Difference between a moonroof and sunroof

The moonroof and sunroof: what is the difference?

Difference between a moonroof and sunroof

Shopping for a vehicle can be a daunting process, especially when there are so many unfamiliar auto-world terms. If you’ve been shopping for a luxury vehicle, you may have noticed that there are even more features to keep track of and understand, as luxury vehicles often contain more advanced features. Among the features you’ll find in a luxury vehicle (and some in the non-luxury segment) are the moonroof and sunroof. Now, there is a distinction between these two types of roof, but it isn’t the amount of tint (as people commonly think). The difference between a moonroof and a sunroof is pretty non-existent, because a moonroof is a type of sunroof.

The term “moonroof” was first utilized in the 1970s, when glass panels were first a basic/essential part of an electric sunroof. Essentially, a moonroof allows for sunlight to get in while the panel is still closed (a tinted, transparent piece of the car), while a sunroof needs to be opened or tilted up to allow light through. A moonroof is a type of available sunroof, much like a panoramic sunroof, a pop-up sunroof and others.

Nowadays, it is simple to find a vehicle with a moonroof, as their popularity has grown immensely. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are notorious for including moonroofs in their vehicles, as well as Land Rover. Those specific brands also carry panoramic sunroofs in several of their vehicles, which is basically a larger sunroof/moonroof that extends from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The panoramic roof is either made of one, large panel of glass, or from multiple panels that pile on top of each other when the roof is opened. Panoramic sunroofs are also available on vehicles like the Cadillac SRX SUV.

Any further questions about which type of vehicles have which type of sunroof can be directed to the knowledgeable staff at Autos of Dallas. The dealership’s contact information can be found here.