What's The Difference Between A Sunroof And A Moonroof?

Apart from conventional vehicle features, many customers also have a taste for something specific. You might enjoy a cold breeze or a great view on the road.

For these reasons, manufacturers started to put sun and moonroofs in certain vehicle models. How are these two different from each other? Most people can’t tell the difference.

Sunroofs Vs. Moonroofs

In the very beginning, cars didn’t have any roofs at all. Only specific models had folding canvas tops or transparent side curtains. That is until Cadillac began offering fully enclosed bodywork. After that, people started to look for something more. In response, manufacturers began to include canvas or metal-covered roof openings with sunroof mechanisms. And wouldn’t you know it, moonroofs also became more prevalent. 

Today, there is practically no difference between the two. But in the beginning, the term sunroof referenced an opaque panel of metal or canvas that completely blocked out the sun. A moonroof had silver tinted tempered glass and a sliding interior sunshade.

In simplest terms, a sunroof meant there would be no light or air entering the cabin when the roof was closed. A moonroof was essentially a glass sunroof that allowed you to glance outside.

Types Of Moon And Sunroofs

Built-in roofs offer the option of raising the panel's rear to keep air out of the interior. The driver can slide the panel fully open, retaining it between the roof and the headliner.

Spoiler roofs have the same vent option and characteristics. However, the panel remains above the roof whenever you open them as it slides back.

Pop-up roofs pop up at the back to vent air and can be entirely removed for storage.

Lamella roofs have numerous glass or opaque panels that can vent and slide back like a set of horizontal blinds. They can usually be found on Mercedes or Pontiac vehicles. 

Panoramic roofs offer a view out of the vehicle and open-air above both the front and rear seats. 

Which One Should I Pick?

But if you pick roofs, we suggest a glass panel with a fully opaque sunshade. It offers full light and wind when opened, providing a brighter ambiance, and allowing you to glance around.

However, be mindful of the different car models or brands out there. Some don’t offer sunshades or include the ones that let in quite a lot of light.

The roofs also vary in type and can be easily subdivided or grouped depending on characteristics.

Summary

There isn’t a vast difference between sunroofs and moonroofs - manufacturers and people use the words interchangeably. A standard hard-top sunroof will serve you well if you want to catch the wind from time to time. If you want to let some light in at all times, a tinted glass panel moonroof is a good option. 

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