jajji

I'm in the market for the MDX Hybrid (also looking at MDX, RX 350) and had a question on the engine noise.

I have yet to test drive it, but when you start the engine or are about to park the engine, are there audible engine noises? The reason I ask is I have 2 little ones and worry if they somehow end up around the car when I'm either leaving the garage or arriving home.

Thanks in advance.

p07r0457

The MDX Sport Hybrid does not emit special electronic noises, as some Lexus vehicles do. However, the gasoline engine does sound like a standard/typical engine.

Id suggest getting the Advance trim so you get the 360-degree camera. As a driver, you should always be aware of your surroundings, too.

Also, you may want to speak with your kids (if they're old enough) and teach them to be aware of their surroundings -- specifically vehicles. Regardless what vehicle you purchase, they'll encounter electric vehicles!

getakey

I didn't think it emitted electronic noise either, but someone corrected me in a different thread and said if it is in EV mode at low speed it will emit sound if target is seen by radar
I have never heard it and wonder why it wouldn't emit sound whether ICE or EV - wouldn't that be proper design? The ICE is not that loud at low speed

ddswv

As found in the 2019 Owner's Manual.(http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/p...BTRX1919OM.PDF)

With the assumption this is the same as my 2018 RLX, anytime the vehicle is in motion in full electric mode, a speaker mounted behind the grill makes an electronic sound, it reminds me of the sound of the "Knight Rider" car that emits a electronic whirling sound.

I would highly advise getting the Advance with the Surround Camera so you can see completely around the vehicle and make sure your little ones are safe.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

There absolutely is an artificial electric noise emitted at lower parking lot speeds. It is more obvious in the MDX hybrid than in the RLX hybrid. I find that people can hear the MDX in a grocery store parking lot easier than in the RLX as I can and have many times been able to drive up behind people in the parking lots and they have not heard me until I was just feet away from them. From a pedestrian safety perspective I am glad that noise is there, but I don't think the industry has figured out how to make that electric sound more identifiable with an automobile for blind people in noisy city environments. Just my 1.5 cents. Take it for what it is worth.

jdpdata

I definitely hear the "alien hover craft" noise on our Sport Hybrid. 😁

getakey

never heard it

wallyo

Is this low speed warning sound a kind of "burbling" noise, a little like burbling water? I ask this because Acura had to replace my transmission (it was shuddering on startup from a stop) and now I suddenly hear this burble noise when I start up from a stop. The descriptions above don't sound like what I'm hearing.

RLX-Sport Hybrid

I hear a mild popping sound, but not a burble. We may be hearing the same noise emission but characterizing it differently based on our inner ear differences. Just a thought.

wallyo

Well, I could hear it as popping, but a very muffled popping, not a sharp one. Maybe like some ping pong balls bouncing around in a thick-walled plastic container. Do you always hear it? I hear every time I start from a stop.

mellonc

the sound on the hybrid is either the law or highly suggested by the government.

getakey

I still haven't heard anything on mine. Today was at stop sign with cars in front of me. When I moved forward, it was full EV and did not hear a sound. Even turned the radio off

flyboy

Hear the sound all the time at low speeds in my 2017 MDX Hybrid, its faint inside the car but open the window and its there

jdpdata

If you're curious what this sounds like just watch "Close Encounter of the Third Kind" scene where alien craft came to Earth, exact same sound. Don't know why some of you can't hear it...it's very apparent. Get your ears checked!