Why is Lexus so loud inside the cabin?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Sacramento, CA
I was referring to the 04-06 RX330 vs 07-09 RX350 since the OP has the latter version. Lexus 'upgraded' the insulation in the 350 so it should provide quieter ride. I haven't been in the older RX330, but even the current 2010+ is not that insulated for a $50k vehicle. Hopefully the 4RX fixes this since I'm in line for one. 
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Yes, that's true to some extent (less isolation, firmer suspensions, more aggressive wheels/tires, etc...). But it also has to be taken in consideration with my earlier comments on different road surfaces today, what happens when you get the natural wear of rubber and sealing-materials over time and mileage, and the effects of colder weather. Even today's firmer-riding new Toyota and Lexus products are probably going to show some increase in road and wind noise, over time, from when they were brand-new....there's almost no way around it.
Last edited by mmarshall; Feb 11, 2015 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,252
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From: Sacramento, CA
Yes! I did the doors and when deciding on the placement of the sub my final decision to have it in place of the tire tray was not an accident. In addition to placing Hushmat & Ensolite back there along with the sub was to mute the road noise. Also having it be down firing sub and "corner loading" helped the overall sq. This helped achieve some of that but it's still pretty loud back there as the back passenger doors and the area of strut towers were not sound deadened.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Sacramento, CA
This is crazy. Just went over the concrete causeway leaving the city. The meter avg was 80 DB spiking at 82 DB. Now that I'm back on asphalt its bouncing around at a more "acceptable" 75 DB. I mean I can't make this up. Unreal.
Let's break it down. I have the following back there.
Sound deadener
Ccf Ensolite.
A sub woofer box that's 3/4" wood that measures 6"H x 21" L x 12" W. Next to it is 7" of ccf that hold the wine holder.
A 1-1/2" beauty shelf double padded over mdf.
The regular Lexus cargo flap.
Lexus carpet.
MLV all weather rubber mat.
After all that & it's still loud.
There is only so much attributed to tires. Maybe pour sand back there?
Let's break it down. I have the following back there.
Sound deadener
Ccf Ensolite.
A sub woofer box that's 3/4" wood that measures 6"H x 21" L x 12" W. Next to it is 7" of ccf that hold the wine holder.
A 1-1/2" beauty shelf double padded over mdf.
The regular Lexus cargo flap.
Lexus carpet.
MLV all weather rubber mat.
After all that & it's still loud.
There is only so much attributed to tires. Maybe pour sand back there?
Last edited by rxonmymind; Feb 11, 2015 at 11:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 4
From: Sacramento, CA
That's insane. 50k+ and the interior normal operating sonic signature should not have to make you listen to your music at 85 DB.
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Lexus Test Driver
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From: California
My mom's 2013 makes a lot of engine noise at all rpm's. It's not a quiet ride, but the noise from hers comes from the motor and not tires. She has the stock Michelins by the way. It's been known the latest RX is not quiet. I can't speak for your older model though, but perhaps the RX line has not been in tune with Lexus's quiet mantra for some time. Just guesses. I am convinced the redesigned model will be much quieter. In the meantime, you have a very nice SUV that delievers on many accounts. Try to get used to the noise and focus on the positives. It's a great vehicle.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
My mom's 2013 makes a lot of engine noise at all rpm's. It's not a quiet ride, but the noise from hers comes from the motor and not tires. She has the stock Michelins by the way. It's been known the latest RX is not quiet. I can't speak for your older model though, but perhaps the RX line has not been in tune with Lexus's quiet mantra for some time. Just guesses. I am convinced the redesigned model will be much quieter. In the meantime, you have a very nice SUV that delievers on many accounts. Try to get used to the noise and focus on the positives. It's a great vehicle.
Having a drove a 2013 and a 2004, 2007 RX models, I think the 04 -09 generation is pretty quiet. I get surprised in the current one that it's louder than expected, didn't find it much quieter than my 02 Pathfinder I had.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
In that area, there is a noticeable difference between today's Lexus products and those of, say, 10-15 years ago. Not that today's Lexus products are loud by any means (actually, they are not).....but some of them seem to lack the tomb-silence of what we saw in the past. Having owned a 1Gen IS myself, I notice it the most in today's 3Gen IS.
Last edited by mmarshall; Feb 12, 2015 at 03:07 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The CT, of course, is loud at least partly from its small wheel wells (not much room for insulation/inner-liners) and small body size also not having much room for added insulation, though Buick proved with the Verano that a small car can be quiet. Also, one sits quite close to the ground in a CT....close to the source of road noise. I said, when I first reviewed a CT, that, although its NuLuxe upholstery was fabulous (better, IMO, than some real leathers), IMHO it was actually more of a Toyota than a Lexus.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: California
I'm not saying this is definitely the case with your mom's RX, but there are several things that can cause unwanted engine noise. Generally, the colder it is outside, the louder the idle and cold-acceleration until the engine warms up. Are you certain that they are using the correct recommended-grade oil where and when it gets oil-changes?.....improper-viscosity oil will sometimes not provide proper lubrication. Is the underhood insulation pad securely attached and in good condition? And are there any check-engine lights or codes active?...bad sensors can sometimes make an engine run with noise and vibration.