When exploring the options available on most new cars, panoramic sunroofs are becoming a commonplace luxury feature. Call it a moonroof or a vista, it can make one of the most tangible differences to the driving experience: opening up space, airflow and sunlight in a way that only a convertible can compare.
Standalone or as part of a package, a panoramic sunroof can jack up your MSRP by hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Take a look at AxleGeeks‘ list of some affordable SUVs with sunroofs included in their base prices (or optional at low prices), so you can hit the road, bask in some solar or lunar rays and know that you saved some serious dough. Cars are ranked from most to least expensive.
#17. 2015 Land Rover LR4
You’ll pay for luxury with this midsize SUV from the time-honored British marque — but the good news is that a panoramic sunroof on the LR4 comes standard on all base models, with an MSRP of $50,400. According to the manufacturer, the LR4’s is an Alpine Roof and Blind, a sunroof with a conventional “tilt” or slide action.
#16. 2015 Porsche Macan
The Macan is Porsche’s newest entry into the crossover utility segment, and comes with a panoramic roof that the German automaker dubs a “system” since it serves the CUV more as a primary feature than merely an accessory.
Two large glass panels a square meter in size take up most of the roof, giving passengers scenic views open or closed, with blinds to shutter harsh rays. At under $50,000, the Macan is half the sticker price of most other cars in the Porsche family.
#15. 2015 Audi Q7
Full-sized with the German engineering and design precision synonymous with the Audi nameplate, the Q7 is equipped with more than its fair share of features and options. A panoramic sunroof is a standout standard on the premium, 3.0T trim level.
Large and spacious, the Q7’s sunroof extends back to the third-row area, where an additional glass surface can be operated manually.
#14. 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
This SUV is priced under $50,000, served as the last Popemobile and has a standard panoramic sunroof. If that isn’t a compelling sell, then nothing is.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the ML350’s panoramic glass sunroof is front-powered, with tilt-and-slide movement; part of this year’s final iteration of the M-Class.
#13. 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Compact, stylish, sporty and functional, something would seem missing if the Evoque wasn’t topped with a panoramic view of the great outdoors. In the Land Rover family, the Evoque is one step below the LR4, and over $5,000 cheaper: an optimal choice for the motorist who wants to save money without sacrificing quality.
#12. 2015 Infiniti QX60
The first Japanese entry in our list, this mid-size SUV from Nissan’s luxury line puts the panorama in panoramic. Two contiguous moonroofs give ample views for up to seven passengers, welcoming them with what Infiniti calls “an uncompromised vision of hospitality.”
The QX60’s moonroof package comes included in the vehicle’s base price of $42,200.
#11. 2015 Audi Q5
One step below the Q7 in size and cost, but not in form or function, the Q5 2.0T Premium trim is another member of the premium automaker’s lineup of crossover compacts.
Sunroof-as-accessory is the norm in many vehicles, but in the Q5’s cabin, the panoramic sunroof is the roof, spanning front to back with ultimate exposure to sun and moon when wanted, and complete privacy to the elements when needed.
#10. 2015 Lincoln MKX
Ford’s upscale version of the Edge comes packed with a litany of standard luxury features. And, at under $40,000, a panoramic sunroof is one of them.
Lincoln calls it a “Vista Roof,” spanning clear across both front and rear seating areas. It’s combined with a powered sunshade to help regulate interior temperatures when the sun beats down too strongly.
#9. 2015 BMW X3
In the trinity of German automakers, it might be BMW that outsmarts Audi and Mercedes in the sportiness stakes.
The sDrive28i trim of the X3 compact comes designed with a standard panoramic moonroof, sliding in and out of the crossover’s roofline for minimal styling with maximum functionality.
#8. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Like the M-Class, the GLK350 also comes standard with a panoramic sunroof/moonroof. If you’re considering the GLK350 as the next rightful occupant to your garage or driveway, keep in mind that — while its roof glass is included — a power sunshade is not, and comes at an additional cost.
#7. 2015 Land Rover LR2
Compact in size but large in interior and exterior amenities, the LR2 gets the third entry from Land Rover on this list. Here, it shares another thing in common with its competitors: a premium electric sunroof that’s included in the SUV’s base MSRP.
Day or night, spring or summer, it’s one feature that opens up the LR2 to the open air while safely buckled in.
#6. 2015 Lincoln MKC
When it debuted last year, the MKC offered devout Ford and Lincoln enthusiasts a compact vehicle that was upmarket yet affordable at once.
The MKC follows the design language of the MKX inside and out. On top, a proprietary Vista Roof provides panoramic views no matter where you’re sitting in the cab. According to Lincoln, the power shaded sunroof comes optional on the mid-level Select 200A and standard on the Reserve 300A.
#5. 2015 Audi Q3
First the Q7, then the Q5, and now, the Q3 — it’s the next logical step down the Audi lineage. Another excellent choice for SUV shoppers in the market for a sub-$35,000 luxury vehicle with a standard sunroof. The Q3’s sunroof allows occupants to be simply omniscient, capturing sun, views and breezes from all directions to fill the compact cabin on any journey.
#4. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA250 follows Mercedes tradition of providing motorists a rugged, utilitarian flair without sacrifice. This compact SUV is the first on this list not to include a standard sunroof: The GLA250’s panoramic version is optional at an extra $1,480. Still, it’s only a nominal investment for an open-air experience that redefines headroom.
#3. 2015 BMW X1
The compact SAV — that’s sports activity vehicle — can also be purchased with an optional panoramic sunroof for an extra $1,350, an added expense that manages to keep the car’s total price fairly low.
According to BMW, the X1’s sunroof contains extra-large dual glass panels, power controls and sunshade, as well as a wind deflector to keep unwanted elements out.
#2. 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS
Hyundai’s Santa Fe is a veteran in the sport utility vehicle cohort. The higher-trim GLS model comes with the option to open the roof up panoramically to some much-needed vitamin D, with a $3,800 Ultimate Package that also includes other interior technology and comforts.
#1. 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Our No. 1 pick for the most affordable SUV with a panoramic sunroof option, the Santa Fe’s base sport model carries an economic MSRP; and for an extra $3,500, the Tech Package includes a sunroof along with other features that ventilate, navigate and integrate your way along any stretch of road.
With the package, the Santa Fe Sport totals an average $28,450, the most cost-efficient option for shoppers on a budget looking for luxury and frugality in one.