Windshield replacement costs have risen because modern windshields are no longer simple panes of laminated glass. On many late-model vehicles, the windshield is a precision optical component that supports driver-assistance systems, heads-up displays, cabin comfort features, and increasingly complex trim packages. That is why some windshields are dramatically more expensive than others—even when the vehicles look similar from the outside. The biggest cost drivers fall into four categories: ADAS camera and sensor integration, HUD optical requirements, heated and acoustic laminates, and parts availability constraints (including moldings and hardware). A basic replacement might be largely parts-and-labor. A high-tech replacement often adds calibration planning, specialty glass variants, and strict fit tolerances that increase both part price and the time needed to do the job correctly. For owners, the practical takeaway is not to fear the price—it is to understand it. If you know what features your vehicle has and what they require, you can avoid wrong-part delays and avoid installations that create wind noise, leaks, or ADAS warning lights. This guide breaks down the most expensive windshield categories, why they cost more, and what you should verify before you schedule. A clean replacement is absolutely achievable, but it starts with correct glass identification and a shop that treats the windshield as a safety and technology system, not just an opening to fill.