Something must be wrong with his truck, then. He should take it to the shop. Because I can't even hear my 2007 with >230K miles at idle. Same exact engine.
Also, not sure what size person you are, but I'm 6'2" and I find it to have plenty of room.
FWIW, your single VVTI 4.0 1GR-FE, is not the same as the '16 3.5 2GR-FKS. The 2GR-FKS has D4S which means port and direct injectors. The direct injectors do make more noise than engines with just port injectors.