Purchased a CPO 2024 RX350 Luxury from local dealer several weeks ago. Dropped it off for follow up on a possible remote start issue. The loaner was a base RX350. I was struck by how much quieter and smoother the loaner was compared to my car. Mine is louder with a Growly sort of character. Mentioned this to the tech and there was a somewhat vague response that was essentially that the loaner I was in was almost new and that somehow might be the reason mine was louder. I would have expected that the luxury trim would be more quiet, not less, compared to a base car.
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Any thoughts on what to look for here?

thanks.

thanks.

 

Mine is definitely louder than new. Seems to have a throaty guttural exhaust note (not engine, it just rattles) when accelerating while in higher gears (3 or 4), almost like it's lugging a bit. Heck, it may be...

 

Look to see if your simulated engine noise is on or off?
Tho' that is usually mostly noticeable at higher RPM ranges.

 

I’m pretty sure the simulated engine thing is only on F-Sport trims.

 

I believe 2025 introduced extra sound deadening materials.

 

Just did some research. You are correct. That would make sense. The loaner was a 2026 model.

Thanks!

 

AFAIK only the RX500h pumps in engine sounds through the sound system.

 

The RX350 definitely does something with engine noise because mine is malfunctioning. Its almost like holding a microphone next to a speaker and getting that screechy feedback, but with engine noise getting louder and louder until it catches itself and stops. Done it since the day I got it, pretty spot on at 66-68mph in 8th gear. Haven't brought it to a dealer because I'm fairly certain that's going to be a gigantic waste of time, and I've gotten used to the annoyance.

 

I'd tell the dealer since I never hear fake engine noises in my RX350.

 

I'd guess it's malfunctioning Active Noise Canceling. ANC is supposed to push an out-of-phase sound through the speakers to reduce noise. If it is somehow delayed, you would hear it though.

 

That was my guess too. I went in with a couple apps and tried to turn off any fake sounds or noise cancellation, but I didn't find any. Next step would be to dig deep with Techstream, if I ever found anybody with that software nearby.

 

In my case, I’ve run a bottle of Techron through and I think it it seems a bit smoother. The extra insulation in the mid 2025 on cars explains the rest of the difference between mine and the loaner. That and the fact I’m coming from an LS430 with the super smooth V8. In. Said goodbye to that one this week - I like my RX but I’m also going to miss the LS.