Best Cold Air Intakes

Your car needs an ample supply of fresh air to run properly. Most cars satisfy this need through the regular, factory-installed air intake. However, regular air intake systems can only bring in enough air for good combustion. If you want extra horsepower without spending too much on engine mods, the best thing you can do is swap out the regular intake for a cold air intake.

Cold air means denser air, which leads to more power. This is the main reason why people opt for a cold air intake upgrade.

If you’ve made up your mind on getting the upgrade, check out our top picks for the best cold air intakes on the market.

8 Best Cold Air Intakes

Most cold air intakes are vehicle-specific. Features, such as the tube material and filter housing design, differentiate one product from the other. You’ll want to take these factors into consideration when selecting the correct cold air intake for your car.

If you’re wondering which cold air intake is the best for your vehicle, allow us to help you make a decision with our list of the best cold air intakes you can find on the market.

Bolton Premiere REPJ315503

The Bolton Premiere REPJ315503 uses mandrel-bent, polished aluminum piping for that sleek, shiny look. It provides extra power of up to 10 horsepower and 12 lbs.-ft. of torque. The cold air intake also boasts up to 99% filtration efficiency with its reusable high-flowing synthetic air filter.

Bolton Premiere is known for manufacturing high-quality and durable replacement parts that don’t break the bank, so you can’t go wrong with this brand.

The REPJ315503 is also backed by the manufacturer‘s 1-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

Features & Specifications:

• Aluminum tube with polished finish
• Emissions: 49-State Legal
• Air filter type: Oiled
• Air filter material: Synthetic
• Advertised power gains: +10 HP
• Advertised torque gains: +12 lb-ft
• Up to 99% filtration efficiency
• Uses mandrel-bent pipe and reusable high-flowing air filter
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler (JK); 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler (JK) X and Unlimited X; 2009 Jeep Wrangler (JK) X-S; 2010-2011 Jeep Wrangler (JK) Sport and Unlimited Sport; and 2011 Jeep Wrangler (JK) Unlimited 70th Anniversary

K&N 77-3082KP

Designed specifically for SUVs and trucks, the K&N 77 Series cold air intake system features an upgraded metal tube for top-of-the-line durability. It is designed to replace the original inlet tube and airbox and work smoothly with existing electronic systems.

The K&N 77 series is a great option if you want the coolest operating conditions you can get to ensure maximum horsepower. This particular model offers 10.8 horsepower gains at 4,996 RPM.

Established in 1969, K&N has built a solid reputation for manufacturing some of the best automotive filtration products around. The brand stands firmly behind the quality of their cold air intakes, which is why the 77 Series is backed by K&N’s million-mile warranty.

Features & Specifications:

• Aluminum tube with polished finish
• Emissions: 50-State Legal
• Air filter type: Oiled
• Air filter material: Cotton gauze
• Advertised power gains: +10.18 HP @ 4996 RPM
• Includes 7.5” H Filter; RU-1041 Replacement Filter; (5) Clamps
• Features a rotationally-molded air intake tube for less air turbulence
• Includes extra-large reusable/washable K&N cone-shaped filter
• Can be installed in less than 90 minutes
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2014-2018 GMC Sierra 1500; 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade; 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV; 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS and SSV; 2015-2019 Chevrolet Suburban LT and LS; 2015-2016 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ; 2015-2018 Chevrolet Tahoe LT and LS; 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, PPV, and SSV; 2015-2020 GMC Yukon; 2015-2020 GMC Yukon XL; 2017-2019 Chevrolet Suburban Premier; 2017-2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier; 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier; 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD; and more

Spectre 9904

The Spectre 9904 is a performance cold air intake from established part manufacturer Spectre Performance. It features a mandrel-bent T6 polished aluminum tube paired with a premium air filter for efficient combustion.

Spectre has been around since 1983 with a reputation for high-quality performance parts, so you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice when you purchase the 9904 cold air intake for your ride.

Features & Specifications:

• Mandrel-bent T6 aluminum tube with polished finish
• Emissions: 50-State Legal
• Air filter type: Oiled
• Air filter material: Cotton gauze
• Stylish red filter
• Replaces existing inlet tube and restrictive air box
• Custom-fit by vehicle’s year, make and model
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD; 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500; 2001-2004 GMC Sierra 2500 HD; 2001-2004 GMC Sierra 3500; and more

aFe Power MagnumFORCE Stage-2 Pro Dry S

The aFe Power MagnumFORCE cold air intake features a precision-engineered, reusable air filter that offers massive gains in horsepower and torque while boosting fuel economy. It also has a sealed or rotationally molded intake tube that’s dyno-tuned for enhanced airflow.

Known for creating high-quality parts (that are proudly tested and manufactured in America) with innovative designs, aFe is without a doubt a trusted brand when it comes to performance products.

Features & Specifications:

• Plastic tube
• Emissions: Intended for closed circuit competition use only
• Air filter type: Dry
• Air filter material: Synthetic
• aFe Pro Dry S Air Filter (washable and reusable)
• Powder-coated heat shield
• Dyno-tuned and rotationally-molded intake tube
• Exact replacement for existing intake system
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2011-2013 BMW 135i; 2011-2013 BMW 335i xDrive; and 2013 BMW 135is.

Airaid MXP 520-284

Dyno-tested and tuned to deliver maximum performance, the Airaid 520-284 offers optimum horsepower and torque by promoting cold airflow and removing heat from the engine. It features a large, 1-piece rotational molded airbox, a SynthaFlow (oiled) performance air filter, and a cross-linked, high-density polyethylene intake tube.

If you’re looking for a locally manufactured aftermarket cold air intake, this product⁠—as with all of Airaid’s carefully designed automotive performance parts—is made in the USA

Features & Specifications:

• Plastic tube
• Emissions: 48-State Legal
• Air filter type: Oiled
• Air filter material: Cotton gauze
• Roto-molded airbox
• Built-in velocity stack
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2004-2010 Infiniti QX56; 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada; 2004-2015 Nissan Titan; and 2005-2015 Nissan Armada.

AEM Air 21-772C

If you’re after that crisp, aggressive engine sound, the AEM Air 21-772C is the cold air intake for you. This system features mandrel-bent, aircraft-grade aluminum tubing, as well as TIG-welded fittings and brackets. It also has a reusable and washable filter that can keep on going for up to 100,000 miles without needing to be cleaned.

When you’re looking for the best cold air intakes around, it makes sense to choose one from a brand that has been designing manufacturing premium performance products for decades. AEM has been around for over 30 years, making them one of the most reputable makers of air filter products.

Features & Specifications:

• Aluminum tube with polished finish
• Emissions: 48-State Legal
• Air filter type: Dry
• Air filter material: Synthetic
• Upgraded premium synthetic DryFlow filter (reusable)
• Up to 100,000 miles filter cleaning interval
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2012-2016 Subaru Impreza; 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek; and 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.

Corsa PowerCore 463576

Perhaps the most complex cold air intake on the list, the Corsa PowerCore 463576 boasts advanced features that truly set it apart from the other intakes on the market. Thanks to its groundbreaking engineering, this cold air intake features a precision-sculpted, large-diameter air duct; corrosion-resistant, marine-grade stainless steel clamps; high-quality siliccone connectors; and a cross-link, polyethylene filter box.

Most importantly, the Corsa 463576 comes with the Donaldson PowerCore filter, which offers up to 99.97% filtration for maximum power gains.

Features & Specifications:

• Plastic tube
• Emissions: Intended for closed circuit competition use only
• Air filter type: Dry
• Air filter material: Synthetic
• Up to 99.97% filtration with Donaldson PowerCore filter
• Precision-sculpted air duct with larger diameter
• Marine-grade stainless steel clamps (corrosion-resistant)
• Cross-link, polyethylene filter box
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2013-2014 Chrysler 300; 2015-2019 Chrysler 300; 2015-2016 Dodge Charger; 2011-2019 Chrysler 300 C; and 2011-2019 Dodge Charger R/T.

K&N 63 Series Aircharger

The fact that this is the second K&N product on this list should tell you just how good their cold air intakes are. As mentioned, the brand is known for engineering the highest quality air filtration products for all types of vehicles⁠—with one of them being the 63 Series Airchager cold air intake.

Featuring an interlaced, high-density polyethylene tube and a large, cone-shaped filter with a protective heat shield, the 63 Series Aircharger delivers extra horsepower by ensuring extra-cold airflow.

Features & Specifications:

• Plastic tube
• Emissions: 47-State Legal
• Air filter type: Oiled
• Air filter material: Cotton gauze
• Advertised power gains: 15.66 HP @ 4688 RPM
• K&N cone-shaped filter (reusable, up to 100,000-mile cleaning interval)
• Recommended use: Performance replacement

Compatible with: 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500; 2011-2018 Ram 1500; 2011-2018 Ram 2500; 2013-2018 Ram 3500; and 2019 Ram 1500 Classic.

Is a Cold Air Intake Worth It?

Despite the claims of power gains, cold air intakes aren’t really the “go-to” upgrade if you really want a considerable boost of horsepower. However, it’s an important piece of a full upgrade that is capable of unlocking the full potential of your vehicle. For example, you can pair a good cold air intake with other engine modifications like an aftermarket or performance exhaust to achieve better efficiency.

Cold air intakes can also amp the visual quality of the engine bay as you have the power to choose the color, design, and style of the air intake hose you’re fitting on.

Summing it all up, cold air intakes are worth it, considering that you’ve properly planned out your upgrade.