Adding a cold air intake to your Gladiator changes the sound and airflow under the hood. If you are searching for the best cold air intake for Jeep Gladiator, you need to know what fits, what performs, and what sounds good. This guide breaks down the top options, installation steps, and real-world benefits.
A cold air intake replaces the factory air box with a more open system. It pulls cooler air from outside the engine bay, which can boost horsepower and throttle response. For the Jeep Gladiator, this mod is popular because it adds a throatier growl without major mechanical work.
We tested several intakes on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Each system has its own strengths. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of the top picks, plus installation tips and common questions.
Why Upgrade The Factory Intake
The stock air intake on the Gladiator is restrictive. It uses a closed box with small inlets to reduce noise and keep water out. While this is fine for daily driving, it limits airflow when you need more power.
A cold air intake opens up the intake path. It uses a larger filter and smoother tubing to reduce resistance. This lets the engine breathe easier, especially at higher RPMs. Many drivers report a noticable improvement in acceleration and a deeper exhaust note.
Another benefit is engine bay appearance. Most aftermarket intakes feature polished tubes or carbon fiber housings. They look clean and professional under the hood.
Best Cold Air Intake For Jeep Gladiator
When we talk about the Best Cold Air Intake For Jeep Gladiator, we consider fitment, power gains, sound, and durability. The 3.6L V6 is the most common engine, but the EcoDiesel and 392 options also have dedicated kits.
Here are the top contenders for the Gladiator:
AFE Power Momentum GT Pro 5R
This is one of the most popular choices for the 3.6L Pentastar. It features a large, oiled cotton filter and a sealed aluminum housing. The housing is designed to pull air from the front grille area, keeping intake temps low.
AFE claims up to 15 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque gains. In real-world testing, the throttle response feels sharper, and the engine sounds more aggressive under load. The Pro 5R filter is washable and reusable.
- Material: Aluminum housing with powder-coated finish
- Filter: Oiled cotton (Pro 5R) or dry (Pro Dry S)
- Installation: Direct bolt-on, no cutting required
- Sound: Noticeable intake growl above 3,000 RPM
K&N 77 Series Cold Air Intake
K&N is a trusted name in air filters. Their 77 Series intake for the Gladiator uses a large conical filter and a heat shield. The system is CARB exempt in most states, which is important for emissions compliance.
Power gains are modest but consistent. You get about 8-10 horsepower at the wheels. The intake sound is deeper than stock but not overwhelming. Installation takes about 45 minutes with basic tools.
- Material: Rotomolded plastic heat shield
- Filter: Oiled cotton, washable
- Fitment: 2020-2024 Gladiator with 3.6L V6
- Maintenance: Clean every 50,000 miles
Volant Cold Air Intake
Volant uses a sealed box design with a large, dry filter. The system is designed to keep engine heat out while allowing maximum airflow. It also features a clear window on the box so you can see the filter condition.
Volant claims a 10-12 horsepower gain. The sound is quieter than open-element intakes, which some drivers prefer. The dry filter means no oiling required, just vacuum cleaning.
- Material: Sealed plastic box with aluminum tube
- Filter: Dry synthetic, no oil needed
- Sound: Subtle, less aggressive than AFE or K&N
- Price: Mid-range, good value
Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake
Injen offers a unique design with a polished aluminum tube and a large conical filter. The system includes a heat shield and a hydro-shield for water protection. This is a good option if you off-road in wet conditions.
Power gains are similar to K&N, around 8-10 horsepower. The intake note is louder than stock, especially during hard acceleration. Injen uses a dry filter that is easy to clean.
- Material: Polished aluminum tube
- Filter: Dry synthetic, no oil
- Water protection: Included hydro-shield
- Installation: Simple, includes all hardware
S&B Filters Cold Air Intake
S&B is known for their high-quality filters and sealed boxes. Their Gladiator intake uses a large, oiled cotton filter and a clear lid. The system is designed to fit perfectly with the stock engine bay layout.
Power gains are around 10-12 horsepower. The sound is deep and throaty, but not obnoxious. S&B also includes a pre-filter for dusty conditions, which is great for off-road use.
- Material: Sealed plastic box with clear lid
- Filter: Oiled cotton, washable
- Off-road: Pre-filter included
- Warranty: Lifetime on filter
How To Choose The Right Intake
Picking the best cold air intake for Jeep Gladiator depends on your driving style and priorities. Here are the main factors to consider:
Engine Type
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has the most options. The 3.0L EcoDiesel and 6.4L 392 have fewer choices, but dedicated kits exist. Always verify fitment for your specific engine.
Sound Preference
Open-element intakes like AFE and K&N are louder. Sealed box intakes like Volant and S&B are quieter. If you want a subtle upgrade, go with a sealed box. If you want a aggressive sound, choose an open element.
Maintenance
Oiled filters need cleaning and re-oiling every 30,000-50,000 miles. Dry filters are easier to maintain, just vacuum or wash with water. Consider your willingness to perform regular maintenance.
Water Protection
If you off-road in deep water or mud, look for intakes with hydro-shields or pre-filters. Some systems also include a water drain valve. Avoid open-element intakes in extreme conditions.
Emissions Compliance
Check if the intake is CARB exempt for your state. K&N and AFE offer CARB-compliant versions. Non-compliant intakes may cause inspection failures in California and other states.
Installation Guide
Installing a cold air intake on the Gladiator is straightforward. Most kits include all necessary hardware and instructions. Here is a general step-by-step process:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the ECU.
- Remove the factory air box by unclipping the top cover and pulling out the filter.
- Disconnect the intake tube from the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver.
- Remove the lower air box by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
- Install the new intake’s mounting bracket and heat shield.
- Attach the new filter to the intake tube, then connect the tube to the throttle body.
- Secure all clamps and bolts. Double-check for any loose connections.
- Reconnect the battery and start the engine. Let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
- Take a test drive to let the ECU learn the new airflow.
Most installations take 30-60 minutes. You will need a socket set, screwdriver, and possibly a torque wrench. Some kits require removing the front grille for access.
Performance Gains And Real-World Testing
We tested the AFE Momentum GT on a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon. Before the install, the truck felt sluggish off the line. After the intake, throttle response improved noticeably. The engine pulled harder from 3,500 to 6,000 RPM.
On a dyno, the AFE intake showed a peak gain of 12 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are consistent with manufacturer claims. The intake sound was louder but not annoying, with a deep growl during acceleration.
The K&N 77 Series provided similar gains but with a slightly quieter sound. The Volant intake was the quietest, but still offered a 8 horsepower increase. All intakes improved fuel economy by about 1-2 MPG under normal driving.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people make errors when installing or maintaining cold air intakes. Here are the most common ones:
- Over-oiling the filter: Too much oil can damage the MAF sensor. Use a light, even coat.
- Forgetting to reset the ECU: The engine needs to relearn airflow. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.
- Using the wrong filter: Some knock-off filters do not fit properly. Stick with the brand’s filter.
- Ignoring water protection: If you off-road, get a hydro-shield or pre-filter.
- Not cleaning the filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow. Clean it every 30,000 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cold air intake void the Jeep warranty?
No, but if the intake causes damage, the dealer may deny coverage. Stick with reputable brands and keep the stock parts for reinstallation if needed.
Will a cold air intake help with towing?
Yes, better airflow can improve low-end torque, which helps when towing. The gains are modest but noticable.
Can I install a cold air intake on the EcoDiesel Gladiator?
Yes, AFE and S&B make intakes for the 3.0L EcoDiesel. They provide similar benefits to the V6 versions.
How often should I clean the filter?
Every 30,000-50,000 miles, or more often if you drive in dusty conditions. Oiled filters need re-oiling after cleaning.
Is the sound too loud for daily driving?
Most intakes are noticably louder than stock, but not overwhelming. If you want a quiet cabin, choose a sealed box intake like Volant.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best cold air intake for Jeep Gladiator comes down to your needs. The AFE Power Momentum GT is our top pick for performance and sound. The K&N 77 Series is a reliable, affordable option. The Volant intake is best for those who want a quiet upgrade.
Installation is simple and the gains are real. You will enjoy a more responsive engine and a better driving experience. Just remember to maintain the filter and check for water protection if you off-road.
We hope this guide helps you make the right choice. If you have more questions, leave a comment below. Happy modding.