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The Best Car Sunshades for Your Ride

Protective reflective surface under the windshield of the passenger car parked on a hot day, heated by the sun's rays inside the car.
aapsky/Shutterstock

Sunny days are great for taking a scenic drive, but how many times has this happened to you? You park to explore the area, only to return a while later to a car that is unbearably hot on the inside. The high temperature and strong ultraviolet rays might be dangerous for you and your car’s interior. Whether your car is outside all day at work, or you don’t have a garage to park in at home, investing in a car sunshade is a smart idea to help keep you cool and comfortable. Here are some fantastic sunshades we recommend.

How to Choose a Car Sunshade

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a car sunshade:

  • Design: Decide whether you want a sunshade to cover your entire windshield or if you’re looking for a simpler, smaller model for your car’s side windows. Also consider the style of the sunshade to determine if you want a basic design or something more unique. Whatever style you select, ensure that the sunshade fits around your rearview mirror to avoid unwanted openings for the sun to shine through.
  • Functionality: Do you need something with high-quality UV blockage? Consider a sunshade with built-in filtration systems and multiple layers of fabric. This can protect your skin and reduce the chances of damage to the interior of your car. If you are looking to protect certain areas of your car, sunshades with buckle attachments or ties will help to keep a fixed spot of your car in the shade. A fixed sunshade is great for protecting the back seat that is often used for kids and pets. Assess the qualities you’re looking for before you decide on a car sunshade to buy.
  • Opacity: Drivers can keep their parked cars cool with thick sunshades that completely block out the light. Look for transparent shades to place on passenger windows to allow for vision will reducing the bright sun rays that pass through the window. While driving, all sunshades should allow the driver a clear vision of the road on all sides.

Best for UV Protection: MCBUTY Windshield Sun Shade for Car

Reflective blue sunshades with a black buckle.

It can be tough to stay protected from the sun. Many people suffer from sunburn even on cloudy days due to the sun’s powerful UV rays. If this sounds like you, opting for a car sunshade with optimum UV protection is just what you need. This option is made out of a reflective UV material and two layers of honeycomb bubble insulation that works to keep you cool while providing 100% protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. With a foldable design and easy storage, you’re sure to get the most out of your sunshade purchase.

Best for UV Protection

MCBUTY Windshield Sun Shade for Car Blue Thicken 5-Layer UV Reflector Auto Front Window Sunshade Visor Shield Cover and Keep Your Vehicle Cool(57" × 27.5")

The five layers of this car sunshade will protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays while keeping the interior cool and comfortable.

Best Foldable Sunshade: EcoNour Foldable 2-Piece Car Windshield Sun Shade

Interior of a car with two flexible sunshades.

Looking for a car sunshade with easy handling? This option from EcoNour is perfect for any driver with an on-the-go lifestyle. This set of two sunshades are designed to be foldable when not in use, so they can be stored away and then quickly set up again when needed. The sunshade is designed to block the sun out and protect you from the heat, keeping you comfortable while providing protection for your car’s interior. Additionally, the sunshade is made from premium UV-reflective materials capable of reducing your car’s interior temperature by 20 to 50 degrees.

Best Foldable Sunshade

EcoNour 2-Piece Car Windshield Sun Shade, Sun Blocker for Car Windshield Reflects Heat and UV Rays, Foldable Automotive Interior Accessories for Sun Protection, Medium (28 in x 31 in)

This car sunshade has flexible edges to allow for easy setup and storage by simply twisting the two shades and placing them in the pouch.

Best for Side Windows: Kinder Fluff Car Window Sunshades

Set of four rectangular sunshades on a large window with a grassy yard in the background.

This product from Kinder Fluff is beneficial for those traveling with children or sensitive passengers. Purchase of the product comes with four sunshades, two of which offer transparent protection and while the remaining two offer semitransparent coverage. The sunshades are UV-blocking certified, so you can be sure you are getting the best coverage to protect you and your precious cargo. The sunshades are conveniently designed for overlapping to allow you to find the best fit for your car’s windows. The unique static effect created by the thick film of the sunshades makes them adhere to your window without the use of suction cups or buckles.

Best for Side Windows

kinder Fluff Car Window Shade (4Pack)-The Only Certified Car Window Sun Shade for Baby Proven to Block 99.95% UVR - Mom's Choice Gold Award Winning -Car Window Shade for Baby- Car Seat Sun Protection

This four-pack of mixed-transparency sunshades blocks up to 99% of UV rays to provide a high level of protection for your side windows.

Most Unique Design: Gven Funny Eyes Windshield Sunshade

A folded sunshade that features two large cartoon eyes.

If you want a car sunshade that is sure to turn heads, this option from Gven is the product for you. The quirky design of the sunshade is not only fun and unique but also provides next-level protection against the sun’s harmful rays. The product’s material is three times thicker than standard sunshades, creating a sunshade with both curb appeal and premium functionality. When you are ready to start driving, there is a convenient storage bag for easy transportation.

Most Unique Design

Gven Windshield Sun Shade, Car Sun Shade for Front Window Funny Car Eyes Sunshades Sun Visor Protector Blocks UV Rays Foldable 210T Keep Your Vehicle Cool (Eyes-Black, Large)

This quirky car sunshade is fun and functional as it offers a high level of sun protection and gives your car a distinguishable look.

Best Retractable Sunshade: Manelord Retractable Car Sunshade

A rectangular sunshade that retracts into a black pole.

Retractable car sunshades are great for those situations where the sun is relentless and obstructs your vision while traveling. The convenient two-pack of sunshades will help passengers stay shaded and cool on both sides of the car as they freely adjust the self-retracting shade according to the sun’s placement in the sky. The sunshades are versatile and can fit most vehicle’s windows and they have an easy installation design to make the setup process a breeze. With just two suction cups and some Velcro, this sunshade is ready to filter the sun’s rays through 80 GSM mesh.

Best Retractable Sunshade

Manelord Sun Shade - 2Pcs Car Window Shade for Car Windows or Home Windows, Retractable Car Sun Shade for Blocking Sun Glare and Heat, Suitable for Car, Room, House and Office Window

These sunshades are conveniently retractable to allow passengers to create the ideal level of sun protection for their window.

Ellie Miller Ellie Miller
Ellie Miller is a full-time copy editor and writer for LifeSavvy’s articles. With years of experience in substantive and copy editing, proofreading, and publishing, she has edited thousands of online articles, as well as memoirs, scientific essays, book chapters, and workplace training documents. She hopes you’ll find some new favorite products here on LifeSavvy like she has. Read Full Bio »
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