Subaru Outback Moonroof: What to Know


in Model Info and Features
Outback on a street

The Subaru Outback is one of the most dependable cars on the road. A smooth ride that can handle on and off-road situations. Nothing can make a ride better than a moonroof. Seeing as much of the outside from the inside can really add to the riding experience. 

The Subaru Outback has numerous options for customization, so you can choose the best features that are right for you. Unfortunately, the 2021 Subaru Outback base model does not include a panoramic sunroof, but you can opt for a moonroof. This make and model has several trim levels, including moon and sunroofs, so you just have to choose which one is right for you. 

What Trim Level Includes A Moonroof? 

The 2021 Subaru Outback comes in seven trim levels. The base model, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The first four have a four-cylinder engine pumping out 182 horsepower. The three XT trims include a turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 hp. 

The base Subaru Outback starts at $26,795 and does not include a sun or moonroof. The premium trim, limited trim, touring trim, and XT trims all feature a moonroof. These models will range from $29,000 to $39,000, depending on what other features you would like. 


THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE

There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new ​sedans with high ground clearance​.


Do Older Models Have Moonroofs?

Do not limit yourself to brand new cars. Many dealerships will sell used cars for a better price. The best part is most of these cars will only be a few years old but will still be under warranty.

Going back ten to fifteen years ago,  you will find that a moonroof was not included in the base model of Subaru Outbacks. They could be added on for only a couple thousand dollars more. 

The higher price tag includes other upgrades, so you are not literally paying two thousand dollars for just a moonroof. 

Detachable or Folding Roof Racks with Moonroofs

One of the best features on almost all Subaru Outback’s going back ten years is detachable or folding roof racks. What could be worse than having a giant moonroof that’s view is blocked by a bunch of roof racks? 

Older models will allow you to detach the roof racks. In comparison, newer models actually allow you to tuck or hide the roof racks away when you do not need them to enjoy that view as much as possible. 

Moonroof Maintenance

No matter what Subaru Outback moonroof model you get, you will want to keep an eye on it. If you do not have a garage or park under trees a lot, you risk getting the drain holes clogged. 

The majority of Subaru Outback moonroofs will have a drain hole on each side of the moonroof. It will have a wind deflector going across the front. This wind deflector will allow for a controlled outside airflow to fill your car.

The two drain holes are there to keep you dry whenever your car gets wet. Whether it is the weather or a carwash, your moonroof should be airtight. It is important to simply take your hand and clean out the inside just to ensure the drain holes do not get clogged. 

If they end up clogged, you might have a leaky moonroof. The water will pool up and most likely leak down on you during turns. Again, just keeping it clean will stop this from happening.  Newer model Subaru Outback moonroofs will be opened and closed with a motor. 

If you ever find yourself in trouble with this, it is best to contact your dealer. Most of the time, the warranty will include this quick fix. So, if the next time you get into your car and press the button and nothing happens, do not panic; just call your local dealership.   


WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY

Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.


Can a Moonroof Be Installed On My Car?

If your car does not have a moonroof, you can have one installed for anywhere between three hundred to eight hundred dollars. You are basically going to have two basic options: a simple pop open and closed moonroof or a motorized multifunction moonroof. 

So obviously, the simple pop open and closed moonroof will be closer to the three-hundred-dollar range. The motorized versions will cost more but will have many more options to get fresh air into your vehicle. 

Is Tint On a Moonroof Important?

Although a moonroof will bring as much of the outside to you while still staying inside, the sun’s harmful UV rays will still be able to penetrate the glass. Tinting your moonroof will block some of those rays. The amount of tint is up to you. 

Sense a moonroof is like have an extra window above you; there are no laws or restrictions to how much tint your moonroof can have. It is recommended to tint it just enough to dim the sun so you can still enjoy as much of your view as possible. If it is too dark, you will not be able to see anything at night. 


THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS

If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.


Other Subarus with Moonroofs

Subaru’s have been equipped with moonroofs on most of their other models for the last five to ten years. Since this has become a sought-after feature on your vehicle, it makes sense to have a moonroof option available on all models.

Some other Subaru models with moonroofs included are: 

  • The Subaru Forester. 
  • The Subaru WRX.
  • The Subaru Legacy.
  • The Subaru Ascent. 

Like with the Outback, some years of these other models will not include a moonroof in the base package, so you might have to search for models with moonroofs specifically.

Conclusion 

Thankfully, moonroofs have become a feature everybody wants, so there are a lot of options available. If you upgrade to a moonroof, that package will come with other toys for you to enjoy. So even if you do end up having to pay more for your Subaru Outback moonroof, you will get other features to enjoy that will make you love your car even more.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.

trade-in