Just purchased a 2011 TCH after owning a 2007 TCH. Since new, the 07's biggest downfall has been the road noise. Switching to Michelin from Bridgestone tires helped but still bad. First thing I noticed about the '11 model is that its so much quieter. Almost as quiet as my BMW 7 series and Lexus LS. Toyota must have done something to resolve the road noise issue. The added woodgrain interior accents, sliding leather armrest, and upgraded software on the Nav/Radio was also a plus. I can honestly say that the car now feel "luxurious". Before, we used our TCH only for around town driving. Now, since its quiet, we can actually drive long distances without road noise fatigue!

 

Road noise? We don't hear any with the radio cranked up! Enjoy your new car!!!

 

For what it's worth, I never rode in a 2007, but my 2009 TCH (with Michelin's, leather and moon roof, and with some sound deadening material removed from below driver's side floor carpet on floor mat recall) is incredibly quiet.

As for quietness re. sensation of luxury, the 2009 TCH seems a WHOLE lot quieter than our Cadillac STS - at any speed.

 

My 2007 is very quiet and it's not just me--everyone who rides in it has to comment.

Perhaps yours was defective. For example, some TCHs have had wind noise from poor door alignment.

 

+1. I agree - friends who ride in it always comment on how quiet the car drives.

 

My experience has been similar to donvaz and squint in that:
My 2007 is also very quiet compared to any other car I have owned.
Have had friends make this comment to me also.