Cabin air filters are an often overlooked part of a vehicle’s regular maintenance routine that can affect the health of you, your passengers, and your vehicle. The best cabin air filters remove harmful contaminants and allergens from the air, and more advanced filters can even capture foul odors, smoke, and hazardous chemicals before they make their way into your vehicle’s passenger cabin. Auto repair shops and dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to replace your cabin air filter, but you can purchase your own and easily install it yourself for a fraction of the cost.
We looked at dozens of cabin air filters and have identified the best for your vehicle’s HVAC system. While researching the different cabin air filters on the market we considered factors such as filter media composition, structural design, and customer satisfaction in choosing our top picks, and then we compiled a detailed list of many other great filters so that you can find the best one for your vehicle.
After reviewing many different cabin air filters we chose the ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter as our overall top pick. It has three layers of filtration that work together to filter out particulates both large and small, and it is recommended by one of the automotive industry’s leading manufacturers.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cabin Air Filters
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cabin Air Filter Overall | ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter | 4.9 |
| Best Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter | FUN-DRIVING Carbon Cabin Air Filter | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Cabin Air Filter | EPAuto Premium Cabin Air Filter | 4.8 |
| Best Cabin Air Filter with Arm & Hammer | FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter | 4.8 |
| Best Washable Cabin Air Filter | POTAUTO Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cabin Air Filter Overall: ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter
The ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter is recommended by General Motors for replacing your vehicle’s original cabin air filter. The vehicle manufacturer recommends this product, as do the vast majority of users who have purchased it, and ACDelco themselves back up these stellar recommendations with a class-leading 24-month unlimited mile warranty. This filter has everything going for it, and it takes the top spot in our list of best cabin air filters as well.
Comprised of a compound filter media that has been separated into three distinct layers, this cabin air filter is able to capture 100% of large airborne particulates before they enter your vehicle’s passenger cabin. The outermost layer has been designed to capture the largest particles and the middle layer has been constructed to capture even smaller particles while the final layer enhances the filter’s overall strength and stability. All of this has been engineered to cleanse the air without impeding the airflow of your vehicle’s HVAC system.
This specific filter is a large filter that has been designed to fit in popular models of GM and Chevrolet trucks. ACDelco is a leader in aftermarket vehicle filters and the company has made a version of this filter for virtually every vehicle out on the road today. The stellar unlimited-mile warranty is an assurance that you are purchasing a top-quality component for your vehicle that will cleanse the air you breathe and keep your vehicle’s ventilation system operating with efficiency.
ACDelco Original Equipment Cabin Air Filter Key Features:
- Made for GM and Chevrolet trucks
- Three-layer non-woven particle filter
- GM-recommended replacement filter
- 24-month unlimited mile warranty
Best Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filter: FUN-DRIVING Carbon Cabin Air Filter
Activated carbon filters utilize porous carbon media to capture hazardous contaminants. The FUN-DRIVING Carbon Cabin Air Filter uses natural bamboo charcoal as its layer of ultra-absorbing activated carbon and partners it with an electrostatic paper filter that further filters the air and traps unwanted particles using static electricity. This filter has been designed to meet the OEM sizing specifications of numerous Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda vehicles.
The activated carbon layer takes filtration beyond what particle filters are capable of by enhancing the filter’s ability to remove chemicals, smoke, and odors from the air. The effect is certainly noticeable, especially so the reduced transmission of outside odors. OEM filters tend to not include activated carbon, and so this FUN-DRIVING filter can be considered an upgrade to your current filter. Users have reported that this filter works better than their original cabin air filters and that the smell in their passenger cabin has vastly improved after making the switch.
FUN-DRIVING recommends that you replace this filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Being that the filter is so inexpensive and relatively easy to install, this should be a simple annual maintenance task that most drivers are able to take care of themselves.
FUN-DRIVING Carbon Cabin Air Filter Key Features:
- Made for Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda vehicles
- Activated bamboo charcoal carbon
- Electrostatic paper filter
- Product life of 12 months or 15,000 miles
Best Budget Cabin Air Filter: EPAuto Premium Cabin Air Filter
Built to the same specifications and with the same materials as other high-end filters, the entire line of EPAuto Premium Cabin Air Filters is full of high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives that’ll perform better than the original filter your vehicle came with. That’s because the EPAuto Premium line goes beyond what basic particle filters are capable of by enhancing their filters with activated carbon and soda to further cleanse and freshen the air in your car’s passenger cabin.
This specific filter has been built to OEM sizing specification for a wide range of Toyota, Dodge, and Pontiac vehicles, but there is also a version of this filter for nearly every other automobile on the market. There’s sure to be one that will fit your vehicle. This filter excels as a particle filter as it removes more than 99% of particulates from the air, and the activated carbon and soda are great for absorbing smells, smoke, and hazardous chemicals from the air.
EPAuto Premium Cabin Air Filters are disposable filters designed to be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Users have lauded its performance with many saying that it is stronger, more stable, and better at filtering than the original filter that was provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Driving past wildfires, behind diesel trucks, or down dusty dirt roads no longer needs to be a nose-scrunching affair as this filter will prevent all of those offensive smells from entering your vehicle.
EPAuto Premium Cabin Air Filter Key Features:
- Made for Toyota, Dodge, and Pontiac vehicles
- Contains soda and activated carbon
- Built to OEM sizing specifications
- Product life of 12 months or 12,000 miles
Best Cabin Air Filter with Arm & Hammer: FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter
Structurally, the FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter is a deep-pleated multi-layered air filter with rigid walls. It’s a well-built cabin air filter designed to the OEM sizing specifications of multiple Honda and Acura vehicle models. The fact that its activated carbon filter is boosted with the renowned odor-absorbing powers of Arm & Hammer baking soda is simply the cherry on top of this already stellar air filter.
We’ve already gone over how activated carbon filtration cleanses the air of odors, smoke, and chemicals, but the Arm & Hammer baking soda kicks that capability up another notch. A vehicle can sometimes have lingering musty odors that seem to never go away no matter how much you clean the inside of your vehicle. It’s possible that your cabin air filter is actually the source of those foul odors. While replacing your filter with a generic replacement may temporarily solve the smelly issue, purchasing a replacement filter with Arm & Hammer can help ensure that those smells do not return during the lifespan of the filter.
This filter is a great option for freshening the air inside of your passenger cabin without using artificial air fresheners that mask odors with their cloying scents. Self-installation of this filter should be a breeze as each box is packaged with a set of installation instructions and a QR code that links directly to an installation video. Each filter has a lifespan of 12 months or 12,000 miles before it needs to be replaced.
FRAM Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter Key Features:
- Made for Honda and Acura vehicles
- Activated carbon with Arm & Hammer baking soda
- Installation instructions included in every box
- Product life of 12 months or 12,000 miles
Best Washable Cabin Air Filter: POTAUTO Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter
For a fraction of the price of an OEM disposable replacement filter, you can purchase the POTAUTO Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter and never have to buy another cabin air filter again. This reusable filter is comprised of electrostatic cotton fibers that capture 98% of particulates down to a minuscule 5 microns in size. The filter media has been made to withstand many years of use and washing, and it is protected by a durable plastic mesh to ensure its longevity. Some cold water and a soft brushing once a year is enough to keep this filter working like new.
This product comes backed by an amazing five-year warranty. You can rest assured that the cabin air filter will perform well for at least a handful of years, though when taken care of these reuseable filters can last for the life of your vehicle. If the filter were to only last until the five-year warranty was up, you would still have saved money by not purchasing four years worth of disposable cabin air filters. That’s an amazing value and a wonderful reduction in waste.
Users have said that these POTAUTO filters fit their vehicles better than the OEM filters have and that they enable a better airflow through the vehicle’s HVAC system. For the capability and price, we had no other choice than to make the POTAUTO Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter our top washable pick, but there are more expensive reusable filters from K&N that offer million-mile warranties for those of you want a filter that is guaranteed to last the entire life of your vehicle. For more on those filters check out our list of washable filters below.
POTAUTO Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter Key Features:
- Made for Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles
- Washable and reuseable design
- Captures 98% of particulates down to 5 microns in size
- Five-year warranty
Who Should Buy a Cabin Air Filter
Anyone and everyone who owns a vehicle of any type should buy a cabin air filter. Auto dealerships and oil change shops will try to get you to purchase a filter through their businesses, but they charge many times more than what you would spend by buying the filter yourself, nevermind the cost of them installing the filter. Buying a cabin air filter for your car is easy, as is the installation process, and you will save dozens or perhaps even hundreds of dollars by doing it on your own. You will be doing yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle a great service by replacing your cabin air filter every year, that is unless you buy a reusable one, of course.
Likewise, purchasing and installing your own engine air filter is easy and can save you big bucks as well. Buying an engine air filter is just as simple, and, though the installation may be a little more complicated than with a cabin air filter, it’s vital to keeping your car well maintained.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a cabin air filter.
- Match your vehicle. The most important step in buying a cabin air filter is to match your vehicle’s make, model, and year to the cabin air filter you are purchasing. There are many replacement filters on the market for each and every type of vehicle, so there are sure to be multiple options that fit your vehicle, but you need to be sure you find one that fits correctly.
- Particle, activated carbon, or washable? Particle filters are the least expensive option in the short term. Activated carbon filters can remove smoke and odors from the air, but they cost a few dollars more than standard particle filters. Washable filters are reusable and can last the life of your vehicle, but they are much more expensive up front and do not have activated carbon filtration. Which style is right for you and your vehicle? We’ve provided more information on each type in the FAQ below.
- Self-installation. When you purchase a cabin air filter you can opt to have it professionally installed or you can install it yourself. Professional installation can cost upwards of $100 for a task that will take as little as five minutes to complete. If possible, we recommend you install it yourself to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cabin air filter and how does it work?
Cabin air filters act as a barrier between the outside air and the air that enters your vehicle’s passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. They capture the majority of allergens and other contaminants in the air. A cabin air filter will keep your lungs healthy by removing these airborne materials from the air you breathe while also protecting the inner workings of your vehicle’s HVAC system.
How do you change a cabin air filter?
Every vehicle’s make and model has a different method of accessing, removing, and replacing its cabin air filter. Generally, changing your vehicle’s cabin air filter is a simple process that will only take you a handful of minutes to complete. Most cabin air filter compartments can be accessed from the footwell in front of the front passenger or driver seat where it resides behind the center console or glove compartment. Your vehicle’s manual will show you where your cabin air filter is located and how to access it.
Are all cabin air filters the same?
There are a few different types of cabin air filters. Different vehicles also have differently-shaped filters, so make sure to find a replacement filter that was designed specifically for your vehicle. As far as the filter types, you will find standard particle filters, activated carbon filters, and reusable filters.
- Particle filters are the standard type of cabin air filter. They capture dust, pollen, dirt, and other visible debris from the air that passes through them. Nearly every new vehicle has this type of cabin air filter installed as its default.
- Activated carbon filters also capture everything that a particle filter does, but they can also capture toxic smoke or chemicals and remove odors from the air. They’re a bit more expensive and a bit better at filtering the air of contaminants.
- Reusable filters are washable. They’re essentially particle filters that have been constructed with more durable materials. Standard particle filters and activated carbon filters are disposable, but a single reusable filter can potentially last the life of your vehicle.
How do you know if your cabin air filter is bad?
The general rule of thumb is that your cabin air filter should be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, or perhaps even sooner if you often drive on dirt roads or heavily polluted areas. The only way to know if your cabin air filter is bad is to access it and pull it out for a visual inspection.
Other Cabin Air Filters We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cabin air filters. Even though they didn’t make our five best cabin air filter list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for filtering the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Cabin Air Filters
- Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filters
- Washable Cabin Air Filters
- Budget Cabin Air Filters
Cabin Air Filters
An original equipment product for GM vehicles, the ACDelco GM OEM Cabin Filter is certain to fit your General Motors vehicle. It is comprised of three filtration media layers that provide excellent filtration and long-lasting stability.
Key Features:
- Made for GM vehicles
- Official GM-recommended replacement part
- Three-layer non-woven filter
Cost: $20
The Denso First Time Fit Filter has been engineered to the exact specifications of the Lexus ES300 line of vehicles. The four-section window-like design provides structural support around the filter media for enhanced durability and longevity.
Key Features:
- Made for Lexus vehicles
- Rigid filter support
- Four section design
Cost: $23
EcoGard Premium Cabin Air Filter
The fine electrostatic fiber filters of the EcoGard Premium Cabin Air Filter catch and remove 99.5% of all airborne allergens and contaminants before they ever make it to the inside cabin of your vehicle.
Key Features:
- Made for Mazda, Scion, and Toyota vehicles
- Filters 99.5% of all dust, pollen, and other contaminants
- Electrostatic fiber filters
Cost: $10
Genuine Mazda Cabin Air Filter
Save yourself the time and money of going to the Mazda dealership by installing your own Genuine Mazda Cabin Air Filter. This filter is the same part installed by the dealership. You can order it worry-free as it is sure to fit your Mazda vehicle.
Key Features:
- Made for Mazda vehicles
- Genuine OEM Mazda filter
- Easy to install
Cost: $30
Motorcraft FP 67 Cabin Air Filter
Made in the USA and supplied by Ford, the Motorcraft FP 67 Cabin Air Filter is a fine cabin filter replacement for Ford and Lincoln vehicles. It has two rigid sidewalls and a baffled filter design.
Key Features:
- Made for Ford and Lincoln vehicles
- Two rigid walls
- Made in the USA
Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filters
The MAHLE LAK Cabin Air Filter is a high quality activated carbon air filter for Volkswagen vehicles. The pleated filter media traps dirt in its crevices and the activated carbon captures outside odors before they enter your cabin.
Key Features:
- Made for Volkswagen vehicles
- Emboss and pleated filter media
- Absorbs odors
Cost: $20
MAHLE Original Cabin Air Filter
The MAHLE Original Cabin Air Filter has been treated with premium sealing technology to prevent leaks of any sort. This filter does well to trap contaminants to keep your cabin air clean and protect your vehicle’s climate control system.
Key Features:
- Made for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles
- Emboss and pleated filter media
- Has premium sealing technology
Cost: $23
PureFlow Charcoal Cabin Air Filter
This PureFlow Charcoal Cabin Air Filter has been designed specifically for the Chrysler Pacifica van. Taking filtration to the next level, this filter features four stages of filtration with the fouth being a mold-trapping layer made from specialized fibers.
Key Features:
- Made for Chrysler Pacific vehicles
- Four stage filtration
- Traps mold
Cost: $20
Purolator Febreze Cabin Filter
Bring the clean scent of Febreze into your car with the Purolator Febreze Cabin Filter. This model was designed to fit Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles, and it has a recommend product lifespan of 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Key Features:
- Made for Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus vehicles
- Coated with Febreze air freshener
- 12,000 mile product life
Cost: $22
Engineered to exact OEM specifications for Chevrolet Camaro vehicles, the TYC Camaro Carbon Filter is the best replacement filter you can buy for your muscle car. It has a rigid frame structure that supports the pleated filters and enables this filter to be extra large so that it can take in more air.
Key Features:
- Made for Chevrolet Camaro vehicles
- Rigid frame structure
- 12,000 mile product life
Washable Cabin Air Filters
Auto Dynasty High Flow Cabin Air Filter
Save cash and the environment by purchasing a reusable filter like the Auto Dynasty High Flow Cabin Air Filter instead of another disposable filter. This filter is made to last the entire life of your vehicle. It is easy to wash whenever you so choose with water and a dish brush.
Key Features:
- Made for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles
- Filters 99.6% of contaminants
- Designed to last the life of your vehicle
Cost: $30
DNA Motoring Red Cabin Air Filter
The DNA Motoring Red Cabin Air Filter removes 99.6% of airborne allergens and contaminants. It can be cleaned and reused rather than replaced every 15,000 miles. The filter is comprised of multi-layered cotton gauze that is protected by a durable plastic mesh.
Key Features:
- Made for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles
- Multi-layered cotton gauze filter
- Durable plastic filter guard
Cost: $30
K&N High Performance Cabin Air Filter
K&N is renowned for its amazing engine and cabin air filters. This High Performance Cabin Air Filter features electrostatically charged filter media that traps mold and mildew as well as all other common contaminants.
Key Features:
- Made for Toyota, Subaru, and Pontiac vehicles
- Electrostatically charged filter media
- 10-year one-million-mile warranty
Cost: $40
K&N has done it again with their Premium Cabin Air Filter. Replace the dirty disposable filter in your Ford or Lincoln with this reusable filter once and you’ll never have to do it again as this filter comes backed by an astonishing 10-year one-million-mile warranty.
Key Features:
- Made for Ford and Lincoln vehicles
- Electrostatically charged filter media
- 10-year one-million-mile warranty
Cost: $50
POTAUTO Ford Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter
The POTAUTO Ford Re-Washable Cabin Air Filter is like a budget version of the more expensive K&N variant. It’s much more affordable and works just as well to filter your cabin air. It’s reuseable too, and users say it performs admirably.
Key Features:
- Made for Ford Mustang vehicles
- Filters contaminants down to 5 microns in size
- Electrostatically charged filter media
Budget Cabin Air Filters
EPAuto for Chrysler Nissan Volkswagen
EPAuto produces high-quality budget-friendly cabin filters for essentially every vehicle make and model. The brand took out top overall budget pick, and it has produced another stellar activated carbon filter here for Chrysler, Nissan, and Volkswagen vehicles.
Key Features:
- Made for Chrysler Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles
- Activated carbon filter media
- Deep pleated filter
Cost: $7
Kootek 2 Pack Cabin Air Filter
The Kootek 2 Pack Cabin Air Filter has two activated carbon filters in its package. This filter fits a wide range of vehicles spanning across Hyundai, GMC, Chevrolet, Kia, and Saturn brands. The recommended replacement for this filter is every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Key Features:
- Made for Hyundai, GM, and Kia vehicles
- Two filters in one pack
- Activated carbon filter media
Cost: $13
POTAUTO Activated Carbon Cabin Filter
POTAUTO is a brand that has graced our list several times, and this Activated Carbon Cabin Filter is the company’s most budget-friendly offering. It fits to the OEM specifications of multiple GM vehicles and has activated carbon in its filtration to remove odors and organic compounds from the air.
Key Features:
- Made for GM vehicles
- Activated carbon filter media
- Product life of 12 months or 15,000 miles
Cost: $8
The Puroma Cabin Air Filters provide an incredible value for Toyota, Lexus, Scion, and Subaru owners. This two-pack of activated carbon filters is a great buy. Puroma recommends that users replace their filter every 12,000 miles during normal use, or every 5,000 if frequently driving on dirt roads or in polluted areas.
Key Features:
- Made for Toyota, Lexus, Scion, and Subaru vehicles
- Two filters in one pack
- Activated carbon filtration
Cost: $13
TYC Replacement Cabin Air Filter
There are two versions of the TYC Replacement Cabin Air Filter available for purchase, one with activated carbon and a slightly less expensive no carbon particle filter. Both fit Nissan vehicles, but we recommend the activated carbon option as it provides better filtration for an extra buck.
Key Features:
- Made for Nissan vehicles
- Activated carbon and particle filter options
- Deep pleats
Cost: $9
