What is a moonroof?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
A moonroof is a glass panel in the roof, usually tinted, that lets light into the cabin even when it is closed and can tilt or slide open. Most cars sold today have a moonroof rather than a true sunroof. A sliding interior shade blocks the sun. See our guide on sunroof versus moonroof for the full comparison.
What does a moonroof do?
A moonroof is a glass roof panel, usually tinted, that lets light into the cabin even when it is closed. It tilts up at the back for ventilation and can slide open to let air through. A sliding interior shade sits below the glass so the driver can block the sun when the cabin gets too bright. Most cars sold today have a moonroof rather than a true sunroof, which is an opaque panel.
The difference is the glass. A true sunroof is an opaque panel, often body-colored metal, that lets in no light when it is closed. A moonroof is glass, so it lets light through whether it is open or shut. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but the glass is what makes a moonroof a moonroof.
A panoramic moonroof is a large version that spans much of the roof over both rows of seats. Some panoramic roofs open; others are fixed glass that does not move. Cracked or shattered moonroof glass is replaced, not repaired, because it is tempered. See our sunroof versus moonroof guide and our panoramic sunroof guide.
Moonroof vs sunroof
Moonroof
- A glass panel, usually tinted.
- Lets light into the cabin even when closed.
- Tilts and slides open.
- The most common type on cars sold today.
Sunroof
- An opaque panel, often body-colored metal.
- Lets in no light when closed.
- Tilts or slides open.
- Less common on newer cars.
If the roof panel lets light through when it is closed, it is a moonroof.
Cracked moonroof glass is replaced
Moonroof glass is tempered, so a crack or chip means the pane is replaced, not resin-repaired. Skyview replaces sunroof and moonroof glass on vehicles that already have one. See our sunroof glass replacement service.
More questions about moonroofs
Is a moonroof glass?
Yes. A moonroof is a glass roof panel, usually tinted, that lets light into the cabin even when it is closed. A true sunroof is an opaque panel, which is why the two are not the same.
What does a moonroof do?
It lets light into the cabin through tinted glass and can tilt or slide open for ventilation. A sliding interior shade blocks the sun when the cabin gets too bright.
Can a cracked moonroof be repaired?
No. Moonroof glass is tempered, so it has no interlayer to hold a resin fill. A crack or chip means the pane is replaced, and Skyview replaces sunroof and moonroof glass.
Related guides
More in Car windows, back glass and sunroofs
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