Air Intake Guide
Best Cold Air Intakes for the
2025 – 2026 Ram 1500: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of cold air intake systems for the 2025–2026 Ram 1500 — covering the 3.0L Hurricane inline-six turbo (RHO and standard trims) and 3.6L V6. Flow increase, horsepower and torque gains, filter types (oiled vs dry), pricing, and fitment notes from aFe, K&N, and more.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Flow Increase | HP | Torque | Filter Type | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K&N 63 Series 3.6L V6 | — | +9.3 HP | +17 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.6L V6 | $367.99 | SHOP → |
| aFe Momentum GT | +36% | +23 HP | +42 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.0L Hurricane | $413.25 | SHOP → |
| K&N Performance 3.0L | +32.5% | +41.1 HP | +67.9 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.0L Hurricane | $425.99 | SHOP → |
| aFe Magnum FORCE | +43% | +19 HP | +29 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.0L Hurricane (RHO) | $449.35 | SHOP → |
| aFe Track Series Carbon Fiber | +43% | +19 HP | +31 lb-ft | Oiled | 3.0L Hurricane (RHO) | $697.30 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
3.0L Hurricane vs 3.6L V6
The 2025–2026 Ram 1500 offers the 3.0L Hurricane inline-six turbo (RHO, RHO-X, and select trims) and the 3.6L V6. Each engine requires a different intake. Verify your engine before buying.
RHO vs Standard 3.0L
Some intakes are engineered specifically for the Ram RHO (3.0L Hurricane). Others fit all 3.0L Hurricane applications. Check product fitment for “RHO” or “3.0L Hurricane” before ordering.
Filter Maintenance
Oiled filters need periodic cleaning and re-oiling. Dry filters (aFe Pro Dry S) are maintenance-free longer. Most intakes in this guide offer oiled variants; aFe also offers dry options.
CARB & Emissions
Most intakes for 2025–2026 Ram 1500 are California restricted (off-road use only). Check product listings for CARB EO numbers if you're in an emissions state.
aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake w/ Pro 5R Filter: Ram 1500 3.0L (25–26)
aFe Momentum GT delivers the lowest price in this guide for 2025–2026 Ram 1500 3.0L Hurricane. +36% flow increase, +23 HP, +42 lb-ft. Sealed XLPE housing draws cooler air from the factory inlet behind the grille. Pro 5R oiled filter; washable and reusable. Bolt-on; no tune required.
Ideal for budget-conscious owners. The two-piece tube and silicone bellows coupler simplify installation. Compatible with Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models with the same Hurricane engine.
Pros
- Lowest price for 3.0L Hurricane
- +36% flow, +23 HP
- Sealed housing
Cons
- 3.0L Hurricane only (not 3.6L V6)
- Oiled filter maintenance
aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Cold Air Intake Pro 5R Filter: RAM RHO 3.0L 2025–2026
aFe Magnum FORCE delivers the best overall package for 2025–2026 Ram RHO 3.0L Hurricane. +43% flow increase. Open-element Pro 5R filter; roto-molded XLPE intake tube. Dyno-tuned for maximum power and torque. Direct bolt-on; no tune required.
aFe has a strong presence in the truck aftermarket. The open-element design enhances turbo induction sound. Ideal for RHO owners seeking proven gains and aggressive tone.
Pros
- Highest flow (+43%)
- RHO-specific fitment
- Aggressive induction sound
Cons
- RHO 3.0L only (not standard 3.0L or 3.6L)
- Oiled filter maintenance
K&N 63 Series Cold Air Intake: Ram 1500 3.6L V6 2020–2025
K&N 63 Series is the dedicated cold air intake for 2025–2026 Ram 1500 3.6L V6. Roto-molded HDPE tube; oversized oiled cotton filter. Dyno-verified +9.3 HP and +17 lb-ft. Up to 100,000 miles between filter services. Bolt-on; no tune required.
K&N brings decades of heritage. The 3.6L V6 is the base engine for many trims; this is the only full intake system in this guide for that application.
Pros
- Only full intake for 3.6L V6
- 100,000-mile filter service
- Proven K&N reputation
Cons
- 3.6L V6 only (not 3.0L Hurricane)
- Oiled filter maintenance
K&N Performance Cold Air Intake: Ram 1500 3.0L 2025
K&N Performance delivers the highest horsepower and torque gains in this guide: +41.1 HP and +67.9 lb-ft. +32.5% flow increase. NextGen airbox; HDPE rotationally molded tube. Oiled cotton filter; up to 100,000 miles between services. Fits 2025 Ram 1500 3.0L twin-turbo. No tune required.
K&N’s No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty backs the system. Dyno-proven for the 3.0L turbo. Ideal for owners seeking maximum power gains.
Pros
- Highest HP (+41) and torque (+68 lb-ft)
- +32.5% flow
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- 3.0L Hurricane only
- California restricted
aFe Track Series Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake w/ Black Pro 5R Filter: Ram 1500 3.0L (25–26)
aFe Track Series delivers a premium carbon fiber cold air intake for 2025–2026 Ram 1500 RHO 3.0L Hurricane. +43% flow, +19 HP, +31 lb-ft. Twill weave matte carbon fiber tube; ~6 lbs lighter than factory (38% weight reduction). XLPE air filter housing; Black Pro 5R filter. Open-element design; aggressive induction sound.
Motorsport-inspired aesthetics. Custom bracket supports factory engine cover. Direct bolt-on; no tune required. Ideal for enthusiasts who want style and substance.
Pros
- Carbon fiber construction
- 38% weight reduction
- +43% flow
Cons
- Premium price
- RHO 3.0L only
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Engine?
| Engine | aFe Momentum GT | aFe Magnum FORCE | K&N 63 Series | K&N Performance | aFe Track Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L Hurricane (standard) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 3.0L Hurricane (RHO) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3.6L V6 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tune when installing a cold air intake?
Most cold air intakes for the 2025–2026 Ram 1500 are plug-and-play; no tune required. The factory MAF and ECU handle the increased airflow. 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.
I have a Ram RHO. Which intakes fit?
aFe Magnum FORCE and aFe Track Series are engineered specifically for the RHO 3.0L Hurricane. aFe Momentum GT and K&N Performance 3.0L fit all 3.0L Hurricane applications, including RHO. K&N 63 Series fits the 3.6L V6 only.
What’s the difference between 3.0L Hurricane and 3.6L V6 intakes?
Each engine has a unique intake design. The 3.0L Hurricane (inline-six turbo) and 3.6L V6 use different airboxes, tubes, and mounting. Never interchange; verify fitment for your engine before buying.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 1500 Intake?
Compare flow increase, horsepower, and torque above, pick the right fit for your 3.0L Hurricane or 3.6L V6, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
