The Sunroof Showdown
Sunroofs promise a slice of sky—but not all of them deliver serenity. Some creak, and others leak. A few just rattle your nerves. So, how can something meant to enhance the drive become the very thing that ruins it? Design flaws and aging tech can make or break the experience. Let’s crack open the world of automotive rooftops and explore 10 cars with incredible sunroofs before examining 10 with the worst.
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1. Ford Explorer (Various Years)
Ford Explorers have experienced spontaneous sunroof shattering, which is behind the lawsuits and safety complaints. The company has acknowledged the issue and now recommends reinforced replacements and full inspections. Glass failures allegedly occur without impact, sparking fears over inherent material defects.
2. Honda CR‑V Hybrid (2025)
One CR-V Hybrid’s sunroof shattered at just 4,000 miles, with glass scattering while the shade was open. Forums point to fractures likely caused by minor imperfections in tempered glass. Honda hasn’t issued wide responses, but affected owners are already replacing panels out of pocket.
3. Infiniti QX50 (2019)
Federal records show over 4,000 sunroof breakage complaints tied to the QX50 between 2017 and 2024. In one harrowing case, the glass exploded mid-drive near a child’s car seat. Though the investigation closed without safety action, the model’s failure rate raised serious questions.
4. Chevrolet Traverse (2025)
Finding a Traverse with a sunroof is tricky, as supply constraints limit its availability. Even then, buyers face long delivery delays and steep $1,500 upgrade fees. After all the struggles, most people end up with complaints, including imperfect weather seals.
5. Chevrolet Equinox (2025)
The panoramic sunroof comes with a $1,495 upcharge—and that’s before dealer markups. Owners don’t see the high bill coming or the headroom loss in the rear. People also report a stuttering motor that stalls mid-slide. Transparency, both literal and financial, seems to be lacking in this Chevy.
6. Hyundai Tucson
Panoramic sunroof breakage continues to show up in Hyundai Tucson forums as well, with cases linked to thermal stress—hot sun, then sudden rain. Active lawsuits reinforce concerns, and repair costs have crossed $2,000 in some cases. Fuel efficiency might win over drivers, but fragile glass tests loyalty fast.
7. Nissan Pathfinder (2025)
Social media is still asking if Nissan solved the sunroof leak issue in the Pathfinder. While some SL trims seem dry, others show clear signs of water ingress during storms. Internal sliding mechanism flaws appear to be the root cause of the mystery drips.
8. Mazda CX‑5 (Used)
Early CX‑5 models suffered from warped sill seals caused by excessive sunroof glass weight. The issue led to latch strain and drainage failures, especially in humid climates. Even revised latch designs introduced later didn’t fully solve the problem.
9. Chevrolet Trailblazer
On higher trims, buyers pay $2,485 to $2,880 for the panoramic option—an eyebrow-raising sum for unremarkable glass. Some report harsh wind buffeting at freeway speeds. Intermittent recalls target sunroof motors, often due to moisture exposure.
10. Buick Encore GX
Buick's $1,695 panoramic roof package brings style—but also early complaints. Shade motors reportedly start whining after just 20,000 miles. Cold temperatures cause the seals to contract, leading to rattling glass. Buick recommends regular lubrication, which feels more like upkeep than luxury.
1. Lucid Air Touring (2025)
The $4,000 glass canopy stretches nearly edge to edge and transforms the cabin into a sunlit dome. It’s fixed, so there’s no shade—drivers enjoy full exposure without filters. At 377 miles of EPA range on a 92 kWh battery, aerodynamic efficiency remains uncompromised.
2025 Lucid Air Touring FULL Review /// The 620HP Sweet Spot EV? by Allcarnews
2. 2025 Subaru Forester
Subaru’s Premium trim and above include a full-pane panoramic sunroof as standard. iSeeCars gives the model an 8.6/10 rating, with owners noting how much light reaches the rear. Despite the glass, headroom, and rigidity hold steady on rough trails.
3. Toyota Camry
America’s best-selling sedan for 2024–25 offers a well-rated panoramic sunroof. Built-in UV filtering and upgraded shades come with select trims. It’s a quiet achiever—no fanfare, just consistently high value where buyers notice. Sunlight flows, but glare stays out.
4. BMW X3 (G45)
Built on the CLAR platform, the BMW X3’s sunroof retains structural rigidity even with large glass areas. Dual-layer panes improve insulation for hybrid and PHEV trims. In 2025, it won the South African Car of the Year—cabin lighting was a noted strength.
5. Kia EV6
The EV6 integrates its sunroof seamlessly into an award-winning design. Owners mention how thermal-coated glass balances brightness and interior temperature. In GT trim, the sporty slope pairs elegantly with the glass panel. Kia’s tech-forward push feels complete with this open, airy roofline.
6. Volvo EX30
Volvo’s EX30 brings a full glass roof to the sub-$50K EV space. It’s UV-coated and fixed across the entire cabin. Minimalist touches like frameless mirrors complement the clean overhead view. The sunroof function blends smoothly with the car’s design, offering elegance and protection in a compact form.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLC Series
Though nearly 93,000 units were recalled for sunroof safety trims, Mercedes took proactive steps. The fix underscored its commitment to crash compliance, meeting NHTSA FMVSS-201 after adjustments. Even with the hiccup, the panoramic roof is still in demand.
8. Volkswagen Touareg R
On the plug-in hybrid Touareg R, the sunroof comes standard. It’s not just aesthetic—VW calibrated the glass to reduce heat intrusion, aided by four-zone climate control. Its 340 kW performance doesn’t suffer, either. The roof helps it punch above its price class.
9. Lexus NX (2024/25)
F Sport trims let buyers choose between regular or panoramic glass. Integrated with the Lexus Climate Concierge, the system keeps the temperature steady even under direct sunlight. A unique pollen filter embedded in the glass benefits allergy-conscious drivers.
10. Audi A5 (2025)
The latest A5 Sportback introduces a swipe-controlled electrochromic sunroof. Glass opacity adjusts instantly, which removes the need for bulky interior shades. It’s described by users as operating like a “giant dimmer switch for the sky.” The result is a flexible cabin mood control.
2025 Audi A5 Sportback Review: Why This May Be the Perfect Daily Driver by DPCcars
