"And with the radio off "

Well, rule # 1, radio always on.. Still hear anything, turn it up louder..

(seriously tho) glad to hear all is well.. It can be a little adjustment to the new 'sounds'...

I know the injectors on newer ones are noiser. But quite normal & run fine.

 

Geez.

Both my 2.4's and 1 - 2.2L are as quiet as a mouse after completely warmed up at idle.
Where I pull up to get coffee still does not reflect any noise from the engines.

1 -2010 and 2 -2011's

Thats from inside the car though.

I recently drove a 2011 Ford Escape V-6 and it sounded like a diesel at idle.

 

I am finding out the sounds I hear are normal for this car. After driving a friends 2011 with the same basic mileage, and seeing no differance. I am confedent there is nothing wrong with the HHR. Just getting use to something new after driving the same truck for 20 years.

 

And if #1 doesnt work..very politely ask the other half to get out ( this will release the locking feature that allows the volume knob to be turned the rest of the way)