10 Best Used Cars With Panoramic Roofs

2018 Mercedes Benz C300 coupe profile ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

For all of you who want the thrill of open-air motoring but don’t want to put up with all the annoyances of a convertible, there is another alternative. It comes in the form of a panoramic sunroof, a massive piece of glass (or pieces of glass) enabling you to view the sky above without foregoing the protection of a roof. 

While convertible aficionados might scoff at the choice, there are many practical reasons that favor it. Those of us who are familiar with weather know that occasionally it rains or the wind blows, sometimes at the same time. If you have an expensive coif or wear a toupee, a panoramic sunroof is essentially a must. They differ in the details, but the typical panoramic roof is bigger than the standard moonroof, and it might feature more than one glass panel. For a more authentic open-air feeling, most panoramic roofs have tilt up and/or slide-back portions that are electrically operated. In the following pages here are the 10 best used cars with a panoramic roof.

1. 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe

One of the best-looking and most engaging small luxury cars around, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is a premium offering in a premium segment. The 2018 C 300 coupe is chock full of standard features including dual-zone automatic climate control, A proximity key, push-button start, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and the panoramic roof.

The C 300 is equipped with a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a nine-speed automatic. The base version has rear-wheel drive, and 4Matic all-wheel-drive is available. A forward-collision warning with brake assist, crosswind assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a rearview camera are on the standard list of safety items. The C 300 coupe is an excellent way to sample Mercedes-Benz luxury without breaking the bank.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2. 2019 Mini Cooper Hardtop

The 2019 MINI Cooper Hardtop is part of the current generation of MINI Hardtops, a model line that is closest to the original Mini Cooper. With seating for up to five, the Cooper Hardtop is a subcompact with a style and attitude all its own.

If you’d like a panoramic sunroof, you need to find a Signature trim version. In addition to the expansive sunroof, it comes with heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Beyond that, Signature trim editions might also have an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive LED headlights, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, integrated navigation, and Apple CarPlay. Under the tiny hood is a 189-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives the Cooper Hardtop impressive acceleration. Inside, the car is inventive and fun, although some of its control placements take a while to feel natural.

Photo by MINI

3. 2018 Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that mixes European exterior styling, functional interior, and sporty road-holding into an intriguing package. Standard features include a backup camera, cruise control, automatic headlights, keyless start, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Of course, add to that the panoramic sunroof.

The 2018 Golf SE is equipped with a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine backed by manual or automatic transmissions. In terms of driving feel, the front-drive Golf captures the European vibe far better than its non-German competitors. Its winning drivability and handling make you immediately want to road trip. The interior of the Golf also has a major Euro-vibe, and the hatchback style gives you loads of cargo room.

Photo by Volkswagen

4. 2018 Genesis G80

A mid-size luxury sedan designed to compete with the world's best luxury carmakers, the Genesis G80 offers a lot of features at a bargain price. Not only does it have the availability of a panoramic sunroof, but it has a broad cross-section of luxury and safety features.

For 2018, the base G80 has a 3.8-liter V6 engine, the 3.3T Sport has a twin-turbo V6, and the top model is the 5.0 Ultimate, powered by a 5.0-liter V-8. All three engines are available with rear- or all-wheel-drive. The 3.3T Sport was new for 2018, and its 365-horsepower engine is accompanied by a wealth of features that include unique exterior and interior styling. A driver-drowsiness monitor was among the standard safety features available on all Genesis G80 models. While rear seating in many competitors is confined, three adults will be comfortable in the back of the G80.

Photo by Genesis

5. 2017 Chrysler 300

You might view the Chrysler 300 as a throwback to the classic full-size American sedan. It has that tried-and-true front-engine/rear-drive configuration, yet it adds handling precision that older American sedans with solid rear axles could never achieve.

The base engine in the 2017 Chrysler 300 is a 292-horsepower V6, and a 300-horsepower V6 version is standard in the 300S model. Those seeking even more effortless acceleration should seek a used 300 with the available 363-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that has plenty of torque. All 300 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available. The Chrysler 300 seats five; heated 8-way power-adjustable front seats are standard, and the rear seats can comfortably accommodate three adults. The well-regarded Uconnect infotainment system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a pair of USB ports. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof features a full-power front glass panel and fixed rear panel with a one-touch open/close feature.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

6. 2018 Cadillac CTS

For the 2018 model year, the Cadillac CTS was the luxury brand’s prime mid-size sedan. With a well-designed interior that features high-quality materials, it gets high marks versus many of its competitors.

Three engines are available. The base is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the first up-level engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with a twin-turbo version of that engine in the performance-oriented V-Sport. The super-high-performance CTS-V has a 640-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine and wealth of go-fast features that enable it to compete with similar specialty models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. While the CTS-V is a blast to drive, most buyers will be more than content with other Cadillac CTS models. The car’s UltraView sunroof has a tilt-sliding function, express open and close, and power sunshade.

Photo by General Motors

7. 2018 Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 shares its platform with the Toyota Avalon, which is itself a good choice among big sedans. One of Lexus’s most popular models, the ES pays little attention to enthusiast-style performance and concentrates on luxurious comfort and quiet.

The ES 350 is powered by a very conventional 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, while the ES 300h features a Toyota/Lexus hybrid powertrain and boasts 40 mpg fuel economy. If you want no surprises from your car, the Lexus ES is a very pleasant sedan to live with day-to-day. One complaint is the touchpad operation of its infotainment system, but other than that the ES 350 is a panoramic-roof-equipped dream.

Photo by Lexus

8. 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

Newly redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lots of features, including a panoramic sunroof, at an impressively low price. Competing against a vast array of compact cars, the sporty five-door hatchback has more interior room than most cars in its class, and though it is performance-oriented, ride and comfort don’t suffer.

The Elantra GT is powered by a 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and the GT Sport has a 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder plus a seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the panoramic sunroof, other available niceties include 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation and an Infinity audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Optional safety items include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pedestrian detection.

Photo by Hyundai

9. 2018 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is available in a number of configurations, but the panoramic roof is only available in the XLE and XSE trim levels. The five-passenger midsize sedan was newly redesigned in 2018, and it is frequently among the nation’s sales leaders. It delivers a cushy ride, improved handling, and good acceleration along with its well-known quality, making it a value choice among cars with panoramic roofs.

The Camry's available 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ride is skewed toward isolation, but it is better-controlled than in previous model years, giving the car more handling precision to go with its power. For 2018, the Camry’s infotainment system is a mixed bag. It offers integration with smartphone apps like iHeart Radio, Pandora, Slacker, and Yelp, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available, a deal-breaker for some.

Photo by Toyota

10. 2018 Nissan Maxima

2018 was a good year for the Nissan Maximum large sedan. That model year, Android Auto joined Apple CarPlay on the standards list, as did a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

All trim levels of the Maxima feature a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, a longtime mainstay for Nissan. Instead of a conventional geared transmission, it uses a continuously variable transmission plus front-wheel drive. To get the panoramic moonroof, your best bet is a Maxima SL. Included in the SL trim level are a heated steering wheel, an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, two rear USB ports, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The Maximum strikes a nice balance between sharp handling and comfortable ride, and we also like the easy-to-understand operation of the infotainment system.

Photo by Nissan