The second you get behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler, you’re not the same anymore. You are taken over by the never-ending desire to customize it. I’m talking about aftermarket upgrades, of course. And, unless you’re a seasoned pro, I bet you don’t even know what a cold air intake system is for. Well, it’s actually one of the best investments for your money!
It greatly improves the air filtration/flow, eliminating the chance of engine overheating/damage. Plus, it increases performance, adding extra HP/torque, acceleration, and even boosting mileage. There are hundreds of different offers on the market – it can be a challenge to find the Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler. But you’re in luck because I’ve got a list of the finest air kits money can buy. Check them all out!
Choose Your Option!
However, you need to realize that all the cold air intake systems differ from one another, and in order to get the best one for your vehicles, there is a lot of information to research. We chose to make the task a little easier for you, and we have gathered here all the best cold air intakes there are on the market at the moment.
Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler JK (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Jeep JK Cold Air Intake Reviews
1. K&N – Best Cold Air intake Jeep Wrangler JK Worth It
This is another air filter for Jeep from K&N. This intake is designed to improve your Jeep’s performance by improving the throttle response. The horsepower gets additional 10 after the intake installation. The filter is bright red so that you won’t miss it when you choose to change it. However, you will need to think about it only after you have driven 100,000 miles with the intake installed. Another peculiarity of the filter is that it is reusable. All you need is to wash it, and you are good to go. Besides, the intake itself comes with a warranty of 1 million miles, and that says a lot about the quality of K&N cold intake.
2. aFe Power Magnum – Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler JK Performance Upgrade
If you are looking for an air intake for jeep jk that comes at a fair price without any decrease in quality – you may have already found it. Cold air intake from aFe is known due to its 5-layer filters, which provide great airflow to your engine. The filters are washable, and that is a great advantage as well since there is no need to invest in filters any more. If you are worried that your engine may get contaminated over time – with aFe intake, you can rest assured that something like that will never happen since it is equipped with a one-piece heat shield that prevents that.
3. aFe Power Momentum – Best Protected Cold Air Intake for Jeep JK
Some drivers are looking for the cold intake options that offer filtration on the supreme level. If you belong to the category, then a given intake from aFe is the one to invest in. The fact is that the manufacturer decided to add as many as 7 layers into the intake filter. While the first 5 layers are made of quality cotton, the remaining 2 are synthetic. However, that is not where all the advantages of the cold air intake end. Horsepower is also increased, and the item grants you 12 more horsepower to make use of.
4. Redrock 4×4 – Best Budget Cold Air Intake for Jeep JK
Very often, when you are about to get an item to upgrade your Jeep, you pay the primary attention to the brand. That is not a bad thing to do. However, you need to know that some lesser-known brands are offering excellent quality too. The main difference lies in the prices they state. They are usually lower when compared to established brands. Redrock cold air intake is usually underrated because of the budget cost that it comes under. We want to assure you that the intake is clearly a worthy item to consider. First of all, it offers a reusable filter that can be washed after prolonged use, oiled a little, and put back. The intake is designed to improve throttle as well as horsepower. It is very lightweight and durable at the same time.
Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler TJ (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Jeep TJ Cold Air Intake Reviews
1. K&N – Best Rated Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler TJ
We are going to start with this K&N cold air intake kit for Wrangler TJ. The beauty of this item lies in its simplicity and increased durability. First things first, you do not need to clean the filter unless you are over 100,000 miles. Besides, since the filter is washable, it will last you for as long as your vehicle. On an even more critical scale, the intake is designed to inlet 50% more air when compared with a factory intake. Thus, such an intake investment will add you as much as 26 more horsepower, and it is a lot.
2. aFe Power Magnum – Best Performance Cold Air Intake System
At times it may seem that an aftermarket cold air intake can suffice you in only in improving the airflow. However, such potent brands as aFe managed to push the limits of such a simple and affordable accessory. Their cold air intake is designed to increase horsepower and torque. So, it is safe to say that the item is twice as good as a stock one. Apart from that, the intake is designed to last a lifetime for a relatively small price.
The filter the system is equipped with is washable and thus reusable. It should be added that the powder-coated heat shield adds up to the accessory longevity. Lastly, the material that the item is made of is proven to be durable and withstanding.
In case you are in need of a cold intake system that is twice as good as the stock one, aFe is the brand to consider.
3. Banks 41816 – Best Jeep TJ Cold Air Intake for Great Sound
Proving air for such a potent engine is a challenging task that a stock intake deals with. However, if you are interested in finding the limits that you can push with your vehicle, then a powerful and reliable cold air intake is a must. When you consider Banks option item may seem that the item is overpriced. Nevertheless, it is vital that you consider all the odds as well as the functions the accessory features. First of all, it is designed to improve air density. Apart from that, fuel economy, as well as power increase, seems to be a trustworthy bonus. You should not leave the reduced exhaust gas function out.
Quality sometimes comes at a price, and Banks state it clearly. If you are looking for an intake that s going to spice up the general performance up a notch. This would be a worthy option to think about.
It’s no secret that Wrangler and Gladiator are Jeep’s flagship SUVs with incredible off-road efficiency. On top of that, they are highly customizable: you can change the tires, use a lift kit, add new brakes – you name it. The air intake system also has a dramatic impact on performance. The stock system is ok, but it can’t compete in performance or durability with leading third-party alternatives.
That’s’ why, in this next section, we’ll help you pick the best cold air intake for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator TJ. Our experts did extensive research and made a list of three leading kits that offer the greatest value. K&N, S&B, and Airaid have been in the market for a long time. Their products are reliable, don’t take long to install, and significantly increase the horsepower, torque, and towing capabilities of your vehicle. Ready to have a look?
Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Cold Air Intake for Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT Review
1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
Let us say from the beginning that this is the most expensive air intake system on the list. The difference in the price isn’t dramatic, but it’s still there. So, what can you expect to get with this kit? First and foremost, K&N offers a ten-year/million-mile warranty, which covers the average lifespan of an SUV vehicle. Secondly, it increases the airflow in the engine by up to 50% and enhances horsepower and torque.
Installation won’t take long: an experienced off-roader will be done in +/- 30 minutes. A regular driver will get it done in an hour or so, and that’s still quite alright. This air intake kit will protect the engine from contamination and debris. Add easy >maintenance (no need to touch the filters unless you’ve got over 100K miles on the meter), and you’ll get a bargain. If not for the slightly steep price-tag, this could’ve been a perfect pick for everyone.
K&N’s idea with this intake system was to make it as “user-friendly” as possible. It’s easy to install, maintain, and comes with a generous warranty. With it, drivers can expect a guaranteed increase in engine performance and many years of service. Is that exactly what you’re looking for? If the answer is “Yes”, you might like what K&N’s engineers have to offer.
2. S&B Filters 75-5121 Cold Air Intake
S&B’s trademark silicone is at the heart of this air intake system. It’s incredibly durable and has top-of-the-line tear strength. Moreover, it can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The intake kit was tested by US standards and received a 99.5% efficiency rating (with a ~17% increase in airflow). Another standout feature is the way S&B approaches lubrication.
The company uses an advanced automatic system that applies just the right amount of oil to the filter. That ensures the perfect condition for the entire air intake. There may be some issues with alignment, though, meaning you might have to drill extra holes. Be careful not to go too strong on the plastic so that you don’t break it. Quality control is decent, but stuff like this can still happen.
High-quality, heat-resistant silicone and perfectly applied oil make S&B’s air intake system an attractive deal. It was tested by numerous US-based organizations and has passed all evaluations with flying colors. The airflow improvement isn’t very impressive, though, and there may be some trouble with alignment. Keep that in mind when out shopping for a brand-new system for your Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT.
3. AIRAID 310-360 Performance Air Intake System
The third air intake kit on the list is made by Airaid, another big name in the industry. The company constantly emphasizes how easy it is to install this kit. They say you’ll be done in less than half an hour and that commonly-available tools will do. We’re happy to say that most of that is true, and while you might need more than 30 mins, installation is still effortless. The filter is easy to wash and reuse, too.
The boost in performance is above average and more than decent for the price. You’ll literally hear that when you hit the gas pedal. However, for some people, the increased engine noise might be a bit too much. But if that’s not a concern for you, the 310-360 air intake kit deserves your attention.
Affordable, easy to install with regular tools, and capable of a decent boost – that’s what the 310-360 air intake system is all about. It’s a bit too noisy, but for some, it’s rather a pro than a con.
Buyer’s Guide
Apart from choosing the model of the cold air intake system, there is a list of other factors to pay attention to, and we are going to discuss them below.
Performance Upgrade
You may already know that the main purpose of any cold air intake is to improve the overall performance of your vehicle. However, every Jeep owner chooses for himself as to whether he is interested in fuel efficiency, horsepower, torque improvement, filter substitution, and so on. That is why we would advise you to pay your attention to both pros and cons of the very item that you are considering.
Protection
Filters are the main protective component of the intake since they filter possible contaminants out. That is why it is advised to pay major attention to the filter feature when buying an intake. Some filters are reusable, while others are not. Besides, various filters offer different levels of protection. Some filters come with 3-layer protection, while others offer 5 and even 7-layer protection. Also, it needs to be added that there are dry and oiled filters to choose form.
Maintenance
When it comes to intake maintenance, it is primarily centered around the filter. As it has been already stated, some filters are 
washable, but not all. That is why you need to consider that while opting for the intake.
Budget
There are many intake options from various providers on the market. Most of them come at different prices. That is why it is you who plans the budget in the first place. If you know that you are going to be using your vehicle all the time and that potent improvement that a certain intake offers matters greatly to you – then you should invest more into the purchase. However, if you are looking for some basic performance improvement, then a budget option is worth your consideration too.
FAQ
Can I use a cold air intake with a dual-battery setup?
If your batteries are located under the hood, then the answer is no, you won’t be able to install an air kit. There simply won’t be a place to put it! However, if your setup is a bit different, and the battery set is actually in the trunk, then there shouldn’t be any problems with compatibility and fitment. Not really sure where the batteries are located? Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual: it will tell you everything there is to know.
Or, try contacting your car’s manufacturer’s customer support – they’ll be able to help out as well. A quick note: if you already bought an aftermarket air kit and it has proven to be useless (doesn’t fit), you still have options. Most brands cover their gear with different warranty deals. Chances are, you’ll be able to get a replacement or even your money back.
How long will my new filter last?
It depends on what kind of filter your cold air intake system has. If it’s a dry one, it will serve you for 10, 15, or 20 thousand miles, depending on the area that you drive in. An oiled filter, in turn, has a much higher life expectancy. On average, oiled filters last for up to 40-50K miles. And if it’s a premium-quality air kit (like the ones by K&N), maintenance won’t be due until you hit that 100K miles mark.
And one more thing: once a dry filter is “done”, the only thing the driver can do is replace it. Oiled filters, however, can be cleaned (preferably with a hose), oiled again, and be reused!
Will the air intake system fit my vehicle?
The only way to make sure of that is to check the specs. For example, if you’re shopping at an online store, there should be a compatibility table. It allows choosing your brand, nameplate, model year, engine, and more. That way, you can be 100% sure that it will be a perfect fit (or not). And if you prefer to buy gear at an “offline” shop, ask the staff members to help you with the choice.
Conclusion
To sum all up, it is safe to say that cold air intakes are quite essential when you choose to update your Jeep’s performance. Even though most of them are quite alike, they still feature various characteristics that affect different spheres of that performance.
Read Also: Best Paper Filters for a Jeep Wrangler Review
Whether it is horsepower, torque, or mileage that you want to improve, you need to pick the intake accordingly. Besides, such things as maintenance, protection, and cost should not skip your attention. We have gathered here the intakes that we view as the worthiest, but it is up to you to decide which one to choose!
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