Engine bay sound of Rav 4 XLE HEV

fishycomics · 2025-09-28T14:52:50-0400

This is my second topic here. I intro myself. If I am not clear, you may see my intro (Wink). My question is as follows: as I am reading through the Manual, I am not passed pg 111. So RTFM lol.

As I am learning the Rav 4, forgive me if I do not know the term ICE, PRIME.

Lets Say I-4, pages 70-70 no I-5 lol, I can not find the answer I am looking for of Sound or noise. so let me explain;

When in Economy mode traveling on a level road down the street, about 20-25mph, I get off the gas and stopping at the Stop sign as the car decelerates, I hear like a Air brake sound releasing pressure pSSHH!, about once or twice. at each stop.

This is my first Hybrid Just curious if this is the sound of the Hybrid, if the gas engine if is on shutting down, we do not hear it as we proceed off the stop and go.

thait is my question if a video is needed, it may be hard to do but something I will do and put a mic in the engine bay and find where the source is. to ease my mind

I would like to thank you if answering

Regards FISH

(spell checked)

Name taken · 2025-09-28T16:42:09-0400

I thinks it’s be the regenerative braking spooling up. I’m about deaf nowadays but 20 years ago I was radar on mash and could of told ya for sure.

FKHeath · 2025-09-28T19:04:52-0400

Yep, the hybrid can make some sounds that are different than a gas only vehicle. Mostly, they are sounds from the electric motors/generators.

ICE = internal combustion engine (the gas engine)
PRIME = plug in hybrid. You can plug it into a wall outlet to charge the battery
Some other acronyms you may come across on the forum:
OP = original poster the person that starts a thread, i.e. the first post in a thread
EV = electric vehicle (used to refer to the RAV4 when the gas engine is off and only the electric motors move the car)
HV = hybrid vehicle
MGx = Motor/Generator 1, 2, or R = rear

fishycomics · 2025-09-28T19:30:16-0400

thanks FKhealth appreciate the advice and support there, just the two had me there. For figuring the sound out would be. switching off Eco mode, and going directly to the ICE, and that will resolve the sound.

thanks again FISH

Mar Espejo · 2025-09-28T19:29:24-0400

Yes it sounds like a turbine winding down when stopping. When accelerating in EV it sounded like a golf cart, not that noticeable. It's normal.

fishycomics · 2025-09-28T20:19:15-0400

@Mar Espejo totally appreciate that, the book may not be 100% clear, and that is most likely it the way the Hybrid and Ice working. taking off , Personally I do not hear it at all just the stopping

Answered my question. appreciated all teh help guys

fishycomics · 2025-09-30T19:10:35-0400

so I wonder why no one mentions its also on the go Lol so its the Norm, thanks guys and gals, love the turbine sound less on take off but you got to listen for it

FKHeath · 2025-10-02T12:50:29-0400

What you heard then was probably the pedestrian alert sound, not the electric motors. Some people call it the "Choir of angels". All quiet (electric, hybrids, etc) vehicles are required to make a noise when moving to warn pedestrians.

fishycomics · 2025-10-02T15:17:12-0400

I understand the car speaker center of grill will make in Ev an medium audio sound, reverse a loud sound, and the engine has a turbine winding to a full stop, and take off, like noted I'll put a mic and camera in. (Wink) (smiles), for me its all new but I am not annoyed I thnk I'll think I'll get two more speakers one for park, and one for drive. Kidding, the noise does not bother me. thanks guys

Engine bay sound of Rav 4 XLE HEV

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities