How much does car detailing cost?
In 2026, car detailing costs $90-$130 for a basic detail, $140-$195 for a premium detail, and $180-$260 for a full (exclusive) detail, depending on your vehicle's size and condition. Specialty add-ons like headlight restoration or ceramic sealant cost extra. Mobile detailing is usually the same price as a shop, with no travel fee inside the service area.
This guide breaks down exactly what detailing costs in Canada, by vehicle, package and service, and gives you a free calculator, honest comparisons, and tips to pay less without getting less. Written by a working mobile detailer in Ontario, with real 2026 pricing.
Car detailing price table (by package & vehicle)
The two biggest factors in detailing cost are package level and vehicle size. Here's the full matrix at 2026 rates:
| Package | Small Car | Sedan / SUV | Large SUV / Van | Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic DetailVacuum + exterior wash | $90 | $100 | $120 | $130 |
| Premium Detail+ interior wipe-down, wheels, wax | $140 | $150 | $175 | $195 |
| Exclusive (Full) Detail+ ceramic sealant, pet hair, stains | $180 | $200 | $230 | $260 |
Heavy conditions, caked-on salt, deep stains, serious pet hair, can push a full detail toward $250 on a large, neglected vehicle. A clean car that just needs upkeep sits at the bottom of each range.
Car detailing cost by service type
Buying a single service instead of a full package? Rough 2026 price ranges:
| Service | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior wash & tire shine | $30-$60 | Hand wash, rims, tires shined |
| Interior detail (only) | $80-$180 | Deep vacuum, wipe-down, windows, stain spot-treat |
| Full detail (in + out) | $180-$260 | The complete reset, inside and out |
| Car waxing | $40-$90 | Hand-applied wax, paint protection & gloss |
| Headlight restoration | $40-$80 | Sanding + clearing of foggy, yellowed lenses |
| Pet hair removal | $30-$100 | Add-on; depends on severity |
| Ceramic coating | $150-$1,500+ | Spray sealant to multi-year pro coating |
What's included in each detailing package
"Detail" means different things at different price points. Here's exactly what each package covers, so you know what you're paying for:
Basic Detail $90-$130
- Interior vacuum (seats, floor, trunk)
- Exterior hand wash
- Tire shine
- Quick window wipe (in & out)
Premium Detail $140-$195
- Everything in Basic
- Interior wipe-down (dash, console, doors, vents)
- Door jamb cleaning
- Interior windows polished
- Wheels deep cleaned
- Spray wax on exterior
Exclusive (Full) $180-$260
- Everything in Premium
- Spray ceramic sealant
- Pet hair removal
- Heavy stain & mud cleanup
- Trunk deep clean
Package comparison: what's included at each price
The same services, side by side, so you can see exactly where the price jumps:
| Included | Basic | Premium | Exclusive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior vacuum | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior hand wash | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire shine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior wipe-down | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Door jambs & wheels | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spray wax | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceramic sealant | - | - | ✓ |
| Pet hair & stain removal | - | - | ✓ |
| Trunk deep clean | - | - | ✓ |
Add-on & extra service prices
Beyond the core packages, these common add-ons are priced separately:
| Add-on | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Headlight restoration | $40-$80 |
| Engine bay cleaning | $30-$70 |
| Pet hair removal (heavy) | $30-$100 |
| Odour / ozone treatment | $50-$150 |
| Leather conditioning | $30-$80 |
| Clay bar treatment | $40-$90 |
| Shampoo / steam (seats & carpets) | $60-$150 |
Detailing cost by vehicle type
Size drives most of the price, but vehicle type matters too, luxury and exotic cars take more care, and EVs have their own quirks:
| Vehicle type | Full detail range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small car / coupe | $100-$180 | Least surface area |
| Sedan | $130-$200 | The standard |
| SUV / crossover | $150-$230 | More interior volume |
| Minivan / large SUV | $170-$250 | Third row adds time |
| Pickup truck | $165-$250 | Big exterior + bed |
| Luxury / exotic | +20-50% | Delicate finishes, extra care |
| EV / Tesla | Similar to sedan/SUV | Often interior-heavy, frunk included |
Detailing cost for popular vehicles
Real-world full-detail estimates for some of Canada's most common vehicles (condition-dependent):
| Vehicle | Full detail estimate |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic / Toyota Corolla | $130-$200 |
| Toyota RAV4 / Honda CR-V | $150-$220 |
| Tesla Model 3 / Model Y | $150-$230 |
| Honda Odyssey / Toyota Sienna (minivan) | $170-$250 |
| Ford F-150 / Chevy Silverado (pickup) | $165-$250 |
| BMW / Mercedes / Audi (luxury sedan) | $180-$300 |
Interior vs. exterior detailing cost
Buying just one half? Here's how the split usually breaks down:
| What's involved | Typical cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Interior only | Deep vacuum, shampoo, wipe-down, windows, stain treatment | $80-$180 |
| Exterior only | Hand wash, decontamination, wax/sealant, wheels, tires | $50-$150 |
| Both (full detail) | The complete package, usually cheaper than buying each half | $180-$260 |
Interior work is usually pricier than exterior because it's slower, more detailed, hand-done labour, especially with stains, pet hair or odours.
Ceramic coating cost
Ceramic coating is where prices swing wildest, from a $50 spray to a $2,000+ professional install. The difference is durability and prep:
| Type | Cost | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Spray ceramic sealant | $50-$150 | 3-6 months |
| Entry pro coating | $300-$700 | 1-2 years |
| Mid-grade coating | $800-$1,200 | 3-5 years |
| Premium / multi-layer | $1,500-$2,500+ | 5-10 years |
The price jump from spray to pro isn't just the product, a real coating needs a full paint correction first (decontamination + polishing), which is most of the labour.
Paint correction & paint protection film (PPF) cost
Two premium services often confused with detailing:
| Service | Cost | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1-step paint correction | $200-$400 | Removes light swirls, boosts gloss |
| 2-step / multi-stage correction | $500-$900+ | Removes deeper swirls & defects |
| PPF, partial (front end) | $500-$1,500 | Clear film, rock-chip protection |
| PPF, full vehicle | $3,000-$8,000 | Whole-car protection |
What actually affects the price of a car detail
Three things move the number, understanding them helps you avoid overpaying:
1. Vehicle size
A compact coupe has a fraction of the surface area and interior volume of a three-row SUV or a pickup. More space = more time = higher cost. That's the gap between a $90 small-car basic and a $260 pickup full detail.
2. Package level
Basic keeps a clean car clean (wash + vacuum). Premium adds interior wipe-down, wheels, door jambs and wax. Exclusive is the full reset, ceramic sealant, pet-hair removal, deep stain and mud cleanup.
3. Condition of the car
This is the wildcard. Heavy pet hair, ground-in stains and caked-on winter salt take real extra time. A dusty car costs less than one that hasn't been touched in a year. Honest detailers price by condition, which is why a quote is an estimate until they see the car.
Free car detailing cost calculator
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Mobile detailing vs. car wash vs. detail shop
Three ways to clean your car, and they're not the same thing:
| Mobile Detailing | Automatic Car Wash | Drop-off Shop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Your driveway | You drive there | You drive + drop off |
| Your effort | Zero, they come to you | Wait in line | Drop off, return later |
| Interior | Full deep clean | Barely touched | Full |
| Typical price | $90-$260 | $15-$30 | $80-$300 |
| Best for | Done right, at home | A quick rinse | If you don't mind the trip |
DIY vs. professional detailing: the real cost
Doing it yourself looks cheaper until you add up the gear and the hours:
| DIY (first time) | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $120-$300 in products + tools | $0, included |
| Your time | 4-8 hours | 0, you do nothing |
| Result | Hit or miss | Consistent, pro-grade |
| Per-detail after gear | ~$20 in product | $90-$260 all-in |
DIY makes sense if you enjoy it and detail often. For a one-off reset or a busy schedule, a pro is cheaper once you value your time.
Car detailing cost by region (Canada)
Prices vary by market. Rough 2026 full-detail ranges across Canada:
| Area | Full detail range |
|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area (GTA) | $130-$280 |
| Durham Region (Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa) | $180-$260 |
| Vancouver / Lower Mainland | $150-$300 |
| Calgary / Edmonton | $120-$260 |
| Montreal | $120-$250 |
| Smaller cities / towns | $100-$220 |
We're based in Durham Region and serve Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville and Courtice.
What the price actually gets you (real results)
Real cars we've detailed across Durham Region, from a neglected interior to a mirror-finish exterior:
How to choose the right detailing package
- 01Assess the conditionLight dust, or ground-in stains, pet hair and salt? Be honest about how dirty it really is.
- 02Match to a packageUpkeep → Basic. Neglected interior → Premium or Exclusive (full).
- 03Factor vehicle sizeBigger vehicle = more time = higher cost. SUVs and trucks cost more than small cars.
- 04Get an exact quoteUse the calculator above or text a detailer with vehicle, package and condition.
How to save money on car detailing
- Don't let it pile up. Regular maintenance details cost far less than one rescue job on a year-of-neglect car.
- Right-size the package. A clean car doesn't need the full exclusive detail, a premium often does the job.
- Bundle vehicles. Many detailers (us included) give a better rate when you book two cars at once.
- Go mobile. Same price as a shop, zero travel, and you don't burn a half-day driving and waiting.
- Book off-peak. Spring rush and pre-winter are busy; mid-season slots are easier to get.
How often should you detail your car?
A good rule of thumb for most Canadian drivers:
| Your situation | Full detail every |
|---|---|
| Average driver, no pets/kids | 5-6 months |
| Pets or young kids | 3-4 months |
| Smoker / heavy use | 2-3 months |
| Lease return / resale prep | Once, before handover |
Winter note (Ontario): road salt is corrosive and builds up fast. A detail at the start and end of winter protects your paint, carpets and resale value.
How long does car detailing take?
Time tracks closely with price, more thorough = more hours:
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Basic detail | 45-75 min |
| Premium detail | 1.5-2.5 hrs |
| Full / exclusive detail | 3-4 hrs |
| Paint correction | 3-8 hrs |
| Ceramic coating (with prep) | 1-3 days |
Do you tip a car detailer?
Tipping isn't required, but it's appreciated for great work. A common tip is 10-20% or a flat $10-$40, especially for a big job done well. Owner-operators (like a solo mobile detailer) generally don't expect a tip, the price already reflects their work, but it's always a kind way to say the result blew you away.
Is car detailing worth the cost?
For most people, yes, and here's the math beyond a clean car:
- Resale value. A detailed car photographs better and shows better. A $150 detail before selling can add several hundred dollars to your sale or trade-in.
- Protection. Wax, sealant and regular cleaning slow down interior wear and protect paint from salt and UV, cheaper than fixing the damage later.
- Health & comfort. A deep interior clean removes allergens, bacteria and odours you stop noticing but passengers don't.
- Time. A pro does in 2 hours what takes you a frustrating Saturday, and does it better.
Detailing cost for common situations
| Situation | What you need | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Selling / trade-in prep | Full detail | $180-$260 |
| New car protection | Ceramic coating | $300-$1,200 |
| Pet owner upkeep | Premium + pet hair | $150-$250 |
| Smoker / odour removal | Full + ozone treatment | $180-$350 |
| After-winter reset (Ontario) | Full detail + salt cleanup | $150-$250 |
| Lightly used daily driver | Basic maintenance detail | $90-$130 |
How to avoid overpaying (and getting ripped off)
- Be wary of a $40 "full detail." A real full detail takes hours, if it's suspiciously cheap, corners are getting cut.
- Demand a clear package definition. "Detail" is vague. Get the exact list of what's included in writing.
- Watch for arrival upsells. A fair quote shouldn't double once they're at your car (condition aside).
- Ask for before/after photos of past work. No proof is a red flag.
- Get the price confirmed by text before they start.
Are detailing maintenance plans cheaper?
Often, yes. A recurring maintenance detail (every 4-8 weeks) runs about $40-$80, much less than a one-off "rescue" detail on a year-of-neglect car, because there's less to undo each time. If you want your car to always look sharp, a maintenance rhythm is the cheapest path per visit.
Car detailing glossary
The terms detailers use, decoded:
- Paint correction
- Machine-polishing the paint to remove swirl marks, scratches and oxidation, restoring gloss.
- Ceramic coating
- A liquid polymer that bonds to the paint for long-term protection and a slick, glossy finish.
- PPF (paint protection film)
- A clear, self-healing film applied over paint to block rock chips and scratches.
- Clay bar
- A clay used to pull bonded contaminants (tar, rail dust, overspray) off the paint before polishing.
- Swirl marks
- Fine circular scratches in the clear coat, usually from improper washing, visible in direct light.
- Clear coat
- The transparent top layer of automotive paint that protects the colour and provides gloss.
- Two-bucket method
- A wash technique (one bucket soap, one rinse) that minimizes swirl marks.
- Interior shampoo
- Deep-cleaning fabric seats and carpets with a cleaner and extraction, beyond a vacuum.
Why does detailing cost what it does?
It helps to see where your money actually goes. A professional detail isn't a markup on a car wash, it's skilled labour plus real materials:
- Time. 1-4 hours of hands-on work per car. Labour is the biggest line item, full stop.
- Products. Pro-grade soaps, degreasers, polishes, sealants, dressings and microfibre add up fast.
- Equipment. Extractors, polishers, steamers, vacuums, water tanks and generators, thousands in gear.
- Skill. Knowing how to remove a stain without ruining the fabric, or polish paint without burning it, is earned.
- Mobile overhead. A mobile detailer brings their own water and power to you, convenience you're not paying a premium for.
Booking & payment: what to expect
- Quoting. A good detailer gives a clear price by vehicle, package and condition before they start, ask for it in writing/text.
- Deposits. Some require a small deposit to hold a slot; many owner-operators don't.
- Payment. Usually due on completion. We take debit and e-transfer; some shops take cards.
- Access (mobile). For mobile service you just need space to park and, ideally, the detailer's setup handles water and power.
- Timing. Confirm how long it'll take so you can plan your day around it.
Common myths about detailing cost
"Detailing is just an expensive car wash."
No. A wash cleans the surface in minutes. A detail is a multi-hour, deep restoration inside and out. Different service, different result.
"Mobile detailing costs more for the convenience."
Usually it's the same price as a shop with no travel fee, you save the trip, not pay extra for it.
"The cheapest quote is the best deal."
Often the opposite. A suspiciously cheap "full detail" usually means rushed work and skipped steps. Price by what's actually included.
"Ceramic coating is a waste of money."
For some, sure, but for a daily driver in a salt-heavy climate, it genuinely protects paint and cuts down cleaning effort for years.
Key takeaways
- Basic $90-$130 · Premium $140-$195 · Full $180-$260, scaling with vehicle size and condition.
- Specialty services cost more: ceramic coating $300-$2,500+, paint correction $200-$900, PPF $500-$8,000.
- Mobile = same price as a shop, minus the trip and the wait.
- Condition is the wildcard, pet hair, stains and salt push you toward the top of the range.
- Regular upkeep is cheaper than one big rescue detail.
Car detailing cost, answered.
How much does car detailing cost in Canada?
In 2026: roughly $90-$130 basic, $140-$195 premium, and $180-$260 full/exclusive, scaling with vehicle size. Specialty services like ceramic coating cost more.
Why is car detailing so expensive?
It's labour-intensive, 1 to 4 hours of hands-on work with professional products. You're paying for skilled time, not just a rinse.
How much does interior detailing cost?
Typically $80-$180, more with heavy stains, pet hair or odours.
How much to detail an SUV or truck?
More than a sedan due to size, roughly $80-$250 depending on the package.
Is mobile car detailing worth it?
For most people, yes, same price as a shop, but they come to your driveway. No trip, no wait.
How often should you detail your car?
A full detail every 4-6 months for most drivers; more often with pets, kids or harsh winters.
Does detailing include the engine bay?
Usually as an add-on, not in the base package. Ask your detailer, a light engine-bay clean is often $30-$60.
Will detailing remove scratches?
Light swirl marks, yes (with polish/paint correction). Deep scratches through the clearcoat usually can't be fully removed by detailing alone.
Do you tip a car detailer?
It's not required but appreciated for great work, commonly 10-20% or a flat $10-$40. Solo owner-operators generally don't expect it.
How long does a car detail take?
A basic detail takes 45-75 minutes, premium 1.5-2.5 hours, and a full detail 3-4 hours. Paint correction and ceramic coating take longer.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
A spray ceramic is $50-$150; a professional coating runs $300-$2,500+ depending on durability (1 to 10 years) and the paint correction needed first.
Does mobile detailing cost more than a shop?
Usually no, mobile detailing is typically the same price, with no travel fee inside the service area. You save the trip and the wait.