Air Intake Guide
Best Cold Air Intakes for the
2018 – 2026 Jeep Gladiator: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of cold air intake systems for the 2020–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT — covering the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 3.0L EcoDiesel. Flow increase, horsepower and torque gains, filter types (oiled vs dry), pricing, and fitment notes from Injen, AirAid, Banks Power, Flowmaster, S&B, and more.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Flow Increase | HP | Torque | Filter Type | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injen Evolution | — | +11 HP | +11 lb-ft | Oiled / Dry | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| AirAid (3.0L EcoDiesel) | — | +10.8 HP | — | Dry / Yellow | 3.0L EcoDiesel | $368 | SHOP → |
| Banks Power | +82% | — | — | Oiled / Dry | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
| Flowmaster Premium | — | +9 HP | +11 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.6L V6 |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cold Air vs Short Ram
A cold air intake draws air from outside the engine bay (fenderwell, grille) for cooler, denser air and better power. A short ram intake stays under the hood; easier install and lower cost, but can pull warmer air. For maximum gains, cold air is preferred.
Filter Maintenance
Oiled filters need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (SynthaMax, S&B Dry Extendable) are maintenance-free longer. Choose based on preference; both flow well when maintained.
Engine-Specific Fitment
The Gladiator JT has two engines: 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 3.0L EcoDiesel. Each requires a different intake. Verify fitment for your engine before buying. Many 3.6L intakes fit both Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT.
Water Fording
Jeep Gladiators are built for off-road. If you frequently water ford, ensure your intake is sealed or positioned to avoid hydrolock. Most enclosed systems protect the filter from splash and dust.
Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake: Jeep Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT 2018–2025 3.6L V6
Injen Evolution delivers strong value for Gladiator 3.6L owners. Dyno-verified +11 HP and +11 lb-ft. Available in oiled or dry filter variants. Fits 2018–2025 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020–2025 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L Pentastar. Cold air design; draws from fenderwell for cooler intake temps.
Injen has a solid reputation in the Jeep and domestic aftermarket. The Evolution uses a high-flow filter and mandrel-bent tubing. Good budget option for 3.6L Gladiator owners.
Pros
- Dyno-verified gains; strong price-to-performance
- Oiled and dry filter options
- Fits JL and Gladiator 3.6L
Cons
- 3.6L only (not 3.0L EcoDiesel)
- No flow increase data
AirAid Cold Air Intake (Closed Box): Jeep Wrangler / Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel (20–23)
AirAid offers closed-box cold air intakes for the 3.0L EcoDiesel in both Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. Dyno-verified +10.8 HP. Available in dry non-woven synthetic or Yellow Media filter. Fits 2020–2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel. Roto-molded airbox replaces the restrictive factory design.
AirAid has a strong presence in the Mopar aftermarket. Closed-box design protects the filter from engine heat. No tune required; maintains proper MAF calibration.
Pros
- Closed-box design; dry filter option
- Fits JL and Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel
- +10.8 HP dyno-verified
Cons
- 3.0L EcoDiesel only (not 3.6L)
- No flow increase data
Banks Ram-Air Cold Air Intake: Jeep Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT 2018–26 3.6L
Banks Ram-Air delivers the highest flow increase in this guide: +82% over stock. Best-in-class 782 CFM airflow. Fully enclosed molded plastic housing. Fits 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020–2024 Jeep Gladiator JT 3.6L. Available in oiled or dry filter.
Banks has over 60 years in diesel and gas performance. Engineered with CFD and validated on flow bench and dyno. Big-Ass Filter with 672 sq in surface area. Emissions compliant.
Pros
- +82% flow; highest in this guide
- Fits JL and Gladiator 3.6L
- Oiled and dry filter options
Cons
- 3.6L only (not 3.0L EcoDiesel)
- No published HP/torque dyno
Flowmaster Delta Force Performance Air Intake: Jeep Gladiator (20–25) / Wrangler (18–25)
Flowmaster Delta Force Premium fits both Jeep Wrangler JL (2018–2025) and Jeep Gladiator JT (2020–2025) 3.6L V6. Dyno-verified +9 HP and +11 lb-ft. True cold air design. USA-made. Oiled filter. Premium construction for owners who want a single kit that fits both JL and JT.
Flowmaster’s exhaust heritage carries over to intakes. The Delta Force Premium is the go-to for Gladiator owners who want proven gains and cross-platform fitment.
Pros
- Fits JL and Gladiator 3.6L
- Premium construction
- True cold air design
Cons
- Premium price
- 3.6L only; lower gains than Banks
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim | Injen | AirAid | Banks | Flowmaster |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladiator JT 3.6L V6 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gladiator JT 3.0L EcoDiesel | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tune when installing a cold air intake?
Most cold air intakes are plug-and-play; no tune required. The factory MAF sensor and ECU handle the increased airflow. For heavily modified engines, a tune can optimize gains. Check the product listing for manufacturer notes.
Will a cold air intake void my warranty?
Bolt-on intakes generally do not void the vehicle warranty. They do not alter emissions equipment. Some dealers may flag modifications; check with your dealer if concerned. Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act protects against blanket voiding.
Do the same intakes fit the Wrangler JL?
Many Gladiator intakes also fit the Wrangler JL 3.6L (2018–2026), since both share the same engine. The Injen Evolution, Banks Ram-Air, and Flowmaster Premium in this guide fit both. Always verify fitment before buying.
I have a 3.0L EcoDiesel Gladiator. What intakes fit?
For 3.0L EcoDiesel Gladiator (2020–2023), the AirAid closed-box intake is the only option in this guide with confirmed fitment. It’s available in dry filter and Yellow Media variants. Check our air intake collection for the latest.
Ready to Upgrade Your Jeep Gladiator Intake?
Compare flow increase, horsepower, and torque above, pick the right fit for your engine (3.6L or 3.0L EcoDiesel) and budget, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
