Interested in protecting scratch-prone hard plastic areas of R2. What to use?

[bronco7777]

So I think Rivian has done a great job of keeping the interior of the R2 feeling somewhat premium from the seat level up, at all the key touchpoints. However, there is no denying some of the lower areas of the car and the trunk is covered with cheaper, scratch-prone hard plastic. I totally get why Rivian did this for cost-cutting purposes, so I don't need to have that reasoning recycled. I also understand cars are meant to be used and they will get wear and tear. Perhaps some may consider this too over the top. But I like to keep my cars as protected as possible. It's just a personal preference and I'm perfectly comfortable paying to add some reasonable layers of protective coverage. Just like many folks add PPF to the exterior.

So for those of you that also like to cover up areas likely to get all scratched up...what are the best products to use in 2026?

I'd imagine there might be some type of transparent PPF equivalent for interiors. So I'd just like to hear from those folks who have bought or researched in greater detail.

Thanks in advance!

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[SLVRon]

The plastic is typically added in these spots on purpose as a cheaper to replace "sacrificial" item. In the Jeep community some owners will replace the plastic parts by metal parts (bumpers, sliders etc.) that they know can withstand more impact.

 

[hammick]

We put Aerospace 303 on the plastic bits before a road trip. The UV protection keeps them from fading. Parking out of the sun at home and work helps more than anything.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If this is big enough of a concern, the most cost effective solution would be to be more cognizant of how you interact with these pieces/surfaces. Beyond that, about all you can do is maybe make and apply custom trimmed protection film to act as a sacrificial barrier. If that interests you, might worth your time to have conversations with @twraps about possibilities.

 

[rvnxyz001]

Subaru/Toyota EVs also have cheap plastic interior wheel wells that are very easy to damage, but they sell rubber “Cargo Sidewall Protector” (image is wrong, it covers larger area)

 

[Mos Eisley]

PPF does not adhere well to anything coarse or textured. Even Xpel offers solutions only for high-gloss/smooth surfaces:

Center Consoles & Controls
Your vehicle’s center console is one of the most trafficked areas and can quickly become scratched or scuffed due to daily use. We offer our Interior Protection film to safeguard your center console against wear and tear. Our film is designed to protect high-gloss surfaces, such as piano black trim and carbon accents, and any areas prone to scratches and blemishes between trips.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

PPF does not adhere well to anything coarse or textured. Even Xpel offers solutions only for high-gloss/smooth surfaces:

Center Consoles & Controls
Your vehicle’s center console is one of the most trafficked areas and can quickly become scratched or scuffed due to daily use. We offer our Interior Protection film to safeguard your center console against wear and tear. Our film is designed to protect high-gloss surfaces, such as piano black trim and carbon accents, and any areas prone to scratches and blemishes between trips.

Yah I was more thinking of dash and door trims, that aren't textured.

 

[Dasoss]

So I think Rivian has done a great job of keeping the interior of the R2 feeling somewhat premium from the seat level up, at all the key touchpoints. However, there is no denying some of the lower areas of the car and the trunk is covered with cheaper, scratch-prone hard plastic. I totally get why Rivian did this for cost-cutting purposes, so I don't need to have that reasoning recycled. I also understand cars are meant to be used and they will get wear and tear. Perhaps some may consider this too over the top. But I like to keep my cars as protected as possible. It's just a personal preference and I'm perfectly comfortable paying to add some reasonable layers of protective coverage. Just like many folks add PPF to the exterior.

So for those of you that also like to cover up areas likely to get all scratched up...what are the best products to use in 2026?

I'd imagine there might be some type of transparent PPF equivalent for interiors. So I'd just like to hear from those folks who have bought or researched in greater detail.

Thanks in advance!

This is probably not what you want. Canvasback makes rugged fabric liners for the cargo areas

 

[Mos Eisley]

Yah I was more thinking of dash and door trims, that aren't textured.

Agreed

 

[ewcanes]

I’ve been thinking about this too, because one of the early YT reviews a few months ago commented on how scratched up the trunk sides looked just on the demo cars, so can Imagine it will be worse after months/years of usage.

I wonder if something like Gator Grip textured tape would adhere to the rough plastic.

 

[bronco7777]

Yeah, I'm mostly focusing on the backs of seats, door trims (that always get kicked)and the cargo sidewalls in the trunk. From my limited time with the R2 at the demo drive, these were the areas that I felt would immediately get scratched up.

 

[Dasoss]

Yeah, I'm mostly focusing on the backs of seats, door trims (that always get kicked)and the cargo sidewalls in the trunk. From my limited time with the R2 at the demo drive, these were the areas that I felt would immediately get scratched up.

Canvasback makes door covers, both generic, and custom for R1. They also make custom seat covers hammocks, and seat back covers. They're made from rugged, waterproof, polyester canvas. They attach with hook-and-loop tape webbing with buckles, and elastic straps, depending on you car..

 

[mkg3]

...So for those of you that also like to cover up areas likely to get all scratched up...what are the best products to use in 2026?

I'd imagine there might be some type of transparent PPF equivalent for interiors. So I'd just like to hear from those folks who have bought or researched in greater detail...

Are you talking about the interior of the vehicle?

If so there are only handful of places that need protection from scratches:
Lower door sill and kick panel by feet next to the dead pedal, and similar for the rest of the doors and feet area. Also the cargo area, especially if you use cargo cover at the extended catch area.

Not much you can do about any of these spot other than being super careful or not use it. If you have a dog, there can be significant scratches that can happen so keep your pet at home or in a mobile carrier.

As for the product to use in 2026, accept that U in SUV stands for utility and as such, if you use it, it will show how it's treated. Personally, I don't like scratches either but I don't wrap my vehicle in protective layers. Just use common sense to protect things for each use case and am careful loading and unloading stuff.

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