Sedan Shipping
Midsize, full-size and luxury sedans, plus their coupe and convertible versions: what to expect and notes on each model.
The sedan is the vehicle auto transport is built around. Dealers move them by the thousands, every open car carrier takes them in any position, and our estimate formula uses the sedan as its base price. A full-size sedan is longer than a compact but still ships at the same rate in most cases, so the price comes down to distance, season, location and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Convertibles and luxury sedans are the ones that call for a closer look.
Jump to: cost table · models by brand · questions
Open or enclosed for a sedan
Open transport is what nearly every sedan ships on, and it is the same way new cars reach dealer lots. Enclosed transport costs about 50% more in our formula; it is worth it for a luxury sedan with delicate paint, a car you are selling in show condition, or a classic.
For a full comparison, see open vs enclosed transport.
Coupes, convertibles and luxury sedans
Convertibles. Close and latch the top, check that the seals are not cracked, and take photos of the top before pickup. An old or torn soft top is the one good reason to choose enclosed for an ordinary convertible.
Air suspension. Several luxury sedans ride on air suspension. Ship it at normal ride height and tell the company if a suspension warning is on, because a car that drops low can scrape the ramps.
Keys and electronics. Hand over a working key fob, and disable any aftermarket alarm or tell the driver how to turn it off.
What it costs to ship midsize and full-size sedans
Ranges from our published estimate formula for this vehicle class, using this week's diesel price and this month's season. Distance moves the price far more than the model does.
| Distance | Midsize and full-size sedans, open | Midsize and full-size sedans, enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| 500 mi | $710 – $960 | $1,070 – $1,440 |
| 1,000 mi | $970 – $1,310 | $1,460 – $1,970 |
| 1,500 mi | $1,140 – $1,540 | $1,710 – $2,310 |
| 2,500 mi | $1,450 – $1,960 | $2,170 – $2,930 |
Sedans, coupes and convertibles use the base (sedan) class in our formula. Metro pickup and delivery, a running vehicle, no strong north-south direction. For your own route, see the shipping cost estimator.
Formula v2026.09.2 · EIA U.S. diesel $6.35/gal, week of Oct 26, 2026, 52-week average $4.88 · October pricing · road distance as stated.
Estimate, not a quote. Produced automatically by our published formula from public data; your price comes from the licensed auto transport partner you choose. How we estimate · Get your free estimate
Fuel: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Routing: © OpenStreetMap contributors (OSRM). ZIP locations: U.S. Census Bureau.
Sedans by brand
Every midsize, full-size and luxury sedan we cover, with their coupe and convertible versions. Discontinued models carry their production years. Each model opens to show its notes.
Models people request quotes for most
The midsize and full-size sedans people asked us for estimates on most often in the last two years, from our own estimate requests. It shows what people asked about, not what was shipped.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Giulia
2017–present
A rear- or all-wheel-drive sport sedan. The Quadrifoglio has a low front splitter; most owners of that version choose enclosed.
Audi
Audi A4
Current
A compact luxury sedan. Ships in the sedan class; enclosed is a choice, not a requirement.
Audi A5 and S5
Current
Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet versions of the A4-sized car. Latch the top on a Cabriolet; the S5 sits a little lower.
BMW
BMW 3 Series
Current
A compact luxury sport sedan. Stock cars ship on open carriers; M Sport front bumpers sit lower than they look, so mention them.
BMW 4 Series
Current
Coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe versions. Latch the convertible top before pickup.
BMW 5 Series
Current
A midsize luxury sedan; the newest generation includes the electric i5, which should keep some charge.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Impala
Last built 2020
The final full-size Impala sedans were built for 2020. Classic 1950s and 1960s Impalas usually ship enclosed.
Chevrolet Malibu
1964–1983, 1997–2024
Chevrolet ended Malibu production in late 2024, and plenty are on the used market. It ships at the base sedan rate.
Ford
Ford Fusion
2006–2020
Ford's midsize sedan, also sold as a hybrid and a plug-in (Energi). Leave a plug-in with some charge.
Genesis
Genesis G70
2019–present
A compact luxury sport sedan from Hyundai's luxury brand. Ships in the sedan class.
Honda
Honda Accord
Current
A midsize sedan, also sold as a hybrid, and one of the cars people request estimates for most. A routine open-carrier car.
Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata
Current
Hyundai's midsize sedan. The hybrid version is listed on the electric and hybrid page.
Infiniti
Infiniti Q50
Sold since 2014
A midsize luxury sport sedan. Ships in the sedan class.
Kia
Kia K5 (and Optima)
K5 2021–present; Optima before it
Kia's midsize sedan, sold as the Optima until the K5 replaced it. A routine open-carrier car.
Lexus
Lexus ES
Current
A midsize front-wheel-drive luxury sedan, also sold as a hybrid. Ships in the sedan class.
Lexus IS
Current
A compact luxury sport sedan. Many owners choose enclosed for a new one; open is fine for a daily driver.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Current
A compact luxury sedan (coupes and convertibles in earlier years). AMG versions sit lower; mention them.
Nissan
Nissan Altima
Current
Nissan's midsize sedan, sold since 1993. All-wheel drive is available on recent models; it ships the same either way.
Subaru
Subaru Legacy
1990–2025
A midsize all-wheel-drive sedan, ended after the 2025 model year; the Outback grew out of its wagon. Ships in the sedan class.
Toyota
Toyota Camry
Current
For years the best-selling car in the U.S., and hybrid-only since the 2025 redesign. A routine open-carrier car.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Passat
U.S. through 2022
A midsize sedan last sold in the U.S. for 2022. Ships at the base rate.
No models in this list match.
More midsize and full-size sedans by brand
Chrysler
Chrysler 200
2011–2017
A midsize sedan, redesigned for 2015 and dropped after 2017. Ships at the base rate.
Chrysler 200 Convertible
2011–2014
The convertible was not continued when the 200 was redesigned for 2015. Latch the top and check the seals before pickup.
Chrysler 300
2005–2023
A full-size rear- or all-wheel-drive sedan built until the end of 2023. Long, but it ships in the sedan class.
Chrysler 300 convertible
Classic or conversion
Chrysler did not build a factory convertible version of the modern 300. A convertible 300 is a 1950s or 1960s classic or an aftermarket conversion; either is a good case for enclosed transport.
Dodge
Dodge Avenger
2008–2014
A midsize sedan that shared its platform with the Chrysler Sebring and 200. Ships at the base rate.
Ford
Ford Taurus
1986–2019 (U.S., with a short break)
The last U.S. Taurus was a full-size sedan, ended after 2019. Police Interceptor versions turn up at auctions and ship the same.
Hyundai
Hyundai Azera
2006–2017 (U.S.)
A full-size front-wheel-drive sedan, larger than the Sonata. Ships at the base rate.
Hyundai Equus
2011–2016 (U.S.)
Hyundai's flagship V8 luxury sedan, succeeded by the Genesis G90. It rides on air suspension, so ship it at normal ride height.
Hyundai Genesis sedan
2009–2016 as a Hyundai
Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, which became the Genesis G80 when Genesis became a separate brand. Many owners choose enclosed for it.
Nissan
Nissan Altima Coupe
2008–2013
A two-door Altima on a shorter wheelbase, an easy open-carrier car.
Nissan Maxima
Ended 2023 (U.S.)
Nissan's larger sedan, built until 2023. Ships at the base rate.
Toyota
Toyota Avalon
1995–2022
Toyota's full-size sedan, larger than the Camry, ended after 2022. Ships at the base rate.
No models in this list match.
Midsize and full-size sedans: common questions
A sedan is the base vehicle in our published formula: the price is mostly distance, plus season, location and open or enclosed. The table on this page shows current estimate ranges; the licensed companies that make offers set the actual price.
Usually not by much. Both are priced in the sedan class in our formula; the extra length of a full-size sedan rarely changes how a carrier loads it.
Not by default. A convertible with a sound top ships on open carriers every day. Choose enclosed if the top is old, torn or leaking, or if the car is valuable enough that you want it out of weather and road grit.
Yes, and many do. Enclosed transport (about 50% more in our formula) is the usual choice for high-value or freshly detailed cars, but it is a choice, not a requirement.
Sources
- American Auto Shipping estimate requests, last 24 months (which models people ask about most; counts are not published)
- American Auto Shipping: How we estimate (base sedan rate and enclosed factor)
- Manufacturer model histories for the production years listed (Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Genesis, Nissan, Toyota, Honda)