The 5 Best Cars With Sunroofs In Australia

What we commonly know as Sunroofs take many shapes from tilting Moonroofs to sliding panoramic roofs, all of which are becoming common features in new cars. That’s because when it comes down to it, most of us would prefer not to feel like we’re cooped up inside a moving metal cage. If you're interested in seeing our top five picks for the all-round best vehicles to gaze through the roof of, read away:

The Mazda CX-5 is a mid-size SUV that offers a smooth and comfortable ride and a spacious and well-equipped interior. It comes with a power sliding glass roof on the "Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred" trim and higher, providing a view of the sky above and a more open and airy feeling inside the cabin. 

The CX-5 has a fuel efficiency rating of 7.2L/100km to 7.4L/100km, depending on the model and trim level. It has a reputation for reliability and value for money. 

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred has a starting price of around $29,160 AUD, including the glass moonroof as standard.

The Hyundai Tucson was the runner-up for best selling car in Australia in 2022. It is a well-equipped compact SUV and recently had a style upgrade. It offers a comfortable and spacious cabin and a range of advanced safety and tech features.

The panoramic sunroof is an optional feature on the Tucson and is only available on the Highlander package. The sliding roof panel activates a wind deflector that reduces noise so the driver and rear passengers can comfortably rest with the roof open. 

The Hyundai Tucson has fuel efficiency ratings of 6.3L/100km to 8.1L/100km, depending on the model and trim level. This is impressive for an SUV of its size. Tucson has a reputation for being well-rounded and good value for money. 

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Highlander models start at $50,844 AUD.

Another successful release by the increasingly influential South Korean brand is the Ioniq 5, a compact electric car that was the 2022 Drive Car of the Year award winner for its class. It offers a smooth and efficient ride, as well as a spacious and well-equipped interior with features like heated seats and a 12.3" digital display. It includes a panoramic roof as a standard feature; a dark tint glass is covering the front and rear seats, simulating a feeling of spaciousness within its futuristic all-electric car cabin. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of 507km on a single charge. If you're looking to invest in a new Electric Vehicle (EV) like the Ioniq 5, Driva's intelligent platform can search and find the most affordable EV loan in the market. 

This electric car is designed to rival any other car in the luxury electric segment.

Starting at $74,929 AUD, Hyundai has undoubtedly made a statement with the award-winning Ioniq 5

The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that offers a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as a spacious and well-equipped interior. It comes with a powered tilt & slide sunroof as a standard on the GT-Line trim level, facilitating a greater sense of space within the cabin. The Seltos has a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.8L/100km, which is rather efficient for a compact SUV.

The Kia Seltos GT-Line Trim starts at $38,790 AUD. 

If you're looking for more space to accommodate the whole family comfortably, have a look at our list of Best Seven-Seat SUVs.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a hatchback that offers a smooth and sporty ride, as well as a spacious and well-equipped interior. It won Motor1's Best Performance Vehicle 2021 and this year's Drive Car of the Year in the small cars category. It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine that delivers 241 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful and fun-to-drive cars in its class. Add an edge-to-edge electric panoramic glass roof and you have yourself a perfect high-performance machine for the driver, front and rear seat passengers alike.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most widely purchased performance vehicles in the world, maintaining a timeless appeal to most buyers. Although the smallest, the Golf has the biggest price tag out of all the engine cars mentioned in this list.  

The Volkswagen GTI SE, which comes with a tilting & sliding glass panoramic roof, at a starting price of around $54,990 AUD.

It is possible to escape the cycle of buying and selling faulty and unreliable cars on the resale market and to get behind the steering wheel of a car like this VW Golf or similar. Driva’s job is to help people connect with the most affordable and suitable car loan rates for their needs. Find the best of thousands of lender policies in a matter of minutes, saving time on manual applications and inquiries. Click to learn more.

So there you have it, our top sunroof car picks for those looking to add a touch of luxury and enhance their driving experience. They may not be a necessary feature for a car to function, those who choose to invest in one never seem to regret it.

What is a sunroof?

A sunroof is a type of roof panel that can be opened, allowing natural light and fresh air into the vehicle. It is typically opaque and matches the colour and material of the car's roof. A sunroof can often be tilted, slid or even removed entirely.

What is the difference between a moonroof and a sunroof?

A key differentiating factor for a sunroof is that it is opaque and often produced in the same metal as the car's exterior. This contrasts with moonroofs and panoramic roofs, which are typically tinted glass windows and provide a sky view and natural light without the need to open them.

The opaque nature of a sunroof provides a more private experience for the passengers while enabling opening as desired. 

Another key difference between these three types of roof panels is the size and scope of the opening. A sunroof is typically smaller and only covers a portion of the roof, while a moonroof is made of tinted glass and covers more space on the roof.

What is the advantage of having a sunroof?

A Sunroof, Moonroof and Panoramic roof (or panoramic sunroofs as they’re often called) offer several benefits to owners. They provide improved ventilation allowing for rising hot air to escape and keep a comfortable temperature. Greater visibility gives passengers added connection with the environment while driving. A sunroof also allows for access to sunlight, bringing more light to the interior space.  It may also help maintain the value of the car; much like a convertible, the sunroof is always a sought-after feature by some car buyers who are willing to pay more for a secondhand sale. 

Can you get a sunroof installed?

Yes, you can get a sunroof installed on your car. There are several options for getting a sunroof installed, depending on your preferences and how much you’re willing to pay. Here are a few options to consider:

Dealer installation: 

Many car dealerships offer sunroof installation as an additional service. This can be a convenient option if you have recently purchased a new ride or want to have the sunroof installed by a professional team. However, dealer installation can be more expensive compared to other options.

Aftermarket installation: 

If your car’s an earlier model or not designed with a sunroof in mind, an aftermarket sunroof is your only option. These are available from a variety of retailers, like auto-parts stores or specialty sunroof shops. You’ll need a professional team or a DIY enthusiast with the right tools and knowledge to install it. An aftermarket item is typically more affordable than factory or dealer-installed sunroofs, but the quality may vary.

Factory installation: 

This option will likely cost the most, but it will offer the best quality, safety, and warranty coverage. To get a factory-installed sunroof, you will need to contact the manufacturer's local head office and inquire about your model. Keep in mind that not all vehicles are compatible with factory-installed sunroofs.

Learn more: The Best SUVs on the Australian Market