Moonroofs and sunroofs are popular car features that bring extra light, fresh air, and an open feel to a vehicle’s interior. Although most people often use these two terms interchangeably, a moonroof is not exactly the same as a sunroof.
What is the difference between moonroof and sunroof? A sunroof is a general term for any movable panel on the roof of a car, while a moonroof is a specific type of sunroof made of transparent, usually tinted glass.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Moonroof
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Sunroof
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Moonroof and Sunroof
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Moonroof and Sunroof
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Moonroof and Sunroof
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Moonroof, Sunroof
What is a Moonroof
A moonroof is a type of sunroof that has a transparent, tinted panel made of glass or Plexiglas. It slides open to let in fresh air and light but cannot be removed. Even when it’s closed, it allows light to enter the car, which gives the interior a bright and open feel.
A panoramic moonroof has glass covering most of the car’s roof. However, only the section over the front seats can slide or open, while the glass above the rear seats stays fixed. Inside the car, there is a shade, which can be manual or powered, to block sunlight when needed.
Early examples of moonroofs include the 1933 Hillman Aero Minx, which had a sliding roof panel with inset glass. But at that time, the name moonroof was not used. Other examples are the Mk1 Ford Fiesta (1976), Mk3 Ford Escort (1980), Acura ILX, and Pontiac G6.
Today, most new cars come with moonroofs as a standard or optional feature. Traditional metal sunroofs have mostly gone out of style, though many manufacturers still use the term sunroof because of its long history.
What is a Sunroof
A sunroof is a movable panel on the roof of a car that opens to let light and fresh air into the vehicle. It can be operated manually or with a motor and comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles. Today, the term sunroof is often used to describe any roof opening.
Types of Sunroofs
Pop-Up Sunroof
This is a simple, manual, tilting panel. It can sometimes be completely removed and stored separately. It tilts to create a small vent or can be taken out for a full opening.
Spoiler Sunroof (Tilt & Slide)
This type tilts to vent and then slides open above the car roof. It doesn’t take up headroom and is perfect for smaller cars. Most are electric and may include features like sun shades and quick open/close functions.
Folding Sunroof (Rag-Top)
Made of fabric or vinyl, this sunroof folds back like a convertible top. Once common in Europe, it has become popular again with both manual and powered versions.
Top-Mount Sliding Sunroof
A large glass panel slides on top of the car roof, so no headroom is lost. It often includes a built-in wind deflector to reduce noise.
Panoramic Roof
This design uses large or multiple glass panels, often covering both front and rear seats. Some panels can slide open, while others cannot.
Removable Roof Panels (T-Tops and Targa Roofs)
These open up the roof to the side windows for a wider opening. T-tops have two panels with a T-shaped center brace, while Targa roofs have one large panel with no center brace.
Solar Sunroof
This is made of glass with built-in solar panels. When closed, the panels create energy to run ventilation fans, keeping the car cool on hot days.
Similarities Between Moonroof and Sunroof
- Both sunroofs and moonroofs are panels on the roof of a car that allow light and fresh air into the vehicle.
- They can be manually or electrically operated.
- They are luxury or premium features in many vehicles.
Difference Between Moonroof and Sunroof
Definition
- A sunroof is a general term for any movable panel on a car’s roof that opens to let in light or air. A moonroof is a specific type of sunroof with a transparent or tinted glass panel that slides open but cannot be removed.
Material
- Traditional sunroofs were often made of metal or opaque material, blocking all light when closed, whereas moonroofs are made of glass or Plexiglas, allowing natural light to enter even when it’s closed.
Attachment to the Vehicle
- Older sunroofs could sometimes be completely removed from the car, whereas a moonroof slides or tilts only, but it stays attached to the vehicle.
FAQ: Moonroof and Sunroof
1. Is a moonroof the same as a sunroof?
A moonroof is a type of sunroof. A monoroof is made of transparent, usually tinted glass, which slides or tilts open but cannot be removed, whereas a traditional sunroof was often made of metal or opaque material and could sometimes be fully removed.
2. Why is it called a moonroof now?
Ford’s John Atkinson coined the term moonroof in 1973. He introduced it as an optional roof feature for the 1973 Lincoln Mark IV. This design replaced the traditional metal sunroof panel with a silver-tinted tempered glass panel.
3. Which Toyota has a moonroof?
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the Toyota models that offers a moonroof. Several trims, such as the XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited, include a power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
4. What are the disadvantages of a moonroof?
A moonroof adds extra weight to the car, which can slightly reduce fuel efficiency and handling. The glass panel makes the roof weaker than solid steel, which in a rare but serious rollover may offer less protection than a regular roof.
Reference:
1. “Sunroof.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Moonroof – 2015 GMC Yukon Denali (14489466044).” By Michael Sheehan – Moonroof – 2015 GMC Yukon Denali (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “SKYROOF2“ (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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