Moonroof or not to moonroof; that is the question!

[phillyd2]

The last vehicle I owned without one was a Jeep CJ5 decades ago and not one of them leaked, ever. I currently have three and they don’t leak either.

It’s a personal preference thing but I wouldn’t own a vehicle without one.

 

[enyce]

With all the creaking noises coming from the 4runner I opt not to get the sunroof. Also, I believe you lose headroom with the sunroof.

 

[1jzgte]

I use it a lot when im alone. My wife hates opening any windows. She'll blast the AC on a nice sunny 70 degree day. Then again i dont blame her when you got these hill billy diesels puffin out their black soot. Moonroof quieter than leaving the side windows on highway speeds. So i run my roof and back window wide open on those gorgeous sunny days.

 

[rihavens]

I am 6'2" and if I do not have my seat slouching a bit, I can bang my head on the sunroof. This is annoying for a vehicle with a fairly large inside. If I had to pick, I would choose not to. I do open mine from time to time, but the added weight at the worst point in the vehicle in addition to the possibility of it breaking is more than it is worth. Also, just know most vehicles given to magazine to test do not have a moonroof, either.

 

[Minneyota]

It was stated earlier about headroom differences and I can confirm. I have a 2017 SR5 and my wife has a 2014 SR5 Premium. Hers has the moonroof and when I drive it my head is very near the roof (am 6'1").

My previous vehicle was a Yukon XL that had the moonroof and I never used it.

 

[GottaSkiBC]

For me it's a "nice to have" feature. I don't use it that often. I find it either too loud or too hot with the direct sunlight beating down.

I do like it for slow speed trail driving (a little extra airflow), when parked and waiting for someone or something (like a ferry), and to keep an eye on my kayak strapped to the roof.

I don't think I'd miss it that much.

 

[TCstang]

I have mine open all the time. You do end up having to wipe down the interior more because a ton of dust and pollen get in when it’s open.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Didn't really want one but the Trail came with it. Never used it any cars I've own but in the Runner, it is really nice to open the top and the back window on a nice day.

Best use for me is when I'm not sure if I have enough clearance on top. Open the sunroof and check or just drive with my hand sticking out the sunroof. Priceless!

 

[12Bravo4R]

Moonroofs were part of the Trail Premium package in '16.

I will occasionally keep mine vented and may have had it fully open only 1-2X.

Cant say Id miss it if my next 4R didn't have one.

 

[kevinb_NJ]

Count 1 more for the moon roof preferred crew. When it's nice out and you can have it open with the rear open as well the breeze is fantastic even at highway speeds.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

If I did not live in the west I may not get one. Driving through mountain canyons with beautiful mountains in the west I love being able to look out the moonroof at the mountains that would be blocked by the roof. Totally worth it though I seldom open it except to take pictures out of the opening.

 

[The Waco Kid]

When I ordered, you couldn't get the premium versions without one. I'm taller, the weather and views in Texas suck, and I don't want all the potential leaking, especially as wet as it gets here.

So I opted for the standard trail without a sunroof. Wish I had the softex and side marker lamps though.

 

[baldrik78]

I legit skipped the pro because of no moon roof. I open it up on every sunny day we get, which in a few more weeks, is going to be every damn day.

 

[TPz_Fuchs]

I don't use mine a lot, but open the shade when it rains, which dosent happen here in the arm pit of hell very often. But, with a willing driver and a little twisting, you can open the hatch and play panzer commander as you drive down the autobahn, or a forest road. Also use it to get some elevation when taking photos.

 

[jonny80stry3]

I've had mine for less than a week. I've driven the vehicle 4 times. I've had the moon roof tilted 3 of the 4 times with the rear hatch window cracked open. Spring is here.

 

[Watchdogg]

I love mine. Had a sunroof on many cars and I've never had one leak.

 

[T4 Leaf]

I bought mine used so I could get the audio and MR package...really dig it, even just with the shade back and not open for light.

Coupla cons...if you have the rack wind deflector where I do...it drives air down into at relatively high speeds... 50+ it becomes annoying....and it did get out-of-wack at 30K miles and had to be re-oriented to close tightly...but the dealership fixed it quickly...no issues since then.

Pros: During a zombie apocolpyse an occupant(s) can step on the arm rest and "clear" impediments with some weapon....or occupants can escape through it... tacticool

 

[Xetabur]

I legit skipped the pro because of no moon roof. I open it up on every sunny day we get, which in a few more weeks, is going to be every damn day.

This is the very reason I won’t buy a Pro. I can’t have a car without one.

 

[Mach1azuress]

With a Moonroof your passenger can use it as a firing position if needed.

 

[jegreenwood]

I have one on my runner, but never use it when by myself. My wife likes it, but I think the wind noise is annoying. I am also a guy that really never rolls with the windows down. I like being able to control my climate, lol.

I keep the shade closed 90% of the time. I also have 15% tint on the rear windows, and 25% on the back hatch window/two front windows. With the shade closed, it is a nice dark and shaded paradise.