What SUV has the least road noise? (most quiet 2023)

suv with least road noise

Sound isolation is one of the most important aspects of a luxury SUV. It’s hard to imagine a luxury car that does not benefit from extensive use of sound-deadening materials or double-glazed windows. Moreover, most newer SUVs are designed more aerodynamically to further reduce noise.

 Compact SUVs with the least road noise in 2023

The quietest compact SUV title is being contested by the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Porsche Macan. But you can get a quiet compact SUV experience even if you opt for more affordable options like the Mazda CX-5, Chevy Equinox, or the Honda CR-V.

If you want both a compact SUV and a comfortable ride the above is for you. 

Get a mid-sized SUV with the quietest ride

If you want your mid-sized SUV to be as quiet as possible, you might want to check out the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne, or the BMW X5. Even though you can source out more affordable SUVs that are indeed quiet, they can not match the levels of serene auditory blankness these executive SUVs do.

The quietest and smoothest Full-size SUV

Full-size SUVs on the other hand should prioritize comfort, luxury, style, technology, and quietness. And no one does it better than the Rolls Royce Cullinan. But if you want a more affordable option, the Kia Telluride offers a fairly quiet experience. In the executive segment, the Range Rover, BMW X7, and the Mercedes GLS are the quietest of the bunch.

Quietest compact SUV

The Compact SUV segment is becoming one of the most popular car segments in existence, and it’s rather obvious as to why so many car manufacturers just keep on pumping compact SUVs. And with such fierce competition, there are loads of amazing options to choose from.

But the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Porsche Macan, and the Mercedes GLC are the most refined compact SUVs on sale. As a great all arounder, an SUV that can drive dynamically and comfortably at just a press of a button, the Audi Q5 seems like a perfect middle ground between sport and comfort.

It’s more or less the same story with the XC60 even though the Swede is not as refined as the Q5. The BMW X3 and the Porsche Macan are your sporty picks of the bunch and there are certain times when you do sense an increased level of noise penetrating the cabin.

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And finally, the Mercedes GLC is set out to achieve the highest levels of comfort and luxury, and even though luxury is more or less the same as all the rest of the executive compact SUV segment, the comfort levels are indeed high, and the GLC is likely the quietest compact SUV on sale.

Quietest mid-size SUV

If you decide to upgrade from a compact SUV to a mid-size SUV, you are looking at a steady bump in price, build quality, space, power, and most important luxury and comfort. The Volvo XC90 is an incredibly popular choice for elderly people as it offers an extremely quiet cabin and engine combo.

The Audi Q7 on the other hand is even larger than the XC90, and if you opt for a diesel engine, you are not going to hear the engine as you do in a diesel XC90. Audi’s 3.0L diesel can only be heard on startup on colder mornings.

The Mercedes GLE and the BMW X5 are positioned a bit differently. The X5 offers a sportier edge, a more engaging drive which can sometimes be seen like the whole experience is just a little bit less refined. It’s mostly a thing of preference, but the GLE does seem like a more serene experience.

All of these mid-size SUVs are extremely quiet. They can be optioned out will double glazed windows, dedicated tires that reduce tire noise, and all of these can change their height so they can adapt a perfect aero profile that is optimal for noise reduction.

Quietest full-size SUVs

Whether you have a large family, or you just want the best SUV experience out there, a full-size SUV is bound to make you feel like the king of the road. And thankfully, the options here are plentiful and they range from relatively affordable to eye-wateringly expensive.

Starting from the bottom, the Kia Telluride. While some might deny the luxury aspect, it’s 100% true that the Telluride punches way above its limit and that the levels of comfort and quietness are indeed impressive. But the Telluride does fall short when compared to the Merc GLS, BMW X7, and the Range Rover.

Read more about if BMW X7 is a great car and the problems that BMW X7 has.

The Range Rover wins here as it does offer the quietest experience, even though the top-of-the-line Maybach and Alpina versions of the GLS and the X7 are even more comfortable and quiet. But the undisputed king of all full-size SUVs is the one and only Rolls Royce Cullinan.

It’s really hard to talk about comfort and luxury without mentioning Rolls Royce as this Goodwood England brand has long been known to produce the quietest and most serene post-opulent luxury vehicles on the planet.

FAQ Section

Are sedans quieter than SUVs?

More often than not you will encounter a sedan being quieter than an SUV. It’s just the fact that a sedan sits lower to the ground which makes it easier to be more slippery and thus quieter. But some high-end SUVs try to negate that with extended use of sound deadening.

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It all boils down to the segment in question because a $200k SUV is most definitely going t offer you a more upscale experience compared to a $100k sedan. And the noise levels and the sophistication of the stereo system are also likely to scale up with the price of the car in question.

What coupe SUV has the least road noise?

This title is being contested by the Lamborgini Urus, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, BMW X6, and the Mercedes GLE Coupe. And the quietest coupe SUV of them all is the Audi A8 as Audi purposely made the Q8 the opposite side of the spectrum when compared to its bigger brother – the Urus.

All of these aforementioned coupe SUVs are extremely quiet, and opting for one over the other is most definitely dependant on other aspects and not the quietness levels.

 What EV SUV has the least road noise?

EVs don’t have a running engine, so the entire experience is vastly more different. But even so, the Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, and the Audi e-Tron are the EV SUVs with the lowest amount of noise penetrating the cabin.

It’s worth mentioning that this segment is at its infancy and in a few years or so we are likely going to have 5 times as many EV SUVs as we do now.

What is the quietest subcompact SUV?

The quietest subcompact SUV on the market today is the 2021 Honda HR-V. This versatile vehicle boasts a cabin that is designed for sound dampening and an advanced noise-canceling system that absorbs road noise. Additionally, it has an aerodynamic design that helps reduce wind drag which further reduces noise levels.

It also features active noise control technology that uses microphones to detect, measure, and then cancel out unwanted outside sounds. The result is a cabin experience that is more peaceful and comfortable than ever. In terms of performance, the HR-V delivers great fuel economy with its 1.8L 4-cylinder engine while still providing enough power for everyday use. With its impressive combination of comfort, style, and performance, the Honda HR-V is the clear choice for anyone looking for a quiet subcompact SUV.

What is the quietest and smoothest riding small SUV?

The small SUV segment is becoming increasingly popular, as they offer the practicality of an SUV while not being too cumbersome to drive. Fortunately, there are a few options available that offer the smoothest and quietest ride. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid stands out as one of the best in this category, thanks to its low cabin noise levels and smooth suspension. It also boasts a variety of safety features, making it an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize comfort and safety. The Mazda CX-5 is another excellent option in this segment, as its low cabin noise levels and sporty suspension provide a comfortable ride.

Why do some cars make so much noise?

Some cars make so much noise because of a number of factors, such as poor quality parts, improper maintenance, and design flaws. For instance, if the engine is in need of a tune-up or repair, it can start to produce more noise than usual. Additionally, certain components may be worn out or not functioning properly, resulting in excessive loudness from the car.

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Likewise, some cars are simply designed with louder engines due to their higher performance capabilities. Finally, some vehicles may have loose screws or panels that rattle when driving at higher speeds, creating an unpleasant sound. All these issues should be addressed by a professional mechanic to ensure that the car runs smoothly and quietly again.

Why is my car so loud on the highway?

If your car is too loud on the highway, there are several possible causes. One reason could be that you have the wrong tires for your vehicle. If your tires are not designed to reduce road noise, then they will amplify the sound of the engine and road noise, making it louder inside the cabin.

Additionally, if your windows or doors are not properly sealed, then wind noise can enter the cabin and make the ride even noisier. Poor insulation in some parts of the car can also contribute to excessive noise levels while driving on highways. Finally, a failing exhaust system can cause a loud rumbling noise when driving at higher speeds. To solve this problem, you should inspect all components of your vehicle for any issues and replace defective parts with quality replacements.

Why are quiet cars good?

Quiet cars are good for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they reduce noise pollution that can generate stress and actually negatively impact people’s health. Secondly, they improve the overall driving experience, as the driver can concentrate better on the road and is able to enjoy the ride in peace. Finally, quiet cars are also beneficial to those living in densely populated areas, as it reduces sound disturbances which can be bothersome for neighbors. Furthermore, quieter cars tend to have lower emissions which helps protect the environment from air pollution. All these factors make quiet cars an excellent choice for anyone looking to drive in comfort and style with minimal disruption to their surroundings.

What is the most comfortable riding SUV?

Here are 8 of the most comfortable riding SUVs:

  • Mercedes-Benz GLE.
  • Mercedes-Benz GLB.
  • Audi Q5.
  • Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
  • Lincoln Corsair.
  • Genesis GV80.
  • Lincoln Aviator.
  • Volvo XC40.

8 Best Quiet Tires for SUV

  • Cooper Discoverer H/T.
  • Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 All-Season Tire.
  • Michelin Primacy MXV4.
  • Pirelli Cinturato P7.
  • Hankook Optimo H727, Dunlop Grandtrek AT20.
  • Bridgestone Turanza Serenity.
  • Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia.
  • Continental CrossContact LX20.

Video: THE BEST SUV CARS 2023 | From small to luxury SUVs

Looking for the quietest SUV 2022. This video takes a look at some of the best SUV cars in 2022. Both small and big.

Marko Mikulic

Why do you love writing about cars? I love writing about cars as cars are a huge personal interest of mine. I was raised in a car enthusiast community and ever since I was young, I always wanted to do car-related work.

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