What is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
A sunroof is an opaque panel that tilts or slides open to let in air and light. A moonroof is a glass panel — usually tinted — that lets light in even when closed and can tilt or slide open. Most cars sold today have a moonroof, not a true sunroof. Panoramic roofs are large moonroofs spanning much of the roof.
Sunroof vs. moonroof at a glance
Sunroof
- Solid, opaque panel — often body-colored metal.
- Tilts up or slides back to open.
- Lets in no light when closed.
- Less common on newer cars.
Moonroof
- Glass panel, usually tinted.
- Lets light into the cabin even when closed.
- Tilts up at the back for ventilation and can slide open.
- A sliding interior shade blocks the sun.
- The most common type on cars sold today.
If your roof panel lets light through when it is closed, it is a moonroof, not a true sunroof.
What about panoramic roofs?
A panoramic roof is a large moonroof — sometimes two panels — that spans much of the roof.
| Type | Opens? | Glass? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunroof | Tilts or slides | No (opaque) | Solid panel, no light when closed |
| Moonroof | Tilts and slides | Yes (tinted) | Most common on newer cars |
| Panoramic moonroof | Some open, some fixed | Yes (large) | Spans front and rear seats |
| Fixed panoramic | No | Yes (large) | Glass only, does not move |
When the glass needs replacing
Moonroof and panoramic glass can crack from impact, road debris, or stress, and the moving tracks and drains can fail over time. If the glass is cracked or shattered, it is replaced rather than repaired — auto roof glass is tempered or laminated and does not take a resin repair the way a windshield does. See our sunroof glass replacement service.
Most moonroof leaks come from clogged drain tubes, not the glass itself. The drains run down the roof pillars and can block with leaves and dirt. Clearing them usually fixes the leak without replacing the glass.
More questions about sunroofs and moonroofs
Can a cracked moonroof be repaired like a windshield?
No. Moonroof glass is tempered or a different laminate and does not take a resin repair the way a windshield does. A cracked or shattered moonroof panel is replaced.
Does insurance cover moonroof glass replacement?
With comprehensive coverage, glass replacement is usually covered. You pay only what your policy says you owe. We file the claim with your insurer and confirm coverage before any work starts.
Why does my moonroof leak even when the glass is fine?
Most moonroof leaks come from clogged drain tubes, not the glass. The drains run down the roof pillars and can block with leaves and dirt. Clearing them usually fixes the leak without replacing the glass.
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