There is a distinction between the terms “sunroof” and “moonroof,” despite the fact that many car shoppers frequently use them interchangeably. In order to let light and air into the interior cabin of a car, truck, or SUV, a glass or metal panel called a sunroof is installed in the roof of each of those vehicles. A moonroof is typically a glass panel in either clear or tinted form that slides in between the roof and the headliner and is frequently tilted open to let in fresh air.
What Is A Sunroof?
According to USNews.com, a sunroof is a roof panel that slides back or can be removed to let light, air, or both into a car.
Read More: What Does It Mean When Your Brake Warning Light & How to Fix
The traditional sunroof was an opaque panel that matched the color of the car’s body, according to MotorTrend.com. It was removable or tiltable for drivers to use. However, according to MotorTrend, moving, opaque sunroofs are less frequently offered for sale on automobiles.
What Is A Moonroof?
CARFAX claims that a moonroof is a particular kind of sunroof. But a moonroof typically has a tinted glass panel on top of the car that functions much like an additional window. According to USNews.com, it is intended to allow light in without allowing the elements in.
Moonroofs, in contrast to conventional sunroofs, typically slide or tilt open, but they are not intended to be removed from the car, according to USNews.
According to USNews, many moonroofs include an interior sliding panel that matches the interior of your vehicle. No light enters the vehicle when it is closed. The moonroof is visible once this panel is opened.
What Do Panoramic Roof Systems Encompasse?
We’ve answered, “what’s the difference between a sunroof and moonroof,” and now it’s time to discuss panoramic roof systems. Pop-up, spoiler, integrated, top-mount, solar, detachable, electric, and electronic are some of the different types of moonroofs and sunroofs. One of the most popular features is the panoramic roof, which is available as an option on the majority of mainstream models or is a standard component of the majority of luxury vehicles. Multiple roof panels that are either fixed or operable are included with panoramic roofs. In order to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while driving through Wisconsin, front and rear passengers can open their panels.
A Sunroof And A Moonroof Are The Same Thing, Right?
Yes, according to modern jargon. Semantic historians will regale you with stories of how a “sunroof” was traditionally an opaque panel, generally of metal or canvas, and that Ford marketing whiz John Atkinson coined the name “moonroof” to refer to the optional roof conversion (performed by American Sunroof Corporation), which was first installed on the 1973 Lincoln Mark IV and replaced the metal panel with a silver-tinted tempered glass one with a sliding interior sunshade that could be used to completely block the light if desired.
The florid ad copy read, “When you are open, the Moon can see both you and it, whereas when you are closed, only you can see the Moon.” Thus, historically speaking, they are not equivalent. When the roof is closed, a sunroof blocks out all light and air (imagine a sunshade); a moonroof is a glass sunroof that you can see through. But today almost nobody sells cars with an opaque movable “sunroof,” so the words are used interchangeably.
(Read More: What Does L Mean on a Car’s Gearshift – When to Use Low Gear)
A Moonroof Or A Sunroof: Which Is Preferable?
The most practical combination of a glass panel and a fully opaque sunshade offers full light and wind when fully open, a brighter atmosphere and a view of distant mountains or tall buildings when the outer panel is closed and the sunshade is open, and the option of no light at all when the sun is directly overhead.
Beware of cars like the majority of Teslas, which have fixed glass roofs with no option for a sunshade at all, or cars like some Volkswagens and Minis, which have glass roofs with sunshades that look like mesh but still let in a lot of light. Direct high-angle sunlight can cause headaches for some people.
What Sorts Of Moonroof And Sunroofs Are There?
Built-in roofs typically offer the option of raising the rear of the panel to vent or exhaust air out of the interior, or sliding the panel fully open, stowing the panel between the roof and the headliner.
Lamella roofs feature numerous glass or opaque panels that can vent and then slide back like a set of horizontal The Mercedes ML-Class and Pontiac G6 both had lamella roofs, but the engineering was troublesome in both cases.
Panoramic roofs typically offer at least a view out if not open air above both the front and rear seats. The $2,000 Panoramic Retractable Vista Roof of the Lincoln MKZ slides down to cover the rear window.
Spoiler roofs offer the same pop-up vent option, but when opening, it remains above the roof as it slides back.
Pop-up roofs merely pop up at the back to vent and in some cases allow the entire panel to be removed and stored. In the aftermarket, these were well-liked.
Read More: Why Is My Car Smoking Under The Hood?
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Sunroof Or Moonroof?
Pros: The amount of sunlight and fresh air that is ultimately admitted through a sunroof or moonroof is less likely to burn skin and tangle hair than what you get with a full convertible. Sunroofs and moonroofs are generally more secure and theft-resistant than canvas convertible tops, with the increasingly rare exception of those made of canvas. Additionally, a rigid panel like a sunroof or moonroof is simpler to seal than more complex T-tops, targa tops, and convertibles.
Cons: Up high in the vehicle, the glass panel, seals, drain tubes, frame, tracks, motors, and mechanisms all add appreciable mass. This increases its center of gravity, which negatively affects how the vehicle handles. Sunroof/moonroof operation mechanisms frequently reduce interior headroom. (Designs with spoilers and lamellae typically don’t take away headroom.)
Read More: 5 Common Causes For Your Steering Wheel Is Shaking
Cost Of A Moonroof Or Sunroof?
Manufacturers frequently package options, making it difficult to determine the exact cost of individual items, but they estimate the value add to be in the $1,000–$2,000 range for a new moonroof (which is what the majority of them are today). Roofs with panoramic views can cost at least twice as much. Although sunroofs and moonroofs will lose value along with the car over time, just having one can help sell a used car. And if you’re looking at used cars, you can still have an aftermarket sunroof installed in one of them. Although installing these pop-up/removable panels can cost between $300 and $800, they are more likely to leak, rust, or have other issues than a unit that has been installed at the factory.
Safety Considerations For Sunroofs And Moonroofs
According to MotorTrend, a sunroof or moonroof can simulate a convertible’s feel while offering more security than a canvas top. Canvas tops can be slashed, which increases the vehicle’s accessibility to thieves even when they are up, according to FindandFundMyCar.com.
On the other hand, according to YourMechanic.com, debris clogging the drainage system can be the reason for leaks, one of the most frequent complaints about moonroofs and sunroofs.
Sunroofs and moonroofs also have the disadvantage of raising the center of gravity of the car, which can affect handling. This is another disadvantage, according to MotorTrend.
Conclusion
Now that you know “What’s the difference between a sunroof and moonroof,” now we want to help find your next new or used with a moonroof. Take the next step and submit a financing application once you’ve found the car in our inventory that meets all your requirements. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to call us.