Deleted member 57
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- Joined
- Jul 4, 2025
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I purchased the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid Limited about three months ago and traded in my 2022 RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium to take advantage of the extra amenities. I've already driven the new car over 5,000 miles and have noticed several differences. I'm hoping to get some feedback from others who might be experiencing the same issues. (Please forgive my lack of knowledge about hybrids and engines.)
Engine Concerns:
I drive on the highways daily, and the engine always sounds like it's in high gear, never downshifting or settling down properly. When I barely touch the gas pedal to maintain speed, the engine revs up. Is this normal?
Additionally, I feel a jerking movement about 30 to 45 seconds after accelerating from a stop, and randomly on the highway as if the engine is shifting gears. Is this a common occurrence? The engine noise inside the cabin is quite loud, which is a significant difference from my 2022 model. The previous car offered a smooth ride, and I rarely heard engine noise unless I accelerated hard over a long distance.
The hybrid noise while driving 20-40 mph is a loud high pitch and whistling sound. The neighbors can hear me coming 5-6 house away. The reverse sound is quieter. Definately not the same sound as the 2022.
Cabin Noise:
The road and wind noise, in addition to the engine noises in the new model are overly intrusive, making driving quite uncomfortable. The car came with Dunlop tires, while the 2022 version had Michelin tires, which are much quieter. Even with all the windows rolled up and no AC or heat running, it sounds like one of the windows is cracked open. When I'm on the highway using the phone, people often ask if my window is down. I have to use noise-canceling headphones so the caller can hear me during long drives. To listen to the radio while driving on the highway, I have to turn the volume up to 40. Is this normal? I've attached a video to demonstrate how loud it is inside the cabin. Cabin Noise Link
Infotainment System:
Yesterday, while on a phone call (not on the highway), the infotainment system disconnected from Bluetooth. This has happened two other times over the past three months. This is the least of my concerns, just thought I would mention it.
The 2025 is a rougher ride. I regret entirely trading the 2022. Yes, there was wind noise, but it was not intrusive, and the ride was smooth and enjoyable.
I took the car to the dealer, of course, they could not find any problems. In addition, the service manager drove my car home and agreed he had heard everything I mentioned above. He says this is normal. He said he drove another hybrid that was on the lot and heard the same sounds. (I'm not 100% confident he did this, as this is the same service dealer that "forgot" to rotate my tires during service (thank goodness for chalk) and "forgot" to add the new wipers I paid for on the 2022.
Any thoughts, comments or ideas on how to reduce the cabin noise are greatly appreciated
Engine Concerns:
I drive on the highways daily, and the engine always sounds like it's in high gear, never downshifting or settling down properly. When I barely touch the gas pedal to maintain speed, the engine revs up. Is this normal?
Additionally, I feel a jerking movement about 30 to 45 seconds after accelerating from a stop, and randomly on the highway as if the engine is shifting gears. Is this a common occurrence? The engine noise inside the cabin is quite loud, which is a significant difference from my 2022 model. The previous car offered a smooth ride, and I rarely heard engine noise unless I accelerated hard over a long distance.
The hybrid noise while driving 20-40 mph is a loud high pitch and whistling sound. The neighbors can hear me coming 5-6 house away. The reverse sound is quieter. Definately not the same sound as the 2022.
Cabin Noise:
The road and wind noise, in addition to the engine noises in the new model are overly intrusive, making driving quite uncomfortable. The car came with Dunlop tires, while the 2022 version had Michelin tires, which are much quieter. Even with all the windows rolled up and no AC or heat running, it sounds like one of the windows is cracked open. When I'm on the highway using the phone, people often ask if my window is down. I have to use noise-canceling headphones so the caller can hear me during long drives. To listen to the radio while driving on the highway, I have to turn the volume up to 40. Is this normal? I've attached a video to demonstrate how loud it is inside the cabin. Cabin Noise Link
Infotainment System:
Yesterday, while on a phone call (not on the highway), the infotainment system disconnected from Bluetooth. This has happened two other times over the past three months. This is the least of my concerns, just thought I would mention it.
The 2025 is a rougher ride. I regret entirely trading the 2022. Yes, there was wind noise, but it was not intrusive, and the ride was smooth and enjoyable.
I took the car to the dealer, of course, they could not find any problems. In addition, the service manager drove my car home and agreed he had heard everything I mentioned above. He says this is normal. He said he drove another hybrid that was on the lot and heard the same sounds. (I'm not 100% confident he did this, as this is the same service dealer that "forgot" to rotate my tires during service (thank goodness for chalk) and "forgot" to add the new wipers I paid for on the 2022.
Any thoughts, comments or ideas on how to reduce the cabin noise are greatly appreciated