Noise?

I would venture MUCH improved. Cabin noise at highway speed is still a function of tires and road roughness, but wind noise is reduced considerably (so subjective). There are design improvements in body panels and more vortex generators positioned around the body that help. My audio system, stock JBL, is simply wonderful. If I were you, rent one or take one for a test drive and see for yourself.

 

I agree with @AzWxGuy. It's not a luxury vehicle, but it's way way way better than the previous generation. More controlled and comfortable ride, too.

 

I find it louder than a Corolla or a Civic, say, but very tolerable. The ride is very good, and was one of the things that sold us on the Prius. Better than a Chevy Bolt FWIW.

 

The thing I notice - and it's been commented on previously - because the drivetrain is quiet most of the time, things like road-noise and tyres seem to show up as noisier - but it's relative apparently. I haven't seen it measured with a dB level meter though.

 

I own a 2014 civic also , I'd say the noise is comparable. However tires can make a difference, my civic is running on Michelin Premier A/s and my prius are running on stock Toyo nano energy.

 

I have the stock Toyo Nano Energy also, and their not particularly noisy. We'll see how that holds after baking in our summer heat. I'm accustomed to Goodyear ComforTred which is an exceptionally quiet tire.

 

I have a 2021 XLE , my first Prius. I find the road noise unappealing. Can't seem to get a consistent answer as to what it is. Tires? lack of insulation? , likely both. It's annoying to me especially given the general quietness of the car especially when in electric mode.

 

Bought a 10 brand new and still have it, and bought a 17 brand new and love it. Much improved in almost all categories, including sight lines. Maybe it's just me, but the 17 drives like it is 500 lbs lighter instead of 50 lbs. Way more bells and whistles, and mileage is much better also. The noise of either doesn't bother me.

 

It is indeed a loud vehicle. Essentially Toyota minimized all sound insulation to reduce weight. If you search around these forums, you’ll see what various people have done in terms of adding insulation. Frankly, I think the effort isn’t worth it.

however, did you not test drive the vehicle? Road noise is something that is easily discerned with even a casual test drive over a variety of different road surfaces at a variety of different speeds.

 

Tyres. Look at the db values on blackcircles.com

 

Just picked up a '21 XLE, and I'd say the car is quiet and comfortable. I'm not seeing how the car is "noisy" tbh, but everyone is different. If anything, driving this car is a very calming experience and puts me in chill / cruise mode right away.

 

It is sort of subjective, but I think my '21 is quieter than my '11. The ICE makes a little more noise if you really step on it. I don't have any measurements, but just comparing entertainment center volume levels (not scientific AT ALL) my usual choice of volume level is consistently lower than what I used in either my '11 or '08 if memory serves. I test drove my car before purchase and it was much quieter on the lousy Tucson streets.

 

The two situations I find it to be loud are on the highway going >80 mph, and in any type of rain. The first time we drove while raining, I thought there was bad drainage on the road, because it sounded like other cars I’ve owned when driving through standing water. There appears to be little sound insulation around the wheel wells.

not complaining mind you.

 

Just curious for the >80 mph speed noise, what tires are you on? I'm on the OEM Dunlops, and even at 80+ it's pretty much the same noise. Rain I've got to try yet, and also see that tiny rear wiper do its job : )

 

it’s the OEM tires... I think Ecopias? Not so much road noise at that speed as wind noise..

 

Also that tiny wiper... there are a lot of Priuses in Seattle, and sometimes I feel I’m the only one who uses the rear wiper!

 

The rear wiper - is about as effective as most - ie, not much. Its better than none. At Motorway speed, the screen stays fairly dry.

 

No complaints about the rear wiper. It clears the glass where I can see directly behind me, and I really like the alignment of the parked position parallel to wind flow.