Does Subaru Forester Have Panoramic Sunroof? [List]

From 2015 to 2018, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.0XT Premium, 2.5i Touring, and 2.0XT Touring Subaru Forester models have a standard panoramic sunroof. In 2018, Subaru launched another model, the 2.5i Premium Black Edition, with a panoramic sunroof feature. Also, from 2019 to 2023, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring models include a power sliding sunroof feature with a sunshade and 95% UV light reduction. 

The Subaru Forester models come with panoramic sunroofs for different years. The entire article provides the necessary information you need to know about each model. 

Does Subaru Forester Have Panoramic Sunroof? 

Yes, Subaru Forester models have a large panoramic sunroof feature. However, this glass-made panoramic sunroof slides and opens on the front seats but not the rear seats.

Subaru Forester launched this feature in 2015 and has continued to include it in different models in the following years.

In their 2023 Subaru Foresters series, like the Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring models, they also have an interior with a slightly wider feel to ensure larger headroom.

Which Subaru Forester Has A Panoramic Sunroof?

The Subaru Forester Panoramic sunroof is becoming more popular. Many popular Subaru models have a sunroof or a panoramic sunroof. However, not all their trims have this feature. 

Let’s have a quick look at the models and trims that have this feature. 

YearModelPanoramic Roof TypesHas Extra Sunshade?Has an Anti-entrapment function?
2015 – 20182.5i Limited
2.5i Premium
2.5i Touring
2.0XT Premium
2.0XT Touring
2.5i Premium Black Edition
PanoramicYesYes
2019 – 2023
2022 – 2023
Premium 
Sport
Limited 
Touring
Wilderness
Power Sliding PanoramicYesYes

Now, you know which Subaru has panoramic sunroof. Let’s get into the details.

Does The 2.5i Limited Have A Panoramic Sunroof? 

Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited models from 2015 to 2018 come with panoramic sunroofs as a standard package. (1)

One of the best things about the Subaru panoramic sunroof is its anti-entrapment feature. The sunroof will automatically stop when it detects a substantial object trapped between its glass and the roof. That way, your kids and your hands won’t get hurt. 

Does The 2.5i Premium Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

Subaru Forester’s 2.5i Premium model, which was launched from 2015 to 2018, comes with a standard panoramic sunroof with an anti-entrapment function. 

This panoramic sunroof also has its own sunshade, which you can manually slide forward or backward to keep the sunroof glass closed. However, if you open the sunroof glass electronically, the sunshade will move back.

Does The 2.5i Touring Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

Yes, you can get a standard panoramic sunroof feature with the 2.5i Touring from the 2015 to 2018 models of the Subaru Forester. 

Additionally, the sunroof includes a switch that enables the sunroof to be opened and closed. Also, similar to the other 2015–2018 models, this one too has anti-entrapment features.    

Does 2.0XT Premium Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

The Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium models with a panoramic sunroof were introduced in 2015 and then discontinued in 2018. This Subaru Forester sunroof has a unique design where the glass panel slides into the headrest to fully open. 

Does 2.0XT Touring Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

From 2015 to 2018, all Subaru Forester 2.0XTs came with a panoramic sunroof. This 2.0XT Touring trim had a near-panoramic view of any environment. 

Does 2.5i Premium Black Edition Have A Panoramic Sunroof? 

Along with Subaru Forester’s previous models, they launched a new “2.5i Premium Black Edition” only in 2018. This special edition also offers a standard-sized panoramic sunroof with an anti-entrapment function and sunshade, just like its predecessors. (2)

All these models were discontinued, and in 2018, Subaru decided to launch new trims.

Summary:

From 2015–2018, the Subaru Forester series has a panoramic sunroof in all its trims, including the black edition. Only the 2.5i did not offer a panoramic sunroof.

Does Subaru Forester Premium Have A Panoramic Sunroof?  

Subaru Forester discontinued its previous trims and began introducing new trims in 2019. One of those new trims is the Subaru Forester Premium. 

This Premium offers a power panoramic moonroof with 95% UV light reduction. It also has a sunshade and an anti-entrapment feature, which are quite lucrative as well.

Speaking of Subaru Forester Premium, questions may come about its similar-quality brand Lexus. Here you’ll find which Lexus SUV offers panoramic sunroofs.

Does Subaru Forester Sport Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

Yes, the Subaru Forester Sport model, another one of the new trims that was launched in 2019, features a power panoramic moonroof.

If you’d like to know the details about difference between sunroof and moonroof, check the moonroof vs sunroof page to find all the necessary information.

Does Subaru Forester Limited Have A Panoramic Sunroof?

Yes, Subaru Forester Panoramic moonroof is available. The Subaru Forester, launched in 2019, includes a  power panoramic moonroof. This trim features a power sliding sunroof with a standard-quality sunshade and an anti-entrapment function.

Does Subaru Forester Touring Have A Panoramic Sunroof? 

The Subaru Forester Touring is one of the few Subaru SUV models with a power panoramic moonroof. Just like the other models, it has all the standard features. For example, the sunshade, the anti-entrapment feature, and the 95% UV reduction sunroof glass.

Another close-to-the-quality brand name for Subaru is Tacoma. Get to know the list of Tacoma that provides sunroofs.

Does Subaru Forester Wilderness Have A Panoramic Sunroof? 

The Subaru Wilderness, the most recently launched Subaru Forester trim, comes with a panoramic moonroof. The panoramic sunroof has a 95% UV light reduction and a sunshade with an anti-entrapment feature, similar to the other ones.

Summary:

In 2019–2023, Subaru introduced new trims that feature power panoramic moonroofs. The only exception are the Base trims. Albeit with a few differences, moonroofs can serve the purpose of a sunroof.

Panoramic Sunroof Pros and Cons

A glass sunroof or panoramic sunroof is different from a regular sunroof in many terms. For example, panoramic sunroofs are larger in size, they’re always glass-made, they’re heavy and may have a negative impact on fuel economy.

To make things clear, below are the pros and cons of sunroof.

Pros

  • You’ll get extra light inside the vehicle when the blinds are open. Panoramic sunroofs always make cars feel more spacious.
  • Cars with panoramic sunroofs provide alternative emergency routes, meaning you can take out the glass completely when you’re in difficulties.
  • Along with extra light and brightness, you’ll get extra ventilation from the Subaru with panoramic sunroof.
  • Panoramic sunroofs add extra style to your car, no doubt. They have some degree of tinting that makes the glass darker compared to regular windows. Overall, it makes your car sleeker and sometimes sporty.

Cons

  • Panoramic sunroofs absorb more heat and make the car annoyingly hotter.
  • It also adds extra weight to your car that negatively affects the fuel economy and even the performance as well.
  • Since a panoramic sunroof equips additional equipment, there will be extra expenses for the additional maintenance cost.

If you have a smaller car, a panoramic sunroof can result in less headroom because the feature eats into headroom space.

Can You Install A Panoramic Sunroof On Your Subaru?

Depending on the Subaru Forester model you own or can afford, it may not have a panoramic sunroof.

However, installing a panoramic sunroof on a Subaru Forester that does not already have one is possible.

How to Install Panoramic Sunroof

The process of installing a panoramic sunroof on your vehicle involves opening your car’s roof. Next, measure the sunroof shape and cut it to fit the aftermarket panoramic sunroof kit you’re about to install. After that, install the sunroof kit on the car’s roof. 

This may sound very simple, but it’s not. Installing a panoramic sunroof by yourself can be overwhelming. Because of that, it is highly recommended that you take your Subaru Forester to an experienced mechanic who is familiar with what they are doing.

The following video can help you if you insist on doing it yourself.

Aftermarket Panoramic Sunroofs: Is It Okay?

Panoramic sunroofs enhance the way your car looks. That’s why all the latest car brands include this feature. 

Still, it would not be wise to install an aftermarket panoramic sunroof. If you do, you are most likely to have many problems. These problems include-

Aftermarket Panoramic Sunroofs Reduce Safety

One of the most important parts of a vehicle is its roof. The rigidity and integrity of the structure will be affected by any changes.

You and everyone else’s safety are at risk when you cut the roof of your vehicle to fit the glass panel. Considering that the roof bears a significant amount of structural weight, it can be dangerous if a collision occurs there. 

Aftermarket Panoramic Sunroofs Can Leak

Even built-in sunroofs can become clogged and leak. Installing an aftermarket unit will make this even more evident.  

Unless you find a mechanic that can do a proper job, do not have a panoramic sunroof installed on your car. A sloppy aftermarket panoramic sunroof installation can lead to clogging or leakage. When it does, fixing that would be expensive and nuanced.

Aftermarket Panoramic Sunroofs Aren’t Durable

Before installing your panoramic sunroof, the seller or mechanic will ensure it’s as good as the ones that came with the car. But that’s not the case, at least not always.  

It’s normal for aftermarket sunroofs to rattle. The problem can only worsen over time, unless you manage to get a good sunroof and have it installed by an expert. When a qualified technician installs your sunroof, you will receive a warranty that will not be voided. It’s best to have it installed by someone who can guarantee its longevity.

Summary:

Installing an aftermarket panoramic sunroof is possible on any vehicle. However, it can cause damage to your car, so to install one, hire a mechanic.
After Market Panoramic Sunroofs Infographic

FAQs

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Panoramic Sunroof?

A panoramic sunroof offers a brighter interior with a more cabin-like feel. It also gives you a boost of fresh air and sunshine while driving. But in terms of its cons, it can be troublesome sometimes. For instance, increased weight reduces fuel efficiency, leakage is possible, and repairs are costly. 

Do Panoramic Sunroofs Break Easily?

No, they usually don’t break so easily. But if you have been using your car for years and its sunroof is the same age, it can break. Components’ chances of breaking or falling apart rise as they age and wear out.

Is Panoramic Sunroof Covered Under Insurance?

Your panoramic sunroof will be covered if it gets damaged by the weather or an accident. Usually, insurance companies intend to cover the damages caused by accidents and tragedies. Your panoramic sunroof might not be covered if it’s damaged for another reason, like wear and tear. 

Conclusion

Does Subaru Forester have panoramic sunroof? Yes, it does, but only for specific trims. 

However, if you really want a panoramic sunroof installed in your vehicle, you can. When you do, make sure you get a good sunroof that is compatible with your car. Also, prioritize having it installed by an experienced mechanic who offers a warranty.

Written By

Photo of author

Gary Wright

Hi, I'm Gary Wright, an automotive industry specialist. I'm an installation, repair, and maintenance specialist of automotive sunroofs, moonroofs, and panoramic sunroofs/moonroofs.

Fact Checked And Mechanically Reviewed By

Talha

Talha Atta

Talha Atta, a Mechanical Engineer and experienced technical content writer and editor at Autoglobes.com with a passion for the automotive industry.