Moonroof vs. Sunroof — What's the Difference?

A sunroof is a panel in a car's roof that can either be opaque or transparent, designed to open and let in light and air. Originally, sunroofs were solid panels that could be removed or tilted. In contrast, a moonroof is a type of sunroof made of glass that allows light to enter the vehicle even when it's closed, often with a sliding or tilting function to open partially or fully.

Sunroofs can come in various forms, including pop-up, which manually tilts open, and built-in, which retracts between the roof and the headliner. Moonroofs, however, usually include a tilt and slide function, allowing them to open fully or tilt to vent air, and they often come with an interior sliding panel to block light when needed.

While sunroofs were traditionally made of metal and matched the body of the car, moonroofs have been popularized with their glass panels, often tinted, providing a view of the sky without opening the panel. This feature enhances the driving experience by creating a sense of openness and more cabin light, even during unfavorable weather conditions.

The term "moonroof" was coined in the 1970s by Ford's marketing team and has since evolved to primarily refer to glass-panel sunroofs. The distinction between sunroof and moonroof has become blurred over time, with many people using the terms interchangeably, although technically, all moonroofs are a type of sunroof.

The choice between a sunroof and a moonroof often comes down to personal preference and the vehicle's design. Some drivers prefer the traditional sunroof for its simplicity and the option of a completely open roof, while others favor the moonroof for its versatility and the ability to let in light without fully opening the roof.