Welcome back to another Feature Friday! If you missed last week’s FF, we looked at front skid plate options for the 5th Gen 4Runner.
This week, we are taking a look at one of the most common modifications people make to their 4Runner: window tint.
Keep in mind that every state has different window tint laws regarding allowable film percentages. Also, remember that your 4Runner comes with tinted glass (not film) from Toyota for the rear and cargo windows. You’ll need to factor that in when choosing your desired tint level. The front windows and windshield may not appear to be tinted, but they usually have a small factory-applied tint, typically around 70%.
As always, feel free to DM the owners on IG to ask any additional questions about their setup if needed. Also, prices will vary based on the film used, location, and quality of installation.
Should you feel the desire to DIY your own window tint, check out our 4Runner window tint article here.
Enjoy!
Table Of Contents
Window Tint Basics
The percentage you see on window tint refers to the visible light transmission (VLT). This percentage number indicates how much light can pass through the film and into your car. For example, if you install window tint with a 25% VLT, the film will allow 25% of the sun’s rays to pass through the window.
Now, a normal, cheap film will help with heat, but you have to get your vehicle really dark to achieve this. The next option is the more high-end ceramic tint, which can block heat with far less darkness. I personally will always recommend it if you are spending money on window tint.
Ceramic Tint Film
Ceramic window tint can help you stay safe on the road by reducing sun glare and heat. More specifically, it will only let 50% of the sun’s heat enter your car. This means that even if you opt for a film without any tint, the film will still block 50% of the sun’s rays and heat. If you didn’t use a ceramic-based film, you’d have to achieve 50% darkness to get a similar result.
Ceramic film is also designed to block light without compromising your safety or visibility. This is nice if you are sensitive to oncoming traffic lights. Having a transparent ceramic film on your front windshield will help eliminate oncoming traffic glare and also the heat that hits your steering wheel on a hot summer day.
Ceramic window tint not only protects your car’s interior from fading, but it can also keep you safe from toxic UV rays! A high-quality window tint will block up to 99% of cancer-causing UV rays, reducing your risk of eye and skin damage over time.
In my opinion, if you are already spending money to have window tint added to your 4Runner, consider investing a few extra dollars in a ceramic-based film.
1. Alex Guyrnne (@alejandrooooo) – 3M
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: 3M
- Film Type: Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 5% Front | 20% Rear
- Price: $575
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I hate the heat, so the ceramic window tint works well for my family and me. I also don’t like people looking into my car. Having this dark tint deters any potential car thieves from stealing items from inside my 4Runner.
Having a clear ceramic tint on the windshield also really helps keep heat out, in addition to harmful UV rays.
2. Ryan BÂ (@flipside909) – XPEL
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: XPEL
- Film Type: Prime XR Plus Nano Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 25% Front/Rear | 50% Windshield/Moon Roof
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
This is the best-performing nano-ceramic window tint on the market. The heat rejection and reviews are real. It also features a lifetime transferable warranty that no one else offers. It’s a great charcoal gray color that matches the factory privacy glass well.
I’ve used other major high-end brands on previous vehicles, but this is my 3rd vehicle using XPEL Prime XR Plus tint. The tint durability and heat rejection are unmatched.
TRD Jon: Yes, this is a 3rd Gen, but man, is it clean!
3. Sean Migoné (@mig_rnr) – Suntek
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Suntek
- Film Type: Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 30% Front | 15% Rear | Clear Ceramic Windshield
- Price: $440
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I live in South Florida, so window tint is an absolute must-have, especially here in the summertime. The temperatures get so high, and the sun beats down on your rig, so having quality tint not only protects your rig but also makes it more comfortable inside.
I also like having accessories in my 4Runner that are pretty much hidden from view for the most part, thanks to the darker tint. I also have the clear UV tint on my entire front windshield, which is a game-changer. This not only keeps the inside temperature down by about 15 to 20 degrees while my 4R is parked, but also protects it from harmful UV rays.
I have the darkest tint allowed by the law on my 4Runner. Sometimes at night, it does make it a little bit more difficult to see out of the side windows, but it is worth it. I can’t imagine not having window tint on my 4Runner.
4. Garrett Smith (@thatgray_4runner) – Llumar
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Llumar
- Film Type: IRX Nano Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 5% Front/Rear | 35% Windshield
- Price: $780
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
After working as a window tint installer for a couple of years, I learned that there are two ways: the cheap way and the right way. I cannot go more than three days in a new vehicle without getting that “fishbowl” feeling. When camping or spending the day on a trail, I always had two complaints whenever I didn’t have tint.
Those two issues were having the AC cranked up, putting more strain on the 4Runner on a hot day, and my hands would get sunburnt on the steering wheel.
This setup is great as the Llumar Nano Ceramic window film offers 99.9% UV protection.
5. Eric Lozada (@silverback_4rnr) – Llumar
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Llumar
- Film Type: CTX Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 15% Front | 5% Rear
- Price: $550
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I decided to add window tint for privacy and safety reasons. In the event of an accident, the ceramic window tint will keep the glass from shattering. The color also remains stable over time and doesn’t fade or turn purple.
It protects the black interior from fading and decreases the interior temperature on hot days. Ceramic window tint costs a bit more, but it’s worth the investment in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Window tint is 100% the first mod I recommend adding to your 4Runner. Even if you don’t prefer a darker film at night, having a ceramic-based film blocks a lot of summer heat and also toxic UV Rays from the sun. I personally went a little too dark on my 4Runner with 5% all the way around, but let me tell you, I’ve barely turned my AC past medium, even on a hot Florida Summer day.
We want readers to get inspired by a variety of rigs/products. Next week, we will be showcasing rigs with Aftermarket Exhaust to help inspire your future tint purchase.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
