Do I need to remove the factory grille surround or hood latch area to install this?

No. This grille bolts directly to the factory mounting points. Your existing surround and hood latch stay in place—you're just swapping the grille insert itself.

Will the matte black finish hold up, or does it need a clear coat?

The finish ships ready to install. If you want extra protection or plan to repaint it down the road, light surface prep and a clear coat will improve durability, but it's not required out of the box.

What hardware do I need to install this?

Mounting bolts and fasteners are not confirmed as included. Bring basic hand tools and check your factory grille bolts—you'll likely reuse them. Have a socket set handy and test-fit before fully torquing anything.