Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s the Difference

Many drivers use the words sunroof and moonroof interchangeably, but there’s a difference between the two. What is a sunroof? A sunroof is a panel made of glass or metal installed in the roof of a car, truck, or SUV. It slides open or pops up to allow light and air into the vehicle’s interior.

What is a moonroof, then? A moonroof is typically a clear or tinted glass panel that slides within the roof and the headliner, and can often be tilted open to let in fresh air. Either will make the interior of your vehicle feel more open and spacious on your Clarkston commute.

Now that Clarkston drivers have answers to the question, “what is a moonroof on a car?”, let’s take an in-depth look at everything you need to know about power moonroofs, sunroofs, and more. If you have any questions related to other chevy parts, don’t forget to check out our parts tips and tricks for more fun reads!

What Are Panoramic Roof Systems?

What’s a moonroof? What is a sunroof? You have the answers, so it’s time to complicate the picture. There are many different types of moonroofs and sunroofs, making it increasingly difficult to give a simple answer to a question like, “what is a moonroof on a car?”. Your options include pop-ups, spoilers, inbuilts, top-mounts, solars, removables, power moonroofs, power sunroofs, and panoramic roof systems.

Panoramic roofs are the most popular version, offered as available options on more mainstream vehicles or as a standard feature for many luxury cars. Panoramic roofs will typically come with multiple panels in the roof that are either fixed or operable. Panoramic roofs also tend to open much further than a standard moonroof and feature a retractable sunshade you can use to keep the cabin cooler when the glass portion is closed.

Used Vehicles with a Sunroof or Moonroof

At Bowman Chevrolet, we carry a large inventory of pre-owned cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans that feature either a sunroof, moonroof, or panoramic roof. The best way for Lake Orion-area shoppers to find a sunroof/moonroof-equipped vehicle is to browse our used inventory. A few models to look out for include:

• Acura – Acura MDX, RDX, TLX, and TSX models can be equipped with a power moonroof.
• Chevrolet – A Chevy Suburban with a sunroof or an Equinox with a panoramic power sunroof are both great options. A used Chevrolet model offers a wide range of benefits for Highland drivers.
• Honda – Among the many advantages of a used Honda is the power/tilt moonroof featured in models like the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline.
• Lexus – A power tilt/slide moonroof is available on select models of the Lexus ES, GX, LX, and RX.
• Mercedes-Benz – Used Mercedes models feature the premium amenities you’d expect from a world-class luxury automaker, including a power tilt/slide tinted glass sunroof in the C-Class sedan, a sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade in the E-Class, and a panoramic moonroof in the S-Class.
• Toyota – Look for models like the Rav4, Land Cruiser, and Highlander which all can feature a power tilt/slide moonroof. Also, the Camry can come with a panoramic 2-panel moonroof. So what’s a moonroof? A moonroof is just one of the many benefits of driving a used Toyota.

Test Drive a Quality Used Car with a Moonroof at Bowman Chevrolet!

Now that you have answers to the questions, “what is a sunroof,” and “what’s a moonroof,” it’s time to experience both of these in-cabin appointments with a test drive. First, explore our selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles available with convenient technologies like the Chevy garage door opener. Look at the description of each model in the inventory—it will tell you whether or not it features a moonroof or sunroof. Then contact Bowman Chevrolet to schedule a test drive. We look forward to showing you just how much a retractable roof panel can open up your drive!