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Top 10 Cold Air Intakes for the 2015–2020 Ford F-150
Updated: February 2025 | Reviewed by the TruckBench Team
The 2015–2020 Ford F-150 offers three primary engine options that dominate the aftermarket intake market: the 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, and the 5.0L Coyote V8. Each has its own intake system and its own intake upgrade dynamics — always confirm your specific engine before ordering.
Engine-specific notes:
- 2.7L EcoBoost — Twin-turbo V6, intercooled. Intake feeds air to both turbos. Most aftermarket brands publish engine-specific kits.
- 3.5L EcoBoost — Twin-turbo V6, intercooled. The most popular F-150 engine for intake upgrades. Higher-output 2017+ High Output version exists — confirm your specific variant.
- 5.0L Coyote V8 — Naturally aspirated. Intake dynamics are simpler than EcoBoost — airflow improvement translates more directly to power gains.
- 3.3L V6 — Minimal aftermarket intake support; few brands publish kits for this base engine.
Quick Picks — Jump to Your Favorite
- K&N 63 Series AirCharger — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best Overall (3.5L EcoBoost)
- aFe Power Momentum GT — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best Premium (3.5L EcoBoost)
- S&B Filters Cold Air Intake — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best for Towing (3.5L)
- K&N 63 Series AirCharger — 5.0L Coyote V8 — Best Overall (5.0L V8)
- aFe Power Momentum GT — 2.7L EcoBoost — Best (2.7L EcoBoost)
- Volant Cold Air Intake — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best Closed-Box EcoBoost
- Airaid MXP Intake System — 5.0L V8 — Best 5.0L V8 Value
- Spectre Performance Intake — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best Budget EcoBoost
- Ford Performance Cold Air Intake — 5.0L — Best OEM Upgrade (5.0L)
- Injen SP Series — 3.5L EcoBoost — Best Injen EcoBoost
#1: K&N 63 Series AirCharger — Best Overall (3.5L EcoBoost)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Editor’s Choice — 3.5L EcoBoost
“K&N’s 63 Series for the 3.5L EcoBoost uses an enclosed heat shield feeding both turbos with cooler, less restricted air — on a turbocharged engine, intake temperature matters as much as flow.”
K&N’s 63 Series AirCharger for the P552 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost uses a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube, an enclosed heat shield isolating the filter from engine bay heat, and K&N’s oiled cotton gauze filter. Dyno-tested gains typically run 10–18 hp on the 3.5L EcoBoost. Confirm your specific EcoBoost variant (standard vs. High Output 2017+). Million-mile filter warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Tube Material | Mandrel-bent aluminum |
| Filter Type | Oiled cotton gauze |
| Heat Shield | Yes — enclosed |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: Proven K&N engineering for EcoBoost — Enclosed heat shield — Washable/reusable filter — Million-mile warranty — Real gains on turbocharged engine
Cons: Premium price — Filter re-oiling required — Confirm standard vs. HO EcoBoost variant — Confirm P552 SKU
Price: ~$290–$400
Check Price on Amazon → | KNFilters.com →
#2: aFe Power Momentum GT — Best Premium (3.5L EcoBoost)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Premium — 3.5L EcoBoost
“aFe’s largest filter surface area delivers the best documented HP gains on the 3.5L EcoBoost — particularly strong on the High Output variant.”
aFe’s Momentum GT for the P552 3.5L EcoBoost uses their roto-molded polyethylene housing with a large-diameter aluminum tube and their Pro DRY S or Pro 5R oiled filter. Dyno results on the 3.5L EcoBoost show 12–20 hp gains. Confirm standard vs. High Output variant. Limited lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Housing | Roto-molded polyethylene |
| Filter Options | Pro DRY S or Pro 5R oiled |
| HP Gain (est.) | 12–20 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Largest filter surface area — Sealed housing — Best documented HP gains — Pro DRY S option (no re-oiling) — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Premium price — Oiled Pro 5R requires maintenance — Confirm standard vs. HO EcoBoost — Confirm P552 SKU
Price: ~$380–$550
Check Price on Amazon → | aFePower.com →
#3: S&B Filters Cold Air Intake — Best for Towing (3.5L)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best for Towing — 3.5L EcoBoost
“S&B’s oversized filter and sealed housing engineered for sustained high-load performance — the 3.5L EcoBoost is the dominant towing engine for this generation F-150 and deserves an intake that can keep up.”
S&B Filters’ 3.5L EcoBoost application features an oversized filter element that flows more air under sustained high-RPM towing conditions, with a sealed housing keeping intake temperatures consistent. Dry or oiled filter options. Confirm P552 SKU. Limited lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Filter Size | Oversized for high-flow |
| Housing | Sealed |
| Filter Options | Dry or oiled |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Oversized filter for sustained towing performance — Sealed housing — Dry filter option — Excellent under towing loads — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Premium price — Confirm standard vs. HO EcoBoost — Confirm P552 SKU
Price: ~$340–$470
Check Price on Amazon → | SBFilters.com →
#4: K&N 63 Series AirCharger — Best Overall (5.0L Coyote V8)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Overall — 5.0L V8
“On the naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8, the K&N’s airflow improvement translates more directly to power gains than on a turbocharged engine — a cleaner, simpler upgrade path.”
The K&N 63 Series for the P552 5.0L Coyote V8 uses the same enclosed heat shield and aluminum tube design as the EcoBoost version, but on a naturally aspirated engine the intake dynamics are simpler — the filter and tube are directly in the airflow path to the engine with no turbo in between. Dyno gains typically run 8–15 hp on the 5.0L. Million-mile filter warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Tube Material | Mandrel-bent aluminum |
| Filter Type | Oiled cotton gauze |
| Heat Shield | Yes — enclosed |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: Direct airflow improvement on NA engine — Enclosed heat shield — Million-mile warranty — Washable/reusable filter — Real V8 induction sound
Cons: Premium price — Filter re-oiling required — Confirm 5.0L P552 SKU specifically
Price: ~$270–$380
Check Price on Amazon → | KNFilters.com →
#5: aFe Power Momentum GT — Best (2.7L EcoBoost)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best — 2.7L EcoBoost
“The most capable intake for the 2.7L EcoBoost — maximizing airflow to both turbos on a smaller displacement engine that benefits significantly from reduced intake restriction.”
The aFe Momentum GT for the P552 2.7L EcoBoost delivers the brand’s large sealed housing and Pro DRY S or Pro 5R filter to Ford’s smaller turbocharged V6. The 2.7L benefits particularly from reduced intake restriction since its smaller displacement turbos spool up quickly and can use every efficiency improvement available. Gains run 8–14 hp typically. Limited lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Housing | Roto-molded polyethylene |
| Filter Options | Pro DRY S or Pro 5R |
| HP Gain (est.) | 8–14 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Best documented gains on 2.7L EcoBoost — Sealed housing — Pro DRY S no-oil option — Lifetime warranty — Turbo-optimized design
Cons: Premium price — Confirm 2.7L P552 SKU specifically — Pro 5R requires re-oiling — Professional install recommended
Price: ~$370–$530
Check Price on Amazon → | aFePower.com →
#6: Volant Cold Air Intake — Best Closed-Box EcoBoost
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Closed-Box EcoBoost
“A fully sealed PowerCore filter — the safest EcoBoost intake option for F-150 owners in rainy climates or who regularly drive through standing water.”
Volant’s closed-box system for the P552 EcoBoost uses a fully enclosed housing with their PowerCore dry synthetic filter. On a turbocharged engine, hydrolocking risk is particularly important — a waterlogged turbo is catastrophically expensive. Dry filter, no re-oiling needed. Confirm engine variant (2.7L or 3.5L). Limited lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Box Style | Fully enclosed |
| Filter Type | PowerCore dry synthetic |
| Hydro Protection | Maximum |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Best hydrolocking protection — Fully sealed — Dry filter no re-oiling — Important protection for turbocharged engines — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Less flow than open-element — Less aggressive induction sound — Confirm engine and P552 SKU
Price: ~$310–$440
Check Price on Amazon → | VolantPerformance.com →
#7: Airaid MXP Intake System — Best 5.0L V8 Value
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best 5.0L V8 Value
“Uniquely configurable open or closed system with a dry SynthaMax filter — no re-oiling needed on the naturally aspirated Coyote V8.”
Airaid’s MXP system for the P552 5.0L Coyote V8 uses an open-element SynthaMax dry filter as the base kit, with an optional air dam converting it to a closed-box setup. The dry SynthaMax filter requires no oil. Gains run 8–14 hp. Confirm 5.0L P552 SKU. Limited lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Filter Type | SynthaMax dry synthetic |
| Configuration | Open or closed (modular) |
| HP Gain (est.) | 8–14 hp |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Modular open/closed — Dry filter no re-oiling — Good HP gains on Coyote V8 — Lifetime warranty — Great V8 induction sound
Cons: Closed-box components sold separately — Confirm 5.0L P552 SKU
Price: ~$265–$375
Check Price on Amazon → | Airaid.com →
#8: Spectre Performance Intake — Best Budget EcoBoost
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Budget EcoBoost
“A real flow improvement on the EcoBoost at the most accessible price — K&N affiliate quality at a lower cost.”
Spectre Performance (a K&N affiliate brand) makes solid budget intakes with cotton gauze filter technology. Gains are modest — 5–10 hp on the EcoBoost — but the induction sound and throttle response improvement are real. Million-mile filter warranty. Confirm engine and P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Filter Type | Oiled cotton gauze |
| HP Gain (est.) | 5–10 hp |
| Warranty | Million-mile filter warranty |
Pros: Budget-friendly — Real flow improvement — Washable filter — Million-mile warranty — Easy install
Cons: Less heat shielding — Lower gains — Confirm engine and P552 SKU
Price: ~$115–$180
#9: Ford Performance Cold Air Intake — Best OEM Upgrade (5.0L)
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best OEM Upgrade — 5.0L
“Ford’s own performance intake for the 5.0L Coyote V8 — factory-engineered fitment that preserves full powertrain warranty coverage.”
Ford Performance’s cold air intake for the P552 5.0L Coyote V8 is engineered and certified by Ford — the only intake on this list that is explicitly stated not to void the powertrain warranty when installed per Ford’s instructions. For 5.0L F-150 owners who want a no-compromise warranty-safe upgrade, this is the definitive choice. Gains are conservative vs. the most aggressive aftermarket options but the zero-warranty-risk makes it compelling.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) factory-specific |
| Engineering | Ford Performance factory |
| Warranty Friendly | Yes — does not void powertrain warranty |
| Source | Ford dealers / FordPerformance.com |
| Warranty | Ford Performance backed |
Pros: Does not void powertrain warranty — Factory-engineered fitment — Zero guesswork — Ford dealer installed option — Preserves warranty coverage
Cons: More conservative gains than aftermarket — Dealer/Ford Performance pricing — Only for 5.0L (EcoBoost version has different considerations)
Price: ~$280–$420
Check at FordPerformance.com →
#10: Injen SP Series — Best Injen EcoBoost
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Injen EcoBoost
“Injen’s MR Technology is calibrated specifically for turbocharged engines — making their EcoBoost F-150 intake one of the most intelligently designed options.”
Injen’s MR (Mass Air Response) Technology optimizes the intake’s airflow characteristics specifically for turbocharged applications. On the EcoBoost’s twin-turbo system, this translates to better turbo response and more consistent power delivery. Available for both 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost. Polished or black powder coat finish. Confirm P552 SKU. Limited warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatible Engine | 2.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Technology | MR Technology — turbo-optimized |
| Filter | Injen dry or oiled |
| Finish | Polished or Black |
| Warranty | Limited |
Pros: MR Technology optimized for EcoBoost turbos — Better turbo response — Polished or black finish — Clean installation
Cons: Limited warranty shorter than K&N/aFe — Confirm engine and P552 SKU — Smaller dealer network
Price: ~$285–$410
Check Price on Amazon → | InjenTechnology.com →
F-150 Cold Air Intake Buying Guide
Engine First — This Is the Most Important Step
The 2015–2020 F-150’s three popular engine options (2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L Coyote V8) each require a completely different intake system — they are not interchangeable. Every intake on this list is engine-specific. Confirm your engine before anything else.
EcoBoost vs. Naturally Aspirated Intake Dynamics
On the 5.0L Coyote V8, airflow from the intake goes directly to the engine — a straightforward relationship between filter/tube restriction and power output. On the 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, the airflow path is intake → filter → turbos → intercooler → engine. The intake improvement feeds the turbos more freely, improving efficiency and power primarily at lower RPM where the turbos are spooling up. Both benefit meaningfully, but the mechanism is different.
3.5L EcoBoost High Output — Confirm Your Variant
The 3.5L EcoBoost in the F-150 received a significant update in the 2017 model year, with the High Output version producing substantially more power than the 2015–2016 standard output engine. Some intake manufacturers publish separate SKUs for pre-2017 and 2017+ applications — always confirm your specific year and variant.
Hydrolocking on EcoBoost — Open Element Caution
Water ingestion in a turbocharged engine causes catastrophic and expensive damage. For EcoBoost F-150 owners who regularly drive through standing water, heavy rain, or mud, a closed-box intake (Volant) is the correct choice over an open-element system.
Oiled vs. Dry Filters on EcoBoost
Over-oiled K&N or aFe Pro 5R filters can contaminate the MAF sensor and turbo compressor wheel. Follow re-oiling instructions precisely and never over-apply oil. The aFe Pro DRY S, Airaid SynthaMax, Volant PowerCore, and Injen dry option eliminate this risk.
Warranty Considerations
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act generally prohibits manufacturers from voiding a warranty simply because an aftermarket part was installed — but if an aftermarket intake causes damage (e.g., a MAF contamination from an over-oiled filter), Ford can potentially deny the related repair. The Ford Performance intake for the 5.0L explicitly preserves warranty coverage and is the only fully warranty-safe option on this list.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm engine (2.7L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost standard or HO, or 5.0L V8) and P552 (2015–2020) compatibility before ordering. Replace YOURTAG-20 with your Amazon Associates tag. TruckBench earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.
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