How Much Does Window Tinting Cost in Toronto? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Window Tinting9 min read
How Much Does Window Tinting Cost in Toronto? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Thinking about tinting your windows? Here's exactly what window tinting costs in Toronto in 2026 — by vehicle type, film grade, and coverage — so you know what to budget and what questions to ask.
> TL;DR: Window tinting in Toronto typically costs $200–$600 for a standard passenger vehicle, depending on film quality and coverage. Ceramic films run higher but perform significantly better in heat rejection and UV blocking. Read on for the full breakdown by film type and vehicle.
What Affects Window Tinting Costs in Toronto?
Four main variables drive the price:
1. Number of windows — Most pricing covers the side windows (2 fronts + rear side windows) and rear glass. Adding the windshield or rear windshield adds cost.
2. Film grade — Dyed films are the most affordable but fade over time. Carbon and ceramic films cost more upfront and perform better long-term.
3. Vehicle type — Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, minivans) have more glass area. Vehicles with complex curved glass or factory privacy glass take more time.
4. Removal of existing tint — If old tint needs to come off first, that adds labour time.
2026 Window Tinting Prices in Toronto
Coverage
Dyed Film
Carbon Film
Ceramic Film
4 side windows
$180–$250
$250–$350
$350–$500
Full vehicle (excl. windshield)
$250–$380
$360–$500
$500–$750
Full vehicle + windshield
$380–$550
Ready to protect your vehicle?
Expert PPF, ceramic coating, wraps, and detailing — serving all of Greater Toronto from our Etobicoke shop.
*Pricing reflects 2026 GTA market rates for professional installation.*
Film Types Explained
Dyed Film
The entry-level option. Dyed film reduces glare and provides privacy but offers limited heat rejection. It also fades over time — the dye can turn purple or blotchy after a few years of sun exposure. Fine for privacy on a budget, but not ideal if heat rejection is the goal.
Carbon Film
A significant step up. Carbon film rejects heat more effectively than dyed film, doesn't fade, and has a clean matte-black appearance. It's non-metallic, so it doesn't interfere with phone signals, GPS, or radio. A solid mid-range choice for most daily drivers.
Ceramic Film
The premium tier. Ceramic films like XPEL Prime XR Plus, XPEL Prime XR Black, and XPEL Prime CS use nano-ceramic technology to reject significantly more heat than carbon films — keeping the cabin noticeably cooler — while maintaining optical clarity. They're non-metallic, non-fading, and carry manufacturer warranties.
In a Toronto summer, the difference between dyed and ceramic film is immediately felt. In winter, ceramic film also reduces cold drafts and helps retain cabin heat.
Ontario Tint Laws — What's Legal?
Ontario regulations set minimum visible light transmission (VLT) requirements:
Front side windows: 70% VLT minimum (very light tint or no tint)
Rear side windows: no restriction
Rear windshield: no restriction
Windshield: tint permitted only on the top 15 cm (AS-1 line)
In practice, most clients tint their rear and rear side windows at 35% or 20% for privacy and heat rejection, and leave front windows at legal limits or lightly tinted. We'll walk you through what's legal and what looks right for your vehicle during your consultation.
Is Ceramic Film Worth the Extra Cost?
For most clients, yes — especially if heat rejection and longevity matter. Here's the comparison:
Factor
Dyed
Carbon
Ceramic
Heat rejection
Low
Moderate
High
UV rejection
Moderate
Good
Excellent
Lifespan
3–5 years
5–8 years
10+ years
Signal interference
None
None
None
Fading over time
Yes
No
No
Warranty
Limited
Good
Full manufacturer
The cost difference between carbon and ceramic is typically $150–$250 for a full vehicle. Over a 5-year period, that's a small premium for noticeably better performance and a manufacturer-backed warranty.
What's Included in a Professional Install?
At Advanced Vehicle Guard, every tint install includes:
Film cut to your exact window dimensions using a digital plotter
Window surface preparation and cleaning
Precision install with no bubbles, no gaps at edges
Post-install inspection
Care instructions (windows must stay up for 3–5 days during cure)
We are an XPEL-certified installer for window tinting films — Prime XR Plus, Prime XR Black, and Prime CS.
How Long Does Tinting Take?
Most passenger vehicles are complete in 2–4 hours. SUVs and vehicles with complex curved glass take 3–5 hours. We recommend booking a morning appointment so the cure process can begin the same day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does window tint last?
Dyed film typically lasts 3–5 years before fading. Carbon and ceramic films last significantly longer — ceramic films backed by a manufacturer warranty can last 10+ years with proper care.
Does tint go on the inside or outside?
Film is installed on the interior surface of the glass. This protects the film from the elements and provides a cleaner, longer-lasting result.
Can I roll my windows down right after tinting?
No — the adhesive needs time to cure. Keep windows fully up for at least 3–5 days after installation. Avoid cleaning the interior glass during this period.
Do you tint cars near Mississauga and Oakville?
Yes — we serve the full GTA from our Etobicoke location, including Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, and surrounding areas.
What's the darkest legal tint in Ontario?
Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through. Rear side and rear windows have no legal VLT limit — 5% (limo tint) is legal on the back glass in Ontario.