Is interior noise a "feature" of RAV4?

Steve_K · 02-24-2012, 05:23 PM

Fellow RAV4 fans --

I was all set to replace my Honda Accord with a Base RAV4 with 4WD and V6 engine.

Then a couple of posters told me
the RAV4 is about as noisy as the Honda.

Road noise is the only thing I don't like about the otherwise terrific Honda. Maybe I'm getting soft, but road noise truly bothers me.

The Lexus RX 350 was recommended as a quiet car, but I'm just not a Lexus kind of guy. The RAV4 is exactly who I am. But it has to be near as quiet as my living room as I'm driving down the highway. Yes, the better to enjoy the radio or CD. (Please don't tell me to turn up the volume.)

So my question is: does the Limited RAV4 have better sound insulation for that higher price? I don't need the navigation system, the moonroof, the DVD player or any of that nonsense. Just quiet.

I wonder if Toyota could add "quiet" as an option. It wouldn't be hard to add it at the factory, right? I'd gladly pay an extra five hundred bucks for it.

Your thoughts, please.

RTexasF · 02-24-2012, 05:46 PM

Yes interior noise is a no extra charge feature regardless of the model. Base & Limited sound the same, we have both. If you want silence this ain't the car for you. Having said that I don't find it objectionable at all except on certain road surfaces and that has to do with the tires more than the vehicle. I traded an Accord in on the RAV.

Dr. Dyno · 02-24-2012, 05:49 PM

'Fraid you're barking up the wrong tree, Steve. I've had Accords since 1978 so I know what you mean. My RAV4 is a little quieter than my '06 Accord but not near a quiet as my '01 Forester was. For me the volume control on my JBL and the ponies under my right foot make the RAV4 a MUCH better vehicle.
But you'll never be satisfied with the noise of the RAV4. Try another brand, please.

seven_rav11 · 02-24-2012, 05:52 PM

I doubt that you will ever find a "quiet" vehicle around with the price range of a Rav4. If you really need the "quiet" one, I guess you would have to settle with the high-end cars, like the Lexus. I guess there is a reason for their high end brands.

RTexasF · 02-24-2012, 06:07 PM

You could always go this route. Add your own quiet as an option:

Soundproofing the entire RAV4- I'm going to take the plunge!

SeriousBlack · 02-24-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve_K

So my question is: does the Limited RAV4 have better sound insulation for that higher price? I don't need the navigation system, the moonroof, the DVD player or any of that nonsense. Just quiet.

Test drive one.

veliksam · 02-24-2012, 07:00 PM

I recommend a Mercedes S-Class if you don't want road noise, they have excellent soundproofing on the chassis and body panels as well as double glass on all windows.

RAV4Don · 02-24-2012, 07:05 PM

Speaking of test drives, I test drove a new BMW X3 with the 300hp optional engine yesterday. Day-em was I impressed with that thing! Not only was it quite, smooth (8-speed tranny), with luxury every, but it seemed at least as quick/fast as the V6 rav, even though it is heavier. Handling was superb. I fell in love with it, but came back to reality after reviewing the sticker price that exceeded $55k.

It did spoil my ride home in the RAV after driving that SAV, as they call it. The RAV seemed so raw and harsh after spending a few minutes in the luxo X3.

But back to the OP question, yes, these RAVs seem to be a bit on the noisy side. I don't like it. I agree with the post above that suggests that we need to be particularly careful when selecting replacement tires. Because with the scant insulation, the road noise is coming into the cabin, like it or not.

Dr. Dyno · 02-24-2012, 11:54 PM

Steve,
Obviously for enough money you can buy refrigerator quietness on wheels.
For something in the RAV4's price range I'd suggest a Forester. CU rates them up there with the CRV and RAV4 and I'm sure based on my experience they'd be much quieter. I don't really like the looks or lack of power but that might not be as important to you.
Fred

Violet West · 02-25-2012, 12:47 AM

(shrugs) I think my RAV is quieter by far than my previous vehicle. I suppose you could always get a noise-level meter (sure there's some fancy name for these) and bring it on test drives if it's a concern to you.

I just turn up the music.

02-24-2012, 05:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Steve_K Junior Member Country: Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Is interior noise a "feature" of RAV4? Fellow RAV4 fans -- I was all set to replace my Honda Accord with a Base RAV4 with 4WD and V6 engine. Then a couple of posters told me the RAV4 is about as noisy as the Honda. Road noise is the only thing I don't like about the otherwise terrific Honda. Maybe I'm getting soft, but road noise truly bothers me. The Lexus RX 350 was recommended as a quiet car, but I'm just not a Lexus kind of guy. The RAV4 is exactly who I am. But it has to be near as quiet as my living room as I'm driving down the highway. Yes, the better to enjoy the radio or CD. (Please don't tell me to turn up the volume.) So my question is: does the Limited RAV4 have better sound insulation for that higher price? I don't need the navigation system, the moonroof, the DVD player or any of that nonsense. Just quiet. I wonder if Toyota could add "quiet" as an option. It wouldn't be hard to add it at the factory, right? I'd gladly pay an extra five hundred bucks for it. Your thoughts, please.

02-24-2012, 05:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
RTexasF Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rio Grande Valley TX Posts: 5,395 Thanks: 31 Thanked 157 Times in 145 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes interior noise is a no extra charge feature regardless of the model. Base & Limited sound the same, we have both. If you want silence this ain't the car for you. Having said that I don't find it objectionable at all except on certain road surfaces and that has to do with the tires more than the vehicle. I traded an Accord in on the RAV. __________________ Old Bird......sometimes wise 2008 Base V-6 front wheel drive 2008 Limited V-6 front wheel drive Both with Tow Prep Package

02-24-2012, 05:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dr. Dyno Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,863 Thanks: 77 Thanked 133 Times in 128 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	'Fraid you're barking up the wrong tree, Steve. I've had Accords since 1978 so I know what you mean. My RAV4 is a little quieter than my '06 Accord but not near a quiet as my '01 Forester was. For me the volume control on my JBL and the ponies under my right foot make the RAV4 a MUCH better vehicle. But you'll never be satisfied with the noise of the RAV4. Try another brand, please. __________________ Fred __________________ 2006 RAV4 V6 4WD Red Limited 2006 Accord V6 Hybrid - quick as the RAV but +8 mpg 1999 F-250 4X4 Diesel - snow plow, Bully Dog chip 2001 F-250 4X4 Diesel - truck camper, TS chip, 20' bike/trike dyno trailer 2004 Suzuki DRZ-400S Dual Sport It's the pedal (or the handgrip) on the right!!

02-24-2012, 05:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
seven_rav11 Member Country: Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: CA Posts: 98 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I doubt that you will ever find a "quiet" vehicle around with the price range of a Rav4. If you really need the "quiet" one, I guess you would have to settle with the high-end cars, like the Lexus. I guess there is a reason for their high end brands. __________________ Rav4 2011 - I4/2wd ( Black )

02-24-2012, 06:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
RTexasF Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rio Grande Valley TX Posts: 5,395 Thanks: 31 Thanked 157 Times in 145 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You could always go this route. Add your own quiet as an option: Soundproofing the entire RAV4- I'm going to take the plunge! __________________ Old Bird......sometimes wise 2008 Base V-6 front wheel drive 2008 Limited V-6 front wheel drive Both with Tow Prep Package

02-24-2012, 07:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
veliksam Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Orlando Posts: 1,743 Thanks: 88 Thanked 89 Times in 81 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I recommend a Mercedes S-Class if you don't want road noise, they have excellent soundproofing on the chassis and body panels as well as double glass on all windows. __________________ -----2012 V6 Sport, Tow Prep, & 4x4----- HU: Pioneer AppRadio 2 & back-up cam, JDM HID Projector Headlights w/Toshiba D4S Bulbs, JDM Vanguard Tail Lights Front DRL's, LED Bumper Park/Brake lights, Red "SPORT" Theme Badges ------------------------------

02-24-2012, 07:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
RAV4Don Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: rural IL Posts: 2,420 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Speaking of test drives, I test drove a new BMW X3 with the 300hp optional engine yesterday. Day-em was I impressed with that thing! Not only was it quite, smooth (8-speed tranny), with luxury every, but it seemed at least as quick/fast as the V6 rav, even though it is heavier. Handling was superb. I fell in love with it, but came back to reality after reviewing the sticker price that exceeded $55k. It did spoil my ride home in the RAV after driving that SAV, as they call it. The RAV seemed so raw and harsh after spending a few minutes in the luxo X3. But back to the OP question, yes, these RAVs seem to be a bit on the noisy side. I don't like it. I agree with the post above that suggests that we need to be particularly careful when selecting replacement tires. Because with the scant insulation, the road noise is coming into the cabin, like it or not. __________________ 08 RAV4 Limited AWD V6 05 RAV4 S FWD 5spd -traded for 08 99 RX300 2012 Corvette ZR1 90 454 SS truck 425rwtq

02-24-2012, 11:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
Dr. Dyno Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,863 Thanks: 77 Thanked 133 Times in 128 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Steve, Obviously for enough money you can buy refrigerator quietness on wheels. For something in the RAV4's price range I'd suggest a Forester. CU rates them up there with the CRV and RAV4 and I'm sure based on my experience they'd be much quieter. I don't really like the looks or lack of power but that might not be as important to you. Fred

02-25-2012, 12:47 AM	#10 (permalink)
Violet West Senior Member Country: Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: La Frontera Posts: 444 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	(shrugs) I think my RAV is quieter by far than my previous vehicle. I suppose you could always get a noise-level meter (sure there's some fancy name for these) and bring it on test drives if it's a concern to you. I just turn up the music. __________________ White 2011 V6, base with upgrades.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
RAV4World.com Advertisement