My 2024 Toyota Tacoma Pipes Fake Engine Noise Into the Cabin, I’m Disappointed That Toyota Did This and I Want To Turn It Off

"Why does my Toyota Tacoma pipe the engine noise into the cabin?"

Daniel Bohner is asking this question on the Toyota Tacoma Owner's Facebook page about his 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup. His post resonates with many Tacoma owners who share his frustration and ask, "Can we turn it off?"

Surprisingly, Toyota is quiet about the Tacoma feature. I've found that the fake engine noise is only used on some trim levels. 

Here is what Daniel says,

"Did I read somewhere that the Tacoma (with the JBL sound system) pipes the engine noise into the cab? Please, No!"

"I asked the AI gods - and they said yes, and the fix is to use a Carista OBD2 Scanner to turn that noise off. What? If this is true, it's disappointing that Toyota did this and I want to turn it off."

How Did Daniel Turn It Off?

"I bought Cartista to change settings that are not in the settings menu. Artificial engine sound is one setting I turned off." However, the current bundled discounts put the device and annual subscription at $89." 

What is the Toyota Engine Sound Enhancement?

Some Toyota models have a system that plays engine sounds into the cabin. This system, called Active Noise Control (ANC), is designed to reduce unwanted cabin noise while enhancing the exhaust note. 

ANC uses an Intake Sound Generator (ISG) and sport-tuned exhaust to create a deeper, sportier exhaust note. It also cancels out unwanted noise in the cabin. 

According to available information, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is the trim level most likely to feature Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE), as it is typically included on higher trim levels that prioritize an enhanced driving experience, including a more robust engine sound. 

What is ESE?

Engine Sound Enhancement is a technology that uses synthetic noise to amplify or modify the sound of an engine, often creating a more sporty or powerful audio experience. 

How Does the Technology Work?

Sensors monitor engine data such as RPM and torque. The system then generates a synthetic sound that is played through the car's speakers. 

Which Tacoma Trims Have It?

Toyota does not explicitly state which Tacoma trims and model years come with ESE; however, the Tacoma TRD Pro trim level is usually the one equipped with the piped-in sound technology.

What Are Other Tacoma Owners Saying?

Here are a few of the most relevant comments from other Tacoma owners. 

• Curt Osborne - "Yes. I had to access ECM to turn it off. Otherwise, if you add a sub, it will always sound like a chopper is flying above you."
• Tony Latham - "It's true, but I don't know if it's just those with the JBL system. You only hear it when getting into the throttle. I turned mine off, turned it back on, and decided I didn't like it. Turned it off."
• Marc Reish - "Ask the dealer to turn it off during service. It should be free. It's called "engine sound enhancement," just FYI. And yes, I turned mine off."
• Luis A. Perez Morales - "Great call out, I hate that sound."
• Danny Guebara - "It's true. I turned mine off. I think the new Tundra does as well."

In the Tacoma 4G Forum, Ridetime said, 

“So I just connected Carista and "disabled" the "fake" engine noise. After that, I drove a few miles to see if I could tell the difference, and I couldn't. It sounds the same to me. Others may be hearing or not hearing something I'm missing. The option is there to disable engine sound enhancement and separately ANC. I only turned off the engine sound enhancement.”

“My wife has a BMW, and I have used Bimmercode to change numerous settings in her car, but I have found a few that, even though I changed them in the app, did not change in her car. The 4th gen Tacoma may be the same way in that regard.”

TacoFreak said: Thanks - that is good to know. Some things no doubt changed for the 4th gen, but many things will stay the same.

I can't get consistent info on fake engine noise in the 4th generation. The best source is hearing from people like you who own them. Just because it was used in the Tundra doesn't mean it is also in the new Tacoma, and I have seen nothing from Toyota.

Final Thoughts and Questions for Tacoma Owners

It's not just Toyota that is using this technology. Many car brands use the technology, sometimes referring to it as a "sound symposer" or "active sound design." 

A report from Kelley Blue Book says, "While some car purists may be against fake engine noise, it's the direction some of the biggest automakers are taking for their upcoming models."

Toyota and other car manufacturers pump the fake engine noise into the vehicle using the vehicle's speakers to amplify or modify the actual engine sound artificially. It's used to create a more sporty or powerful audio experience, particularly in certain driving modes or when accelerating.

Essentially, it's a synthetic engine sound played through the car's speakers to enhance the driving experience by making the engine sound more appealing, particularly for drivers who desire a more aggressive or sporty sound. 

However, my question is, why doesn’t Toyota tell Tacoma owners about the technology when they buy the vehicle? 

It's Your Turn to "Sound Off"

Do you own a Toyota Tacoma with the "fake engine noise" pumped into the cabin? What do you think of it, and have you found a way to turn it off? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tacoma report titled; 2024 Toyota Tacoma Owner Says, “I Change the Oil In My Tacoma Every 3,500 Miles, I Don’t Care That Toyota Says Change It Every 10,000 Miles”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl