Subaru Outback Moonroof: What to Know

in Model Info and Features
Outback on a street

2020 Subaru Outback by Kevauto — CC BY-SA 4.0

The Subaru Outback is one of the most dependable cars on the road. A smooth ride that can handle on and off-road situations. Nothing can make a ride better than a moonroof. Seeing as much of the outside from the inside can really add to the riding experience. 

The Subaru Outback has numerous options for customization, so you can choose the best features that are right for you. Unfortunately, the 2021 Subaru Outback base model does not include a panoramic sunroof, but you can opt for a moonroof. This make and model has several trim levels, including moon and sunroofs, so you just have to choose which one is right for you. 

What Trim Level Includes A Moonroof? 

The 2021 Subaru Outback comes in seven trim levels. The base model, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The first four have a four-cylinder engine pumping out 182 horsepower. The three XT trims include a turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 hp. 

The base Subaru Outback starts at $26,795 and does not include a sun or moonroof. The premium trim, limited trim, touring trim, and XT trims all feature a moonroof. These models will range from $29,000 to $39,000, depending on what other features you would like. 


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Do Older Models Have Moonroofs?

Do not limit yourself to brand new cars. Many dealerships will sell used cars for a better price. The best part is most of these cars will only be a few years old but will still be under warranty.

Going back ten to fifteen years ago,  you will find that a moonroof was not included in the base model of Subaru Outbacks. They could be added on for only a couple thousand dollars more. 

The higher price tag includes other upgrades, so you are not literally paying two thousand dollars for just a moonroof. 

Detachable or Folding Roof Racks with Moonroofs

One of the best features on almost all Subaru Outback’s going back ten years is detachable or folding roof racks. What could be worse than having a giant moonroof that’s view is blocked by a bunch of roof racks? 

Older models will allow you to detach the roof racks. In comparison, newer models actually allow you to tuck or hide the roof racks away when you do not need them to enjoy that view as much as possible. 

Moonroof Maintenance

No matter what Subaru Outback moonroof model you get, you will want to keep an eye on it. If you do not have a garage or park under trees a lot, you risk getting the drain holes clogged. 

The majority of Subaru Outback moonroofs will have a drain hole on each side of the moonroof. It will have a wind deflector going across the front. This wind deflector will allow for a controlled outside airflow to fill your car.

The two drain holes are there to keep you dry whenever your car gets wet. Whether it is the weather or a carwash, your moonroof should be airtight. It is important to simply take your hand and clean out the inside just to ensure the drain holes do not get clogged. 

If they end up clogged, you might have a leaky moonroof. The water will pool up and most likely leak down on you during turns. Again, just keeping it clean will stop this from happening.  Newer model Subaru Outback moonroofs will be opened and closed with a motor. 

If you ever find yourself in trouble with this, it is best to contact your dealer. Most of the time, the warranty will include this quick fix. So, if the next time you get into your car and press the button and nothing happens, do not panic; just call your local dealership.   


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Can a Moonroof Be Installed On My Car?

If your car does not have a moonroof, you can have one installed for anywhere between three hundred to eight hundred dollars. You are basically going to have two basic options: a simple pop open and closed moonroof or a motorized multifunction moonroof. 

So obviously, the simple pop open and closed moonroof will be closer to the three-hundred-dollar range. The motorized versions will cost more but will have many more options to get fresh air into your vehicle. 

Is Tint On a Moonroof Important?

Although a moonroof will bring as much of the outside to you while still staying inside, the sun’s harmful UV rays will still be able to penetrate the glass. Tinting your moonroof will block some of those rays. The amount of tint is up to you. 

Sense a moonroof is like have an extra window above you; there are no laws or restrictions to how much tint your moonroof can have. It is recommended to tint it just enough to dim the sun so you can still enjoy as much of your view as possible. If it is too dark, you will not be able to see anything at night. 


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Other Subarus with Moonroofs

Subaru’s have been equipped with moonroofs on most of their other models for the last five to ten years. Since this has become a sought-after feature on your vehicle, it makes sense to have a moonroof option available on all models.

Some other Subaru models with moonroofs included are: 

  • The Subaru Forester. 
  • The Subaru WRX.
  • The Subaru Legacy.
  • The Subaru Ascent. 

Like with the Outback, some years of these other models will not include a moonroof in the base package, so you might have to search for models with moonroofs specifically.

Conclusion 

Thankfully, moonroofs have become a feature everybody wants, so there are a lot of options available. If you upgrade to a moonroof, that package will come with other toys for you to enjoy. So even if you do end up having to pay more for your Subaru Outback moonroof, you will get other features to enjoy that will make you love your car even more.

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