My 2016 Lexus CT200H seems to have more road noise than I have experienced from previous Lexus models I have owned (mainly RX series). Mainly from the front end.

Is this normal?

I'm thinking/hoping it is the new tires the dealer put on (Goodyear Eagle Sport), and that when they wear out a different tire selection may quieten the noise a bit.

Thanks,

John

 

I can't say that I experience any road noise in mine, but I'm not coming from a nicer car. It's probably the tires. Though, this is the cheapest Lexus ever made, so perhaps coming from a more expensive larger RX to the smaller cheaper CT would add a different in road noise too.

 

I really think the tires make a difference. My prior Lexus were always a RX or LS. Definitely less noise in them, but I know from my sports cars that tires make a big difference.

John

 

Tires make a huge difference on this car for noise infiltration. Overall, it's still relatively quiet car, but I had a set of Conti pro Contacts on and they were very noticeable. My winters were surprisingly quieter.

 

own both 06 rx400h and 2012 ct200. The ct is noisy. The front wheel bearings will growl if worn and there are no signs of them failing, it wear in the bearings in hub, they get growly. I replaced both my front hub bearings after i ruled out tires and alignment, driveshaft etc. The cv trans imo is audibly noisy. Two diff animals between models. 44mpg or 26. Mercedes like ride n feel or fancy prius. Ill take the ct over rx for work 50k miles yr but the rx is a nice ride. I would look into dynamat and add some soundproofing to ct front cabin and fix squeaky sunroof. Look into frost king hvac self adhesive duct insulation.

 

Not only the tires but the roads you are driving on. When people asked me about the over 6 years that I drove my old 99 RX300 in Mexico City, I tell them all about the roads. You either drove on nice ones that you paid a toll on or took the free roads, big difference.

That being said. I recently went with Nexen back in December and much quieter than the Falken and Bridgestone I tried previously and I have been on the same roads for over 15 years.

 

Back in 2018 or so, I took my CT200h in to the body shop to get fixed. At that time I thought it was loud and unrefined too. I rented a Camry for a month, and also a Nissan murano or something like that. After getting back into the CT, it was night and day. the CT felt quiet and smooth. I had a new appreciation for the CT. but then that wore off after a month. as you get used to things again. just appreciate what youve got and dont think too hard about it.

 

If i have a camel with fleas. I still appreciate the camel but dont like the bugs and wouldnt compare it to a mule. Haaa

 

I remember test drove a CT200h a couple of years ago my thought at the time was that it didn't have the same acoustic feel of my previous lexus vehicles..1 ES 300, 2 350's and 1 RX 350. I recently purchased a 2015 CT200h and the road noise is the same as the test drive that I remember. This one has 78,000 miles and additional noise from the front right side which I suspect will be the right front wheel bearing. Ive replaced the tires which somewhat reduced the road noise but the car simply does not contain the acoustical sound deading that other lexus models do. So I may begin to add that at some point in the near future. Looking into different supplies to do so.More to share on this later.

 

Tires definitely contribute to road noise.. however out of 3 lexus's the CT is by far the noisiest.... It's not econo-box noisy, but it's no where near what a normal lexus sounds like... Even my RCF is much quieter inside the cabin with a catback exhaust. It just feels different.

You can make the inside more manageable with sound deadening. And it's fairly easy to do. But the CT is not a "butter smooth/quiet" typical lexus... It does however handle really well and very flat through corners which is super nice.

-Nigel

 

I've spent more time in it and have come to accept the level of noise. It's not nearly as bad as a Prius, it was just much different than my prior Lexus vehicles, thus the question. I used to sound deaden cars "back in the day" for car stereo installations. Not sure I need to do it in the CT, but if I do I have plenty on hand to install in the car. I just simply love it so far. Such a fun little car and I love the look of it.

 

Ive spent a lot of time in the LS430/LS460 forums and even there guys complain about the noise floor. It's just part of being human I think. Lol. Who said "Comparison is the thief of joy."? Enjoy it for what it is man. Lexus continues to improve their vehicles, id imagine the UX250h's are quieter than the CT200h's.