Both are panels in the roof of a car that let light or fresh air inside the vehicle’s cabin.
But that’s where the similarities end.
A sunroof is typically a solid body-colored panel that can manually tilt up or be removed.
A moonroof is a type of sunroof, except that it’s a transparent, sliding, tinted glass panel.
Do Moonroofs open?
A moonroof is considered a type of sunroof, but the main difference is a moonroof usually has a tinted glass panel, much like an extra window on top of the car. Moonroofs may tilt open slightly to let fresh air into the cabin, but won’t open completely like a sunroof.
What is the purpose of a moonroof?
A glass moonroof will allow more sunlight to enter your vehicle without the need to open the roof. This allows you to enjoy sunlight regardless of the weather conditions. With a sunroof, you are only able to enjoy sunlight if the panel is open, also allowing air to enter the vehicle from outside.
Can you install a moonroof on a car?
A sunroof can either be manually operated or motorized with an electric motor. If your car was manufactured without a sunroof, it may still be possible to have one installed at a later time. Having a sunroof installed aftermarket is an intricate procedure that should only be attempted by a professional.
Photo in the article by “Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Serena