February 25, 2025

How much to install a sunroof? Most people pay between $300 and $3,500, depending on the sunroof type, their vehicle, and where they live. Labor alone runs $300 to $1,000. The final price shifts based on how complex the job is and what features you want. This guide breaks down every cost, every sunroof type, and every factor that affects your quote. Whether you want a basic pop-up or a full panoramic roof, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you call a shop. Understanding Different Types of Sunroofs Not all sunroofs are built the same. Each type has a different design, different features, and a very different price tag. Here’s what’s actually available. 1. Pop-Up Sunroof The simplest option. You tilt it open by hand. No motor, no wiring, no electronics. These work great on older or smaller cars. Because the installation is straightforward with minimal roof cutting, costs stay low. 2. Spoiler Sunroof Slides open and tilts up over the roofline. The aerodynamic design helps cut wind noise. Most models are electric. There’s more wiring involved, which adds to the price. Still one of the more affordable electric options. 3. Inbuilt Sunroof Slides all the way back inside the roof. Clean look, no glass sticking up above the roofline. Requires more roof modification to create the slide cavity. Costs more because of the added labor. 4. Top-Mount Sunroof Slides over the top of the roof rather than inside it. Gives you a convertible feel without a full drop-top. Works on almost any vehicle. One of the more popular aftermarket sunroof choices because it’s easier to install on cars not designed for one. 5. Panoramic Sunroof Large glass panels covering most of the roof. Both front and rear passengers get open-air light. These are heavy, need structural support, and take longer to install. The panoramic sunroof repair cost down the road can also run high if the motor or seals fail. 6. Solar Sunroof Generates energy from sunlight to power your car’s air conditioning or accessories. Still relatively new in the aftermarket space. Price is similar to panoramic around $1,500 to $2,500 installed. Good long-term value if you drive daily in sunny climates like Texas. 7. Folding / Ragtop Sunroof Soft fabric that folds back like a convertible top. Popular on older European models. Looks great but needs specialist installation. Fabric is harder to seal properly, so bad installs lead to leaks fast. Cost Analysis: Breaking Down the Prices for Each Sunroof Type Here’s a full breakdown of what each sunroof type costs both parts and installed. These are real-world ranges, not manufacturer guesses. Sunroof Type Description Parts Cost Installed Cost Pop-up Manual tilt, great for small cars $150–$400 $300–$900 Spoiler Slides externally, reduces wind noise $400–$700 $600–$1,100 Inbuilt Flush design, slides or tilts $600–$1,200 $1,000–$2,500 Top-Mount Aftermarket slider, convertible feel $600–$1,000 $1,000–$2,500 Panoramic Multi-panel glass, full cabin coverage $800–$1,500 $1,500–$3,500 Solar Powers A/C via solar energy $1,000–$1,800 $1,500–$2,500 Folding/Ragtop Soft fabric, vintage convertible look $500–$900 $750–$2,000 Labor for most installs adds $300 to $1,000, depending on how much roof work your vehicle needs. If your car isn’t pre-wired for a powered sunroof, expect to pay more for electrical work. Small repairs after installation clearing drain clogs or replacing seals run $100 to $200. Motor or full glass replacements can hit $300 or more. Factors Affecting How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sunroof in a Car Several things push your quote up or down. Here’s what actually matters: Vehicle Type: Trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars are often trickier to work on. Limited roof space, complicated headliners, or reinforced roof structures all add labor hours. Some vehicles need custom brackets. Sunroof Brand: Brands like Webasto and Inalfa are industry leaders with better warranties and tighter seals. Generic kits cost less upfront but fail faster. A Webasto sunroof installation typically costs more but lasts longer. Glass Quality: Standard glass is cheapest. Tinted glass adds $50–$200. Laminated or tempered glass can add $100–$500. UV-protective coatings are an extra $50–$150. Features: Rain sensors and auto-close systems add $200–$500. Sunshades add $50–$150. The more features, the more wiring, the more labor. Labor Rates: Auto glass shops charge $75–$150 per hour. A basic install takes 4–6 hours. A panoramic or inbuilt job can run 8+ hours. A skilled installer costs more but your chance of leaks drops dramatically. Pre-Wiring: If your car came without any sunroof wiring, an electric install needs new wiring runs. That adds cost. Factory sunroof wiring already installed? Your bill goes down. How Much to Install a Sunroof in Austin, Texas? Sunroof installation cost near Austin generally runs $800 to $3,000 for most vehicles. Austin’s competitive auto glass market helps keep prices in check compared to larger metro areas. Here’s how Austin compares to other cities: City Avg. Low Avg. High vs. Austin Austin, TX $800 $3,000 Baseline Dallas, TX $850 $3,200 +5–8% Houston, TX $780 $2,900 -3–5% San Antonio, TX $750 $2,800 -5–8% New York, NY $1,200 $4,000 +35–40% Austin sits in a sweet spot of experienced shops at reasonable rates. Custom sunroof installation price in Austin will vary based on vehicle type and the features you add. Tip: Summer is peak sunroof season in Texas. Book your install in winter or early spring for possible off-season pricing from some shops. If you’re searching for sunroof installation near Austin, always ask for a written warranty covering both parts and labor. A reputable shop will give you at least a 1-year warranty on the installation. You can read about: How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sunroof Sunroof vs. Moonroof: What’s the Difference? Most people use these words as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. A sunroof is typically a solid metal panel that you remove or tilt for ventilation. A moonroof is always a powered, tinted glass panel that slides back usually with a fabric sunshade underneath. The term ‘moonroof’ was actually coined by a Ford marketing executive in the 1970s through a deal