Civic Sedan

Make
Honda
Segment
Sedan

A sunroof or moonroof on a car is a relatively new development in the automotive world. The original automobile was essentially an engine-powered open carriage, meaning it had no roof at all. Later, vehicles started featuring canvas tops for improved protection from the elements, with some featuring clear side curtains as well. Not too long after the creation of the first fully enclosed car did automobile owners discover the need, or rather the desire, for something that could bridge the gap between the enclosed car design and the open-carriage. European automakers responded with metal- or canvas-covered roof openings before the arrival of the patented Pytchley sunroof system. Since then, the technology has evolved to form part of the innovative glass slide and/or tilting panoramic roofs we know today.

What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof?

The words sunroof and moonroof are used interchangeably by just about everyone, even automakers themselves. It's no sin, however, as many of their original differences have fallen away over the years. A typical car's sunroof was initially described as an opaque panel, usually constructed from canvas or metal, that could be opened or closed to let in light and air. A moonroof, on the other hand, was a tinted glass panel that occupants could see through completely and its installation typically included a sunshade on the inside that occupants could draw if they wanted to block out the light.

Cars are no longer sold with opaque movable roof panels or "sunroofs", and so sunroof and moonroof essentially refer to the same thing these days. They are a great addition to luxury cars if you live in sunny states in the USA.

What are the Different Types of Sunroofs and Moonroofs?

There are several different types of specialized car roofs that one can install in their car:

  • Built-in: These roofs are usually electric and can be fully retracted with the panel sliding away between the roof and the headliner. It can also be slightly raised at one end to allow for some airflow into and out of the cabin. The Honda Civic, for example, comes equipped with a built-in moonroof as standard.
  • Spoiler: A spoiler moonroof is similar to the built-in kind in that it can slide open completely or just pop up for some ventilation. But instead of stowing away between the roof and the headliner, it slides open above the car's roof.
  • Pop-up: Pop-up roofs are usually just that, sunroofs that pop up to allow for ventilation. Though mostly purchased on the aftermarket, one of the best cars with this sunroof is the BMW E30.
  • Lamella: Lamella roofs are made from tinted glass sheets layered similarly to Venetian blinds. They can be opened up to varying degrees but have proven to be rather problematic in the cars they were offered on - the Mercedes-Benz ML430 SUV and the Pontiac G6.
  • Panoramic: A panoramic roof spans the length of the cabin to provide both the front and rear passengers with a view out the top. One popular car with a panoramic sunroof is the Kia Soul, a quirky SUV offered with the option.

The Truth About Installing a Moonroof or Sunroof

Now that we know how to answer the question, 'what's the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof', we can look at the advantages and disadvantages of cars with a sunroof or moonroof. When comparing a car sunroof vs a moonroof, the benefits and disadvantages are virtually the same.