Does Tesla Model 3 Have a Sunroof?
Have you ever wondered if the Tesla Model 3 sunroof opens or not? This blog post answers your question once and for all.
Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable electric car from in the Tesla lineup. But one question on many people's minds is whether the it has a retractable sunroof.
Does Tesla Model 3 have a sunroof? No, the Model 3 doesn't have, and never had, a (movable) sunroof. It has a fixed glass roof that extends from the front windshield to the back glass. The all-glass roof has the added benefit of reducing cabin noise and making the car feel brighter and spacious with extra headroom. However, it doesn't open as a typical sunroof would.
In this post, I have covered everything you need to know about the Model 3 glass sunroof.
Let's get started.
Model Y, the latest vehicle from Tesla takes some major design cues from its compact counterpart, the Model 3. If you're interested, I have covered the Tesla Model Y glass roof in a separate post.
Sunroof vs Moonroof – What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably heard the terms “sunroof” and “moonroof” used interchangeably, but they're both actually quite different.
Both sunroof and moonroof are panels in the roof of a car that can be opened to let in the fresh air and natural light into the car cabin. In fact, a moonroof is a type of sunroof.
That's about where the similarity ends, however.
So, what exactly is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?
Sunroof
A sunroof is a solid, body-coloured panel that can be opened to let in light and air. Sunroofs are usually operated manually, with a crank handle or lever inside. Because sunroofs are solid, you cannot see through them when they are closed.
Moonroof
The moonroof is a type of sunroof, but it is a tinted glass panel. You can see through them from the inside and slide them to open and let in the light and air. Moonroofs are usually operated electronically, with a switch inside the car.
By definition, what you see in cars today is a moonroof, not a sunroof.
What is a Panoramic Sunroof (Meaning)?
A panoramic sunroof is technically a type of moonroof that's become popular in modern cars. They're transparent and often also referred to as an all-glass panoramic roof, panoramic moonroof or simply panoramic roof (like on the Tesla).
The glass extends over most of the car roof with a slideable panel that can open over the front seats. The rest of the glass is usually fixed in place. These are the kind of glass roofs that Teslas have.
The panoramic sunroof offers an unobstructed view of the sky and can make any car feel more open and airy. And, because they're tinted, they also offer some protection from the sun's rays.
Now that you know the difference between the different kinds of roofs, let’s move on and answer the question: Does Tesla Model 3/Y have a sunroof?
Does Tesla Model 3 Have a Sunroof?
No, the Model 3 doesn't have a sunroof that opens. Instead, it has a fixed panoramic glass roof that offers an unobstructed view of the sky with some extra headroom compared to a sunroof (that you can slide to open or remove).
Adding a sunroof means added weight and loss of headroom in the car. For an electric car, more weight also means reduced range due to the extra power needed to move the car.
Model 3 vs Model Y Glass Roofs
The Model Y's glass roof is slightly larger than the Model 3's because the Model Y doesn't have the supporting joint that exists in the middle of the Model 3 roof.
Model Y has a single continuous sheet of panoramic glass compared to Model 3 which has two separate pieces when seen from the inside. But from the outside, it's hard to tell any difference.
Does Tesla Model 3 Glass Roof Open?
No, the Model 3 glass roof is fixed and doesn't open (same as the Model Y).
Has the Tesla Model 3 Ever Had a Sunroof?
No, Tesla Model 3 has never had a sunroof. It's always had a fixed glass roof that cannot be opened. The glass roof has its own added advantages in that it gives an extra inch or two of headroom and gives the cabin a more airy feel. And the car is overall lighter in weight and cheaper to produce without the added retractable sunroof.
Why the Tesla Model 3 Doesn't Have a Sunroof?
When it came to light that the Model 3 doesn't have a sunroof, it caused some controversy, with many people wondering why Tesla decided to omit this feature.
If you're disappointed by the fact that the Model 3, the new Model Y and any Model S/X after 2018 don't have sunroofs, there are a few possible explanations.
- Weight: First, eliminating the sunroof saves weight and helps to improve the car's range.
- Production Constraints: Second, removing the panoramic sunroof from Tesla vehicles may have been due to production constraints. Tesla has had difficulty ramping up production of the Model 3, and adding a sunroof would likely have added to the delays.
- Costs: Finally, it's possible that Tesla was simply trying to keep costs down. Adding a sunroof would likely raise the price.
Can You See Through the Model 3 Sunroof?
Yes, you can see through the Tesla Model 3 glass roof.
Do All Teslas Have a Panoramic Sunroof?
None of the current Tesla models (S, X, 3 or Y) has a retractable sunroof anymore.
The older Model S versions from 2012 to 2018 had a functioning and a sliding retractable sunroof that you could open.
The Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Model X all have had a fixed glass roof from day one.
Tesla Model 3 Sunroof: A Brief History
Tesla did a retractable and functioning sunroof on its Model S until 2018 and called it the Panoramic Sunroof.
So when the Model 3 was announced, people expected it would have one too. Unfortunately, it didn't. As we have established by now, it instead comes with a fixed glass roof that has its own advantages.
Is Tesla Model 3 Aftermarket Sunroof an Option?
No aftermarket sunroof option is available for the Tesla Model 3.
If you're looking for a Tesla with a retractable sunroof, your only options are to buy a used Model S from 2012 to 2018, or a used original Roadster (2008-2012).
Or, you can wait for the new Tesla Roadster (expected in 2023) that comes with a removable Glass Roof you can store in the trunk for an open-air, convertible driving experience.
Tesla Model 3 Sunroof: FAQs
Final Thoughts
There you go!
Now you know everything about the Tesla Model 3 sunroof and the Tesla glass roofs in general.
To summarise, the Tesla Model 3s don't have a retractable sunroof. They have a fixed all-glass roof with beautiful panoramic views but no open-air option.
While no panoramic sunroof option is available, the trade-off is a sleek glass roof that gives the car an airy feel.
The lack of a sunroof should not dissuade you from buying the Model 3. It's still an impressive car with a massive glass roof that looks futuristic, with excellent range and performance.
And who knows, maybe in the future Tesla will offer a sunroof as an aftermarket option or on future models. (I don't think so for the reasons I listed.)
Until then, enjoy the view from your all-glass roof.
Do you have any questions about the sunroof on the Model 3 or any of the Tesla vehicles? Drop me a comment below.
