fee.
Car Detailing Prices
2026 price table by service and vehicle class — wash, interior, full detail, correction, ceramic.
Mobile Detailing Prices
Mobile vs in-shop: the convenience fee, what it buys, and when it's worth it.