For many years, convertibles dominated the car market, and the ability to feel the fresh air was an important consideration for any car buyer. However, as time passed and peoples’ priorities changed when it came to their vehicles, convertibles went out of style and were replaced by vehicles with sunroofs and moonroofs. As a compromise between comfort and security and the option to feel less enclosed in the space of the cabin, a sunroof or moonroof can offer the open air and connection to the outdoors you are looking for without all the hassle of dealing with a convertible top. Knowing the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof will help you make the best choice when looking at new or used cars. 

### Sunroof 

The term sunroof can apply to many different types of roofs and different designs. For the most part, a sunroof is a tinted glass panel on the roof of the car that can either be retracted or completely removed for more headroom and an open-air feeling in the cabin. While sunroofs aren’t as common as they once were, automakers are still putting the large glass panels in new vehicles, including the Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Cadillac CT5-V. If you are looking for something that is similar to a convertible or T-top at a dealership but doesn’t require all the fussing with a canvas top, a sunroof could be a good option. 

#### Pros of a Sunroof

- Larger, open feeling

- More secure than a traditional convertible

#### Cons of a Sunroof

- More hassle to remove from the roof of a car 

- Less secure than a solid roof panel

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### Moonroof 

If you want the ability to bring some fresh air into your vehicle’s cabin but don’t need a large, removable glass sunroof, a moonroof might be a good option. A moonroof is usually smaller and slides between the roof itself and the vehicle’s headliner. It can also be tilted open as a vent, which can provide light and air without letting in all the noise from the road and the wind going over the roof of the car. Moonroofs are generally more common than sunroofs and are included in many new vehicles by automakers like Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Lexus. 

#### Pros of a Moonroof

- Available on many new cars 

- Less road and wind noise 

#### Cons of a Moonroof

- Not removable 

- Less fresh air circulation

### Panoramic Roofs 

If you can’t decide between a moonroof vs. a sunroof, a panoramic roof may be the best option for you. Panoramic roof systems are becoming more and more popular with automakers and car buyers alike, especially in recent years. Cars made by Tesla and other modern manufacturers feature the panoramic moonroof, which is a massive glass roof that offers visibility from both the front and rear seats. They can also sometimes be opened in different sections, which allows for more versatility within the vehicle. While these roof systems are not going to be as common in used vehicles, if you are buying new off the lot, you should have no problem finding a car that has one. 

#### Pros of a Panoramic Roof

- Large, open feel in the cabin

- Modern look

#### Cons of a Panoramic Roof

- Weight can affect the vehicle’s center of gravity and handling

- Aftermarket replacements are incredibly expensive

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### Types of Sunroofs and Moonroofs 

Before you decide whether a sunroof or a moonroof is right for you, it is important to understand the different types that are available. Depending on your needs when it comes to fresh air in the cabin of your vehicle and how much you want to deal with messing with the panels, one style may be more suited to your needs than another. Different sunroof and moonroof types will also change the look of your vehicle’s exterior, which is an important consideration. Knowing what varieties are available can help you make the right choice. 

#### Built-In 

Most moonroofs are of the built-in variety, which means that the glass panel slides between the roof and the headliner. This is a low-profile way to open up the top panel of the roof and provides a seamless aesthetic that won’t change how the car looks from the outside. Sometimes, you can also lift the glass panel if you prefer to let air in that way. 

#### Spoiler 

A spoiler type of roof has a similar design as a built-in style but when you lift the glass panel, it will stay elevated above the roof of the car. This gives the exterior a look that is similar to a roof spoiler and will change the profile of the vehicle. However, many people like this sporty look and feel and it can add a lot to the style of your car. 

#### Pop-Up 

The pop-up style of the roof allows the rear glass panel to be completely popped up. This is a lot like the spoiler type but it can usually be pushed up even further. In many cases, a pop-up roof can even be completely removed if you want to let in more air and sunshine. 

#### Lamella 

The Lamella roof design is much less common than the other types. This design uses multiple glass and opaque panels that can all be opened separately. Lamella roofs can be found on the Mercedes-Benz ML-class and Pontiac G6.

### Sunroof vs. Moonroof: Which is Best?

Choosing between a sunroof and a moonroof will depend heavily on what you like and what options you want to have when it comes to letting air and sun into your car. While moonroofs tend to be more convenient and less of a hassle, they also don’t give you the option to completely open up your vehicle’s cabin to the outside world. However, a sunroof can also be more finicky and requires a little more work to open up, especially if it is completely removable. Knowing what you as a driver need from your car and what you are capable of dealing with as far as removing and attaching the panel goes will help you make the best choice for your specific needs. 

### Final Thoughts

Being able to feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face is one of the great joys of having a vehicle with a removable roof. Even though convertibles aren’t nearly as common as they once were, you can still get a reasonable facsimile of that feeling with a sunroof or moonroof. Knowing what the differences are between these two options is your best bet if you want to get a great driving experience while still having the comfort and security of a vehicle with a closed cabin.

The difference between sunroofs and moonroofs is indiscernible. Discover the attributes of each, their histories, and the pros and cons of cars equipped with them.

Moonroof vs Sunroof - What's the Difference?

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