Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What's the Difference?

Sunroofs are defined as opaque metal or glass panels installed in the roofs of vehicles. Sunroofs typically slide open or retract to let sunlight and fresh air into cars, trucks and SUVs.

Moonroofs are similar to sunroofs, and many of today's moonroofs may have been called sunroofs in the past. A moonroof generally consists of a fixed tinted glass panel that opens by sliding between the vehicle's roof and headliner, with an additional sunshade that can be opened or closed. The sky is always visible through a moonroof, and opening the panel allows for additional sunlight and fresh air.

Key differences between a moonroof and a sunroof

While sunroofs and moonroofs have many similarities and the words are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. Here are a few common distinctions between moonroofs and sunroofs:

Type of opening
Sunroof opening types include pop-ups that allow a small amount of light and air in, and sliders that open to the dimensions of the frame. In some older vehicles, sunroof panels are completely removable. Many modern sunroofs are often referred to as moonroofs and offer the same types of openings. Moonroofs (and modern sunroofs) can slide all the way open, tilt, open partially or fully retract. 

Materials used
Sunroofs are generally constructed with opaque glass or opaque metal. Moonroofs are exclusively designed with clear or tinted glass panels. 

Size
Sunroof and moonroof sizes are based on the overall size of the vehicle in which they're installed. Since many of today's sunroofs are referred to as moonroofs, they also possess similar features, including panoramic designs. Most panoramic sunroofs and moonroofs span the entire length of the vehicle, so there's no real difference in size. However, panoramic moonroofs are larger in size than standard square or rectangular sunroofs.

On average, the size of a standard sunroof in an economical vehicle ranges from 15 inches by 30 inches to 20 inches by 38 inches, while panoramic sunroofs or moonroofs are approximately  50 inches by 45 inches.

Amount of light let in
The amount of light let in through a sunroof or moonroof can vary significantly depending on the specific vehicle type and sunroof/moonroof design.

For example, a T-top sunroof with removable glass panels lets in more light and air than a single panel that opens manually or electronically. Most sunroofs are constructed to open completely within the dimensions of their frames. In other words, if a sunroof has a rectangular frame, the amount of light and air let in should equal the frame size.

Closed sunroofs do not let in any light when closed, while moonroofs let in natural light when both opened or closed. Most moonroofs cover the vehicle's entire roof area, but some designs only cover a portion of the roof. Similar to a sunroof, the amount of light let in by a moonroof is based on its overall dimensions.

Visibility
Sunroofs and moonroofs have several distinct differences in terms of visibility. While specific designs can differ between vehicles, most sunroofs let the sun and air in while open but completely block the sun when closed. Since moonroofs are crafted with tinted glass, the moon and sky are visible when the moonroof is closed.

Operation mechanism
Operation mechanisms on both sunroofs and moonroofs can vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle. The main difference between the two is that moonroofs are generally designed with electronic/motorized mechanisms, while sunroofs can be operated by motorized or manual controls.