SUVs are bigger and more powerful, which is probably why you want one in the first place. Still, plenty of SUV buyers can do without all the excess noise. But are there quiet SUVs on the market?
Yes, there are, and some are quieter than others.
Five of the quietest 2021 SUVs in Australia include the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru XV, and the Toyota Kluger.
In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the five quietest SUVs in Australia. Besides that, we’ll also look at why SUVs are generally louder than other cars and what you can do to reduce the noise.
Why Are SUVs Louder Than Sedans?
Before we explore our top picks for the quietest SUVs in 2021, we have one more important question to ask first. Why are SUVs louder than smaller vehicles like sedans?
Well, as you might already know, cars experience three types of noises:
- Noise from the road
- Noise from the engine
- Noise from the wind
Types of Car Noises
When you sit in the cabin of an SUV, all three of those noise types are much stronger than in smaller types of vehicles.
Road noise
For starters, SUVs generally have larger wheels and tyres, generating more friction and noise at the road level. Also, remember that road noise is related to how fast you typically drive. So, if you go faster, you'll get more noise – it’s as simple as that.
Engine noise
Next, these vehicles also have larger and more powerful engines than sedans or compact cars. Bigger engines make more noise.
Wind noise
Lastly, SUVs are larger overall, and that means the wind creates more friction as it blows around a vehicle flying down a highway, for example.
As you can see, SUVs experience more of all three types of noises, which is why they're louder to begin with.
Thankfully, carmakers and their engineers are experts when it comes to the dynamics of car noise. That’s why a key selling point among competing SUV makers is how their model is quieter than the others.
What 2021 SUV Has the Quietest Cabin?
Let’s suppose you’re in the market for a new SUV in 2021, and your primary goal is to find the quietest one among them all. Well, in that case, we’ve got five of the quietest makes and models for you to consider in your search.
Remember: Whichever SUV model you choose, you’ll be the one driving every single day. So, if cabin noise is a concern, always test drive the vehicle and judge for yourself.
At any rate, here are five of the quietest SUVs you can find in Australia in 2021.
Top 5 Quiet SUV Models in Australia
Mazda CX-5
Let’s start with this compact crossover by Mazda. The CX-5 is a five-seater that’s available in petrol (2.0L, 2.5L) and diesel (2.2L) engines, and it’s currently in its 2nd generation. Transmission-wise, it comes in a 6-speed manual or auto, whichever you prefer.
Taking the Mazda CX-5 Maxx version as an example, the car boasts a maximum output of 115 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. It has the power you’d expect from an SUV of this size.
Still, this model has a solid reputation for being one of the quietest models in its class.
Toyota RAV4
We’ve got two Toyota models on this list, and we’re starting with the RAV4. This nameplate has been around for a long time, but the 2021 version has earned itself a reputation for offering a quiet cabin experience.
Now, not everyone is going to agree with this pick. Sure, the RAV4 isn’t the quietest one among the others on this list. Still, for those wanting less about cabin noise, this model makes for a viable option.
Using the GX 2-wheel drive version as an example, you can expect a maximum output of 127 kW of power and 207 Nm of torque. All of this, coming from the 2.0L engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda CR-V
Honda earns a spot on this list with its ever-popular CR-V. Aside from being a highly reliable vehicle, the car is also known for being a pretty quiet SUV regardless of which version you buy. There is one exception, though: the car isn’t so quiet when you’re accelerating hard.
Besides that, you can expect plenty of comfort driving this car around.
Using the 2021 model, specifically the 50 Years Edition, we're looking at a car that outputs 140 kW and 240 Nm of torque.
Subaru XV
Next up, we have the Subaru XV (a.k.a. The ‘CrossTrek’ in other parts of the world). This car is only in its second generation and comes with plenty of different options.
Looking at the 2.0L AWD model as a reference, you can expect a maximum power output of 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque.
Still, what makes this model a quiet SUV compared to previous versions is that the manufacturer has chosen better components for the suspension system. As a result, the cabin enjoys a much quieter and more comfortable ride overall.
Toyota Kluger
Last but not least, we have the second Toyota to grace this list, namely the Toyota Kluger. This car is a midsize crossover SUV that promises a quiet ride despite the power that it packs.
Using the GX (4x2) model as a reference, this quiet SUV has a maximum power output of 218 kW and 350 Nm of torque. As you can see, it's got more to offer in terms of outputs compared to the rest of the cars on this list.
How Can I Make My SUV Quieter?
When shopping for an SUV, the chances are high that you’ll be selecting one based on more than just how quiet the cabin is while driving. So, let’s say you pick one that’s still a little too noisy by your choice. Is there anything you can do to make yourself a quiet SUV?
The answer is yes. Remember: the noise you hear in the cabin comes from three places, i.e., the road, the air, and the engine.
One quick way to reduce noise, at least from the road, is to invest in quiet SUV Tyres. Yes, there are plenty of other methods to reduce noise, but you can start by investing in quieter tyres, and you'll reduce a significant portion of the noise.
Are you looking for tips and gear to turn your ride into a quiet SUV? Check out the Marketplace and Parts Finder at Carpart.com.au to get what you need!
By Ray Hasbollah