The Short Answer
For most new Rivian R2 owners in Los Angeles, window tint comes first and PPF on the front of the car comes second. Tint changes how the cabin feels every day you drive. PPF protects the paint from the chips that start the first week on the freeway. If the budget allows both, doing them close to delivery is the cleanest way to start.
All prices below are XPEL's Rivian program prices, before sales tax. Rivian refers its owners to Autograff, an XPEL Authorized Dealer in North Hollywood.
Start With the Glass
The R2 has a lot of glass: the door windows, pop-out rear quarter windows, a Rear Window that drops into the liftgate and a large glass roof. In Valley sun that glass lets in heat long before the air conditioning catches up.
We install two XPEL nano-ceramic films. XR Black rejects up to 85% of infrared heat and XR Plus up to 96%, and both block 99% of UV. Every shade costs the same.
| Coverage | XR Black | XR Plus |
|---|---|---|
| All side windows + Rear Window | $650 | $800 |
| Front side windows only | $200 | $250 |
| Rear side windows + Rear Window | $450 | $550 |
| Windshield | $299 | $399 |
| Glass roof | $550 | $600 |
The pop-out quarter windows are part of the side window price, not an extra. Full details for the car are on our Rivian R2 tint page.
Which Windows Matter Most
If you start small, the order that changes the most is:
- All side windows and the Rear Window. This is where most of the direct sun reaches you and your passengers, and it is the package most owners pick.
- The glass roof. On a hot afternoon the roof is a big source of heat overhead. Roof film comes in shades from nearly clear to dark, so you can cut heat without making the cabin dim.
- The windshield. A light film on the windshield cuts infrared heat through the largest piece of glass in front of you.
In California the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through, while the rear side windows and the Rear Window can be darker on a car with both side mirrors. We keep it general here; the window-by-window rules are on our California tint laws page.
Then the Paint
Rock chips do not wait. The front bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors take gravel from the cars ahead on the 101, the 405 and the 5, and a chip in fresh factory paint is permanent. That is why PPF is usually the second thing owners add, and many add it right away.
XPEL Ultimate Plus is clear, glossy and self-healing: light scratches and swirl marks fade with heat from the sun or warm water. XPEL Stealth gives the paint a satin look and is usually done on the whole car.
| Film | Starting price | Time at the studio |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Plus (clear, gloss) | From $2,000 | About 2 days for a Full Front |
| Stealth (satin) | From $6,000 | 3 – 4 days for a Full Body |
PPF prices are approximate starting prices, and the final quote depends on the coverage you choose. A Full Front covers the full hood, front fenders, front bumper, mirrors and headlights, which is where most daily drivers start. See all the films on our paint protection film page.
Windshield Film vs Windshield Protection
These are two different products. Windshield tint is a heat film: $299 in XR Black or $399 in XR Plus on the R2. Windshield protection film is a clear film made for glass that helps against chips and pitting, and it is $600. One cuts heat, the other helps guard the glass.
Ceramic Coating Is Optional
XPEL Fusion Plus ceramic coating adds gloss and makes the car easier to wash, on bare paint or on top of PPF, and it does not void the PPF warranty. It does not stop rock chips, so it works best as a finish over the film rather than a replacement for it. Our Paint & PPF package is $1,000.
A Sensible Order for a New R2
- Tint the side windows and Rear Window. $650 or $800, and it is a wait-in job in our lounge.
- Add a Full Front in clear PPF. From $2,000, with the car staying about 2 days.
- Consider the roof and windshield. Roof $550 or $600, windshield tint $299 or $399.
- Coat the paint and film if you want easier washing. $1,000 for Paint & PPF.
If you plan more than one service, mention it when you book so we can plan the time together. We do not offer loaner cars.
Warranty
XPEL says products installed through its Rivian program won't impact the Rivian New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The film carries its own XPEL warranty: lifetime for window tint and 10 years for PPF.
How to Book
Our studio is at 7067 Vineland Ave in North Hollywood, open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and every install is done inside the studio. R2 owners come from Studio City, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys and across the Valley. See every Rivian price on our Rivian tint and PPF page, or call or text (747) 777-1000.
Photo: Lcaa9, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped.