Engine air filters are one of the easiest parts to replace in modern vehicles. They are critically important to maintaining your engine’s optimal performance, yet they are often one of the most neglected components in a vehicle’s engine bay. Over time, engine air filters will become clogged with dust, pollen, and all sorts of road debris. As the filter becomes clogged, less clean air will make it into your engine, which will worsen your vehicle’s power and fuel efficiency.
After reviewing dozens of engine air filters we picked our favorites to help you choose the best for your vehicle. We scrutinized all sorts of standard filters, reusable filters, and performance filters to cover the gamut of options on the market today. By looking at filtration ability, fit quality, and total airflow we’re sure that we’ve found the best engine air filters available.
After considering all of the different engine air filters we came across, we’ve chosen the EPAuto Engine Air Filter as our Top Pick. Not only does this filter fit perfectly into its designated vehicles, but its filtration is top-notch. The solid frame secures the filter in for a snug fit, and the filter material itself is formed into a vast array of pleats which outnumber its closest competitors.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Engine Air Filters
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | EPAuto Engine Air Filter | 4.8 |
| Runner Up | ECOGARD Premium Engine Air Filter | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | EPAuto Rigid Panel | 4.6 |
| Best Reusable Air Filter | K&N Washable Air Filter | 4.5 |
| Best Performance Air Filter | Spectre Performance Air Filter | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: EPAuto Engine Air Filter
Extend the performance of your vehicle and keep it clean with an EPAuto Engine Air Filter. This model fits many Toyota, Lexus, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles, but EPAuto also offers outstanding air filters for most other vehicle make and models. All of these filters are composed of a synthetic filtration material which is formed into numerous and long pleats that serve to filter particles from entering your engine while providing adequate airflow to keep your vehicle’s power and MPGs at peak performance.
Installation is a breeze on most vehicles, and there are countless tutorials and videos available to help you install your own EPAuto Engine Air Filter. The fit and finish will be equal to your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) air filter, if not better. Customers have been happy with this filter’s perfect fit, and many claim to have experienced horsepower and MPG improvements after installing this filter into their vehicle.
The solid frame is a nice touch which gives a feeling of heft and quality to this engine air filter. You’ll notice how easily it slides and snaps into position upon installation, assuring you that it will hold well in place during its 12,000-mile suggested lifespan.
EPAuto Engine Air Filter Key Features:
- Sturdy frame
- More filtration pleats than competitive filters
- A model available for most modern vehicles
- 12,000 mile recommended replacement intervals
Our Runner Up Pick: ECOGARD Premium Engine Air Filter
Equipped with a rubber gasket to ensure precise fit around its OEM modeled frame, the ECOGARD Premium Engine Air Filter is a great replacement for those seeking an identical filter to their vehicle’s original factory-made engine air filter. This specific model will fit a variety of Honda and Acura vehicles, though ECOGARD provides a wealth of filters matched to many different makes and models that are out on the road right now.
Being an identical OEM replacement means that installation could not be easier. The replacement process will require no unnecessary fiddling to get the right fit. ECOGARD claims to have pioneered aftermarket engine air filter technology over 25 years ago, and those decades of experience show that the company has been making quality products and satisfying customers for many years.
ECOGARD Premium Engine Air Filter Key Features:
- Factory fit finish
- Rubber gaskets
- Decades of air filter manufacturing experience
- 12,000 mile recommended replacement intervals
Best Budget Pick: EPAuto Rigid Panel
There’s no question that EPAuto is a top-tier aftermarket engine air filter brand, and the company’s EPAuto Rigid Panel line is a quality, inexpensive alternative to the brand’s other excellent filtration products. You could choose to go to your local car dealer and have them replace your engine’s air filter for over $100, or you can purchase an EPAuto Rigid Panel air filter and install it yourself in less than 10 minutes for less than $10.
The choice is yours, but I know which I would choose. This linked model will fit a variety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, but, like our top EPAuto pick, there are a number of alternative filters from this company which will fit just about any modern vehicle. This filter may look less sturdy than its more expensive counterparts, but the reality is that your vehicle’s air filter compartment will hold this model in place without issue. The sizing is correct as long as you match the filter model to the correct vehicle, and it’ll work well for at least 12,000 miles like the more robust filters on our list.
EPAuto Rigid Panel Key Features:
- Incredibly inexpensive price under $10
- Model variants for most vehicles
- 12,000 mile recommended replacement intervals
Best Reusable Air Filter: K&N Washable Air Filter
There are quite a few K&N filters on our list, and that’s because K&N Washable Air Filters are renown among car and truck enthusiasts for their superb engineering, quality filtration, stellar performance, and remarkable reusability. The linked model is applicable for a number of Toyota, Lexus, and Mitsubishi vehicles, and you can find a K&N filter for essentially any vehicle that’s still drivable today. They make over 1,200 different filters!
Not only can this filter be cleaned and used again, replacing the need to ever buy another air filter for your car, but it only needs to be cleaned once every 50,000 miles. Disposable air filters need to replaced every 12,000 miles, which means that you’ll need to inspect your K&N filter 1 time for every 4 times you would have to replace a disposable one. The K&N filter pays for itself in that time alone, and then you can keep using it for many more years and miles to come. Now that’s value!
The washable high-flow cotton material is durable and allows for increased airflow that nearly matches what high-performance air filters are capable of allowing. Additionally, this filter comes with a 10-year/1,000,000-mile warranty. You’ll never have to buy another filter for your vehicle again!
K&N Washable Air Filter Key Features:
- Wash it once every 50,000 miles
- 1,200 different filters available
- 10-year/1,000,000-mile warranty
Best Performance Air Filter: Spectre Performance Air Filter
Leave cotton and synthetic paper filters behind and treat your car to a steel mesh and urethane Spectre Performance Air Filter. This high-flow filter comes pre-oiled from the factory, enhancing its filtration capabilities while providing increased airflow for your engine. Turbochargers and supercharges use advanced technologies to pump more air into your engine, which grants the engine the ability to pump out more horsepower. This filter, in essence, provides the same benefits as those systems to a lesser extent and much lower cost.
This performance air filter has been designed to fit in the stock filtration boxes of many GM, Chevrolet, Isuzu, and Saab vehicles to ensure maximum performance in those vehicles. Spectre also provides an array of models that are available for other vehicles. While there are ‘universal’ performance air filters on the market, only true OEM-matched designes like this Spectre Performance Air Filter can provide enhanced airflow without sacrificing your vehicle’s air filtration quality.
Spectre Performance Air Filter Key Features:
- OEM stock fit design
- Pre-oiled urethane and steel mesh filtration
- Increased airflow compared to standard paper filters
- Reusable and washable
Who Should Buy an Engine Air Filter
Engine air filters can be replaced by anyone with two hands who can read a car manual or watch a YouTube installation guide. You should buy and install an engine air filter because it is a simple task that is rewarding to complete and can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. Most filters will come with basic installation instructions, and a quick Internet search for how to replace your car’s engine air filter will produce many easy-to-follow results.
Seriously, save yourself some easy money and buy your own engine air filter today. If this is your first experience working on your car, great! Take it one step at a time. When you feel ready, check out our guides for best oil filters and spark plugs for other products you can purchase to complete simple DIY tasks that will improve your car’s performance, extend its lifespan, and save you money.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing an engine air filter.
- Note your car info. To choose the correct engine air filter, you will need to know the make, model, year, and sometimes the trim level of your vehicle. If you shop on Amazon, be sure to add your vehicle information to your Amazon Garage so that you can easily match your car to the correct product model.
- What style of filter suits your needs? We have listed a variety of standard, reusable, and performance air filters for you to choose from. If you aren’t looking to squeeze out every last ounce of power your vehicle has to offer, skip the performance models. The reusable filters are great if you don’t mind cleaning the filter every so often, but most people find the standard disposable filters to be more than adequete for their needs.
- Do-it-yourself. You could purchase a filter on your own and have someone else install it to save a few bucks over a dealership’s air filter, but you’ll save so much more if you skip on the paid labor and install it yourself. It’s as easy as DIY car maintenance can get!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air filter for a vehicle and how does it work?
An engine air filter prevents pollen, dust, bugs, dirt, and other foreign objects from entering your engine’s sensitive inner workings.
How often should you change or clean your car’s air filter?
Each filter has its own specifications, but on average a standard disposable filter should be changed every 12,000 miles and a reusable filter should be cleaned every 50,000 miles.
Does a dirty air filter effect performance?
Absolutely! The dirtier an air filter becomes the more it gets clogged with debris which means less clean air can pass through the filter into your engine. When less air enters your engine, it struggles to maintain optimal performance. Ultimately, a dirty air filter will result in a loss in power and fuel efficiency.
How do I change my car’s air filter?
Your vehicle owner’s manual and the filter you purchase will likely have basic instructions for replacing your engine’s air filter. You can also look for articles and YouTube videos specifically for your vehicle make and model that will show you the step-by-step installation process. It’s easier than you think!
Other Engine Air Filters We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other engine air filters. Even though they didn’t make our five best air filter list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your engine’s air flow. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Standard Air Filters
ACDelco Professional for Chevy/GM
ACDelco uses OEM blueprints to craft identical replacements for your vehicle’s air filter. Match up the part number to your vehicle to get an exact fit replacement that operates as well as your original filter for a lower price.
Key Features:
- Identical to original manufacturer filter
- Tight seals fit snug and keep out unfiltered air
Cost: $17.53
Cleenaire High Capacity for Nissan
Walking the line between a performance air filter and an OEM duplicate replacement, this Cleenaire High Capacity engine filter features a filtration fabric that allows more air through while still filtering out unwanted particles. This improves engine efficiency and may result in a slightly improved MPG rating.
Key Features:
- Nonwoven filter
- Higher airflow than original vehicle filter
Cost: $11.97
ECOGARD Premium Air Filter for Jeep
Copied from the Jeep playbook, this filter is a direct clone of original Jeep Cherokee air filters. Purchase it at this inexpensive price and replace it yourself. In the end, you’ll save time and money while improving your Cherokee’s performance.
Key Features:
- OEM fit for Jeep Cherokee
- Easy installation
Cost: $13.61
ECOGARD Premium Engine Air Filter for Ford
A hard-working truck needs a reliable filter that will continue to perform under grueling circumstances. Off-road dust can plug your OEM filter fast, and heavy towing requires as much clean airflow as possible to keep your engine cool. Treat your truck to a new filter. It deserves it.
Key Features:
- Perfect fit replacement for many Ford and Lincoln trucks and SUVs
- Easy to install
Cost: $13.20
Fleetguard Air Filter for Turbo Diesel Engines
The unique design of this heavy duty filter replaces the filter in your diesel truck. As of publication, this product has perfect 5-star ratings from every Amazon customer who has purchased and rated it.
Key Features:
- Fits Cummins turbo diesel engines
- Precise match to OEM filter
Cost: $27.83
Budget Air Filters
EPAuto Extra Guard for Honda/Acura
An inexpensive replacement for your Honda and Acura engine air filters, this simple filter from EPAuto will serve your car as well as the original and last just as long.
Key Features:
- Rigid panel
- More pleats than OEM filter
Cost: $9.97
EPAuto Rigid Panel for Honda/Acura
Like the previous listing, this serves as an excellent replacement for Honda and Acura engine air filters. This filter works on different models under those vehicle makes. Double check that you’re choosing a filter that fits your car.
Key Features:
- Rigid panel
- More pleats than OEM filter
Cost: $9.47
Premium filtration at a budget price, FRAM filters claim to work twice as well as the average engine air filter. Reviewers are happy with this filter’s perfect fit and excellent filtration quality.
Key Features:
- Double the engine protection of average filters
- Packaged with easy to follow directions
Cost: $6.44
FRAM Air Filter for Nissan/Infiniti/Subaru
As with the last FRAM filter, this is a high-quality replacement for your original air filter that’s available at a fraction of the price.
Key Features:
- Double the engine protection of average filters
- Packaged with easy to follow directions
Cost: $7.94
POTAUTO Air Guard for Nissan/Infiniti/Subaru
This wallet-friendly engine air filter replacement fits many different vehicles and users have claimed that it cleans the air better than their OEM filters. For the price, it can’t be beaten.
Key Features:
- Installation illustrations provided
- Fits a wide variety of Japanese cars
Cost: $8.55
Reusable Air Filters
K&N Washable Air Filter for Chevy/GM Trucks
The gold standard in replacement air filters, this K&N model for Chevy and GM trucks will be the last air filter your vehicle will ever need. It’ll last as long as your truck, and you’ll need to clean it once in the time you would need to replace a disposable filter several times over.
Key Features:
- Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed
- Up to 50% more airflow
- 10-year million mile warranty
Cost: $44.09
K&N Washable Air Filter for Ford
High air flow with incredible filtration using high-flow cotton, K&N filters stand above the rest as far as longevity is concerned. Want to spend less time with your air filter? Grab this one for your Ford.
Key Features:
- Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed
- Up to 50% more airflow
- 10-year million mile warranty
Cost: $44.09
K&N Washable Air Filter for Subaru
Sensing a theme? For washable and reusable air filters it doesn’t get any better than K&N products. We stand by these recommendations, and countless users say the same, many having become K&N customers for life.
Key Features:
- Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed
- Up to 50% more airflow
- 10-year million mile warranty
Cost: $43.73
K&N Washable Air Filter for Toyota Trucks
Our Top Reusable Air Filter Pick was K&N’s filter for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, but this one specifically works best for Toyota trucks. Save money over the long haul and get the best filter for your vehicle today.
Key Features:
- Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed
- Up to 50% more airflow
- 10-year million mile warranty
Cost: $55.79
K&N Washable Air Filter for VW/Audi
Enough is enough. We’ve covered just about every major car brand in this category, all with K&N filters. It simply does not get better both for the price and quality. Have a German car? This is the reusable filter for you.
Key Features:
- Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed
- Up to 50% more airflow
- 10-year million mile warranty
Cost: $50.39
Performance Air Filters
Alright, I said we were done with K&N, but I was wrong. This high-performance air filter features a universal fit that allows extreme airflow for increased horsepower and acceleration.
Key Features:
- Inserts included to fit three different flange diameters
- Clamp-on
- Washable and reusable
Cost: $26.09
Spearhead MAX THRUST for Acura and Honda
Beef up your Honda or Acura filtration with this top-quality filter from Spearhead. The company claims you can improve fuel mileage by ul to 10% and they back their product with a 12 month or 12k miles warranty.
Key Features:
- Improves MPG up to 20%
- Double the filtration of the average filter
Cost: $13.69
Spectre Performance for Chevy/GM Trucks
Get your Chevy and GM trucks into top gear with this performance-boosting engine air filter from Spectre. Pre-oiled synthetic fibers provide excellent filtration while boosting airflow for maximum performance.
Key Features:
- Factory pre-oiled
- OEM fit
- High-performance synthetic filter
Cost: $20.98
Spectre Performance for Jeep/Dodge/Mitsubishi
As with the previous listing, this Spectre air filter is composed of pre-oiled synthetic filtration fibers that ensure your engine gives all it’s got. FCA and Mitsubishi vehicles that need a boost should look no further.
Key Features:
- Factory pre-oiled
- OEM fit
- High-performance synthetic filter
Cost: $14.91
Acuras are built to go fast. This engine air filter from Upgr8 improves engine performance so well it’s as if your car had no filter at all, but of course, that isn’t the case. This fantastic filter will clean the air and is washable so that you can reuse it for years to come.
Key Features:
- High-density acrylic fiber filter
- Double back reinforced stainless steel mesh
- Reusable and washable
Cost: $21.95
