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Top 10 Cold Air Intakes for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma
A cold air intake swaps the restrictive factory airbox for a freer-flowing filter and tube, usually relocated to draw cooler air. On the third-generation Tacoma, the intake has two very different applications: the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) and the 2.7L four-cylinder (2TR-FE). Both are naturally aspirated, so gains are modest, typically a few horsepower, plus a more noticeable intake sound at wide-open throttle. Owners usually buy one for the sound, a bit of throttle response, and a washable filter. Here are ten top options.
Note: Make sure the kit you order matches your engine, since 2.7L and 3.5L intakes are not interchangeable, and some kits are listed for specific model years only. Some intakes require reprogramming or a tune to avoid check engine lights, and a few states restrict intakes without a CARB EO number.
1. AEM Cold Air Intake System (3.5L V6)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) — Badge: Best Overall
“A well-engineered intake with a dry-flow filter and a good track record.”
AEM’s intake uses a smooth mandrel-bent tube and a dry-flow filter that doesn’t need oiling, which avoids the risk of oil fouling the mass airflow sensor. It’s designed to fit the 3.5L V6 engine bay and typically carries a CARB EO number for emissions-restricted states.
Gains are modest, as they are with any intake on a naturally aspirated engine, but throttle response feels a little crisper and the intake note is more pronounced. Installation is a straightforward bolt-on job that most owners can do in an hour or two.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Filter | Dry-flow, washable |
| Tube | Mandrel-bent aluminum |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma V6 (confirm year) |
Pros
- Dry filter avoids oil contamination
- Good fit and build
- Often CARB-legal
Cons
- Small power gain
- Premium price
Price Range: $330–$450
2. K&N 63 Series Aircharger Performance Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Brand Recognition
“The best-known name in intakes, with a washable cotton filter.”
K&N’s 63 Series Aircharger uses a rotomolded tube and a high-flow oiled cotton filter. The kit is built to fit the Tacoma’s engine bay and often comes with a lifetime filter warranty.
An oiled filter needs periodic cleaning and re-oiling, and over-oiling can foul the MAF sensor, so follow the instructions carefully. The sound is a little throatier, and the fit is generally good.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 or 2.7L (confirm kit) |
| Filter | Oiled cotton, washable |
| Tube | Rotomolded polymer |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma (confirm engine) |
Pros
- Well-known brand
- Washable filter
- Lifetime filter warranty
Cons
- Oil can foul the MAF if over-oiled
- Gains are small
Price Range: $300–$420
3. Injen SP Series Short Ram Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.4/5) — Badge: Best Sound
“A short-ram design that emphasizes induction sound.”
Injen’s SP Series is a short-ram design that replaces the airbox with a polished or powder-coated tube and a filter in the engine bay. It tends to have an aggressive intake note.
A short ram draws warmer under-hood air than a true cold air intake, so don’t expect big gains.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Filter | Dry or oiled, washable |
| Tube | Aluminum |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma V6 (confirm) |
Pros
- Strong intake sound
- Nice finish
- Straightforward install
Cons
- Draws warmer air
- Small power gains
Price Range: $280–$400
4. Airaid Cold Air Dam Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) — Badge: Best Sealed Airbox Design
“A sealed airbox keeps hot engine air out.”
Airaid’s design uses a sealed airbox that isolates the filter from under-hood heat, and it uses a dry synthetic filter. The result is cooler intake air without oiling.
The price is moderate, and fit is good.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 or 2.7L (confirm) |
| Filter | Dry synthetic |
| Airbox | Sealed |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma (confirm) |
Pros
- Cooler air via sealed box
- Dry filter
- Good fit
Cons
- Bulky airbox
- Small gains
Price Range: $250–$380
5. Volant PowerCore Closed Box Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) — Badge: Best Closed-Box Value
“A closed box and dry filter at a reasonable price.”
Volant’s PowerCore uses a closed box to draw cool air and a dry filter. It’s a solid mid-priced choice with a clean install.
Check the listing for your engine.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (verify) |
| Filter | Dry, washable |
| Airbox | Closed |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma (verify) |
Pros
- Closed box
- Dry filter
- Good price
Cons
- Fitment varies
- Small gains
Price Range: $250–$380
6. aFe Power Takeda Stage-2 Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) — Badge: Best Performance Pick
“A performance-oriented kit with a dry filter.”
aFe’s Takeda Stage-2 uses a large dry filter and a smooth tube for good flow. It’s a performance-focused kit with a solid reputation.
Gains remain modest, but the engineering is good.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (verify) |
| Filter | Dry, washable |
| Tube | Aluminum |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma (verify) |
Pros
- Good flow
- Dry filter
- Respected brand
Cons
- Mid-to-premium price
- Small gains
Price Range: $300–$450
7. Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Badge: Best Budget Intake
“An affordable way to try an aftermarket intake.”
Spectre’s kit is a lower-cost intake option with a washable filter. It offers basic function and sound.
Fit and finish are less refined than premium brands.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Verify for your engine |
| Filter | Washable |
| Tube | Aluminum/polymer |
| Fitment | Verify |
Pros
- Low price
- Washable filter
- Simple
Cons
- Less refined
- Verify fitment
Price Range: $150–$260
8. Takeda/aFe Momentum GT Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — Badge: Best Enclosed Option
“An enclosed box design for cooler air.”
The Momentum GT uses an enclosed box and a dry filter for cooler intake air, with a style that looks factory-clean.
Expect modest gains.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (verify) |
| Filter | Dry |
| Airbox | Enclosed |
| Fitment | Verify |
Pros
- Enclosed box
- Dry filter
- Clean look
Cons
- Bulky
- Small gains
Price Range: $300–$450
9. Toyota TRD Cold Air Intake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best Factory-Backed Option
“A dealer-sourced intake designed for the truck.”
Toyota’s TRD intake is designed for the Tacoma and installed at a dealer. It keeps the factory warranty in many cases and is emissions-legal.
It costs more and the gains are small.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (verify) |
| Filter | Washable |
| Type | Factory-backed kit |
| Fitment | Tacoma-specific |
Pros
- Factory-backed
- Emissions-legal
- Dealer support
Cons
- Higher price
- Small gains
Price Range: $350–$550
10. Replacement Drop-In Performance Air Filter
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Badge: Best Simple Upgrade
“A washable filter that drops right into the factory airbox.”
A drop-in filter replaces the paper element with a washable one, keeping the factory airbox and intake tract. It’s the easiest, cheapest upgrade.
There’s essentially no performance change, but it’s reusable.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Drop-in panel filter |
| Filter | Washable |
| Install | 5 minutes |
| Fitment | 2016–2023 Tacoma (confirm engine) |
Pros
- Very cheap
- Reusable
- No tools
Cons
- No power gain
- Filtration varies
Price Range: $40–$70
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cold Air Intake for Your Toyota Tacoma
1. Match Your Engine The 2.7L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 use different intakes. Confirm the listing covers your engine and model year.
2. Set Expectations Naturally aspirated engines gain only a few horsepower from an intake. Buy one for sound, filter convenience, or response, not big power.
3. Dry vs. Oiled Filters Dry filters avoid the risk of oil contaminating the MAF sensor. Oiled filters need careful cleaning and re-oiling.
4. Check Emissions Legality In CARB states, buy only intakes with an Executive Order number, or you may fail inspection.
5. Consider a Tune Some owners pair an intake with a tuner for better results, but gains remain modest. See our tuner guide.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. TruckBench earns a commission on qualifying purchases via the Amazon links above. Aftermarket intakes may affect emissions compliance — check local regulations.
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