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Whatever you do: don’t call ‘em sunroofs. Moonroofs are the hottest thing right now.

Sunroof, moonroof, tomato tomahto. What’s the difference? 

Many people might use both terms to refer to the same thing: the top panel on a vehicle that allows light or fresh air to enter its interior. While one term sounds terribly outdated and stuck in a different decade, the other sounds exotic, sexy, and very desirable. But that’s not where the difference ends. 

Sunroofs are largely outdated because of how they’re designed. A typical sunroof is composed of a metal panel that can be tilted open or removed. It’s essentially a removable/detachable car roof. When viewed from the outside, it looks like a lid on top of the vehicle. 

Moonroofs, on the other hand, are sunroofs taken to a sleeker level. Instead of it being an opaque metal plate, moonroofs are made of a transparent or tinted fixed glass panel, allowing natural light to enter the vehicle’s interior. Passengers can look up and enjoy the scenery above from the comfort of the front seat. 

The added thrill of having a moonroof in your vehicle is not just in its aesthetics. Yes, having one makes for more interesting rides: imagine having an almost 360-degree view of your ride, experiencing the views outside your car in an exciting way, and feeling closer to nature. 

Having moonroofs have other benefits for drivers such as reducing the feeling of claustrophobia, especially on longer drives. It makes everything inside the car feel brighter during the day because of the natural light it allows to come in. In cases of adjustable moonroofs, fresh air can enter the car from the top. 

The market outlook for moonroofs

Market research on the future of moonroofs from Research Nester shows that the market is estimated to grow in a major way due to the trends observed for moonroofs, with the largest segment of growth set for EVs. The Asia Pacific market is poised to generate the highest revenue in ten years. The study conducted projects that more vehicles with moonroofs will be manufactured. 

Some of the OEMs of the moonroofs/sunroof segment  mentioned in this recent market study namecheck companies such as Donghee Group, Aisin Corporation, 

and Magna International to name just a few. 

The hottest moonroofs in the market

Toyota is calling it a “sunroof”, but don’t be fooled. The 2023 next-generation Innova (dubbed the Toyota Hycross in India) features one good-looking moonroof, boasting luxurious space thanks to its panoramic moonroof and ambient LED lighting. The buzz when it was announced in November 2022 generated excitement for the romance of having a moonroof above one’s head as one drives from cityscape to green scape. As of this writing, no launch date has been announced. 

There’s also the redesigned Kia Sportage. The moonroof on select levels of this model can be slid open to allow fresh air inside the vehicle. Kia SUVs are known to be more compact than their counterparts, so having a moonroof option is welcome allowing the feeling of having more space and room while being inside the cabin. 

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson underwent a major redesign in 2022 and is now enjoying being at the top of its class. A reliable 5-seater, adding a sleek moonroof to this beast softens every ride like a sweet highway serenade.

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