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Top 10 Cold Air Intakes for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500
Updated: February 2025 | Reviewed by the TruckBench Team
A cold air intake is a popular bolt-on upgrade for the 2019–2026 Ram 1500 — improving throttle response, adding a more aggressive induction sound, and delivering measurable horsepower gains when properly engineered. The Ram 1500 is available with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L HEMI V8, the eTorque hybrid-assist versions of both, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel — intake fitment is engine-specific, so always confirm your exact engine before ordering.
We’ve focused primarily on the 5.7L HEMI as it represents the majority of Ram 1500 performance builds, with notes on Pentastar and eTorque compatibility throughout.
Quick Picks — Jump to Your Favorite
- K&N 63 Series AirCharger — Best Overall
- Cold Air Inductions CAI — Best True Cold Air
- aFe Power Momentum GT — Best Premium Intake
- Volant Cold Air Intake — Best Closed-Box Design
- K&N 57 Series FIPK — Best Value K&N
- Spectre Performance Intake — Best Budget Intake
- aFe Power Magnum Force — Best Mid-Range aFe
- Airaid MXP Intake System — Best Modular System
- S&B Filters Cold Air Intake — Best for Towing
- Mopar Performance Cold Air Intake — Best eTorque-Compatible
#1: K&N 63 Series AirCharger — Best Overall
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Editor’s Choice
“K&N’s 63 Series delivers proven gains on the 5.7L HEMI with a heat shield that genuinely isolates the filter from engine bay temperatures — a real concern given the HEMI’s compact engine bay packaging.”
K&N’s 63 Series AirCharger uses a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube, an enclosed heat shield, and K&N’s oiled cotton gauze filter that flows significantly more air than the factory paper element. Dyno-tested gains for the 5.7L HEMI run 8–15 horsepower depending on driving conditions, with the most noticeable improvement in throttle response and induction sound.
The filter is washable and reusable, backed by K&N’s million-mile warranty. Installation is a true bolt-on in about 30–45 minutes. Confirm Pentastar V6 vs. HEMI V8 fitment when ordering — these are different kits.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.6L Pentastar V6 (separate kits) |
| Tube Material | Mandrel-bent aluminum |
| Filter Type | Oiled cotton gauze |
| Heat Shield | Yes — enclosed |
| HP Gain (est.) | 8–15 hp (HEMI) |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: Proven brand with 50+ years — Washable/reusable filter — Real dyno-verified gains — Million-mile filter warranty — 30–45 min install
Cons: Confirm correct engine-specific kit (HEMI vs. Pentastar) — Oiled filter requires periodic re-oiling — Premium price — eTorque compatibility varies by kit
Price: ~$280–$390
Check Price on Amazon → | KNFilters.com →
#2: Cold Air Inductions CAI — Best True Cold Air
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best True Cold Air
“A fully sealed airbox that pulls genuinely cool air from the front of the engine bay — particularly valuable on the HEMI given its proximity to other heat sources under the hood.”
Cold Air Inductions builds systems engineered specifically for each application. Their Ram 1500 HEMI intake uses a fully sealed HDPE airbox that routes intake air from the factory cold air source, keeping the filter genuinely isolated from underhood heat — and providing meaningful hydrolocking protection in wet conditions that open-element intakes lack.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Airbox | Fully sealed HDPE |
| Cold Air Source | Pre-radiator (true cold air) |
| Hydro Protection | Excellent |
| Filter Type | Dry or oiled options |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Genuine cold air — not warm engine bay air — Fully sealed airbox — Best hydrolocking protection — Application-specific engineering — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Premium price — More complex install than open-element systems — Less aggressive induction sound than open filters — Smaller brand — less retail availability
Price: ~$360–$490
Check Price on Amazon → | ColdAirInductions.com →
#3: aFe Power Momentum GT — Best Premium Intake
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Premium
“Massive filter surface area and the best documented HP gains on the HEMI in our research — aFe’s engineering-first approach shows up on the dyno.”
aFe’s Momentum GT uses their Pro DRY S or Pro 5R oiled filter with massive surface area, a sealed roto-molded polyethylene housing, and a large-diameter aluminum mandrel bend intake tube. Dyno results for the 5.7L HEMI show 10–20 hp gains in some configurations. Installation is 45–60 minutes.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Housing | Roto-molded polyethylene |
| Filter Options | Pro DRY S or Pro 5R oiled |
| Tube | Large-diameter aluminum |
| HP Gain (est.) | 10–20 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Largest filter surface area on this list — Sealed housing — Multiple filter options — Best documented HP gains — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Premium price — Oiled filter needs maintenance — Larger system — tighter install in some engine bays — Pro 5R filter requires re-oiling schedule
Price: ~$360–$510
Check Price on Amazon → | aFePower.com →
#4: Volant Cold Air Intake — Best Closed-Box Design
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Closed-Box
“A fully enclosed dry-filter design offering the best protection against water ingestion of any system on this list.”
Volant’s closed-box system uses a fully enclosed PowerCore filter — a dry synthetic element that doesn’t require oiling and is easy to clean. For Ram owners in rainy climates or who frequently drive through standing water, Volant’s design provides genuine peace of mind alongside real flow improvement.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Box Style | Fully enclosed |
| Filter Type | PowerCore dry synthetic |
| Hydro Protection | Maximum |
| Filter Maintenance | Dry — no re-oiling |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Best hydrolocking protection — Dry filter — no re-oiling needed — Fully sealed airbox — Easy filter maintenance — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Less HP gain than open-element systems — Less aggressive induction sound — Bulkier than tube-only systems — Higher price for closed-box
Price: ~$310–$430
Check Price on Amazon → | VolantPerformance.com →
#5: K&N 57 Series FIPK — Best Value K&N
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Value K&N
“Same K&N filter technology as the 63 Series at a lower price, with a simpler heat shield design.”
The K&N 57 Series uses the same oiled cotton gauze filter as the flagship 63 Series in a simpler, lower-cost package. HP gains run slightly lower (5–10 hp typically), but the million-mile filter warranty, easy installation, and K&N reliability are all present at a meaningfully lower price.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Filter Type | K&N oiled cotton gauze |
| Heat Shield | Basic (less than 63 Series) |
| HP Gain (est.) | 5–10 hp |
| Install Time | 30–45 minutes |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: K&N quality at lower price — Washable/reusable filter — Million-mile warranty — Easy bolt-on install — Proven brand
Cons: Less heat shielding than 63 Series — Slightly lower gains — Filter re-oiling required — Basic heat shield
Price: ~$190–$270
Check Price on Amazon → | KNFilters.com →
#6: Spectre Performance Intake — Best Budget
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Budget
“K&N-adjacent filter technology at half the price — a real improvement over factory at the most accessible entry point.”
Spectre Performance (a K&N affiliate brand) makes solid budget intakes using a similar oiled cotton gauze filter technology at a noticeably lower price than the parent brand. Gains are modest — 3–8 hp typically — but the induction sound improvement is real and the filter is washable.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Filter Type | Oiled cotton gauze |
| Tube | Aluminum |
| HP Gain (est.) | 3–8 hp |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: Budget-friendly price — Real flow improvement — Washable filter — Million-mile warranty — Easy install
Cons: Less heat shielding — Lower gains than premium systems — Basic heat shield construction — Limited to specific engine fitments
Price: ~$110–$170
#7: aFe Power Magnum Force — Best Mid-Range aFe
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Mid-Range aFe
“The same proven aFe filter quality as the Momentum GT in a simpler, more affordable tube-style package.”
The Magnum Force uses aFe’s proven Pro DRY S or Pro 5R filter without the roto-molded housing of the Momentum GT — simpler, less expensive, but retaining the filter quality that makes aFe a trusted name. Gains run 8–14 hp on the 5.7L HEMI.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Filter Options | Pro DRY S or Pro 5R |
| Style | Open tube with heat shield |
| HP Gain (est.) | 8–14 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: aFe filter quality at lower price — Good HP gains — Pro DRY S option (no re-oiling) — Easier install than Momentum GT — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Open tube — less heat protection than closed box — Pro 5R requires re-oiling — Less aggressive than Momentum GT system
Price: ~$260–$360
Check Price on Amazon → | aFePower.com →
#8: Airaid MXP Intake System — Best Modular
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Modular
“Run it open for maximum sound and flow, or add the optional housing for closed-box protection — one kit, two configurations.”
Airaid’s MXP system uses an open-element filter and heat shield as the base kit, with an optional air dam and housing to convert it to a closed-box configuration. The SynthaMax dry filter requires no oil. HP gains for the 5.7L HEMI run 8–14 hp in open configuration.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Filter Type | SynthaMax dry synthetic |
| Configuration | Open or closed (modular) |
| Tube Options | Polymer or aluminum |
| HP Gain (est.) | 8–14 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Modular open/closed configuration — Dry filter — no re-oiling — Flexible setup options — Good HP gains — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Closed-box components sold separately — Polymer tube on base kit — Less flow than aluminum tube — Mid-range price
Price: ~$260–$370
Check Price on Amazon → | Airaid.com →
#9: S&B Filters Cold Air Intake — Best for Towing
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best for Towing
“Engineered for sustained high-load performance — directly relevant for a HEMI Ram regularly towing near its rated capacity.”
S&B Filters built their reputation on high-flow intake systems for sustained high-load use, and the Ram 1500 application brings that same engineering philosophy to the gasoline V8. The oversized filter element flows more air under sustained high-RPM towing conditions than most competitors. Sealed housing keeps intake temperatures consistent.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 |
| Filter Size | Oversized for high-flow |
| Housing | Sealed |
| Filter Options | Dry or oiled |
| Best For | Towing and hauling |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Oversized filter for sustained performance — Sealed housing — Excellent under towing loads — Dry filter option — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Premium price — Larger physical size — Less mainstream brand — Modest HP gains in normal driving
Price: ~$330–$450
Check Price on Amazon → | SBFilters.com →
#10: Mopar Performance Cold Air Intake — Best eTorque-Compatible
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best eTorque-Compatible
“Factory-engineered fitment that’s confirmed compatible with the eTorque mild-hybrid system — the safest choice if your HEMI or Pentastar has eTorque.”
The Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid system (standard or optional depending on configuration and model year) adds electrical components near the engine bay that some aftermarket intakes don’t account for properly. Mopar’s own performance intake is engineered and tested specifically against the Ram’s exact engine bay layout — including eTorque-equipped configurations — eliminating the guesswork of verifying aftermarket compatibility.
Gains are more modest than the most aggressive aftermarket options, but for eTorque Ram owners who want a worry-free upgrade with guaranteed fitment and no risk to the hybrid system’s components, Mopar Performance is the lowest-risk path.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engines | 5.7L HEMI V8 (eTorque), 3.6L Pentastar V6 (eTorque) |
| eTorque Compatible | Yes — factory tested |
| Engineering | Mopar/Ram factory |
| Filter Type | High-flow factory-spec |
| Warranty Friendly | Yes |
| Warranty | Mopar/Ram factory backed |
Pros: Guaranteed eTorque compatibility — Factory-tested fitment — Warranty-friendly — No guesswork on electrical clearance — Dealer support available
Cons: More modest gains than aggressive aftermarket options — Dealer pricing premium — Less performance-focused than K&N/aFe
Price: ~$220–$340
Ram 1500 Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
Confirm Your Engine Before Ordering
The 2019–2026 Ram 1500 offers four engine families: the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L HEMI V8, eTorque mild-hybrid versions of both, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Intake systems are engine-specific — always confirm your exact engine, including whether it’s eTorque-equipped, before purchasing.
eTorque Adds a Compatibility Wrinkle Unique to the Ram
The Ram’s eTorque mild-hybrid system places a belt-driven motor generator unit and associated electrical components in a position that can conflict with some aftermarket intake designs not specifically engineered around it. Before purchasing any aftermarket intake, verify the manufacturer explicitly confirms eTorque compatibility for your specific engine — this is a Ram-specific consideration that doesn’t apply to most competing trucks.
Do Cold Air Intakes Actually Work?
Yes, but results vary by system quality. On the 5.7L HEMI, a quality intake from K&N, aFe, or Cold Air Inductions typically adds 8–20 hp and noticeably improved throttle response. Budget intakes typically add 3–8 hp. The induction sound improvement is often the more immediately satisfying result for daily drivers.
Open Element vs. Closed Box
Open element intakes typically flow more air and produce a more aggressive sound but expose the filter to more heat and moisture, increasing hydrolocking risk. Closed-box intakes seal the filter inside a housing routing air from cooler sources, providing better heat isolation and hydrolocking protection at a small flow cost. For most daily drivers, closed-box is the safer choice; for dedicated performance builds in controlled conditions, open element maximizes flow.
Oiled vs. Dry Filters
Oiled filters (K&N, aFe Pro 5R) flow more air but require periodic re-oiling — and excess oil can contaminate the MAF sensor if over-applied. Dry filters (aFe Pro DRY S, Airaid SynthaMax, Volant PowerCore) require no re-oiling, just cleaning, with slightly less flow but simpler maintenance.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm engine fitment, including eTorque status, before ordering. Replace YOURTAG-20 with your Amazon Associates tag. TruckBench earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.
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