The Pros and Cons of Car Sunroofs

According to a survey by the AAA Foundation, the average person spends about an hour a day behind the wheel—commuting to work, running errands or simply enjoying a scenic drive. With so much time spent in the car, your vehicle can feel like a cage or a second home.

To make the experience more enjoyable, many drivers choose vehicles with sunroofs. These features bring in natural light and fresh air, offer an elevated sense of openness and let you enjoy everything from sunny skies to star-filled nights. But before deciding on a sunroof, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks to make an informed decision.

What is a sunroof?

A sunroof is a glass panel installed on a vehicle's roof to allow light and air to access the vehicle’s interior. There are six distinct types of sunroofs to consider when purchasing a vehicle:

• Pop-up sunroof—Just like it sounds, a pop-up sunroof is a panel that drivers and passengers can be manually adjust to allow a slight breeze or warm sun rays into the vehicle. This is the classic and simple approach.
• Spoiler sunroof—Powered by electronics, this panel tilts and slides open slightly above the roofline, allowing airflow and sunlight without a fully open top.
• Moonroof—Most often factory-installed, this style blends cleanly into the roof and slides back electronically. It’s like a sunroof with style and polish—sometimes tinted for a softer light.
• Top-mount sunroof—Like spoiler sunroofs, electronics power this design but open completely, allowing for a total, open-air experience.
• Panoramic sunroof—Big, bold and perfect for stargazing. This setup usually spans front and rear seats with one giant panel or several smaller ones. It’s all about that wide-open view.
• Removable roof panels—Think Jeep. These aren’t technically “sunroofs,” but serve the same purpose. The panels are physically removed, allowing you and your passengers to embrace the elements fully.

Moonroof vs sunroof: What’s the difference?

A sunroof and a moonroof are both panels in a car's roof that allow light or air into the cabin, but they differ in design and functionality. 

A sunroof is typically an opaque, solid panel made of metal or canvas that can be manually tilted, slid open or removed entirely. When closed, it blocks out all light. 

In contrast, a moonroof is a type of sunroof made from tinted glass that remains fixed in place or slides open electronically. Even when closed, a moonroof allows natural light to enter the cabin through its transparent glass panel.

Modern vehicles often blur the distinction between the two terms, with most "sunroofs" now being glass and technically falling under the moonroof category.

Tech and car sunroofs

As manufacturers continue to look for ways to improve vehicles and the overall consumer driving experience, sunroofs are being affected. Though not as widespread as the options mentioned above, some technologically infused sunroofs are there for more than aesthetics and fresh air.

• Smart sunroofs—This type of sunroof can be controlled via a mobile app, allowing users to access their roofs remotely. Some have even been designed with smart sensors, allowing them to detect and automatically close in response to rainfall. Additionally, anti-pinch technology prevents your fingers from getting smashed when closing.
• Solar sunroofs—Solar sunroofs are designed with transparent solar cells that help charge the auxiliary systems of electric vehicles. This style is not as common now, but its usage will increase as the auto industry strongly shifts toward sustainability.

Is a sunroof worth it? — The cons

Though sunroofs are appealing, there are disadvantages to consider before selecting this option. 

• Reduced headroom—All those switches, motors and cables needed to open and close the roof must live somewhere. Usually, that means the ceiling is dropped a few inches—bad news if you’re tall or just like your space.
• Electrical issues—More moving parts mean more things can break. Sunroof malfunctions are not uncommon and fixing them can be a costly inconvenience.
• Leaky seals—Sunroofs have rubber seals that fit around the glass panels. These seals protect your vehicle’s interior from the elements. Over time, however, these seals will crack and fail, allowing water to leak into your vehicle, potentially ruining your interior.
• Weaker roof—Glass is not as strong as steel. In the rare but serious rollover, a vehicle with a sunroof may offer less protection than one with a solid roof.
• Heavier roof—Though it may seem like the pain of glass is lighter than a metal roof, installing a sunroof will increase the overall weight of your vehicle. This added weight reduces fuel efficiency.

Is a sunroof worth it? — The pros

If you made it through the list of reasons why a sunroof might be a bad idea, fear not; there are several reasons why this feature may be a great fit for your lifestyle.

• Fresh air—A sunroof is a great way to enjoy a pleasant day. By opening it and allowing the air to flow, you can enjoy fresh, natural air as it cycles through your vehicle. Sunroofs also allow hot air to escape the vehicle, further regulating the interior temperature. 
• Natural light—Because of the overhead glass, your vehicle will benefit from increased natural light. This will brighten an otherwise dour cabin and make it feel more spacious.
• Aesthetic appeal—Sunroofs give vehicles a stylish look, making them more attractive to buyers despite their shortcomings. Choosing a vehicle equipped with one could potentially increase its resale value.
• Auxiliary charging—If you want to purchase an electric vehicle, some are equipped with solar sunroofs that charge electrical systems while you drive, reducing your overall energy consumption.

The choice to purchase a vehicle with a sunroof is a personal one. There are certainly pros and cons to the decision. Before spending thousands on the upgrade, be sure to do your research to ensure the extra cost will yield the desired benefits.