Are you thinking of buying either Lexus or Toyota? You want your car to have less noise. Now you may be looking for an answer to the question Is Lexus quieter than Toyota?
For your kind information, yes, of course, Lexus cars are generally quieter than Toyota. Quietness is an attribute signature of Lexus.
There are several reasons for this. The batting material near the wheels is notable among these, which almost looks felt. Also, it has several other great features that help it to be less noisy.
Today we will know why Lexus is less noisy than other non-luxury cars, especially Toyota. Also, I will share with you some tips on how to reduce car sounds or noise.
Is Lexus Quieter Than Toyota
Too much noise is bad for the environment and the mind. It’s never desirable while you’re driving, especially when you’re in an extended jam. And you don’t get tranquility or quietness except for a Lexus (Lexus ES). But do you know why Lexus is so quieter?
So, let’s find out all the possible reasons why the Lexus vehicles are quieter than Toyota.
Thicker Glass Panel
I would place the Lexus ES generation at the top of my list of quiet cars. Why? The most mentionable reason is Lexus car features a thicker glass panel (almost 10mm, whereas other automotive cars use 4-6mm) or double-paned glass. What’s the advantage of having this glass?
Luckily, it dampening the road noise or harsh sound from the tire. You experience much quieter feelings when driving on or at highway speeds.
Among the luxury cars, Lexus ES offers thicker glass panels than Toyota Camry and a luxury sedan. It is why you find more tranquility if you own a luxury car like Lexus.
Better Insulating or Soundproof Materials
Lexus models like Lexus GS have considered midsize luxury cars the quietest option, especially when driving at high speeds. However, Lexus ES uses insulating materials to dampen road noise levels for a comfortable ride.
The additional sound insulation (deadening) features significantly modify the suspension system and transmission instruments compared to the Toyota Camry.
The cargo area of Luxury cars is narrower than midsize SUVs and Sedans. Fortunately, Lexus cars have engine compartment insulation to prevent engine noise. In addition, Soundproofing or sound insulation feature work as an engine noise reduction.
Tight Panel Gaps
Lexus ES comes with high-end interior components and tighter panel gaps than Toyota models. As a result, the unnecessary noise is stuck at a point and keeps the unwanted noise away.
This way, it can reduce noise coming from outside. If you have a Lexus RX model, you will be benefited more from that. Note the glass reduces wind noise coming from outside.
Noise-free or Good Muffler System
Louder Exhaust systems or mufflers produce unnecessary noise during engine start. Luckily, Lexus overcomes this problem by creating a top-class performance exhaust system. Mufflers eliminate the noise waves in two ways: absorption and reflection.
An incorporated noise absorption material in the exhaust pipe hears insulator absorbs noise. Also, it eliminates the engine’s loudness by lessening the sound pressure. Indeed, the critical aspect of the muffler system is that it dampens the sound and combines the waves to cancel.
Felt-like Batting Material Next to The Tire
Felt-like batting materials are another intriguing fact why the Lexus car quietness is unbeaten. Non-luxury cars, even often, some luxury cars do not come with these materials next to the wheel. As a result, when you turn the steering wheel, you will notice a growling and squealing noise.
Hybrid Technology of Lexus ES
Usually, luxury cars use less noise, vibration, and harshness levels to reduce unnecessary sounds throughout the vehicle.
Some Lexus models, like the Lexus LS series, are developed with an NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) technology to measure unpleasant sounds. Consequently, you’ll face the worst driving experience ever.
Active Noise Control (ANC) Features
In addition to its hybrid technology, European cars are equipped with active noise control. It helps to lessen unwanted road noise inside the passenger cabin more than a compact sedan or an SUV. There is hardly seen this feature on other brands, especially Toyota vehicles.
Also, the noise reduction headphone makes this journey easier to reduce road noise. Ultimately, this noise-cancelling technology lowers the wired road noise to provide a quiet and comfortable drive. It is why Lexus is considered a quiet car.
3 Times Thicker Windshield than Typical Glass
We’re only talking about the glass panel. But there is also a fantastic feature of this quiet car. The thickness of the windshield is satisfactory to prevent wind noise.
The windshield thickness is three times more than a typical car or similar all-wheel drive cars. Fortunately, you can replace the windshield for your new vehicle (Lexus), paying anywhere from $350 to $750.
High-end Metal
Using high-end metal like sheet metal or steel is one of the most impactful reasons these cars are less noisy. Also, this metal is known as a sandwich metal.
It is used as an extra layer after the insulating materials, which means ultra-absorbing. Perhaps, you can see double window glass on some Lexus cars.
Michelin Acoustic Technology-based Tire
Most Lexus cars use Michelin acoustic technology tires that resist vibration caused by the friction between the groove and the road. This tire reduces interior noise by around 20%.
Lists of the Quietest Cars between Lexus and Toyota
Both Lexus and Toyota are luxury cars with high-end features and technologies. But in terms of quietness, there are fewer comparable cars to compete with Lexus. Here is a table with the list of 7 quieter cars of Lexus and Toyota.
Models | Noise Level |
Lexus ES | 50dB |
Lexus LS | 58 dB |
Lexus RX | 68 dB |
Lexus CT | 70dB |
Toyota Innova | 62 dB |
Toyota Avalon | 60 dB |
5 Tips to Quiet Your Car for Better Driving
Lexus and Toyota cars are developed with lots of standard features that blow your mind. Among them, quietness is a tremendous feature of Lexus cars.
But what if you buy a vehicle with a harsh sound while driving? No worries. Here are some tips for converting your louder cars into the quietest cars.
Tip 1: Sound-deadening or DynaMat Works Well
Usually, cars produce different noises, including wind noise, road noise, engine noise, suspension noise, and exhaust noise.
The first way to reduce excessive vibration is by adding a DynaMat or sound-deadening mat. DynaMat has versatile use options, including home appliances, reduced engine vibration, outside traffic, etc.
Tip 2: Changing Tires
Another effective way to dampen road noise is by putting on new tires. When the tire’s circumferential groove or tread patterns get damaged, it produces a harsh sound.
Likewise, flat tires create more noise because of stiffer sidewalls. Therefore, you should replace the old tires with new ones.
Tip 3: Change the Exhaust System
Most noises in the cabin come from the road, wind, and vehicles. A quieter exhaust system, muffler, or tailpipe does a lot to quiet your car. But when it gets damaged, the noisier sound comes, which affects the ride. It is why changing the exhaust system will work.
Tip 4: Noise-reduction Weather Seals
Wind noise seems irritating sometimes when driving a car at a fast speed. But there is a handy dandy solution. If wind noise makes you feel unhappy, you can add weather stripping or seals on the door and window areas.
In addition, it works incredibly against whistling noise that comes from external mirrors. Just seal the lower drain spot with weather seals.
Tip 5: Keep the Engine Clean
Possibly the internal noise comes from the dirty engine. Inspect the machine to see whether it is messy or not. Clean the engine.
In addition, check the engine oil suitability. Over time, the engine produces noise because of using incompatible oil. If it happens, insert suitable oil to make it efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Luxury Cars have Quieter Cabins than Non-luxury Cars?
Most luxury cars have the same quiet features that make them calm. However, except for some older luxury cars, newer car noise levels are between 50 and 70 dB.
Also, luxury cars like Lexus use acoustic technology-based tires that prevent noise and vibration in the car cabin. On the other hand, non-luxury cars have a higher-level noise level. Consequently, they produce a little bit more noise than luxury vehicles.
- What Things Make the Lexus Cars Different from Other Cars?
The quietness level of the Lexus is higher for the outstanding rear wheelhouse liner. Hybrid transmission and high-end engines do a lot to reduce noise.
Also, fit the differential mount to the suspension equipped with a 4-point backing formation that reduces noise and vibration. Again, you can pad underneath the hood to absorb the noise.
- What Is the Quietest Lexus?
Lexus ES is the quietest car for its outstanding sound dampening, noise cancelling features, and different noise and vibration reduction covers. In addition, the noise level of the Lexus ES is only 50 dB. Therefore, this model is considered the quietest car ever.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t love going on a long drive? But imagine once you are driving a car and hear a lot of noise.
Then there will be more suffering instead of happiness. Besides looking out for quality, engine, and fuel-efficient vehicles, nowadays, most people prefer the quietest cars to feel relaxed.
After accumulating all the data on reasons why is Lexus quieter than Toyota, we can say Lexus is a clear winner in quietness.
Lexus cars have some sensational features, including noise absorbing and segregating formation, adopted hood sealing rubber, wheelhouse liner, etc. Hopefully, you understand why Lexus cars are quieter than Toyota.
About the author
Marcus Brown is editor-in-chief of The FatMech and is a mechanic with ten years' experience based in London, UK. Having worked for major dealerships for many years, Marcus now works for a local independent garage and has experience working on nearly every make and model of car. Marcus also has a passion for writing and teaching, which is where the idea for The FatMech came from. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys playing golf, doing home renovations and gardening. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.