My GS is AWD with double-pane windows in front. It's very quiet, compared to my last car. When I get new tires it should be better. What mods can be done to further reduce noise? Dual pane windows all-around?

 

You won't be able to get double paned glass for the rear. Do you find the car too loud?

The only other thing you can do is maybe have the interior dynamated...

 

I haven't owned an LS, but they say it's significantly quieter than the GS. I'm just wondering what they do for the LS that they don't do for the GS.

 

Probably more sound dampening material, thicker glass and padding. All this adds weight and cost which is why it is not on the GS.

 

what noise's do you hear? Your supposed to hear the engine roar.... The ES and LS are more "luxury rides" and therefore quieter.

 

My GS is just as quiet if not quieter than my previous ES's, including the new ones that I tested thoroughly before buying the GS. The main difference is engine sound, you get that roar from the engine on the GS at heavy throttle that you don't get from the ES or LS, and thats by design. The GS also has a more refined feel on the road than the ES, although the ES is more softly sprung.

The LS is quieter, but what really makes the LS feel so refined is the fact that everything has been engineered to take the edge off. You get a good bit of that in the GS, but thats whats missing in the ES IMHO is that heft and that refinement. The ES is a very good riding car, but it feels less expensive than the GS and LS if that makes sense.

I don't think its so much that they do anything to hide noise in the LS, its just that every part and function is designed to create as little noise as possible and to operate in as smooth and as fluid a way as possible. That translates into the feeling of a serene and quiet cabin.

The LS is a great car, my Dad had two. I don't really miss the extra refinement of the LS...until I drive one.

 

One area of noise is when the sun roof is open. The wind noise matches our Sienna, except the Sienna is pushing a lot of air out of the way. Our old Avalon was quite quiet when on the highway with the sunroof open at 140 kph (87 mph). It sounds like the thundering herd is on the roof when I do the same with the GS.

 

Sure...you're going to have noise when windows are open...

 

It's like any other mod. When is "good", good enough? I like quiet. The GS is quiet, but could be better.
The wheels & tires are good, but most of you want better.
For me, quiet is more important than new wheels. If you're aware of changes that can be done, I'd like to add them to my to-do list.