Question about hybrid/engine sounds

It stays on at speeds below 22 mph.

 

The US rule was finalized in 2022 so all Hybrids and, I assume, EVs have a similar sound. I notice it sometimes on my 2025 Camry.

When I had my 2017 Prius, coworkers would sometimes refer to it as my spaceship. LOL

 

It's better to have it on especially when you are backing up from a parking space; you want to make sure that other people can hear and notice you.

 

circumstances play into it. windows open/closed, inside vs out, near a wall the sound can reflect off of.
there may be a sound level setting, idk.

 

Cabin soundproofing varies by vehicle trim level. My 2025 Camry XLE supposedly has better soundproof glass in the front side windows compared to the base LE model. All I know is it is a quiet ride and, when driving slow, I can barely hear the sound. On my 2017 Prius two, it was quite noticeable. My wife commented the other day they heard me come home due to the sound from the Camry.

 

The difference in body types and placement of the noise maker is enough to make a difference.

 

What is the CCH?
Before US standards were finalized, the sounds were proven to make no difference in traffic fatalities.
On a personal note, I have a fairly large green 2000 Tundra V8. Whenever we go to Lowes parking lot, we need to especially watch for clueless people on phones walking out in front of our vehicle. It is not an especially quiet engine either.

 

The Corolla Cross Hybrid at up to 3433 lb is rated at (C/H/Comb) 45/38/42. My Camry XLE at up to 36oo lb is rates at (C/H/Comb) 48/47/47.
So, the CCH gets poorer economy than the larger Camry. I suspect there is a difference in ride quality & quietness too.

 

The Corolla Cross is only slightly better than the Rav4, and that is only in the city rating where the aerodynamics have little impact. Add AWD and the bigger wheels to the Prius, and it is still notably better.

Barring extra sound dampening in the Cross, I was thinking the Pruis being closer to the road surface means a stronger echo from under the car.

 

The pedestrian speaker sound is much louder in reverse than forward.

I would buy the Corolla Cross over a Prius as it is a better price by far and has more room. It is very close to my Prius v in size and utility and can be purchased at almost the same price I paid in 2011.

 

My son considered that but ended up with a RAV4 Prime which he thought was a better alternative for transporting his small dog crates.

 

Yes, everybody wants the Rav4 Prime but most dealers still get over msrp for the car, usually pushing the out the door well into the $60s.

Since it is a Prime it is made in Japan and is low volume. Toyota can make many standard hybrids with the lithium modules used in one Prime.

 

<y son drove put of state to get his 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE at list but they gave $2K over book value for his Prius V, saying they were in high demand.