How much does a full car detail cost in 2026?

A full car detail typically costs between $150 and $400 for most cars in 2026, with the average landing around $200 to $250. Larger vehicles, heavy interior work, and add-ons like ceramic coating push it higher. The price reflects hours of hands-on work. A real full detail can be a half-day job, not a 20-minute wash.

If you've only ever paid for a $30 car wash, that range can be a shock. So it helps to understand what you're actually buying when you book a full detail, and why two quotes for "a detail" can be $100 apart. Here's the honest breakdown.

What does a full car detail cost?

For most sedans and small SUVs, a full detail runs $150 to $300. Trucks, large SUVs, and three-row vehicles usually land $250 to $400+ because there's simply more car to clean. Here's how the common service tiers tend to break down:

Typical 2026 detailing service tiers

Ranges are typical 2026 market figures and vary by region, vehicle size, and condition. Your detailer's quote is always the real number.

What's included in a full detail?

A true full detail covers the whole car, inside and out, with steps a quick wash skips entirely. Expect the work to include:

• Exterior: hand wash, wheel and tire cleaning, paint decontamination (clay), and a sealant or wax for protection.
• Interior: full vacuum, shampoo or steam on carpets and seats, wipe-down of every surface, glass cleaned inside and out.
• Finishing: trim and plastics dressed, leather conditioned, a final inspection so nothing's missed.

What changes the price?

Two cars, same service, different prices. It usually comes down to a handful of factors:

1. 1Vehicle size. A two-seater takes far less time than a three-row SUV. More surface area, more seats, more money.
2. 2Condition. Pet hair, spilled coffee, years of grime, or a job site truck all add labor. The dirtier it is, the longer it takes.
3. 3Add-ons. Paint correction, ceramic coating, pet-hair removal, engine bay, and odor treatment are priced on top of a base detail.
4. 4Experience. A seasoned detailer with a strong portfolio charges more, and usually earns it in the result.

You're not paying for soap and water. You're paying for the four hours and the skill that make your car look like it did off the lot.

Does a mobile detailer cost more?

Not necessarily. A mobile detailer who comes to you is often priced in the same range as a shop. You're trading a little convenience premium for not having to drive anywhere or wait around. The real value is the time you get back: the work happens in your driveway while you go about your day.

How to know you're paying for real work

The best protection against overpaying isn't finding the cheapest quote. It's choosing a detailer you can actually vet. A few things to look for:

Look at their actual portfolio

Real before-and-after photos of real jobs tell you more than any price. A detailer proud of their work will show it. On FOAM, every detailer has a portfolio and reviews from other owners, so you can see the work before you book.

Read the reviews, not just the rating

A 5-star average is nice, but the written reviews tell you how someone handles a tricky job or a problem. That's the signal that matters when you're trusting someone with your car.