Honda CR-V Moonroof Buyer’s Guide

Shopping for a Honda CR-V and curious about the moonroof feature? If you’ve seen one before, you know they’re pretty nice.

The moonroof (or ‘sunroof’) offers a sky view, filling the cabin with natural light and creating an open, airy feel. It enhances the interior experience and adds a sleek touch to the CR-V’s exterior design.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the CR-V’s moonroof. We’ll explore the differences between panoramic and standard moonroofs, their availability, potential issues, and more.

Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s the Difference?

Does Honda call it a moonroof? Is it different from a sunroof? That question has likely crossed everyone’s mind, including mine.

To clear things up, let’s start by explaining the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof.

A moonroof is actually a type of sunroof. The key difference lies in the material.

Traditional sunroofs are made of metal, while moonroofs are made of tinted glass. You need to open a sunroof to get a view outside, but with a moonroof, you can enjoy the sky even when it’s closed.

Simply put, a closed sunroof blocks both light and air. A moonroof, essentially a glass sunroof, lets you see outside even when shut.

(jdpower)

Panoramic vs. Standard

Currently, the newest CR-V comes with only a standard moonroof in the U.S. market. However, a panoramic moonroof is available in European and Asian markets.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

In short, the panoramic moonroof covers a larger portion of the roof, providing a view for both the front and rear passengers. In contrast, the standard moonroof is much smaller, only covering the area above the first row.

Exterior View

As you can see in the highlighted image, the panoramic moonroof covers a much larger area compared to the standard moonroof.

In my opinion, the panoramic moonroof enhances the CR-V’s exterior, giving it a more sleek and attractive appearance.

Interior View

There’s a noticeable difference when comparing the interior views of the panoramic moonroof versus the standard moonroof.

The panoramic moonroof offers a much wider view, especially for passengers in the second row.

Cost & Availability

As we know, in the U.S. market, the Honda CR-V only comes with a standard moonroof.

The standard moonroof is available on all trim levels of the newest CR-V except for the LX. It’s included at no additional cost, so you won’t need to pay extra to enjoy this feature on your CR-V.

However, if you’re considering the base LX trim, remember it doesn’t come with a moonroof. You’ll need to upgrade to at least the EX trim to get that feature.

Pros and Cons

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, and the moonroof is no exception. While your CR-V’s moonroof can brighten the cabin and enhance its aesthetics, it also has a few downsides.

Benefits of a Moonroof

Enhanced Driving Experience

A moonroof can make driving more enjoyable, especially on sunny days. You can open it up to let fresh air into the cabin, adding a refreshing element to your drive.

Aesthetic Appeal and Added Vehicle Value

A moonroof can give the car a more “luxurious” appearance, boosting its resale value. In the used car market, vehicles with a moonroof or sunroof typically command higher prices than those without one.

Extra Natural Light

One of the simplest pleasures of having a moonroof is the extra natural light it provides, even when it’s closed.

Downsides of a Moonroof

Here are some downsides you should be aware of.

Higher Cost

Models with a moonroof typically come at a higher price than those without, which is often a key consideration for buyers.

Increased Maintenance Needs

Moonroofs generally require more maintenance than standard roofs. The glass needs regular cleaning, as neglecting it can lead to potential issues.

Reduced Headroom

Installing a moonroof requires sacrificing some roof space, which can reduce headroom. This may be an important factor for taller individuals who prioritize ample headroom.

Potential for leaks

Although modern moonroofs are built with high-quality seals, over time and with frequent exposure to the sun, these seals can become brittle, potentially leading to leaks during rain.

(glassfixitauto)

Potential Issues

While having a moonroof on your CR-V is a fantastic feature, there are some potential issues you should be aware of.

Water leakage
Moonroof Jam
Shattered Moonroof

Moonroof Rattling While Driving

Keep in mind that these problems are uncommon, and I personally don’t worry about them too much.

The key is to clean the moonroof regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and crumbs, which can cause it to jam and potentially lead to leaks.

Thoughts from Owners

I gathered feedback from CR-V owners with moonroofs, and here’s what they’re saying!

I like how they make the interior feel bigger by allowing more light in. When I rent cars without them, I feel like a prison.

@MooseOutMyWindow

I like the extra interior light it brings in. There is plenty of airflow if I open it and a back window. Mostly, I love them because of the sun coming in.

@cdmta

I love my moonroof. It makes the interior feel more spacious, lets the car cool down faster in the summer by venting hot air from above, and allows you to monitor things that may be tied to the roof.

@Faded_Blue_Jeans

It’s either convertible, bike, or sunroof for me. I like the ventilation and light.

@Haligonian_Scott

It’s like a convertible without all the stress. Plus, you can car camp in a CR-V and watch the stars.

@MarionberryPrior8466

Best Times to Use It

Are you getting excited about moonroofs? I don’t blame you; they’re an exciting feature, and it’s great that so many vehicles today have one.

Here are my favorite times to open the moonroof and enjoy the fresh air. I hope these times add to your excitement and maybe even inspire you!

Morning & Evening Driving: When driving in the morning or evening, I always open the moonroof and turn off the air conditioner. Not only do I get fresh, healthy air, but turning off the A/C slightly boosts fuel economy—win-win! LOL
Mountain Driving: When driving through the mountains, you’ll be surrounded by fresh, natural air—so why not take advantage of it? Open the moonroof and let the cabin fill with that refreshing mountain breeze.
Scenic Drives: When traveling through a national park in spring or cruising along the coast with the soothing scent of the sea, I never miss the chance to open the moonroof and elevate the driving experience.

Starry Nights: The moonroof is the perfect window to a star-filled sky. It’s ideal for moon gazing and stargazing.
Camping: Along with my love for cars, I enjoy photography and fishing. I sometimes skip setting up a tent and sleep in my CR-V when exploring national parks. The moonroof is perfect for letting in fresh air without opening the windows.

How do you open the moonroof on a Honda CR-V?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a moonroof can add value to your car by enhancing its aesthetic appeal and potentially increasing resale value, as vehicles with moonroofs often sell for higher prices.

While having a large overhead window might seem risky, a moonroof doesn’t pose any additional safety concerns in most situations.

Moonroofs are designed to last as long as the vehicle. However, they may occasionally need maintenance and repairs, such as replacing broken glass, fixing motors or fuses, and cleaning the tracks.

Moonroofs are somewhat susceptible to leaks since they’re designed to open and let air into the cabin. However, when closed, they shouldn’t allow water to enter. Leaks can occur due to aging, brittle seals, or clogs in the drainage system.

Final Words

The Honda CR-V moonroof is an exciting feature, and there’s no reason not to consider it for your CR-V.

To get it, you’ll need the EX trim or higher. Unfortunately, only the standard moonroof is available in the United States, while the panoramic moonroof is exclusive to the European and Asian markets, at least for now.

Like any vehicle feature, the moonroof can sometimes cause issues, with leaks being the most common. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to reducing the risk of problems.

Have you experienced the Honda CR-V moonroof? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Honda CR-V Moonroof Buyer’s Guide

Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s the Difference?