Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s The Difference?
Photo by JD Weiher on Unsplash
The first cars had no roofs, so taking in the sun or the moon was easy. But driving around in the rain wasn’t much fun. As motor vehicles became more mainstream, roofs became standard equipment. For example, the Ford Model T included a canvas convertible top with open sides.
Eventually, cars became more enclosed to protect occupants from the elements. As drivers and passengers became ensconced in their cars’ cabins, the desire to bring the outside to the inside became part of automaker marketing. Let’s first explore the origins of the moonroof vs. sunroof discussion.
The First Sunroof and Moonroof
In 1937, 20th-century carmaker Nash introduced the first sunroof in the U.S. It was a simple metal panel that could slide open to bring in the sun. Interestingly, the first heating and ventilation system appeared in a Nash (which went out of business in the 1950s).
Ford tried its hand at sunroofs with the 1960 Thunderbird, but the option proved unpopular. The modern sunroof came into being when American Sunroof Company (ASC) was formed in 1965. ASC took on the responsibility of installing sunroofs for most domestic automakers.
Thanks to changing consumer preferences and safety concerns about convertibles that arose in the late 1960s, automakers looked once again to sunroofs to let in the light. This period also saw the introduction of t-tops and Targa tops as an alternative to convertibles, but we’ll save that story for another time.
During this time, a sunroof could be power-operated or opened by a crank handle (like a sideways roll-up window) but was still centered around a sliding solid metal panel. This all changed in 1973 when Lincoln introduced the first moonroof (courtesy of ASC) in its Mark IV luxury coupe.
A tempered and tinted glass pane replaced the metal panel, and now occupants could see outside even when the roof was closed. Of course, light could also enter through the top regardless if the glass was opened or closed.
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Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s the Difference?
While moonroof vs. sunroof had different meanings (glass vs. metal) in the 1970s, moonroof is the dominant term used by today’s automakers to describe a roof-based tinted glass panel in a car. However, in everyday conversation, moonroof and sunroof are used interchangeably to describe this opening in a car’s roof.
Are There Are Different Types of Moonroofs?
Yes, carmakers and aftermarket companies offer a wide variety of moonroofs.
Pop-up moonroofs began in the 1970s as a simple and relatively inexpensive way of bringing light into a car. Sometimes offered by manufacturers but usually added by aftermarket installers, a pop-up moonroof does just what its name implies. It manually pops up (at the back) to allow for ventilation. The tinted glass panel can usually be removed for a more open-air experience.
Most standard moonroofs will have a sliding glass panel that retracts into the space between the outer roof and the interior headliner. However, some moonroofs will have a glass panel that opens onto the top of the roof and slides along tracks.
In addition, most moonroofs will have an inner sunshade that blocks or diminishes the sunlight that enters the cabin from the roof. These sunshades may be manually or power-operated, depending on the manufacturer. In addition, most moonroofs have a vent function that enables the back of the glass panel to rise for ventilation.
Some cars are now available with a panoramic roof, which is basically a colossal moonroof or where the entire roof is made of glass. A panoramic roof may be made of fixed glass with no openings or have one or two openings that function as a standard moonroof.
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Moonroof vs. Sunroof: Pros and Cons
Unless you have a classic car from the 1970s, the vast majority of today’s vehicles with roof openings will have a glass panel moonroof. With this in mind, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of moonroofs (and, for the most part, these characteristics will apply to metal panel sunroofs).
Pros:
● Allows sun and fresh air (depending on the roof) to enter the cabin
● Less exposure to skin-damaging sunrays than a convertible
● More secure than a convertible
● Less leak-prone than convertibles or cars with t-tops or Targa tops
Cons:
● Reduction of cabin headroom due to mechanical components sandwiched between the headliner and roof
● Potential for leaking or cracking (compared to no moonroof at all)
● Requires periodic maintenance
Also, note that if you are particularly sensitive to light, some cars with panoramic roofs may be particularly bothersome. Certain vehicles, like Teslas, with large glass roofs, may not have any internal sunshade, meaning you’ll have constant sunlight in the car (during the day, of course).
Moonroof Maintenance
As mentioned in the disadvantages above, moonroofs need periodic maintenance. While not as rigorous a requirement as engine work, keeping on top of your moonroof’s service needs will prevent leaks and potentially expensive repairs.
It begins by understanding that sliding moonroofs have a water management system that uses a trough and drainage tubes. This system channels any water that enters a moonroof’s openings (while it’s closed) into the tubes, leading to openings in the front and rear pillars.
At least twice a year (or more, if recommended by the manufacturer) open the moonroof and clean the trough with a damp cloth. This will limit the dirt, leaves, and other debris that enter and block the drainage tubes. If needed, a blast of compressed air through each tube will help clear any obstructions.
For pop-up roofs, ensure that both the glass and surrounding seals are clean and free of any dirt and debris. An ineffective seal will allow water to enter the cabin.
What Is the Cost of a Moonroof?
Moonroof prices vary greatly. A moonroof can be standard equipment in high-end luxury cars or upper-end trim models of mainstream vehicles. As a standalone option, expect to pay about $1,000 for a standard moonroof with a sliding glass panel to $2,000 for an extra-large moonroof. Panoramic roofs can be even more expensive.
Aftermarket pop-up moonroofs can start at around $500, and non-factory power sliding moonroofs begin at about $1,500. Panoramic roofs are typically installed only by a manufacturer at the factory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moonroof vs. Sunroof
Q: What is a sunroof in vehicles like Toyota?
A: In vehicles, including popular brands like Toyota, a sunroof refers to an operable roof panel, often opaque, that can be manually or electronically opened to let in light and air.
Q: How is a moonroof different from a sunroof?
A: A moonroof is typically a transparent or tinted glass panel that can slide or tilt open, allowing occupants to view the sky even when it’s closed, unlike the more opaque sunroof.
Q: I’ve heard of a “spoiler” sunroof. What is it?
A: A spoiler sunroof is a type that tilts to vent and slides back on top of the car’s roof, rather than retracting into it. It adds a sporty aesthetic to the vehicle.
Q: What’s the advantage of a panoramic sunroof?
A: A panoramic sunroof spans almost the entire length of a vehicle’s roof, offering an expansive view of the sky above. It enhances the driving experience, especially for rear passengers.
Q: Are there safety concerns with these panels?
A: Both types come with safety features. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues like jamming. Always use the safety mechanisms and avoid leaving them open when parking in unsourced or unfamiliar locations.
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