A system for controlling exhaust noise in a vehicle includes a variable exhaust valve for an exhaust system, and an exhaust valve controller operatively connectable to the variable exhaust valve. The exhaust valve controller is configured to retrieve two or more control conditions, and determine an operational intent based on the two or more control conditions. The exhaust valve controller is configured to generate a control signal based on the operational intent and the two or more control conditions, and transmit the control signal to the variable exhaust valve. The control signal changes an exhaust valve position of the variable exhaust valve. The exhaust valve position is configured to create an exhaust noise response associated with the operational intent.