10 Best Affordable SUVs with a Panoramic Sunroof

As technology and innovations increase, today’s vehicles are outfitted with more indulgent features. One of the most popular today is the panoramic sunroof. The trouble with this feature is that it’s often bundled with some high-level trims and packages. This makes it nearly impossible for many consumers to afford them, until now. We’ve put together a list of possible options for the best SUV with panoramic sunroof. Choose one of these and save some money.

What is a Panoramic Sunroof?

Panoramic sunroofs are large panels that are situated above the front and rear seats in a vehicle. They might be fixed glass panels or operable. When opened, they allow the warm sun rays and fresh air to fill the cabin. When they remain closed, the car receives plenty of natural light without adding any outdoor elements. Either way, panoramic sunroofs offer a “wow” factor to most any vehicle.

1. 2018 Fiat 500X Pop Blue Sky Edition

The lowest price option for an SUV with panoramic sunroof would be the Fiat 500X. It’s an inexpensive crossover and quite compact. The best part is, when you opt for the Blue Sky Edition, you don’t have to add the panoramic sunroof because it’s already included.

Not everyone is going to want to drive the 500x, but there are some benefits to this vehicle. For starters, it does come with all-wheel drive, a decent ground clearance, and high seating positions. Some people find that the design and fun character offer a little extra enjoyment on the road.

With the Pop trim, there’s plenty of other standard equipment included. You’ll get 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, six-speaker sound system, and seven-inch touchscreen. It also comes with remote engine start, keyless entry, and a center armrest when the 2.4-liter engine is chosen.

2. 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude

The compact Jeep Compass might be an option for you, especially if you are a fan of the brand. This affordable SUV with panoramic sunroof offers plenty of features worth mentioning. First of all, you can get the panoramic sunroof on every model except the base. Your next cheapest option is the Latitude.

While it is lower on the totem pole, there’s still a lot to get excited about. It features a UConnect infotainment system with a color touchscreen display. You’ll also enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel, larger wheels, keyless ignition and entry, plus simulated leather seat upholstery.

It might not be a Wrangler, but it’s mighty enough to make an impression, plus you can keep some of that cash in your pocket, which is always a plus. It’s also shaping up to be one of the more popular options for a compact SUV with panoramic sunroof.

3. 2018 Hyundai Tucson Value

You’ll have to go a few trims up to get a panoramic sunroof on the Hyundai Tucson, but it’s still quite affordable. The Value trim also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power liftgate, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

Keep in mind that the trims higher than the Value also come with a panoramic sunroof, but they are going to tack on additional money as well. You could upgrade for around $2,500 to the Ultimate package and get the heated front and rear seats, plus LED lights.

Both the Value and Limited models feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower. This pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While it comes standard with four-wheel drive, you could opt for an all-wheel drive instead.

The downside to the Value model is that it doesn’t contain the seven-inch touchscreen, power passenger seat, or navigation system. On top of that, it only comes with stain-resistant cloth upholstery which we aren’t fans of.

4. 2018 Ford Escape SE

This well-equipped SUV with panoramic sunroof is a popular choice. You have to select the SE trim, which is mid-level and then add on the Panoramic Vista Roof for about $1k. Aside from that, you’ll receive plenty of other amenities to keep you comfortable. This trim includes a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and SYNC technology system.

The upgrade from the bare-bones S trim to the SE also adds 17-inch alloy wheels and sound-reducing window glass. It’s equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 179 horsepower. In addition, expect to receive foglights, keyless entry, rear air vents, heated front seats, and satellite radio.

There are plenty of options you can tack on as well if the budget allows. With the Sport Appearance package, you receive 19-inch wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sync 3 Tech Package adds an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker sound system. Other options include a tow package and navigation system. This SUV with panoramic sunroof is fully customizable to be just what you desire while saving money.

5. 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SE

This VW is the perfect option for families. Even if you wanted to add a bunch of options, you would still be able to get into one for less than $30,000. To make this an SUV with panoramic sunroof, you’ll first need to choose the SE trim, which is mid-level. Then, you’ll add on the Sunroof Package for about $1,200.

At this level, you’ll receive lots of other creature comforts. Some of our favorites include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen, and push-button start. There’s also a small third-row making this the only 7 seater SUV with panoramic sunroof on our list.

No matter which model you go for, the Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with varying horsepower based on your trim. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but you can upgrade to all-wheel drive.

Additional Driver Assistance features on the SE include keyless entry, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, HD radio, USB ports, and Car-Net Security & Service.

6. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus

The Cherokee continues to be one of Jeep’s best-known vehicles. The 2019 model offered a complete facelift making it even more upscale and attractive. This is a step up from the Compass model listed earlier, so expect to pay a little more for it. With that said, it’s still considered an affordable SUV with panoramic sunroof.

To get the sunroof, you’ll have to add on a $1,500 option. In addition, you’ll also have a Uconnect with color touchscreen, eight-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient LED interior lighting. The Latitude itself is a base trim, which is why you want the upgrade to Latitude Plus. It’s your cost-effective model while still receiving some luxuries.

If you want some standard safety equipment, you would need to upgrade to either the Limited or Trailhawk. At the top of the line, you also have the Overland edition, but that’s not going to keep you on budget.

Other standard equipment for the Latitude Plus includes 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic xenon headlights, a folding front passenger seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a rearview camera.

There are several package options. For example, you could add on the Comfort and Convenience Package. This gets you 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and heated steering wheel.

All three of the trims come equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. On the Latitude Plus and Limited, you could upgrade to a V6 if you prefer. This SUV with panoramic sunroof is a great option for anyone that wants ample interior space with a luxury feel while sticking to their budget.

7. 2019 Kia Sportage EX

You can drive this SUV with panoramic sunroof for under $30,000 and still receive some nice options. To add on the sunroof, you’ll need the EX Premium Package which costs a little less than $2k. This package also adds on the LED interior lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener plus heated steering wheel. It also includes forward collision warning, automatic braking, automatic high-beams, lane departure warning, hands-free liftgate, spare tire, front and rear parking sensors, a power-adjustable passenger seat, eight-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and an eight-speaker sound system.

Front-wheel drive is the standard for this SUV, but all-wheel drive remains an option. On the LX and EX-trims, it comes equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 181 horsepower. Upgrade to the SX Turbo and you receive a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower. That’s quite the upgrade in power. Just keep in mind that adding all-wheel drive causes that number to drop slightly.

The EX comes with 18-inch wheels, power-folding and heated mirrors, foglights, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, upgraded trim, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear USB port.

The EX also has three main options package. We already told you about the EX Premium package which turns this into an SUV with panoramic sunroof.  If you want LED exterior lighting, paddle shifters, unique exterior and interior trim, plus a flat-bottomed steering wheel, you’ll need to add the EX Sport Appearance Package as well. Overall, many people feel that the Sportage is a fun to drive compact crossover and well worth the money.

8. 2018 Nissan Rogue SV

If you want a roomy SUV while sticking to a budget, the Rogue is a great choice. With several trims to choose from, we recommend starting with the SV model, which takes you just above the base. From there, you’ll want to add on the SV Sun and Sound Touring Package in order to make this an SUV with panoramic sunroof. While the package costs over $3,000 it also comes with Nissan’s Door to Door Navigation system, a premium Bose audio system, voice recognition, intelligent cruise control, plus a surround-view camera. While we see how this package costs more than any other we’ve listed so far, it also comes jam-packed full of features most of the other vehicles don’t offer.

The Rogue comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. It’s paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and recommended if you can afford it.

Included standard on the SV trim, you’ll receive roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and push-button ignition. It also comes with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-speaker audio system, and power-adjustable driver seat.

If you want a premium upgrade, you could add-on the SV Midnight Edition Styling Package. This gives you access to some blacked-out body elements including the 17-inch wheels and mirror caps.

9. 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL

This Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a newer compact SUV that just recently hit the market. It’s low cost and sporty, but you’ll have to tack on some options to get what you want. In fact, to make this an SUV with panoramic sunroof, you need to buy the SEL, which is the top trim. Then, you must add on the $2,500 Touring Package. While this makes the price jump up fairly high, it does give you access to a premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear heated seats, plus a lane-departure warning.

All models come equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 152 horsepower. In addition, standard equipment on the Eclipse Cross SEL includes a leather steering wheel, heated mirrors, and USB ports.

Not everyone wants to drive a brand new model that hasn’t had time to have the kinks worked out. With that said, this SUV does offer some unique styling and a fairly reasonable price, so it’s worth it if you don’t mind being the guinea pig.

10. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT

If you want to make the Chevrolet Equinox into an SUV with panoramic sunroof, you’ll have to do a little digging. That’s because this automaker decided to offer eight varying trim levels, just to make things confusing. You’ll have to go beyond the L or LS level and at least buy the LT. Then, you need to choose either the 1.5-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. From here, you’ll want to add on the Sun & Navigation Package for about $2,400 more. This comes with your panoramic sunroof plus an eight-inch touchscreen, navigation system, HD rear vision camera, additional USB ports, and an auxiliary input jack.

Standard on the LT you’ll receive xenon headlights, auxiliary rear-seat release levers, satellite radio, and an upgraded information display. A bump up to the 2.0-liter engine adds on 18-inch wheels as well. If you want a whole gamut of premium features, you’ll want to add the leather-trimmed Premier package as well.

There’s also a Lights and Brights Package available. This adds 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, and a chrome exterior trim. The Infotainment Package tacks on a 120-volt power outlet, eight-inch touchscreen, and navigation. You won’t need this package if you purchase the Sun & Navigation Package because it’s all included. Finally, there’s also a Confidence and Convenience Package. This includes your power liftgate, rear parking sensors, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

It’s one of the best SUVs with panoramic sunroofs and is completely customizable to be exactly what you want. No wonder it’s been around for so many years.

Buying an SUV with Panoramic Sunroof

Sure, you could easily find a luxury SUV with panoramic sunroof, but you aren’t going to get a decent price. For people that need to find affordable vehicles with panoramic sunroof, it’s best to look at lower-cost SUVs. As you can see from our list, there are plenty of options available. The best part is, most of them come with plenty of creature comforts and premium upgrades while still maintaining a low cost.

Only you know how much you’re willing to spend in order to drive your favorite SUV. Finding the best SUV with panoramic sunroof is a matter of personal choice, but with our top ten list, you should be able to find something that pleases the entire family.