New Car "Delivery Fees" Soar: Alfa Romeo Tops at $3,250, Mercedes as Low as $1,150

In recent years, destination fees—the charges for transporting vehicles from factories to dealerships—have risen sharply. According to the latest research by Consumer Reports, nearly all brands now charge over $1,000, with Alfa Romeo topping the list at $3,250. This fee alone raises the starting price of its Tonale model from $36,535 to $39,785. Cadillac follows closely behind, charging $2,895 for the Escalade, while Chevrolet and GMC impose a $2,795 fee on multiple pickup trucks and SUVs. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz charges just $1,150 across its entire lineup—the lowest in the industry—followed by Toyota at $1,160; BMW, Acura, and Honda also remain at relatively low levels. Although this fee must be disclosed on the window sticker by law, it is typically excluded from advertised prices and is non-negotiable, requiring buyers to pay close attention during vehicle purchases.