Yes, but it's often much quieter and more refined than on older vehicles. Modern turbochargers are engineered for efficiency and smooth power delivery, which often means engineers intentionally suppress the whooshing and whistling sounds that were once common. You're more likely to hear a subtle spooling sound under hard acceleration than a pronounced whistle, as sound-deadening materials and more efficient turbo designs have significantly reduced intake and exhaust noise.
The key factors affecting turbo sound include the engine's specific tuning, the presence of an aftermarket air intake, and the car's overall sound insulation. Sport-oriented models from brands like BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, or Audi RS are more likely to have their exhaust and intake systems tuned to allow some turbo noise into the cabin for an enhanced sporty feel. In contrast, most mainstream family sedans and SUVs are designed to be as quiet as possible.
Here’s a comparison of turbo sound presence in different vehicle segments:
| Vehicle Segment | Typical Turbo Sound Level | Key Influencing Factors |
|---|
| Performance/Luxury Sports Car (e.g., Porsche 911 Turbo) | Moderate to Pronounced | Sport-tuned intake, less sound insulation, amplified engine sounds |
| Mainstream SUV/Crossover (e.g., Honda CR-V Turbo) | Very Subtle to Inaudible | Heavy sound-deadening, focus on cabin quietness |
| Performance Sedan (e.g., BMW M3) | Subtle to Moderate | Balanced approach for sportiness and refinement |
| Economy Compact Car (e.g., Ford EcoBoost Fiesta) | Subtle | Cost-effective insulation, smaller turbo |
| Heavy-Duty Truck (e.g., Ford F-250 PowerStroke) | Pronounced (Diesel) | Large turbo size, diesel engine characteristics |
Ultimately, if you want to hear the turbo, you may need to select a performance-oriented model or consider an aftermarket intake system, which can make the spooling and blow-off valve sounds much more audible.
