I’m about to take a loss on my 2017 RAV4 because of the noise.

NYS4Evah · Jan 4, 2021

I know there are a lot of threads on noise. After lurking for a bit, I just wanted to tell someone who would understand. It has been a very upsetting chapter to take on debt for a car I’ve grown to hate. I spent over $1000 having Noico sound deadening put into all 5 doors and still ... it sounds like the windows are open.

I’m about to have $600 worth of new tires put on, but I am already regretting that purchase. I don’t think it will make much of a difference.

I loved this car when I first got it this summer, but the noise has just worn me down. I’m so sad over it I can’t tell you. I mean, I know, pandemic and all, and maybe this is a case of classic Freudian transference, but man, I am heartbroken. I should have never traded in my 2007 Honda CRV.

myang001 · Jan 5, 2021

RAV4 is a cheap built and noisy vehicle. Putting Noico material on four doors is not enough and has little improvement, I believe.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

That’s the decision I am facing. I did the doors and - sure - I think there was an improvement. Was it big? I don’t think so. Now, I am facing doing the floor of the interior and - mind you - I am paying to get this done. The nice you man who owns the auto body place I am using has been honest with me about my next phase. He said “I don’t think you’re going to be able to create the quiet experience you hope for. These things are a tin box.” Which is super honorable of him to say considering I was just going to keep paying him.

My candidates are an older Honda CRV - which may be only car going to be happy with at this point - OR a older Lexus RX. All the reliability of a Toyota with a superior passenger experiences the Lexus goal.

BUT, I need to keep my perspective. As upsetting as it is when I let myself obsess, I have my home and my health (for now) and losing a few thousand on a trade-in is to be chalked up to life experiences.

(Which to be honest is not the first time I’ve done it. Don’t get me started about our two past experiences with Subarus.)

arf · Jan 5, 2021

Maybe new tires will help with the noise

It is indeed a noisy vehicle but it should last you a long, long time.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

[QUOTE="arf, post: 2829713, member: 413666"
It is indeed a noisy vehicle but it should last you a long, long time.
[/QUOTE]

That, unfortunately, that is the future I want to avoid.

Ruthrj · Jan 5, 2021

Noico is probably half of the solution. I did Kilmat, but I also stuffed 1” thick denim insulation between the door panel and interior portion of all 5 doors on my ‘19. I also did the entire cargo area and it worked great.

cawrav4pa · Jan 6, 2021

I agree it is cheap and noisy, but I agree with your post. I did all 5 doors and the cargo floor as well. I did the cargo floor 1st and even that alone made a pretty big difference. Thanks for sharing all your pics online!

Silversn95 · Jan 5, 2021

Noise was one of the many issues I had with my '17 Rav. I traded it in on my Equinox as I ultimately hated driving the thing. If there is one benefit to buying a Toyota it appears to be resale value. I traded in the '17 Rav for an '18 Equinox and was only out $3500 or so. The Equinox had less miles on it and more standard equipment as well. Solved all my problems in one afternoon!
I owned the Rav for 13 months and have now had the Equinox for about 18 months. No question the Chevy is the better vehicle. In the year I owned the Rav I had at least a couple dozen complaints and issues with the worst being the transmission malfunction in cold weather. So far with the Equinox, not one issue. Plus the Chevy is much quieter, rides/handles better and gets exceptionally good fuel economy compared to the Rav.

arf · Jan 7, 2021

No doubt off the lot the Equinox is a more refined ride.

I do appreciate American made vehicles (have had several), but I wonder, in 10 years, which of the two will still be going strong?

joedaddy · Jan 5, 2021

I, too, hate the noise level on this thing.
My plan is to insulate the floors and change my 18 inch tires to 225/60/18 tires

AzRavGirl · Jan 8, 2021

I'm wondering if you might be able to educate me on the subject of tires. I am currently in the market for new tires for my '17 Rav4 Platinum. OEM size if 235/55/18. How does tire size affect noise, ride, fuel mileage, etc? Many hours of research has me leaning towards the Continental Cross Contact LX25 or the Continental Extreme Contact DWS06. Although all the Pirelli comments will now lead me to more research, too. What are pros & cons of a tire size different than OEM?

RTexasF · Jan 5, 2021

Tires can make a huge difference. The Pirelli Scorpions on my '08 Limited really cut down on the road/tire noise compared to the OEM tires.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

Funny you should say that because in my flurry of throwing money at the problem I just BOUGHT new Pirellis that were just delivered today. After many phone calls AND chats with Tire Rack, a local tire installer and Toyota (useless) I picked these for the quiet rating.

joedaddy · Jan 5, 2021

I recommend you buy an older Lexus. I really don’t think a RAV4 wheel ever come close. Honest opinion.

.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

thank you.You’re not the first person to say that I believe you are correct. I’m not likely to go do that right only because of the pandemic, but it gives me a few months to make sure I’m good this and it’s not a knee jerk reaction. We’re not really much going anywhere so I’m not racking up the miles.

Surge · Jan 5, 2021

I traded a 2007 Honda CRV in for a 2020 Rav4 XLE premium gas model. I was very happy with the Honda CRV and had no problems with it. But I thought it made a fair amount of noise when accelerating, and it took a long time to get up to highway speed. I did not get another due to the recent oil dilution problems and its boring jelly bean appearance.
The 2020 Rav4 XLE premium has about the same amount of noise when accelerating as the CRV, but it gets up to speed much faster. Once it is up to cruising speed I find it to be quieter than the CRV. And the seating much, much more comfortable with the softex faux leather. And I love all the safety features, and seating adjustments. My wife did not care for the CRV, but loves this Rav4.
I understand you are complaining about a lower end 2017 model Rav4, so its not the best comparison. But IMO, the newest generation of Rav4s are quite good regarding noise for a car model that is not luxury class. Hybrids and the Prime may be even quieter.
But to get something very quiet I suggest you try a used Lexus or other luxury vehicle.
And take it for a very long test drive.
Good luck.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

Surge said:
I traded a 2007 Honda CRV in for a 2020 Rav4 XLE premium gas model. I was very happy with the Honda CRV and had no problems with it. But I thought it made a fair amount of noise when accelerating, and it took a long time to get up to highway speed. I did not get another due to the recent oil dilution problems and its boring jelly bean appearance.
The 2020 Rav4 XLE premium has about the same amount of noise when accelerating as the CRV, but it gets up to speed much faster. Once it is up to cruising speed I find it to be quieter than the CRV. And the seating much, much more comfortable with the softex faux leather. And I love all the safety features, and seating adjustments. My wife did not care for the CRV, but loves this Rav4.
I understand you are complaining about a lower end 2017 model Rav4, so its not the best comparison. But IMO, the newest generation of Rav4s are quite good regarding noise for a car model that is not luxury class. Hybrids and the Prime may be even quieter.
But to get something very quiet I suggest you try a used Lexus or other luxury vehicle.
And take it for a very long test drive.
Good luck.

I’ve heard the 5th Gen is quieter, although I just saw a post on the 5th Gen board of someone in tears over the wind noise in their brand new vehicle, so 🤷‍♀️

I almost wish there was a car broker who could just HUNT to an older used Lexus for me. No dealer does that kind of thing.

Blogson · Jan 5, 2021

Theoretically and from a marketing standpoint the RAV4 is an SUV and by its nature (a large open box interior) and stiffer suspension is more prone to noise than would be an equivalent sedan, for example. Our '11 RAV4 V6 has some road noise but as an ex-truck and farm machinery driver it is not problematic for me and it has relatively quick acceleration.. My wife's '10 CR-V has much better seating and with its 4 cyl. engine and 5 speed trans. has acceptable but slower acceleration, and slightly more noise at highway speeds. Overall if one wants a comparatively cushy and quiet ride an SUV especially in this price range may not be the best vehicle.

Hopefully your new tires will help.

NYS4Evah · Jan 5, 2021

All I know is that our 2007 Honda CRV was much much quieter. Night and day.

Silversn95 · Jan 5, 2021

I drove a fifth gen, still noisy. Two different rentals, one a limited and my Equinox is quieter on the highway.
If you are looking for a quiet and smooth ride then you might want to consider a sedan or wagon. If AWD is a requirement there are a few out there that offer that combination. All SUV/CUV's ride a little stiff to make up for the raised CG.

RetiredGamer · Jan 5, 2021

All my past luxery cars costing 45 to 50k had sound deadening in the floor carpet. My landrover had a foam layer with the floor rug. I remember because i was installing a sound system in it and running cables. I believe the window glass was also thicker. Doors were more solid. You could hear it when you shut the door. You want luxery spend the money for it. Or buy good tires that have softer rubber and less noisy tread pattern. Pros and cons.

RavRoy · Jan 5, 2021

Sorry to hear your woes. Is it road noise? Wind noise? Engine noise? A combination of all three? Since you already spent money sound deadening your vehicle, gotta make the most of it. Those Pirellis should help with road noise. Curious, why you didn't go with the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTracks? I think they're rated quieter than the Pirellis. I would also spray AT-205 Reseal on the door/window seals to "recondition" them. I would even add another layer of weather stripping around the door frame. Maybe add thermozite to the back side of the wheel liners. Also, maybe remove the roof rails if you don't use them. Hopefully, these suggestions will make your cabin a little less quiet. In the future, I'd look at Lexus, Acura or even give the new Venza a test drive. =)

Silversn95 · Jan 5, 2021

I know with my '17 it was all three main sources, wind, road and powertrain but it was the wind noise that stood out the most. Toyota did not do a good job with noise isolation on that platform.

Robert70 · Jan 6, 2021

I've had a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and now 2020 RAV4 hybrid. I've noticed on both of them where the fender liner is, there's nothing but empty space. Perfect area for magnifying road noise! I installed sound-absorbing material between the plastic liner and the fender really helped cut down the noise and plan to do my RAV4 in the coming months! This is the material I use 3M Thinsulate SM600L. 3M Thinsulate (TM) SM600L Acoustic Thermal Automotive Insulation for van and car | eBay

Thandal · Jan 7, 2021

Don't have first-hand knowledge, but have read a (long) review by an owner about why he went for the Toyota "Venza" over either a RAV4 or a Lexus NX model. Noise suppression was a major factor!

NYS4Evah · Jan 7, 2021

Hello everyone! I wanted to circle back to say that my new Pirelli tires had ZERO effect. I will give it a couple more days, but I am 99% sure I’m returning to Tire Rack. Honestly, if I am to believe my decibel reader they may even be a 1 or 2 decibels louder on average than the Kuhmos I had. The RAV4 is only 5 decibels less than our Yaris. Three decibels is the lowest interval difference that can be discerned by the human ear.

I am not about to start another phase of car shopping and test driving during the pandemic, so I’m just going to see how it goes, but after I return the tires I would to turn my attention to the door wind noise again. I feel I can fix it will the right combo of weather stripping / gasket.

RavRoy · Jan 8, 2021

NYS4Evah said:
...my new Pirelli tires had ZERO effect.

What Pirellis did you go with so we know for future reference. Thanks.

MikeyK · Jan 7, 2021

We bought a 1999 New Rav4 which has now 5K miles and from the get-go I was really annoyed with the "Road noise" and I think it is caused by cheap tires which My expertise tells me it is road noise transmitted through the tires to the metals above them, just sayin'
.

m&m1951 · Jan 7, 2021

I have to chime in here and say I am puzzled with this conversation. I am on my third Rav(15 XLE), in the process of looking at 21 XLE Premium, and I cannot complain about any excess noise. No, it is not a Lexus or BMW, but I did not pay for that ride. They have been quiet enough to not be irritating, no problem listening to radio or talk on phone. Never any excessive wind noise. Over the years shopping, I found the Hondas to have more road noise. I have driven my daughter's GLA and found it no more pleasant than my current 15 Rav. FWIW.

Silversn95 · Jan 7, 2021

You must not have been spoiled by owning an actual quiet vehicle. Once you have one you don't want to go back. You would think it would require an expensive vehicle to be considered quiet but it is really about good design for noise isolation vs bad. It seems toyota doesn't bother with this at anything in their product line at the rav and below. Before my rav I owned a 2003 Taurus and then a 2006 Explorer. The Taurus was a quiet, comfortable ride and the Explorer took it to another level. I was actually pretty shocked how bad the rav was, and is compared to my current daily driver the 2018 equinox. Hell, even our Sonic is quieter than the rav! If gm can make a subcompact hatch with less NVH than a compact suv from toyota, well, someone is doing a better job than the other.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

strebors · Jan 7, 2021

add a sub and amp, turn it up

AbbateFL · Jan 8, 2021

I am on my third Rav4. My current 2016 SE is quieter than the first two but still noisy. A lot depends on the road surface and the type of tires. I put only about 5,000 on year on, so I have never had to change tires but, if I ever do, I would do some research on tire recommendation for noise. Consumer Reports would be a good place to start. It should help but, won't solve the problem. I put up with it because I have never had any problems with any of my Toyota's. My other car is a 2005 Tacoma. Same noise issue but dependable like nothing I have ever owned. Resale value is fantastic.
The dealer sent me one of those BS letters saying they would give me so much for my trade (2016 on my 2013). Of course, when I got there they tried to give me less. I told them their ad was deceptive because, if any Rav4 was worth what they said it was, mine surly would. Spotless and low miles. They finally relented and I bought my 2016 for just a few thousand more.

snarfdog · Jan 8, 2021

My 2020 XLE AWD isn't quiet, but not overly loud either. I installed an amp and upgraded the speakers and now I can't hear shit. Love my RAV!

RetiredGamer · Jan 12, 2021

Yup same thing. I cant enjoy driving as much without good bass.

scruzr1 · Jan 8, 2021

NYS4Evah said:
I know there are a lot of threads on noise.

I am still annoyed by the noise of my 2012 RAV4 V6, but I was really bothered by it in the first months after I bought it. I didn't notice it when I bought it. My noise problem was pretty dramatically reduced with better tires.
I went with Michelin Defender LTX in part because of the noise rating. They have proved to be long wearing and effective All Weather tires.

Eliot Ness · Jan 8, 2021

This is an interesting thread. In 2016 my wife was looking at a CRV or Rav4. We test drove the Rav before going to the Honda dealer. I actually thought the Rav was a bit quieter, but the wife decided on the CRV so we never went back to compare the Rav.

A couple of years later I bought a 2017 Camry and drove it for about two years. While I think the Camry was a little quieter, the CRV never really seemed excessive noise wise.

Fast forward to December 29 and I test drove a couple Rav4s (2018 & 2019). The next day I drove a couple more and bought a clean 2018 with 19k miles. I can honestly say I don't find the Rav to be noisier than my wife's CRV or my Camry. I've since discovered my Rav was built in Japan. I don't think that would make a difference, but maybe? Or perhaps I'm more noise tolerant, but I don't think so since I shop tires with noise level as a major criteria.

MegG17 · Jan 8, 2021

I’m sorry! It is disheartening to have a new car after a long time and have to put up with the noise. It’s so annoying and does ruin the enjoyment. I won’t buy another Toyota. They should know better.

395roaming · Jan 8, 2021

I’m about to take a loss on my 2017 RAV4 because of the noise.

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities