Panoramic sunroofs are a top option with many vehicles these days. Many people love the warmth of the sun hitting them while driving down the road. With so many cars to pick from, it’s tough to know which are the best on the market. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the ten best cars with panoramic sunroof.
In our list of cars with panoramic sunroof, you’ll find several low-cost options and other luxury models. That’s because there’s a nice variety of vehicles on the market today with the features you desire. No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find cars with panoramic sunroof that suit your needs.
1. 2018 Cadillac CTS Luxury
Cadillac isn’t the brand it once was. Instead of being targeted toward retirees, more people from the younger generations have been enjoying their vehicles. This luxury sport sedan has a lot to offer new buyers and comes in five trims. To get the best value and add a panoramic sunroof, you’ll want to upgrade from the base model to the next level up; the Luxury. First, you can opt for the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower. In addition to that, you’ll have adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, a navigation system, 13-speaker Bose sound system, and panoramic sunroof available to you.
The Luxury trim also offers plenty of driver safety aids including lane departure warning, automatic wipers, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. There’s even an optional seating package and V-Sport package. This V-Sport package comes with 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, plus high-performance brakes and tires.
2. 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop Signature
If you want these cars with panoramic sunroof, you’ll need to upgrade quite a bit to the Signature trim. These differ greatly from the base, S, and John Cooper Wick. First, the upgrade adds your panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
In addition, bumping up your trim to the Signature level also opens the door to some extra paint options, upholstery choices, and interior dashboard features. You can also add on the JCW Solaris Orange Special Edition if you prefer. This adds black exterior trim, a head-up display, and all-season tires.
There’s even a Premium package available if you desire more features. This comes with power-folding mirrors, chrome exterior trim, cornering lights, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, LED headlights, LED fog lights, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and satellite radio.
3. 2018 Nissan Maxima S
This sedan is a favorite among car buyers and is quite powerful. The trim level options don’t affect the engine; they all feature a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. In addition, they are all front-wheel drive and come equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Upgrading your trim won’t change the basics on this sedan.
What it will do is create one of the best cars with panoramic sunroof. Bumping up your purchase to the SL doesn’t cost that much more and gives you access to many features. This includes your panoramic sunroof, active noise reduction, adaptive cruise control, active engine sound enhancement, a heated steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. It also comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
4. 2018 Audi S5 Premium Plus
You’ll have to upgrade quite a bit to make this one of the best cars with panoramic sunroof, but it’s worth it. First of all, the Premium Plus comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 354 horsepower. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, automatic wipers, automatic LED headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, your panoramic sunroof, plus front and rear parking sensors. Additional features include keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with massage and heat, auto-dimming mirrors, interior ambient lighting, driver-seat memory settings, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.
If you want the latest technology, this is also your best bet. It comes with Bluetooth, a rearview camera, seven-inch infotainment, and 10-speaker sound system. They’ve also included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, low-speed forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Audi Connect Care system.
If all those features aren’t quite enough for you, then simply upgrade further to the Prestige trim instead. This comes with remote vehicle monitoring, a larger 8.3-inch infotainment display, 19-speaker premium sound system, a navigation system, and a top-down parking camera.
No matter what you choose, getting behind the wheel of an Audi S5 Premium Plus or Platinum is sure to make you feel like you’re driving one of the best luxury cars with panoramic sunroof.
5. 2019 Chrysler 300 Touring
The best part about driving a Chrysler 300 is that your panoramic sunroof and many other premium options are available on the base model. In addition, the Touring, S, and Limited all share the same engine. It’s powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and produces 292 horsepower. As a bit of an upgrade, the 300S does produce 300 horsepower instead. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, as does the eight-speed automatic transmission. On the 300S and 300C, there is an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine which blasts out 363 horsepower, but you don’t need these just to get your panoramic sunroof.
The Touring base trim has many standard features that offer you the most bang for your buck. These include 17-inch tires (or 19-inch on all-wheel-drive models), auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated mirrors, and a rearview camera. It also comes with keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable driver’s seat. There are even some tech features such as the 8.4-inch touchscreen, six-speaker sound system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Aside from the panoramic sunroof, you can also add on a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, or 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium system plus a power rear window sunshade. The best option package to consider tacking on would be the Driver Convenience Group package. This includes your 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, remote start, and comfort-tuned suspension.
6. 2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum
All T5 S90 models come powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Standard features at this trim level include LED headlights, automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels. You’ll also receive LED foglights, rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, plus leather upholstery. If that’s not enough, expect to receive an auto-dimming rearview mirror and 10-way power-adjustable front seats that offer memory.
Tech features include Volvo On-Call, an eight-inch instrument panel, nine-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, rearview camera, and ten-speaker sound system. There is also lots of standard safety equipment included. You’ll have forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, a traffic sign reader, and the Pilot Assist semiautonomous driving system. All in all, this is one of the best cars with panoramic sunroof simply because of everything that comes with it.
7. 2018 Genesis G80 3.8
This midsize luxury sedan comes in three trim levels. The 3.8 is the base, but there’s nothing basic about it. It’s jam-packed full of features that surpass most other luxury cars in its class. The biggest difference between the trims is the engine. At the 3.8 base level, you’ll receive a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower. This comes paired with rear-wheel drive and eight-speed transmission, although all-wheel drive is an option.
The main difference with the 3.3T Sport model is that it comes with more performance features and a dynamic suspension. The 5.0 equips you with larger wheels and a larger V8 engine. If you want to find a car with a panoramic sunroof without having to pay for additional trim levels, you’ll do fine with the base model; simply add on your sunroof with your options.
That’s because standard features include xenon headlights, automatic high beams, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED daytime running lights. In addition, you’ll get a rearview camera, automatic wipers, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and traffic adapting cruise control. That’s not all; standard features also come with keyless ignition and entry, plus a hands-free auto-opening trunk.
Inside the cabin, you’ll have complete comfort. That’s because it comes with eight-way power front seats with heating and lumbar adjustment. It also features an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. If you upgrade to the all-wheel-drive model, you get access to headlight washers, a heated steering wheel, plus heated rear seats.
There are also two packages; the Premium (which adds your panoramic sunroof), and the Ultimate package. This makes the Genesis G80 fully customizable.
8. 2019 Toyota Camry L
With five different trim levels available, the Camry also offers a lot of customization. In fact, you can make this one of the best cars with panoramic sunroof by adding options to the base model if you desire. All of the trims feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower. The XSE models increase the horsepower by 3. On the XLE and XSE trims, you have the option to upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower instead, but all of them come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
At the base L trim level, you don’t receive many standard features. These include automatic LED headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, keyless entry, Apple CarPlay, and a seven-inch touchscreen. You’ll also have access to a six-speaker sound system, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and Bluetooth. Of course, all Camrys also feature Toyota Safety Sense which includes your adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Moving up to the LE trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver’s seat, car alarm, and a 60/40-split back seat. The SE creates a sportier, dynamic appearance with the 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and revised steering calibration. Both the XLE and XSE are like premium versions of the LE and SE. They feature larger wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, blind-spot monitoring, an eight-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone charging.
Because many of the features from the upper trims are available as options on lower trim, you can customize your car however you desire. This gives you access to the panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a JBL sound system, and the top-down parking camera as well.
9. 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier
While the Malibu comes with four trims, you’ll want to upgrade to the top of the line to get what you want. In the Premier, you have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower. It comes standard with a heated steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
You can also add on the Driver Confidence Package or the Driver Confidence Package II. Between these, you gain access to adaptive cruise control, an electronic parking brake, automatic forward collision, and parking assist. The Premium Sun and Wheel package is what turns this into one of the best cars with panoramic sunroof. It adds your sunroof, upgraded floor mats, and 19-inch wheels.
10. 2018 Lexus ES 350 Base
Behind every ES 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower. The best news about this luxury car is that the base model is enough for most shoppers. Standard features include your regular sunroof, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights, plus dual-zone automatic climate control. There’s even an eight-inch infotainment display, navigation system, three USB ports, Bluetooth, and a ten-speaker sound system included.
By simply adding some options to the Base trim, you gain access to the panoramic sunroof, as well as a wireless phone charger pad, and head-up display.
5 Reasons to Avoid Cars with Panoramic Sunroof
Of course, we love the way cars with panoramic sunroof look. The way they allow the sunlight in and the freedom of heading down the road with fresh air is unprecedented. With that said, we aren’t trying to rain on your parade if you’re shopping for cars with panoramic sunroof. We simply want to warn you of some major reasons you might not want a panoramic sunroof.
Here are the five top reasons to avoid buying a car with panoramic sunroof (although, there’s probably more).
1. Increased Heat
If you’re purchasing a vehicle that has a panoramic sunroof, you have to expect more heat. While this might not seem like a problem for most people, there are others that are going to hate it. For example, if you live in Arizona, you already battle the heat for a majority of the year. Do you really want to increase the cabin temperature more than you have to?
Sure, many of them come with tinted glass, but that only blocks out some of the rays. In addition, the retractable sunshade under your panoramic sunroof also prevents some of the heat, but there’s an incredible amount stored in the space between the two. Overall, you’ll force your air conditioner to work much harder just to remain comfortable.
2. Reduced Headroom
It’s a common misconception that having a panoramic sunroof increases your headroom. The additional space needed for the motor mechanism plus the sunshade rollers might reduce your headroom by up to two inches.
If you think opening the sunroof will fix your problem, you are wrong. The opening doesn’t normally go far enough where the driver’s head is. Tall drivers might hit their heads or have to recline the seat back to fit properly.
3. Adds Weight
Automakers strive to reduce a vehicle’s weight. That’s because a lighter car gets better gas mileage, accelerates faster, and brakes easier. If you want optimal stability and handling, you don’t want the extra weight. The best cars with panoramic sunroof are going to add another 200 pounds plus for the glass roof. That’s because glass is heavier and thicker than aluminum or steel roof panels.
Adding a panoramic sunroof to your vehicle is just like having another passenger, except this one never gets out.
4. Additional Noise & Mechanical Issues
Stop for a moment and consider all the mechanical aspects to a panoramic sunroof. Other vehicles simply contain a headliner and some metal. You’ve chosen to add at least two panels of heavy glass, rollers for your sunshade, switches, and electric motors.
There’s a lot that could go wrong here. Not only are they prone to mechanical failure, they’re also above your head. You’re going to hear every flexing noise, squeak, and rattle that occurs over time. You might not think this will bother you, but it’s going to be distracting. In addition, rain that hits glass is much louder. If you don’t mind yelling to your passengers, then you’ll do fine in a car with a panoramic sunroof.
Just remember, driving a car with a fixed metal roof has nothing that can break. Plus, there’s nothing behind the lining that’s going to make noise.
5. Reduced Structural Integrity
The most important reason to avoid cars with panoramic sunroof is because of the structural integrity. There’s basically a hole in your roof. Sure, construction of vehicles has come a long way, and it’s not that having a panoramic sunroof is unsafe. It simply isn’t as strong as a conventional roof would be. In addition, your rubber seals aren’t going to be 100% waterproof. Yes, they’ll keep most of the water out, but panoramic sunroofs rely on water drainage channels to keep you dry.
Sometimes the drainage points clog which causes the channels to overflow right into your cabin. Does this sound like something you want happening in your brand new car?
Final Thoughts
While cars with panoramic sunroof have some major flaws, there’s no denying the customers love them. If you live in a climate that doesn’t get too hot, they might work well for you. Of course, each model year that a car features a panoramic sunroof, the more likely the automaker has worked out the kinks in the design.
All in all, why not save yourself some money and avoid panoramic sunroofs altogether? It’s likely that they won’t live up to your expectation. Instead, save up for a convertible. We think these are much more fun to drive and shield you from the sun’s rays on a hot day.
