Among the many advantages of owning an EV is cabin noise. In general, EVs offer a quieter ride than gas-powered vehicles, partially due to the quiet nature of the powertrain itself. Gas-powered engines are famously noisy, which can be heard inside the cabin to some degree, even with the best noise dampening components.

Even though EV powertrains are inherently quiet, a few are softer than the rest. According to Consumer Reports, here are nine of the quietest EVs of the 2022 model year.

1. The Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron received top scores from Consumer Reports for noise. The sportier S form of the e-tron is powered by three electric motors that provide a combined 496 horsepower at the loss of some electric range and has a starting price of $52,700. The lack of engine noise in the cabin results from very effective isolation of road and wind noise.

2. The Chevy Bolt EV

The Chevy Bolt has a starting price of $31,500, making it the most affordable on our list. Given the quiet noise of EVs, even road and wind noise are less noticeable with the Bolt. The Bolt has an EPA-rated range of 259 miles, thanks to a recent battery expansion.

3. The Chevy Bolt EUV

Like the Bolt, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV has the same noise-dampening attributes as its little brother, the Bolt. The EUV is, essentially, the same as the Bolt, just slightly larger. The EPA-rated range of the EUV is 247 miles. It has a starting price of $33,500.

4. The Ford Mustang Mach-E

This isn’t your father’s Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a five-passenger SUV with available all-wheel drive. Although there is some road noise, it is still whisper quiet in the cabin. However, the Mach-E does have a cool feature that allows the user to add simulated engine noise when the car accelerates. The EPA-estimated range for the Mach-E is 270 miles, with a starting price of $43,895.

5. The Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has an EPA-estimated range of 256 miles and a starting price of $39,950. As for the noise levels, even without the usual gasoline powertrain sounds to cover them up, wind, road, tire, and ambient noise levels are effectively managed. Most drivers wouldn’t notice the electric motor whining, although others have heard a faint high-frequency sound coming from the rear motor when traveling at highway speeds. 

6. The Jaguar I-PACE

The Jaguar I-Pace is considered a luxury SUV with a starting price of $69,900. Without the hum of the gasoline engine, occupants will only notice a slight hum from the road and wind noises. The I-Pace has an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles.

7. The Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is considered an ultra-luxury EV with a starting price of $82,700. The Taycan has an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles. The only sounds that can be heard in the interior are a soft humming from the electric engine and a background rumble from the large tires moving over the road. Impressively, wind noise is hardly audible. 

8. The Tesla Model S

One of the pricier EV options on our list is the Tesla Model S. It has a starting price of $104,990 and an impressive EPA-estimated range of 405 miles. As for the cabin noise, it is noteworthy that the engine hum is slightly elevated in the Model S compared to others, and the wind noise is a little worse.

9. The Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 has a starting price of $41,230 and a range of 245 miles. There is hardly any motor, road, or wind noise inside the cabin. However, as soon as the vehicle slows down to roughly 15 mph, an unpleasant electronic whine intended to alert pedestrians to the relatively quiet car begins.

EVs have many advantages beyond the lack of cabin noise. As car manufacturers transition to electric, those features will only be improved.