We for the first time test drove the NX 350h on a stretch of highway going 60 to 70mph. I noticed an unusual wind noise - level and type. It was kind of a whooshing unsteady sound. More than I would have expected on such a car. I noticed that this car had a roof rack on it.

Have others experienced any significant wind noise on the NX? Think that the roof rack was the cause?

thanks for any feedback.

 

Just looking for assurance that the wind noise I heard was due to the roof rack... can anyone comment on wind noise levels without the roof rack installed, on the highway, with the NX?

 

I’ve has new NX loaners without roof racks, but wind noise, firewall noise and road noise - are all prominent.

Wind noise is mostly attributed to the tall height to short length ratio which heavily compresses the air.
A lower longer sleeker vehicle would cut through the air easier like the wings of an aircraft.
Wind noise is also caused by using thinner laminated glass.
The firewall and road noise is caused by limited sound insulation.

Using thicker glass together with more sound insulation material, and we have a heavier and more expensive vehicle like RX.
The ES has more sound insulation, but then it does not have the height.

 

Try driving with the sunroof open. The beating is pretty unbearable. We have a 2023 with the regular sunroof and it really isn't usable at highway speeds. Cracking the back window helps.