2026 Ford Explorer Replaces Vista Roof With Fixed Glass Option

[RysBrd]

Coming into fall in New England. Perfect 70-80 degree days. If I’m not driving my Mustang convertible with the top down, I have the sunroof open on the ST as long as it’s not raining. Once winter hits, I usually pop it up, even with the heat on.

my start routine is usually engine start, auto stop/start off, parking brake off, sunroof open.

This, right here!! 100%

 

[UGADawg96]

It's never too hot to open a sunroof. Sometimes you have to wait until the sun goes down......

Usually way too hot in Southwest Florida during the day....sun just beats down into the car with the sunroof open. I can't stand to sit in the car and sweat.

And it is way too hot & humid in NE FL 10 months of the year. We prefer the solid roof in our F150 over the sunroof in the explorer.

 

[Ryan8886]

Coming into fall in New England. Perfect 70-80 degree days. If I’m not driving my Mustang convertible with the top down, I have the sunroof open on the ST as long as it’s not raining. Once winter hits, I usually pop it up, even with the heat on.

my start routine is usually engine start, auto stop/start off, parking brake off, sunroof open.

Totally with you there! I’m in SE Michigan…I’d be lost without it. Just bought my 22…the moonroof was one of the three requirements…that, good sound system and hauls ass.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Totally with you there! I’m in SE Michigan…I’d be lost without it. Just bought my 22…the moonroof was one of the three requirements…that, good sound system and hauls ass.

Been some weeks since that post, so weather is much cooler. That means sunshade fully open, and I still pop the roof open just as long as it’s not raining out.

Honestly it’s probably my favorite optioned feature in the vehicle, but I get why some people don’t care for it, especially when packaged with other features they do want

 

[GearHead_1]

It's great that people actually use their sunroof. I ordered mine to make sure it wasn't there. I think they are definitely a love'it or hate'it feature.

 

[UNBROKEN]

I love the light and openness it adds during our cooler months here when I actually open the shade but the glass is never opened. I’d be all about a fixed glass option.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I don't want them, and I'm glad they're not there. I've experienced the frustration of having the Ford electric roof top window shade fail when the clips fall out. It took a Lincoln dealer two months and three attempts to get it working again. It's a frustrating feature that I don't want. Dont even get me started on leaks.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I'd prefer a solid metal roof, instead of one with a hole and piece of glass.

100%

 

[Mustang5L5]

And looks like the opening sunroof is back for 2027??

Also looks like the 3.0 for the plat is back, as well as a “ST sinister package”

 

[Mustang5L5]

Not really relevant to this thread in terms of the sunroof

 

[RysBrd]

Yes, I just noticed the panavista opening roof is returning 2027! ... and 3.0 for platinum!

Those were two incredible foolish decisions Ford made for the '26 model year, so glad they reversed course on those two items.

 

[Av8or]

I have bad memories of my 2010 F150 Platinum the sunroof failing on my way home from a long day at work after I hit the wrong button in the winter back in 2018. I was up until 2am pulling bits and pieces out of the tracks in a vain attempt to get the roof "kind-of" closed, before getting a quote for $4500 in 2018 dollars to fix it. Then I had to drive to work in the freezing cold just with duck tape closing up the gap. I also had a 2017 Fusion with one that would always leak. Always. Didn't matter how many repairs it just leaked.

I hate opening sunroofs. Any time I have the chance to avoid them, I do.

I saw the 2026 ST had a fixed glass roof and I think that's the best of both worlds. I almost bought a lincoln aviator, but when I saw that the ST had a fixed roof - that was the winner and went and bought one. Bummed to see that it's going back to sunroof - but I got mine just in time.

I love that my Mach-E also has the fixed glass sunroof.

 

[DaveW012]

The fixed glass roof has been nothing but a pain in my ass since I got the 2026 ST a few months ago. I’m going on my 3rd replacement as I write this response. The original was making a howling wind noise which turned out to be a bad seal at the front right. That was replaced and then I had more wind noise and rattling from the drip tray. That got replaced and seemed fine for a few days then the wind noise came back and some minor drip tray rattling as well. Turns out the seal on the front left has come apart. Now I’m waiting for the next replacement to be delivered to the dealer. I have no idea why they can’t get this right. The tech knows the inside of my car better than me at this point. He’s had the headliner off everytime and luckily has reinstalled it correctly every time. He’s getting frustrated as much as I am. Anyone else have this experience? I wish I just kept my 2022 ST. Had no issues other than a few recalls.