Prius V excessive road noise

how long have you owned it? when did the noise increase?

new tires can be noisy

 

i guess excessive is subjective. i find all prius to be very noisy

 

That's the important question...when did you notice the change in the noise?

Changing to a different brands of tires can be the main cause of an increased or new road noise complaint, even though you are ruling this out.

Wind noise, engine noise, road pebbles hitting the undercarriage, rattles, a hum - what is the noise?

 

agreed, our hycam is so much quieter, smoother and more comfortable.

putting michelin energy savers helped with tire noise on my 2012, but the car is still a rattletrap, and there is little to no soundproofing

 

Ok there's a lead....dash panel removed and replaced.

That is a big job, there are some posts showing the procedure.
Maybe another question to ask is if the windshield was ever replaced?

If dash related wind noise, I would start by look at the dash ends/ sides near the door..
Inspect that all the seals, trim, clips/ bolts in place and secure
Then the rest may not be so easy to inspect.
For example, the cabin filter and its intake track.
For example the center console components/ area and its sealing to the floor/ chassis.

Maybe a trick, in a darkened garage, place some lights in the cabin, life the hood and look for a light leak/ source.
And vise a versa, place lights in engine compartment and look for light leak in the cabin.
Maybe a rubber plug is missing and there is a visible gap, maybe not.

I don't think there is any sound deadening on the dash pad.
Still, tires are a major source of road noise increase, I describe as a hum.
Mirror turbulence and air leaks from the windshield or doors are a major source of wind nice.

That's my two cents.
Good hunting.

 

I had the same issue and changed out all 4 tires to Michelin Pilot Sport which helped but not completely. After some research and listening, I changed the rear wheel bearing on the passenger side. Since then the car is whisper quiet. I am happy to share how I did it myself with a 115.00 part and 3 hours of work. It is easy to do if you have done any brake work in the past. If you live near Nashville TN I am happy to assist in person.

I almost forgot Before the bearing change I soundproofed the rear with deadening material. Easy to do.

 

congrats, well done!

 

In general the V is a very loud highway speed car. Sudden changes indicate something new but I see you found it.