Kia Optima Moonroof: What To Know

Published April 10, 2022
in Model Info

2015 Kia Optima by Vauxford — CC BY-SA 4.0

The Kia Optima is one of the best cars currently on the road. The quality of Kias is comparable to the more reliable cars you can buy, and their warranty is unbeatable. Keeping this in mind, with any modern vehicle, you want all the bells and whistles that make everyday driving so convenient.

With moonroofs becoming a very sought-after feature on your car, you may need to get more information on which Kia Optimas come with moonroofs. Educating yourself as much as you can before walking into a dealership or shopping online will make the car buying experience easiest for you.

There are currently six trim tiers available for the Kia Optima. Depending on how many features you require for your perfect driving experience, your options and prices are available.

The Optima LX: Starting price $23,390.
The Optima S: Starting price $24,890.
The Optima Special Edition: Starting price $26,390.
The Optima EX: Starting price $27,190.
The Optima EX Premium: Starting price $30,190.
The Optima SX: Starting price $32,190.

The Kia Optima special edition and the Kia Optima EX Premium are the only two trims that include a moonroof. Both Kia Optima moonroofs will be panoramic model moonroofs with a power sunshade. Power Sunshade is a great tool that will allow you to control how much sunlight will enter your car. This shade will be a great tool to use on those hot days when stuck in traffic.

Moonroof vs. Sunroof

What is a moonroof? What is a sunroof? Many people bring this question up. Is there even a difference at all? The answer is that a moonroof can technically be a type of sunroof along with built-in, pop-up, and panoramic styles.

The most noticeable difference is with the use of the roof. Moonroofs stay in place and only tilt or open slightly. Sunroofs have more options, including sliding and completely detaching.

Understand that the two terms are going to be interchangeable for most people. When speaking to a salesman at a dealership, they will use the correct terms, but when buying or shopping from private sellers, one will get called the other and vice versa. If it is crucial to have one or the other, pay extra attention to pictures to know which.

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Do I Need a Tint on My Moonroof?

Most Moonroofs will come already tinted. The window on the top of the car shows no regulations or laws regarding how much tint you can use. So, is the tint necessary? It is not essential, but it has its benefits. There are two main benefits to having a tint on your moonroof.

Privacy – While it may not happen often, roof tint can give you privacy; just as the tint on the other windows gives you some, so can moonroof tint. Especially if you drive a low-to-the-ground car, a moonroof tint will make it harder for taller vehicles to look down at you.
Block harmful UV rays – When the sun is at its highest odds, you will notice it getting warmer and warmer from rays coming through your moonroof. If there is no tint, you could quickly get a sunburn from riding around in your car or being stuck in traffic.

So even though moonroof tint is not mandatory, it will benefit you to make sure there are some. The ideal amount is not to tint any more than you need to because you want to obstruct that view as little as possible.

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Which Other Kia Models Come With A Moonroof

The Kia Optima isn’t the only Kia to have a moonroof option. Here are other Kia vehicles with a moonroof feature.

The Kia K900: Moonroof comes standard with the K900.
The Kia Soul - Moonroof comes with the GT-Line with the Sunroof Package and Standard on GT-Line Turbo.
The Kia Niro – You can get a moonroof with the EX PremiemPackage, and it also comes standard on upper trims.
The Kia Sportage - S and Ex models have a sunroof package. It will also be standard on SX Turbo.
The Kia Sorento - EX with the Touring Package has a moonroof. It also comes with SX trims and above.
The Kia Telluride: Comes with the S trim and above. If you choose the SX trim, you will get dual sunroofs.
The Kia Forte: Add the Premium Package to the Forte for a moonroof.
The Kia Stinger: Moonroof comes with Premium trim and above.
The Kia Cadenza: The Technology Package comes with a moonroof.

Common Problems With Kia Optima Moonroof

Knowing and dealing with things that can go wrong is part of the car ownership experience. When you have a Kia Optima Moonroof, these are the issues you may encounter:

Leaks - Moonroof/sunroof leaks are no fun and can be a massive hassle to deal with. Leaks can be attributed to the seals wearing off or a clog on the moonroof drain. While this is a relatively inexpensive fix, water leaks may cause severe damage to components of your Optima.
Scratches and cracks - Moonroofs are rather heavy-duty and sturdy, but they’re still glass, so they’re prone to cracks and scratches. Like your windshield, a broken moonroof needs to be repaired as it affects how your vehicle runs.
Electrical issues - A faulty switch, broken fuse, and dead motor are some electrical issues you may experience with your moonroof. The last thing you want is a non-functioning moonroof, especially in the middle of bad weather. Get a professional to fix it asap.
Mechanical issues - In some cases, your moonroof refuses to close properly despite a working motor. This might be due to the accumulated dirt or gunk in the gears of the moonroof. Please take it to a shop for an inspection.

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Kia Optima Moonroof Summary

Your Kia Optima has a few options that will include a moonroof, but it is also great to know what other options are available. Kia is a great brand that has an incomparable warranty. The classic warranty of ten years or ten thousand miles is synonymous with Kia and is one of the best deals out there. So while The Kia Optima moonroof is only available on two of the trim tiers, you can feel confident that any Kia you purchase will be covered for a long time.

No matter the make or model, a moonroof will add a touch of comfort, a touch of style, and a touch of value to your automobile. Whether you are stuck in traffic or on the open road, you want to do everything you can to make your drive as comfortable as possible for you and your passengers. A moonroof is a great addition and option for anyone who loves the fresh air no matter the season or temperature and loves to see as much as possible while on the open road.

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