When it comes to choosing a new vehicle, many buyers prioritize a comfortable and quiet cabin environment. This is especially true for those considering a small SUV, as these vehicles often strike a balance between practicality and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five quietest small SUVs on the market, highlighting their noise-canceling features and overall specifications.
| SUV Model | Starting Price | Key Specifications | Interior Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | $25,900 | 2.5L I4 (187 hp) or 2.5L Turbo I4 (256 hp), 25/31 mpg, 30.9 cu.ft. cargo | 65 decibels |
| Hyundai Tucson | $25,800 | 2.5L I4 (187 hp) or 1.6L Turbo I4 (180 hp), 26/33 mpg, 38.7 cu.ft. cargo | 66 decibels |
| Honda CR-V | $27,500 | 1.5L Turbo I4 (190 hp) or 2.0L I4 Hybrid (212 hp), 28/34 mpg, 39.2 cu.ft. cargo | 64 decibels |
| Subaru Forester | $25,495 | 2.5L I4 (182 hp) or 2.5L I4 Hybrid (148 hp), 26/33 mpg, 28.9 cu.ft. cargo | 67 decibels |
| Kia Sportage | $24,090 | 2.5L I4 (187 hp) or 2.0L Turbo I4 (237 hp), 25/32 mpg, 39.6 cu.ft. cargo | 66 decibels |
Why Cabin Noise Matters Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand why cabin noise is a crucial factor to consider. Excessive noise levels can lead to fatigue, stress, and even hearing damage over time. Additionally, a quieter cabin enhances the overall driving experience, making it easier to converse with passengers or enjoy your favorite music or podcasts.
Top 5 Quietest Small SUVs
Mazda CX-5 (Starting price: $25,900)
The Mazda CX-5 is renowned for its exceptional noise insulation, thanks to its well-designed chassis and comprehensive sound-deadening materials. This compact SUV offers a refined and serene driving experience, even at highway speeds. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp) or 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (256 hp)
- Fuel economy: Up to 25 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Cargo space: 30.9 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
- Interior Noise Level: 65 decibels The Mazda CX-5 is renowned for its exceptional noise insulation
Hyundai Tucson (Starting price: $25,800)
The Hyundai Tucson boasts an impressively quiet cabin, courtesy of its advanced noise-canceling technology and strategic use of sound-absorbing materials. This compact SUV offers a comfortable and peaceful ride, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes or long road trips. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp) or 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (180 hp)
- Fuel economy: Up to 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- Cargo space: 38.7 cubic feet (with rear seats down)
- Interior Noise Level: 66 decibels The Hyundai Tucson boasts an impressively quiet cabin
Honda CR-V (Starting price: $27,500)
The Honda CR-V has long been praised for its well-insulated cabin, which effectively blocks out external noise and vibrations. This compact SUV offers a serene driving environment, even on rough roads or at high speeds. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (190 hp) or 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid (212 hp)
- Fuel economy: Up to 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
- Cargo space: 39.2 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
- Interior Noise Level: 64 decibels The Honda CR-V has long been praised for its well-insulated cabin
Subaru Forester (Starting price: $25,495)
The Subaru Forester stands out for its excellent noise insulation, thanks to its sturdy construction and strategic use of sound-dampening materials. This compact SUV offers a tranquil cabin environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful driving experience. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 hp) or 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid (148 hp)
- Fuel economy: Up to 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- Cargo space: 28.9 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
- Interior Noise Level: 67 decibels The Subaru Forester stands out for its excellent noise insulation
Kia Sportage (Starting price: $24,090)
The Kia Sportage impresses with its well-designed cabin, which effectively minimizes external noise intrusion. This compact SUV offers a serene and relaxing driving environment, even on busy city streets or highways. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp) or 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (237 hp)
- Fuel economy: Up to 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- Cargo space: 39.6 cubic feet (with rear seats down)
- Interior Noise Level: 66 decibels The Kia Sportage impresses with its well-designed cabin
Conclusion
For reference, interior noise levels below 70 decibels are considered very quiet for a vehicle cabin. The Honda CR-V tops the list with an impressively low 64-decibel reading, while the other models fall in the 65-67-decibel range.
These measurements highlight the superior sound insulation and noise-canceling technologies employed by these automakers, resulting in a truly serene and peaceful driving experience.
Also Read:
- The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid: The Best Flex Fuel SUV on the Market
- The 5 Best Volkswagen SUVs for 2024 – SuvExtreme
- Top 5 SUVs Without a CVT Transmission – SuvExtreme
- The Rise of CUV Cars: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to choosing a quiet and comfortable small SUV, the options listed above offer exceptional noise insulation and a serene driving experience. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, cargo space, or performance, these vehicles cater to a wide range of preferences while providing a peaceful cabin environment. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and budget, but any of these top five contenders are sure to deliver a truly serene driving experience.
