Go back to the dealer and ask him to let you drive another LE. Make sure it has the same tires. If you don't hear a drone there's something up. I'm betting on tires though.

 

I will probably end up going to the dealer. The noise is present no matter what road surface and has been doing it ever since I got it.
I was thinking transmission since the vehicle speed would be different at 1400 rpm when using different shifting modes ruling out tire noise. To me, that kinda indicates transmission. At first I thought it was an exhaust note but I don't hear it when in neutral or park. I guess it's possible the exhaust may act differently under load. Just wondering if others have experienced this and what corrective measures were taken. It doesn't sound like the whine I have seen on youTube related to transmission failure.

 

I will probably end up going to the dealer.

Is your HL FWD or AWD?

Please let us know what happens after your dealer visit.

 

It is AWD.

 

There is thread on this forum abut 2017 HL and Sienna transmission problems that eventually led to Toyota replacing many of them manufactured during a certain production date range, even before complete transmission failure (based on some weird noises). It "appeared" that they were all AWD models. The problem was noticeable on even low mileage vehicles.

I would ask the dealer to test drive some demos, and test drive a FWD and an AWD, and let us know what the dealer says.

 

My NX makes engine noise with mild vibration at 1600. I pay no attention to it. I'd call it what you do - droning noise. It's in very narrow RPM range, goes away fast as I really do not sit at exactly 1600 for long. But yeah, folks do complain about that type of noise at specific RPM. Figures, we do not have balancing shafts.

 

My 2017 Limited has the same noise. It is an AWD with a build date of March 30, 2017(after the transmission software update). I have 21 000km or 13 000 miles on the vehicle with no transmission issues. I never bothered to ask the dealer about it. I can usually feel a bit of vibration in the shift lever if my hand is resting on it. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

I have the same issue on my 2017 AWD. It is a power train resonance, probably in the exhaust system. The reason it doesn't do it in gear is because the engine mounts (the transmission path of the vibration / noise) are not loaded in neutral.

 

It is a power train resonance, probably in the exhaust system. The reason it doesn't do it in gear is because the engine mounts (the transmission path of the vibration / noise) are not loaded in neutral.

Some have put vibration-dampers on the exhaust at a certain point to minimize/eliminate the drone.

 

I have a droning noise around 1700-1800 rpm in any gears ( more apparent in 4-5-6-7-8 ) it annoying me as its at 110 kph on highway. Any other 2019 rav4 owners with the same issue ?