A Roof With a View

Cars weren’t always enclosed by a roof. The earliest automobiles were introduced in the late 1800s, and they were essentially horse-drawn carriages with engines. It didn’t take long for car manufacturers to add roofs to protect passengers from the elements. In 1937, Nash Motors introduced the first sunroof — a metal panel that slid open or could be removed for fresh air and light.

The 1973 model year brought along the moonroof, first seen in the Lincoln Continental Mark IV. Unlike a metal sunroof, a moonroof had tinted glass with a retractable cover. Some moonroofs opened like a sunroof, while others remained fixed. Over time, the difference between the two blurred. Now, most vehicles feature glass roofs that slide or tilt open. When it comes to moonroofs and sunroofs, manufacturers and consumers use these terms interchangeably.

A moonroof is usually a premium option that enhances the cabin but can reduce headroom, especially in sloped-roof vehicles. This slideshow explores the different styles available and highlights some 2025 models offering this feature and ones like it.

Panoramic Moonroof

A standard panoramic moonroof spans multiple seating rows, creating an airy cabin. Many SUVs, including the 2025 Hyundai Palisadeand 2025 Toyota RAV4, are available with this feature for an open, spacious feel.

Some models, like the 2025 BMW X7, split the roof into two sections. The front panel tilts and slides open, while the rear panel remains fixed. The 2025 Volvo V60wagon’s bright and inviting interior showcases a standard panoramic roof covering both rows.

Minivanssuch as the 2025 Chrysler Pacificaalso provide dual-pane and tri-pane options, ensuring each row gets a prime view. Whether in an SUV or minivan, a panoramic moonroof brings the outside in and makes the cabin feel more open.

Lightening the Workload

Trucks used to be all about work, but today’s trucks are more upscale than ever. For truck owners, a moonroof adds comfort to long days and extended journeys. In the higher trims of the 2025 Ford F-150and 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500,drivers can easily open or tilt the moonroof when the weather is right.

Upscale pickups like the 2025 Honda Ridgelineoffer a moonroof as one of their premium options. While they’re not essential for hauling or towing, it brings in natural light and ventilation, elevating the ride.

Whether commuting, working, or heading off-road, these trucksbalance practicality with luxury, ensuring drivers and passengers enjoy their time on the road.

The Eco-Friendly Moonroof

Weight is a major consideration in hybridsand EVs, yet many still include the added weight of moonroofs. The 2025 Tesla Model Yfixed glass roof reduces the need for heavy mechanical parts while creating a roomy feel and maximizing light from the outside. That said, it doesn’t open to let in a breeze.

The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybridoffers a moonroof in all trims, allowing fresh air in when desired. However, the nonhybrid Camry’s panoramic option isn’t available for the hybrid, likely due to added weight. Some automakers are experimenting with lighter materials and fixed glass panels to provide the benefits of a moonroof without hurting fuel efficiency. Eco-conscious drivers may not have to sacrifice an open and airy cabin much longer.

A Fully Glass Roof

Some vehicles take the concept even further with an entirely glass roof. The 2025 Lucid Airfeatures a massive glass ceiling that stretches from the windshield to the rear for a futuristic feel. This design enhances visibility and lighting, and it uses infrared-blocking technology to keep the cabin cool. With its full-glass roof, the 2025 Tesla Model Strades a traditional sunroof in favor of an uninterrupted view of the sky.

While these designs don’t open like a conventional moonroof, they maximize the sense of space and light in the cabin, maintaining the characteristics that make a moonroof desirable.

Natural and Ambient Lighting

Some luxury models take moonroof design to the next level by integrating ambient lighting. The 2025 BMW 7 Seriescomes standard with a panoramic moonroof that features LED-illuminated lighting. At night, drivers and passengers can enjoy a vibrant rooftop view with a starlit effect. This adds a layer of sophistication to a Bimmer with an already opulent interior.

Fans of innovation will appreciate the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS, which provides a panoramic sunroof with electrochromic glass. With the push of a button, the glass roof transitions from clear to opaque. This allows drivers to control the amount of light in the cabin without using a shade.

Sunlight When You Want It

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Classoffers the signature Magic Sky Control system, which electronically adjusts the tint of the sunroof glass. Tint helps regulate cabin temperature and reduces glare, eliminating the need for a sunshade all while ensuring a more comfortable experience for passengers.

Other manufacturers are experimenting with similar adaptive tinting technologies, a possible preview of a future where drivers can customize their moonroof’s transparency with ease. This advancement could become a standard feature in luxury and mainstream vehicles, providing a blend of convenience and energy efficiency.

The Folding Roof

Not all open-air moonroofs are made of glass. The 2025 Jeep Wranglerembraces its legacy of adventure with the Sky One-Touch Power Top. This innovative system includes a fabric roof that slides back when you need it to, giving you an experience closer to a convertible while maintaining the ruggedness of a traditional Jeep.

Those looking for more open-air freedom may appreciate the 2025 Ford Broncowith its removable, multi-panel hardtop. This design allows drivers to customize how much exposure they would like. Whether they want full access to sunshine or just a partial breeze, this Ford delivers a personalized experience any driver can appreciate.

Honorable mentions: T-Tops and Targa

Few car features are as iconic as the T-top and targa roof designs. First introduced in the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, the T-top features two roof panels with rigid support along the center of the roofline. Unfortunately for its enthusiasts, this once-popular design remains largely absent from modern lineups. The 2002 Chevrolet Camarowas one of the last mainstream models to offer it.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette flaunts a classic targa top.

In contrast to the T-top, the targa roof has a removable hard panel between the front and rear pillars, creating an opening over the front seats. The 2025 Chevrolet Corvettecontinues the legacy of the targa top, with a panel that opens up the cabin while maintaining structural rigidity.