Best Cold Air Intake for 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra: Complete Comparison Guide

Comparing Top Performance Intakes for 3rd Gen Tundra & Sequoia (2022-2025)

Upgrading the intake system on your 3rd gen Toyota Tundra (2022-2025) or Sequoia (2023-2025) is one of the most effective ways to unlock hidden power from the twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6 engine. But with multiple aftermarket cold air intakes available—from industry giants like K&N, aFe Power, S&B Filters, and Magnuson to innovative newcomers like SXTH Element—how do you choose the right one?

We've researched specifications, compared dyno results, and analyzed real-world performance data from all major players in the 3rd gen Tundra intake market. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Understanding the 3rd Gen Tundra's Airflow Challenge

The 2022+ Tundra and 2023+ Sequoia come equipped with two IHI VB45 turbochargers that respond exceptionally well to airflow improvements. However, the factory intake system uses restrictive baffles designed primarily for noise reduction—not performance. This creates unnecessary air restriction that robs your engine of potential power and throttle response.

The solution? A properly engineered cold air intake system that eliminates restriction, maximizes volume, and maintains proper MAF sensor readings without triggering check engine lights.

The Complete 3rd Gen Tundra Intake Comparison

K&N 63-9042 AirCharger Cold Air Intake

K&N has been an industry leader in performance filtration for over 50 years, and their 63-9042 brings that experience to the 3rd gen Tundra platform.

Specifications:

• Dyno-Proven Gains: +17.5 HP @ 3800 RPM and +24.5 lb-ft torque
• Filter Type: Oiled cotton gauze (4 layers of pleated cotton)
• Construction: Roto-molded HDPE (high-density polyethylene) intake tube
• Filter Surface Area: 200% more than stock
• Maintenance: Cleaning required every 100,000 miles
• Installation: 60 minutes, replaces factory air filter and intake tube
• Warranty: No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty
• Price: $599-$646

Pros:

• Highest advertised horsepower gains among competitors
• Massive filter surface area for maximum flow
• 50+ years of proven filtration technology
• Lifetime warranty
• Strong brand reputation

Cons:

• Stops at airbox—does NOT include turbo inlet pipes
• Oiled filter requires maintenance and can contaminate MAF sensor if over-oiled
• Some users report check engine lights or dealer issues with air leak detection
• Filter cleaning supplies add ongoing cost
  

aFe Power Momentum GT

The aFe Momentum GT is one of the most popular aftermarket intakes, known for its eye-catching design and available color options.

Specifications:

• Airflow Increase: 11-17% over stock (depending on filter type)
• Dyno-Proven Gains: Up to +13-17 HP and +17-19 lb-ft torque
• Filter Type: Pro 5R (oiled cotton) or Pro DRY S (synthetic dry media)
• Design: Dual one-piece XLPE housings with clear sight windows
• Installation: Replaces airbox only; does NOT include turbo inlet pipes
• Price: $580-$660

Pros:

• Strong brand reputation
• Multiple filter options (oiled or dry)
• Available in multiple colors (black, red, orange)
• Clear sight windows for visual appeal

Cons:

• Stops at airbox—turbo inlet pipes NOT included (add $200-400)
• Modest airflow improvements compared to K&N
• Oiled filters require maintenance and can cause MAF sensor issues
• No integrated solution for complete intake path

S&B Filters 75-5163

S&B has built a reputation on filtration excellence, and their 3rd gen Tundra offering focuses on dual enclosed airboxes.

Specifications:

• Airflow Increase: 27.96% over stock (highest percentage claim)
• Filter Efficiency: 99.24% (cotton) or 99.56% (dry)
• Dyno-Proven Gains: Not published by manufacturer
• Filter Type: Cotton cleanable or dry extendable media
• Design: Dual fully enclosed airboxes with snap-in lids
• Installation: Replaces airbox only; does NOT include turbo inlet pipes
• Warranty: Million-mile warranty
• Price: $449

Pros:

• Highest airflow percentage improvement claim
• Superior filtration ratings
• Tool-free snap-in lid design
• Million-mile warranty
• Dual filter design

Cons:

• No published horsepower/torque gains to verify performance
• Stops at airbox—no turbo inlet integration
• Heavier dual-box design
• Enclosed design may limit maximum airflow potential
• Users report modest "seat of the pants" gains

Magnuson 31-99-34-005-BL Performance Air Intake

Magnuson brings their supercharger engineering expertise to the naturally-aspirated intake market with a robust OEM-quality design.

Specifications:

• Airflow Increase: 25% over factory airbox
• Dyno-Proven Gains: Not published by manufacturer
• Filter Type: 8-layer oiled cleanable cotton (99%+ filtration efficiency)
• Construction: Injection-molded design with oversized viewing window
• Installation: 15 minutes (simple installation)
• Compatibility: Stock filter can still be used as backup
• Warranty: 3-year / 36,000-mile Parts warranty
• Price: $499
• Note: Not currently available for sale in California

Pros:

• Robust OEM-quality construction
• Fastest installation time (15 minutes)
• High filtration efficiency (99%+)
• Can use stock filter as backup
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• Stops at airbox—no turbo inlet pipes included
• Oiled filter requires regular maintenance
• No published dyno results
• Not CARB compliant
• Shorter warranty than competitors
• Limited field testing/reviews

SXTH Element CPLT: The Complete System Advantage

Now, let's examine what makes the SXTH Element CPLT (Complete Intake) fundamentally different from every competitor listed above.

The "Complete" Difference

While K&N, aFe, S&B, and Magnuson all stop at the airbox, the SXTH Element CPLT is a complete intake path solution. It replaces everything from the front duct all the way to the turbo inlets. 

SXTH Element CPLT Specifications

Performance:

• Airflow Increase: 12-17% over OEM Standard and TRD (respectively)
• Dyno-Proven Gains: Up to 14 HP and 14 lb-ft torque at the wheels (DynoJet)
• No tuning required: Zero risk of check engine lights
• Wastegate duty cycle reduction: Turbos work more efficiently

Design Features:

• Complete intake path: Front duct → airbox → turbo inlet pipes (all included)
• Material: Rotational-molded XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) for maximum durability
• Filter Type: High-flow dry air filter (no oiling required)
• QuickSnap Magnetic Lid: Tool-free filter access with embedded neodymium magnets
• Direct turbo connection: Eliminates the need for separate turbo inlet upgrades

Installation:

• Bolt-on design using factory mounting points
• No cutting, drilling, or modifications required
• Comprehensive installation video available

Price: Competitive with top-tier systems while including MORE components

Head-to-Head Comparison: Why SXTH Wins

1. Complete System vs. Partial Solution

K&N, aFe, S&B, and Magnuson: All replace only the airbox portion. You're left with restrictive factory turbo inlet tubes, which creates a bottleneck that limits your gains. If you want to upgrade those later, you'll pay $200-400 more for separate turbo inlet pipes—if they're even available for your specific setup.

SXTH CPLT: Includes everything—front duct, airbox, intake tubes, AND turbo inlet pipes. This is the only system that addresses the entire intake path in one package, maximizing airflow efficiency from start to finish.

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

2. Turbo Efficiency & Engineering

The SXTH engineering team conducted extensive studies on the IHI VB45 turbochargers used in the 3rd gen Tundra. Their design focuses on maximizing volume before the turbo—the most critical region for turbo response.

Key Engineering Advantage: By optimizing pre-turbo volume, the CPLT system reduces wastegate duty cycle. This means your turbos work smarter, not harder, resulting in better response, reduced lag, and more consistent power delivery across the RPM range.

K&N, aFe, S&B, and Magnuson focus primarily on filtration and basic airflow improvements but don't address the complete turbo inlet path or optimize pre-turbo volume.

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

3. Filter Maintenance & Real-World Usability

K&N 63-9042 (Oiled):

• Requires regular oiling with K&N cleaning kit
• Risk of over-oiling, which can contaminate MAF sensor
• Time-consuming maintenance
• Ongoing cost for cleaning supplies

aFe Pro 5R (Oiled):

• Requires regular oiling
• Same MAF sensor contamination risk
• Messy maintenance process

aFe Pro DRY S:

• Better than oiled, but still synthetic media
• Requires eventual replacement

S&B Cotton Cleanable:

• Requires oiling (same maintenance issues)
• Can be messy

S&B Dry Extendable:

• Disposable media—ongoing replacement costs

Magnuson (Oiled):

• 8-layer oiled cotton requires maintenance
• Similar issues to K&N and aFe oiled filters

SXTH High-Flow Dry Filter:

• No oils required—ever
• Clean with compressed air or mild soap and water
• Superior filtration without maintenance headaches
• Longer service intervals
• No risk of MAF sensor contamination

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

4. Installation Innovation: QuickSnap Magnetic Lid

Ever tried to access your air filter for inspection or cleaning? With traditional systems, you're dealing with screws, clips, and awkward angles.

SXTH QuickSnap System:

• Embedded neodymium magnets create a secure seal
• Pop open in seconds—no tools required
• Makes routine maintenance actually practical

K&N, aFe, S&B, Magnuson: Traditional screw-based or clip-based lids that require tools and time.

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

5. Proven Performance Without Compromises

K&N 63-9042: Claims the highest gains (+17.5 HP) but has documented issues with check engine lights and dealer concerns about air leak detection. Some owners report having to pay dealerships to remove the intake to avoid warranty issues.

aFe, S&B, Magnuson: Solid performers but incomplete solutions with modest gains.

SXTH CPLT: Delivers proven gains (14 HP/14 TQ at the wheels) with:

• Zero check engine lights
• No tuning required
• No dealer concerns
• Complete, validated solution

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

6. Sound & Experience

All systems improve induction sound, but there are differences:

K&N: Aggressive intake sound with enhanced turbo whistle aFe: Increased turbo whistle and whoosh, moderate induction noise S&B: Removes restrictive baffles, enhances turbo sound Magnuson: OEM-quality construction with improved exhaust flow when paired with their exhaust SXTH: Delivers aggressive induction notes with prominent turbo spool, flutter, and blow-off sounds—without the vacuum cleaner effect

The SXTH system is designed to make your driving experience MORE engaging. You'll hear every spool-up, every pressure release, and every CFM of air feeding those twin turbos.

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

7. Value Proposition

Let's talk about total cost to achieve a complete intake system:

K&N 63-9042: $599-646 (airbox only)

• Want turbo inlets? Add $200-400 more (if available)
• Total: $799-1,046

aFe Momentum GT: $400-500 (airbox only)

• Want turbo inlets? Add $200-400 more
• Total: $600-900

S&B 75-5163: $449 (airbox only)

• Want turbo inlets? Add $200-400 more
• Total: $649-849

Magnuson 31-99-34-005-BL: $499 (airbox only)

• Want turbo inlets? Add $200-400 more
• Total: $699-899

SXTH Element CPLT: Competitive pricing

• Includes: Front duct + airbox + intake tubes + turbo inlet pipes
• No additional purchases needed
• Complete system, one price

Plus, with SXTH, you're supporting an American engineering company that designs, tests, and manufactures their products with precision CAD engineering and 3D scanning for perfect fitment.

Winner: SXTH Element ✓

Comprehensive Specifications Comparison Table

*While K&N claims the highest HP gains, they also have documented user reports of check engine lights and dealer concerns.

Why Choose SXTH Element for Your 3rd Gen Tundra

1. Engineering Excellence

SXTH Element doesn't just build parts—they engineer complete solutions. Using advanced CAD design, 3D scanning, and extensive dyno testing, every component is optimized for your specific vehicle.

2. Complete System Approach

Why buy piecemeal when you can get a complete, integrated solution? The CPLT system addresses every restriction point in one comprehensive package. No other manufacturer offers turbo inlet pipes with their intake system for the 3rd gen Tundra.

3. Real-World Testing

SXTH backs up their claims with actual dyno results, thermocouple testing, and extensive validation across multiple vehicles and conditions—without the check engine light issues plaguing some competitors.

4. Customer Support

Direct access to the engineering team. When you have questions, you're talking to the people who designed your intake, not a call center.

5. Future-Proof Design

The CPLT system is designed to work seamlessly with other performance upgrades. Whether you're adding an intercooler, exhaust, or tuning down the road, your intake won't become a bottleneck.

6. No Maintenance Hassles

Unlike K&N, aFe Pro 5R, S&B cotton, and Magnuson oiled filters, the SXTH dry filter requires no oiling—ever. No risk of MAF sensor contamination, no ongoing costs for cleaning kits.

Installation Confidence

Worried about installation? The SXTH Element CPLT is designed for straightforward bolt-on installation:

• Uses all factory mounting points
• No cutting or drilling required
• Comprehensive video instructions available
• Average install time: 1-2 hours
• All necessary hardware included

Compare this to K&N's 60-minute claim or Magnuson's 15-minute claim—but remember, those systems are incomplete and leave you with restrictive factory turbo inlet pipes.

The Verdict: A Clear Winner Emerges

When you evaluate all factors—completeness, engineering, performance, reliability, maintenance, and value—the SXTH Element CPLT stands alone:

✓ Only complete intake path system (front duct to turbo inlets) ✓ No check engine light issues (unlike some K&N reports) ✓ Engineered for turbo efficiency (reduced wastegate duty cycle) ✓ Zero-maintenance dry filter (vs. oiled K&N, aFe, S&B, Magnuson) ✓ Superior usability (QuickSnap magnetic lid) ✓ Proven dyno gains (14 HP/TQ at wheels, validated) ✓ Best overall value (complete system vs. partial solutions)

K&N 63-9042 offers the highest advertised gains but comes with reliability concerns, oiled filter maintenance, and no turbo inlets.

aFe Momentum GT and S&B 75-5163 are solid partial solutions but lack the completeness and innovation of SXTH.

Magnuson 31-99-34-005-BL brings OEM quality but lacks dyno validation, requires filter maintenance, and offers no turbo inlet integration.

The SXTH Element CPLT gives you everything you need in one comprehensive, well-engineered, reliability-proven package.

Ready to Unleash Your Tundra's Potential?

Stop settling for partial solutions and potential reliability issues. The SXTH Element CPLT Intake is the complete answer for 2022-2025 Tundra and 2023-2025 Sequoia owners who demand:

• Maximum performance gains
• Complete intake path optimization
• Zero maintenance hassles
• No check engine light risks
• Superior engineering
• All-in-one value

Shop the SXTH Element CPLT Intake for 3rd Gen Tundra →

Available for:

• 2022-2025 Toyota Tundra (Gas & Hybrid)
• 2023-2025 Toyota Sequoia (Gas & Hybrid)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this void my warranty? A: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your rights. Dealerships cannot void your warranty simply for installing aftermarket parts unless they can prove the part caused the failure. Unlike some competitors (K&N has documented dealer issues), SXTH systems are designed to avoid triggering any engine management concerns.

Q: Do I need a tune? A: No. The SXTH Element CPLT is specifically designed to work with factory calibration, delivering gains without check engine lights or the need for reprogramming.

Q: How often do I need to service the filter? A: Depending on driving conditions, inspect every 15,000-20,000 miles. The dry filter can be cleaned with compressed air or mild soap and water—no oils required, ever. Compare this to K&N's oiled filter that requires expensive cleaning kits and risks MAF sensor contamination.

Q: Will this work with my hybrid Tundra? A: Yes! The CPLT system is compatible with both gas and hybrid 3rd gen Tundra and Sequoia models.

Q: What about CARB compliance? A: SXTH Element is actively working on CARB certification.  

Q: Can I install this myself? A: Absolutely. With basic hand tools and the provided video instructions, most owners complete installation in 1-2 hours.

Q: Why should I choose SXTH over K&N's higher horsepower claims? A: K&N's higher numbers come with tradeoffs: documented check engine light issues, oiled filter maintenance hassles, MAF sensor contamination risk, and no turbo inlet pipes included. SXTH delivers proven, reliable gains with a complete system and zero maintenance requirements.

Q: Do I really need turbo inlet pipes? A: Yes! The factory turbo inlet pipes are a significant restriction point. Without addressing them, you're leaving performance on the table. SXTH is the only manufacturer that includes them as part of an integrated system—everyone else forces you to purchase separately or go without.

Final Thoughts: Complete Engineering Matters

In the aftermarket performance world, there are products that look good, products that perform well, and products that do both reliably. The SXTH Element CPLT Intake achieves all three—but more importantly, it's the only system engineered from the ground up as a complete solution to the 3rd gen Tundra's specific airflow challenges.

K&N brings proven filtration technology but incomplete coverage and maintenance concerns. aFe and S&B offer quality airbox replacements without addressing the full intake path. Magnuson provides OEM-quality construction but lacks the validation and completeness of purpose-built competitors.

Only SXTH provides a complete, integrated, maintenance-free solution that maximizes every cubic inch of your intake path—from the front duct to the turbo inlets—without the reliability concerns plaguing some competitors.

When you're ready to stop compromising and start experiencing what your twin-turbo V6 is truly capable of, there's only one choice.

Choose completeness. Choose reliability. Choose engineering excellence. Choose SXTH Element.

Disclaimer: Dyno results may vary based on individual vehicle condition, ambient conditions, and testing methodology. Always follow manufacturer installation instructions and local regulations regarding emissions modifications. Performance claims reflect manufacturer specifications and independent testing where available.