Best Car Sound Systems Ranked (2024 Edition) - Tier List 

I don't know what happened, but somehow I missed Acura when recording. They are A tier.

It would be cool if you singled out specific car models with the best sound systems...not putting car brands on tiers.

"$60,000 sound system with a car attached"😂😂 Volvo really is that good at providing great sound systems

I just bought a Mazda 3 premium trim and I can vouch that the Bose system sounds beautiful. Its immersive, crisp, and the base doesn't rattle the car.

Bmw is easily S-Tier. Especialy if Volvo is in there as well. Ive sat in plenty of Models from both companys and its pretty much the same system. If you open the door blinds you will even see the exact same speaker model used in most cases. With an exception to the 7 series wich to me was the best sound system ive ever heard. Better than any volvo or mercedes. I agree that the 1 and 2 series systems can be a bit lackluster for the price. But 3 and 4 series sound great, better than a c-class or volvo s60 to me!

Peugeot definitely S+ Tier

The impending collaboration between Volvo and Bose has me terrified. No Bose system can hold a candle to the Bowers & Wilkins. Similarly, I'm absolutely horrified that Acura's partnership with ELS is going bye bye. I heard they're going to be exclusively with Bang & Olufson. I didn't mind my B&O system when I had my Audi, but it was a little disappointing sometimes. I've heard their quality has been decreasing in recent years as well.

volvos standard sound is surprisingly good, 10 speakers 220 watts. no subwoofer anymore but the woofers make the bass fill all around you still

You put Acura at A tier but as soon as you were talking about the S tiers the Acura symbol magicallly dissapears from the list? Is this a glitch?

I'M GETTING A MAZDA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trying out the sound system in a B&O equipped XC90 blew me away, definitely deserves S-tier.

I have a 2021 Infiniti Q60 and the Bose system is great as you mentioned in this video and the Q60 one. I use wired Android Auto and Amazon Music Unlimited with settings maxed out for highest sound quality and the sound is amazing! I had a 2007 350Z Touring with Bose but this is a solid upgrade. I enjoyed the video, thank you!

I would love to hear your feedback one day on the rivian prior meridian vs newer non-meridian audio system. As a non audiophile, my rivian Meridian system is the best audio system I’ve ever had and I truly enjoy listening to it. We were supposed to get a newer rivian but I didn’t find the newer non meridian system to be as good, so we kept the old one.

Would be great to see your top 10 best car sound systems in premium priced cars and 10 best affordable/used car sound systems

I concur on the Integra's system. Can be bass heavy but I love that about it.

I respect your opinion, and am a big fan of yours Charlie! We need to remember that everyone is different. Volvo XC60 BW is mind blowing. But… I drove a 2024 Q5 with the BO and a 2024 Outback Touring (HK) back to back and I liked the HK better. I listen to dance/pop/techno loudly and found the HK a little better for me. I just ordered an Outback Touring XT.

I respect the painful decision to downgrade Lexus especially when at the end of the day, they’re competing against brands like Mercedes that never disappoint. However, the Toyota one surprised me since it seems like most of your videos have c tiered ratings for most of the mainstream models and trims. I’ve never understood why JBL systems were always so hard to come by and were only ever optional even on some higher trim cars. I find that Honda and even Nissan packages their upgraded systems in a better way. It also seems like on the used market it’s easier to find a better sounding sedan from Honda or Nissan than Toyota for example (granted I’d never look at a base model Honda that’s for sure but like comparing an EX-L or better civic or accord even pre-Bose will deff be better than non JBL Camrys and corollas) Great video as always🤙🏽

hi there what settings would you recommend on the bose system on the cx5 ?

Hey Charlie - have you thought of reviewing older premium audio systems (eg 1st gen Lexus LS mark levsinson, prior Volvo dynaudio, etc) to see how they would compare to modern systems.

Charlie, et al: well done summary for the audiophiles!! Thank you!