Quick Summary
The best car detailing packages depend on what your vehicle needs. A basic detail covers exterior and interior cleaning, a full detail adds deeper carpet and seat cleaning plus wax, and a premium detail adds paint correction and sealant protection.
- A basic detail will not remove swirl marks or deep stains.
- A full detail is the most common choice for a noticeable difference.
- Premium detail paint correction uses machine polishing to reduce swirl marks and oxidation.
- Compare actual service lists across providers rather than relying on tier names.
- Premium detailing suits newer vehicles, vehicles being sold, or long-term paint protection.
Table of Contents
- Car Detailing Packages Compared: Basic, Full and Premium
- Car Detailing Services Included in Each Package
- Full Car Detailing Cost in 2026 by Vehicle Size and Service Level
- How Long Does Car Detailing Take for Each Package?
- How to Choose a Package by Vehicle Condition and Priorities
- Booking Your Detail With Kingsway Auto Detail
- Frequently Asked Questions
Car Detailing Packages Compared: Basic, Full and Premium
Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Choosing the best car detailing packages in 2026 comes down to one question: what does your vehicle actually need?
Basic Detail: What Is Included
Watch out: a basic detail will not remove swirl marks or deep stains. Buyers sometimes expect more from this tier than it delivers.
Full Detail: What Is Included
A full detail is the most common choice for owners who want a noticeable difference. It adds deeper cleaning of carpets and seats, wheel and tire cleaning, and a more careful exterior wash with a protective wax application. Most owners who want a vehicle that looks cared for choose this tier.
Premium Detail: Paint Correction and Protection
A premium detail is the most thorough option. Paint correction uses machine polishing to reduce swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation before protection is applied. The result is a high-gloss finish that lasts longer than an unprotected surface. The work takes the longest and costs the most, so it makes the most sense for newer vehicles, vehicles being prepared for sale, or owners who want to protect paint long term.
Car Detailing Services Included in Each Package
Package inclusions vary by provider, so compare the actual service lists rather than the tier names. The table below shows how the three tiers typically stack up, with the tasks most providers treat as standard, optional, or excluded at each level. Use it as a checklist when you request quotes.
| Service | Basic | Full | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior hand wash and dry | Included | Included | Included |
| Wheel, rim, and tire cleaning | Included | Included | Included |
| Interior vacuum (seats, carpets, trunk) | Included | Included | Included |
| Window cleaning, inside and out | Included | Included | Included |
| Interior surface wipe-down and dashboard care | Included | Included | Included |
| Leather cleaning and conditioning | Optional add-on | Included where applicable | Included where applicable |
| Carpet and seat shampoo or extraction | Excluded | Included | Included |
| Door jambs and fuel-cap area | Excluded | Included | Included |
| Clay bar decontamination | Excluded | Optional add-on | Included |
| Machine paint polishing | Excluded | Optional add-on | Included |
| Wax or sealant application | Excluded | Included (wax) | Included (sealant) |
| Engine bay cleaning | Excluded | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Odor treatment (ozone or enzyme) | Excluded | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Headlight restoration | Excluded | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
Full Car Detailing Cost in 2026 by Vehicle Size and Service Level
Pricing depends on the vehicle and the service you choose.
| Service level | Compact / sedan | Mid-size / crossover | SUV / truck / van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic detail | $120-$180 | $150-$220 | $180-$260 |
| Full detail | $220-$320 | $260-$380 | $320-$450 |
| Premium detail with paint correction | $450-$750 | $550-$900 | $700-$1,100 |
| Ceramic coating add-on (per vehicle) | $400-$900 | $500-$1,000 | $600-$1,200 |
For current Kingsway Auto Detail pricing, visit our website or request a quote directly.
How Long Does Car Detailing Take for Each Package?
!A detailer in a clean service bay carefully wiping down a mid-size SUV’s paint with a microfiber towel, natural light from large windows
How to Choose a Package by Vehicle Condition and Priorities
Then consider your priorities:
Protection add-ons such as ceramic coatings extend the life of paint protection, but they only perform well when the surface is properly prepared and maintained. Our guide explains how to keep a new car’s ceramic coating on track with a wash schedule, hand-wash steps, and cure-time rules.
Booking Your Detail With Kingsway Auto Detail
Kingsway Auto Detail offers hand car wash and detailing with free shuttle pickup and dropoff, so you do not have to wait at the shop. You can see the available services and vehicle size considerations before you request a quote. We also handle both private and ICBC insurance claims.
To request a quote, call us. Ready to talk? Call Kingsway Auto Detail today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is usually included in a full car detailing package?
Ask the provider for a written inclusion list, because the wording of ‘full’ varies from shop to shop.
How much does professional car detailing cost in Canada?
For current pricing based on your vehicle, contact us or visit our website for a quote.
Is a premium detailing package worth it for a luxury vehicle?
For many owners, yes. A premium package adds paint correction, which removes swirl marks and light scratches, and a durable protective layer that makes future washing easier and helps preserve resale value. Luxury vehicles often have deeper clear coats and more delicate interior materials, so experienced technicians matter more. If you plan to keep the car for years or prepare it for sale, the added service is usually worth considering.
How often should you get your car professionally detailed?
Most owners book a full detail two to four times a year, with lighter maintenance washes in between. Vehicles parked outdoors, driven on salted winter roads, or used by families with pets may need more frequent interior cleaning. Paint protection applied during a premium detail typically lasts several months, so scheduling a refresh before it wears off keeps the finish protected year-round.
