When most Americans shop for a new or used car, comfort is often as important as power, style, or technology. And one of the biggest factors in comfort is cabin quietness.
A silent ride means less fatigue on long road trips, clearer phone calls, and the ability to enjoy music or podcasts without road and wind noise interfering.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, highway noise was almost a given, but today, automakers engineer their vehicles with advanced insulation, aerodynamic bodywork, and even active noise cancellation to deliver serenity on the interstate.
For US drivers who spend countless hours on I-95, I-5, or the endless stretches of I-80, the quietest cars stand out as the ultimate travel companions.
These vehicles blend engineering finesse with luxury touches to keep wind roar, tire hum, and engine buzz out of the cabin. Whether you’re looking at luxury sedans, refined SUVs, or surprisingly silent electric cars, the models below have earned reputations for whisper-quiet cruising.
Here are 14 cars that stay silent on the highway forever.
1. Lexus LS
The Lexus LS has long been considered a benchmark for refinement. From its debut in 1989, the flagship sedan was designed specifically to beat the Germans at their own game and in terms of cabin silence, it succeeded.
With double-pane windows, meticulous insulation, and one of the smoothest V8s ever built, the LS glides down the highway as if disconnected from the outside world. Even today’s hybrid LS models maintain that library-like quietness, making it a favorite among long-distance commuters.
Lexus’ flagship sedan celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, but the LS is beginning to show its age. Traditionally, each of the previous four generations has followed a six-year product cycle, yet this generation is now entering its seventh model year without a redesign.
Among its rivals in the luxury full-size sedan segment are the Genesis G90, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. For buyers seeking a more affordable and efficient alternative, Lexus also offers the ES.
As for updates, there aren’t any meaningful changes this year. Last year brought a standard wireless phone charger, along with fresh exterior paint and wheel options. The 12.3-inch driver display also became standard across the lineup in 2023. Those features carry over unchanged into 2024.
Looking ahead, the question remains whether a sixth-generation LS is on the horizon. The current model is somewhat tricky to define in terms of personality.
Following its 2021 refresh, the gas-powered versions deliver brisk acceleration, aided by a retuned automatic transmission. Steering weight is nicely balanced, turn-in feels sharp, and body control shows improvement over earlier versions. At the same time, when driven more gently, the LS settles into a calm demeanor, and the cabin offers solid isolation from road imperfections.
The latest LS edges closer to sport sedan territory than this generation has ever managed, but it isn’t without flaws. The brake pedal, while capable of smooth stops, can feel imprecise, and the factory tires compromise overall performance by extending braking distances.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Few cars symbolize automotive luxury like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Known as the “best car in the world” by enthusiasts, it also happens to be one of the quietest.
Mercedes engineers use acoustic laminated glass, an adaptive air suspension, and active sound-deadening technology to create a cocoon-like cabin. Even at 80 mph on I-10 through Texas, passengers can converse in hushed tones without raising their voices.
For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the go-to choice for buyers seeking refined road manners, understated elegance, and an unmistakable sense of prestige. Its six-figure starting price certainly reinforces its image, but the S-Class has held its position at the top for so long because of its unmatched ride quality, lavish comfort, and commanding yet refined powertrains.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between a 442-hp turbocharged inline-six, a 496-hp twin-turbo V-8, or a plug-in hybrid that combines the turbo six with an electric motor for added efficiency. Ride and handling are bolstered by the standard air-spring suspension, while occupants in the heated and ventilated massaging front seats enjoy the kind of pampering few other sedans can match.
Generously equipped from the start, the S-Class also offers a wide range of optional leathers, wood trims, and color schemes, making it highly customizable to individual tastes.
If there is one drawback, it’s the overwhelming number of screens and digital controls, which can feel excessive even in such a tech-forward cabin. Still, despite strong competition from the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Genesis G90, the S-Class continues to hold the crown in the world of full-size luxury sedans, for now, the throne is still firmly Mercedes-Benz’s.
3. Tesla Model S
Electric vehicles have a natural advantage when it comes to highway silence no engine vibrations, no exhaust note, and fewer moving parts. The Tesla Model S takes that EV advantage and combines it with excellent aerodynamics and a smooth chassis.
While tire noise is slightly more noticeable than in traditional luxury sedans, Tesla’s cabin insulation ensures that cruising from Los Angeles to San Francisco feels eerily quiet, especially compared to gasoline-powered competitors.
4. Genesis G90
Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, entered the market determined to compete with the likes of BMW and Lexus. The G90, its flagship sedan, offers a hushed interior that rivals cars costing twice as much.
With laminated glass, extensive underbody insulation, and a whisper-quiet turbocharged V6 or V8, the G90 proves that a serene highway experience isn’t exclusive to German or Japanese brands. For US buyers seeking a fresh alternative in the luxury sedan space, it’s a hidden gem.
5. BMW 7 Series
BMW’s 7 Series has always balanced athletic performance with luxury, but one area where it quietly excels pun intended is cabin noise reduction. The latest models feature active noise cancellation through the stereo system, ensuring tire roar and wind buffeting stay outside.
While the car can still roar when pushed, highway cruising at legal speeds is as relaxing as it gets in a driver-focused luxury sedan. BMW’s largest sedan is its flagship 7 Series, widely regarded as the brand’s most luxurious model. First introduced in the 1970s, the 7 Series has long served as BMW’s executive car, and the 2023 version marked the beginning of its seventh generation.
It competes directly with other full-size luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, and Audi A8. For those interested in BMW’s all-electric option, the i7 represents the range-topping alternative within the lineup.
For 2023, the 740i and 750e models now come standard with a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, while Fineline Black trim with metallic inlay and M stripes has been added as a no-cost option across the range. These touches further enhance the already premium feel of the car.
The latest 7 Series is a truly impressive luxury sedan, though what may set it apart most is the rear seating experience. Available features include a massive 31-inch drop-down theater screen, reclining seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, automatic soft-closing doors, and high-end audio that makes the back seat feel more like a private lounge than part of a car.
Of course, the front seats are equally plush, and the interior is lined with rich materials and sophisticated details, though some controls take a little time to get used to.
The cabin is also exceptionally quiet, with the only intrusion being the satisfying growl of the 760i’s V-8 engine under acceleration. That motor provides thrilling launches, but even the other powertrains ensure strong straight-line performance.
The all-electric i7 elevates performance further, delivering near sports-car levels of speed and agility thanks to its lower center of gravity, while gas-powered models still offer impressive body control. Regardless of configuration, every 7 Series excels as a smooth and comfortable cruiser.
Styling has sparked debate, particularly the bold design of the front end, but beyond that, the car maintains a classy and muscular appearance. Prices are steep, as expected for a flagship, yet even the base model offers an extraordinary mix of luxury, technology, and performance that make the 7 Series a standout in its class.
6. Cadillac CT6
Cadillac has a long history of building cars designed for comfort, and the now-discontinued CT6 represented a modern take on American luxury.
Equipped with Bose Panaray noise-canceling audio technology, laminated acoustic glass, and carefully tuned suspension, the CT6 was praised by reviewers as one of the quietest sedans on the market during its run. On interstate road trips, it felt like a rolling sound studio.
7. Audi A8
Audi may be best known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and sharp interiors, but the A8 stands out as one of the most silent sedans for highway use. Engineers use thick insulation, precise aerodynamics, and acoustic glazing on nearly every surface.
Combine that with Audi’s air suspension, and you have a highway cruiser that makes even cross-country drives feel effortless.
The Audi A8 embodies all the hallmarks of a full-size luxury sedan, offering a spacious and hushed interior, understated yet stately styling, a capable powertrain, and a surprisingly agile chassis. Its biggest drawback is that it tends to fly under the radar compared with rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which generate more buzz in the segment.
Power comes from a 335-horsepower turbocharged V-6 paired with a 48-volt hybrid system, a setup that is both swift and quiet. However, both BMW and Mercedes equip their base models with stronger six-cylinder engines. Still, the A8 undercuts them on price, making it an appealing option for buyers who recognize a strong value in the luxury space.
The engine has more than enough muscle to take advantage of its all-wheel-drive chassis, especially on open, winding roads, while available dynamic all-wheel steering enhances handling. Those seeking a sharper chassis and the presence of a V-8 can look toward the high-performance Audi S8.
In terms of its place in the segment, the A8 ranks just below rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Genesis G90, and BMW 7 Series, but still holds its own as a refined and well-rounded choice.
For 2025, the lineup receives a series of updates, including new 21-inch double-spoke wheels in a bi-color finish as part of the Black Optic package, which also features black brake calipers and blackout trim. Dynamic all-wheel steering is now standard with the luxury package, while leather has been extended to cover the top of the dashboard and doors.
The Executive package gains Valcona leather, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and HD Matrix-design LED headlights. The long-wheelbase A8 L now comes standard with a heated steering wheel and 20-inch bi-color alloy wheels, while all models feature relocated Homelink buttons on the rearview mirror and a new Madeira Brown exterior paint option.
Pricing for the 2025 A8 starts at $93,295, making it competitive among luxury flagships. Given its positioning, adding premium packages can enhance the ownership experience.
For those who prioritize passenger pampering, the Comfort Rear Seat package adds ventilated and massaging outboard seats, heated armrests, and a rear-seat entertainment control system. The Executive package rounds things out with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, a head-up display, and remote parking capabilities.
The A8’s performance comes from its turbocharged V-6 with 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, all available from a low 1,370 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the powertrain delivers smooth and confident acceleration without needing to be pushed hard.
Extensive sound-deadening makes the cabin impressively quiet, while the engine’s refinement ensures a seamless driving experience.
Standard adaptive air suspension and dampers provide a balance between comfort and athleticism, staying true to Audi’s characteristic blend of composed ride quality and engaging handling. Although it may not have the flash of some rivals, the A8 remains a sophisticated, well-executed luxury sedan that blends understated style with advanced engineering.
8. Lexus ES
For US buyers who want Lexus serenity without LS pricing, the ES sedan is an outstanding option. While it doesn’t carry the same flagship prestige, it uses many of the same noise-reduction techniques, including laminated glass and heavy sound insulation.
Its smooth V6 and hybrid options are tuned for calmness rather than aggression, ensuring that drivers barely notice when speeds climb past 70 mph.
9. Rolls-Royce Phantom
If absolute silence is the goal, the Rolls-Royce Phantom stands at the very top. It’s engineered with more than 300 pounds of sound insulation, including foam-filled tires and specially designed glass.
Rolls-Royce even went as far as engineering its 6.75-liter V12 to produce virtually no vibration. On a highway cruise, it feels less like driving a car and more like being transported in a rolling luxury suite.
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives with no major updates, but a rare Phantom Scintilla special edition made its debut at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours event. Production is extremely limited, only ten units will be built worldwide, with just three coming to the U.S., and all have already been spoken for.
The Scintilla is distinguished by a ceramic two-tone paint scheme in Andalusian White and Thracian Blue, complemented by a Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament finished in ceramic white.
Inside, the cabin features milled aluminum artwork on the dashboard to the right of the infotainment display, while tweed upholstery with intricate embroidered stitching adds yet another layer of craftsmanship and artistry.
Pricing for the 2025 Phantom reflects its position as the pinnacle of luxury motoring, starting at $517,750 and rising to $597,750 for the Extended Wheelbase model. Choosing a Phantom isn’t like walking into a showroom and picking a car off the lot.
Instead, each example is tailored to the exact desires of its wealthy clientele, with bespoke options that can be customized down to the smallest detail.
While suggesting specific upgrades feels impossible given the individuality of each order, opting for the Extended Wheelbase model is highly recommended for those who want to maximize the Phantom’s limousine-like rear-seat space, because in this realm of ultra-luxury, going big is the only way forward.
Under the hood, the Phantom is powered by a silken 563-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
The driving experience is nothing short of ethereal, with the car gliding over the road as though it were levitating on a cloud. Rolls-Royce equips the Phantom with a pothole-spotting camera that allows the suspension to adapt to imperfections in real time, ensuring an otherworldly level of comfort.
The cabin remains hushed at all times, delivering an atmosphere akin to a library or a sensory-deprivation chamber. Few cars can rival the Phantom’s ability to cocoon its passengers in absolute serenity.
10. Lincoln Continental
The modern reboot of the Lincoln Continental, produced from 2017 to 2020, was a quiet revelation. Lincoln used acoustic-laminated glass on all windows, active noise cancellation, and a suspension designed to glide over rough pavement.
On US highways, it delivered a distinctly American take on luxury silence plush, calm, and unhurried. Though no longer in production, used models remain a fantastic value for buyers seeking serenity.
11. Porsche Taycan
Though Porsche is often associated with sporty engine noise, its electric Taycan delivers a surprisingly peaceful ride. With no internal combustion engine, the cabin remains free from traditional vibrations, and Porsche’s engineers worked hard to keep wind noise low even at Autobahn speeds.
On US interstates, it provides a unique combination: the handling precision of a sports car and the cabin calmness of a luxury sedan.
With the exception of the base Taycan, which uses a single rear-mounted electric motor, all other models in the lineup employ dual motors, one driving the front wheels and the other the rears.
Power output varies by trim: the base Taycan and Taycan 4 generate between 402 and 429 horsepower, the 4S delivers 536 horsepower, the GTS produces 690, and the Turbo S unleashes up to 938 horsepower when launch control is engaged.
Without launch control, the system still combines for a formidable 764 horsepower. At the very top sits the new Turbo GT, which pushes the envelope with a staggering 1019 horsepower when launch control is activated and 777 horses in normal driving.
Every Taycan also benefits from a two-speed direct-drive transmission, an essential element behind its blistering acceleration and impressive range. A standard air-spring suspension contributes to the car’s balance of comfort and agility, while all-wheel-drive variants can be equipped with adaptive dampers for added refinement.
Porsche’s hallmark driving dynamics are fully present here, with a low-slung driving position, sharp steering feedback, and precise handling that set the Taycan apart from other electric vehicles.
Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed either. In fact, during our first drive, the newly optional Porsche Active Ride suspension left a strong impression by effectively minimizing body roll and absorbing road imperfections with remarkable smoothness.
The only disappointment lies in the brake pedal feel, which doesn’t quite live up to expectations, particularly since Porsche chose not to include one-pedal driving functionality.
12. Acura RLX
The Acura RLX never gained the recognition of its German rivals, but in terms of quietness, it held its own. Honda’s luxury brand outfitted the RLX with advanced sound-deadening materials, double-pane windows, and one of the smoothest V6 engines on the market.
On the highway, it was nearly as serene as an S-Class but often overlooked in favor of flashier badges, making it a sleeper choice for silence seekers.
13. Volvo S90
Swedish automaker Volvo has always prioritized comfort and safety, but the S90 sedan also excels in quietness. With laminated glass, subtle engine tuning, and precise aerodynamics, the S90 provides a relaxed Scandinavian approach to highway serenity.
Inside, its minimalist interior and hushed ride make it an excellent choice for drivers who value peace over performance drama.
14. Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon has long been considered the “unofficial Lexus” for buyers who want refinement without luxury pricing. Its large cabin, extensive insulation, and smooth V6 create a calm environment for long drives.
In fact, many owners compare its quietness favorably to far pricier sedans. For highway commuters across the US, the Avalon represents one of the best values in comfortable, silent cruising.
For US drivers, long highway trips are part of everyday life whether it’s a summer road trip down Route 66, a business drive between cities, or just the daily grind on the interstate.
The cars listed above stand out not just for their engineering, but for their ability to turn hours of driving into a calm, fatigue-free experience.
From ultra-luxury models like the Rolls-Royce Phantom to more attainable options like the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES, there’s a quiet car for every budget.
When the world outside gets loud, these 14 cars prove that true comfort comes in silence.
