A sunroof is an opaque and detachable or movable panel on the roof of a car that can be either tilted open or moved to let air and light in. It is often seen as a luxurious or premium add-on feature that can make the car more stylish. Also, a sunroof can elevate the driving experience and increase the car’s resale value. Today, one can find varying types of sunroofs in all kinds of vehicles.

Types of sunroofs
Moonroofs: They are made of glass and have an interior sliding panel.

Inbuilt sunroofs:  Installed during the production process, these sunroofs open up to create a rectangular vent on the top of the car. Here, a sliding glass panel powered by an electric motor goes in and out of the vehicle with the press of a button.

Panoramic roof : One of the most popular types, this is a wide glass roof that spans the front and rear sections of the car. This variant is more common in luxury cars.

Solar sunroofs: A common feature in electric vehicles, solar sunroofs are eco-friendly and can help save money. They have photovoltaic cells which help convert sunlight into electricity, and generate energy that can power up the electric car batteries.

Other types:

• Pop-up sunroofs are handled manually and open outward like a door.
• Spoiler sunroofs tilt and slide over the roof, are electronically operated and can enhance a car’s aerodynamic performance.
• Folding or rag-top sunroofs  use leather or vinyl to fold down on the rear of the car.
• Targa sunroofs, or T-Top sunroofs, more commonly seen in sporty cars, split open along the side of the car.

List of cars with sunroofs
Many cars today come with built-in or optional sunroofs.

1. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Among the best-selling EVs, the Ioniq 5 is equipped with a vehicle-to-load charging system. So, it can power another EV or even an appliance during an emergency. Its Limited trim features a “Vision” panoramic sunroof, bumping up the cost of the car from $39,700 (base variant price) to around $50,600.

2. Fisker Ocean Extreme
The top-tier Extreme trim of the Fisker Ocean SUV comes with a power-operated sunroof. This all-wheel-drive SUV has an electric motor on each axle, boasts 275 horsepower, and offers a combined EPG of 92, with 99 in the city and 84 on the highway. Its straightforward but elegant design gives it a high-end, stylish look.

3. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer, known for its responsive steering, comes with a four-cylinder or a V6 engine, generating 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque or 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, respectively. It features an in-built panoramic sunroof in its LT trim or higher models. Opting for the panoramic sunroof adds $2,485 to the base price, making the total price go up to $30,580. 

4. Buick Encore GX
The robust SUV comes with a panoramic moonroof and a huge list of attractive features in its Avenir model. Priced at around $37,380 for front-wheel drive and $38,980 for all-wheel drive, Encore GX features an 11-inch diagonal Infotainment Screen, rearview auto-dimming mirror, all standard features, as well as its special Avenir Convenience and Avenir Tech Packages. These packages add adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, a hands-free power liftgate, rear park assist, and more to the SUV’s existing tech.

5. Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos’s high-end SE and SEL trim models can be paired with panoramic sunroofs for an additional fee of $1,200. The models also come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.

6. GMC Terrain
This robust SUV can also come equipped with a sunroof for an additional $2,870. For the same price, one also gets GMC’s Driver Convenience package, which adds features like an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, roof-mounted side rails, and more.

7. Audi A3
This is another versatile hatchback with a saloon-body style and a luxurious standard panoramic sunroof. Starting at $35,400 MSRP, the A3 also features a 2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine paired with front-wheel drive, leather heated front seats, and a 3D sound system.

8. Kia Sportage
Kia’s Sportage X-Line AWD trim is an affordable vehicle that features a panoramic moonroof starting at $28,565. Apart from this, it also features ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and Kia’s signature Smart Cruise Control system.

9. Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse features a Dual SkyScape® two-panel sunroof on its  LT Leather and Premier trim models. The sunroof extends to the first and second rows. The cost of the trims with this feature starts at around $38,995. This affordable yet stylish SUV is a great option for adventure lovers, as it achieves a fuel economy of around 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Purpose of sunroofs
Sunroof cars, apart from looking incredibly stylish, help reduce the use of air conditioners and save fuel. One can turn the AC off and open the sunroof on pleasant days. Sunroofs also improve ventilation in the car by letting sunlight and fresh air in. At the same time, sunroofs, unlike rolled-down windows, may not allow pollutants or debris to fly directly into the eyes. Most importantly, sunroofs can make the vehicle look and feel more spacious and heighten the sensory experience. For longer journeys, especially, being confined to the interiors of a car can be tiring, and sunroofs can help alleviate feelings of fatigue and claustrophobia. Some indirect benefits of sunroof cars include essential exposure to sunlight, which can help one get their required dose of vitamin D.