Do Honda Accords have a lot of road noise?
The Honda Accord typically delivers a quiet, comfortable cabin for a midsize sedan and is not generally known for excessive road noise. Most drivers report a hushed ride at highway speeds, with wind or tire hum more noticeable on rough pavement or when paired with sport-oriented tires.
To understand the nuance, it helps to look at what affects noise across generations, trims, and driving conditions. The following sections outline the main factors that influence cabin noise, how owner experiences can vary, and practical steps to reduce unwanted sound inside the car.
Factors that influence road noise in the Honda Accord
These are the main variables that can change how loud the cabin feels in everyday driving.
Tire size and wheel setup
Tire type, tread pattern, and wheel diameter have a big impact on road noise. Accords commonly ride on 18- or 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires on many trims, and larger wheels or sport-tuned tires can transmit more road texture into the cabin.
- Coarse or aggressive tread tires tend to hum more on rough pavement.
- Low-profile tires on large wheels usually increase tire noise at highway speeds.
- Tire choice can noticeably alter perceived cabin quietness without changing the car’s structure.
Conclusion: Tire choice and wheel size are often the loudest factors outside wind and engine noise, especially on imperfect roads.
Generation/trim and insulation features
Honda has progressively improved cabin insulation and aerodynamics over generations. Newer Accords generally offer quieter rides due to better sound-deadening materials, thicker glass, and refined seals, while some base trims may feel slightly noisier on rough roads.
- Higher trims may benefit from extra sound-damping materials and acoustic glazing improvements.
- Powertrain and exhaust design can influence perceived engine noise, particularly at higher revs.
Conclusion: Noise levels can vary by generation and trim, with newer, better-insulated models typically quieter in daily cruising.
Speed, wind, and road surface
Wind noise tends to rise with speed, and highway driving can reveal it more clearly. Road texture, expansion joints, and rough pavement amplify tire and chassis noise. In urban or suburban speeds, the noise level is usually subdued.
- Highway speeds accentuate wind and tire hum more than city driving.
- Rough or uneven surfaces increase vibrations and audible noise inside the cabin.
Conclusion: Driving conditions—speed, wind direction, and road quality—play a major role in how loud the ride feels.
How owners experience road noise by generation and tires
Real-world feedback generally supports a quiet cabin, with caveats tied to tire choice and road conditions. Some owners report more noticeable tire or wind noise on certain setups, especially with larger wheels and sport-focused tires.
- Most drivers find highway cruising to be peaceful, especially on newer models with enhanced insulation.
- Sport-oriented tires and larger wheels can introduce more road noise and hum on rough pavement.
- On imperfect roads, tire noise tends to be the primary source of cabin sound outside engine noise.
Conclusion: In routine use, road noise is not typically excessive, but it can rise with tire choice or on rough surfaces.
Practical tips to reduce road noise in your Accord
If you want a quieter ride, consider these options and checks.
- Choose tires marketed for comfort or low noise, and read reviews about their cabin quietness.
- Maintain proper tire inflation at the levels recommended by Honda; under- or over-inflation can increase noise and vibration.
- Keep wheels balanced and aligned to prevent rhythmic vibrations that can amplify road noise.
- Inspect door seals, window seals, and underbody/shielding for gaps or wear that may let wind or road noise into the cabin.
- Where appropriate and within warranty, consider additional sound-deadening upgrades or acoustic-inspired components offered by dealerships or reputable aftermarket suppliers.
Testing the car on the types of roads you drive most often is the best way to determine whether noise levels meet your expectations, and to tailor tire and setup choices accordingly.
Summary
Overall, the Honda Accord provides a commendably quiet cabin for a mainstream midsize sedan, especially at highway speeds. Road noise is generally well-controlled, but can creep up with certain tires, wheel sizes, or rough road surfaces. By selecting appropriate tires, maintaining proper tire pressures, and ensuring good seals and alignment, most drivers can achieve an even quieter ride.
Are Honda Accords loud?
While the Honda Accord is a nice, comfortable commuter car, it was designed to be an affordable car as well. This means that Honda had to use less sound-deadening materials than some higher-end brands, even their own luxury brand Acura. This can cause unwanted cabin noise.
Is the Honda Accord quiet inside?
Every detail quiets the ride in city traffic, on backroads, or when you want to enjoy a conversation without adjusting the volume. Experience the serenely quiet cabins in the 2025 Honda Accord and 2025 Honda CR-V lineups at Honda of Salem.
Is the Accord quieter than the civic?
Is Accord Quieter Than Civic? Indeed, the Honda Accord typically provides a quieter ride than the Civic. Its larger build and superior noise insulation create a serene cabin atmosphere.
What is the most common issue with Honda Accords?
Common Honda Accord Issues
- Transmission Problems.
- Engine Issues. Common issues include engine stalling, misfires, overheating, and excessive oil consumption.
- Electrical Failures.
- Brake and Suspension Concerns.
- Fuel System and Efficiency Problems.
