Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What's the Difference?

Want to add a more expansive feeling to your BMW 5 Series, Ford Explorer, or Jeep Renegade interior? A sunroof or moonroof will do the trick. Moonroofs and sunroofs are alike in at least one way: Everybody wants one! However, if you’re browsing new and used cars at Sam Leman Automotive Group, you’d be smart to ask the deceptively simple question, “What’s the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?” Here are the basics:

• Comparing the moonroof vs. sunroof, you should start off from the awareness that a moonroof is simply a special type of sunroof.
• A sunroof, of course, its any roof panel which allows light and/or air to enter the cabin.
• Unlike a sunroof, a moonroof is usually tinted. They’re also more likely to be openable.

What Kind of Sunroof or Moonroof is Right for Me?

Even now that you’ve learned the main difference between a sunroof and a moonroof, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had more questions. Just for starters, there are a wide variety of sunroof and moonroof types to choose from. Here are the most popular:

• Pop-Up/Spoiler – With a pop-up model, you can open the cabin and let in air by tilting your sunroof upwards. A spoiler sunroof adds additional functionality, allowing you to slide it backwards and create a larger opening.
• Inbuilt – Some sunroofs will slide between the roof and an in-cabin panel, rather than opening outwards. Most moonroofs are “built-in,” but not all built-in sunroofs are moonroofs.
• Panoramic – On one level, the panoramic descriptor should be self explanatory. In general, it’s used to describe sunroofs which consist of more than one panel and cover a large portion of the roof. These may be either fixed or operable.

Drivers should also keep in mind that sunroofs and moonroofs might be manually-operated, or they might be electric. In the newest, most advanced models, a sunroof might be combined with a solar panel, so you can charge electrical systems more efficiently as you drive through Central Illinois

Still have questions? Remember that each manufacturer has their own basis for distinguishing the moonroof vs. sunroof. Contact Sam Leman Automotive Group today to get a brand-specific breakdown.

Your New Sunroof or Moonroof Awaits at Sam Leman Automotive Group!

Sam Leman Automotive Group is proud to offer vehicles from a wide variety of makes and models, and when you drive with us, it’s easy to find a sunroof or a moonroof in your favorite BMW, Jeep, or Toyota vehicles. Don’t just take our word for it! Use our vehicle finder service to find exactly what you need.

Curious about other available features on your next car? See why so many drivers choose a car with paddle shifters and learn more about AWD vs. 4WD.