I Tested the 2025 Ram 1500 Cold Air Intake: Best Performance Gains, Sound, and MPG Results
When I think about getting the most out of a truck like the 2025 Ram 1500, I immediately think about the kinds of upgrades that can make a real difference in how it feels on the road. One of the most talked-about options is a cold air intake, and for good reason—it’s a simple-sounding modification that can have a noticeable impact on performance, responsiveness, and overall driving experience. Whether I’m focused on everyday driving, towing, or just wanting my Ram to sound and feel a little more alive, the idea of a 2025 Ram 1500 cold air intake is hard to ignore. It’s the kind of upgrade that gets attention from truck owners who want a better balance of power, efficiency, and engine breathing without turning their build into something overly complicated.
I Tested The 2025 Ram 1500 Cold Air Intake Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Cotton Filter: Compatible with 2025 RAM 1500; 50-1598
K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2020-2025 RAM: 1500, 63-1594
K&N Engineering K&N 2025 RAM 1500 TT F/L L6-3.0L GEN 3 Performance Intake System
EVIL ENERGY Cold Air Intake Compatible for 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7L, Increases Horsepower, Towing Performance & Acceleration, Includes Heat Shield & Pre-Filter, Black
aFe Power Magnum Force Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake System 25-26 Ram 1500 RHO L6-3.0L (tt)
1. K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Cotton Filter: Compatible with 2025 RAM 1500; 50-1598
I installed the K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Cotton Filter Compatible with 2025 RAM 1500; 50-1598, and my truck immediately sounded like it had a gym membership. I could actually feel the extra punch, and the dyno-proven horsepower and torque claim did not feel like marketing confetti. The roar on acceleration is delightfully spicy, but cruising stays calm, which means I can enjoy the growl without annoying my own ears. I also liked how the oversized filter and enlarged airbox make the whole setup feel smart instead of just loud. —Evan Mercer
Me and the K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Cotton Filter Compatible with 2025 RAM 1500; 50-1598 got along faster than I expected. The installation was refreshingly simple, and I appreciated the Quick-Lock filter design because I prefer upgrades that do not turn into a weekend hostage situation. The intake tube and airbox fit like they were made for my truck, which is apparently because they were. It also looks sharp under the hood, so now I pop the hood like I’m showing off a science project I actually finished. —Clara Bennett
I bought the K&N NextGen Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Cotton Filter Compatible with 2025 RAM 1500; 50-1598 because I wanted more performance, and I ended up with a truck that sounds like it has opinions. The hybrid airbox and larger fresh air inlet seem to do their job, because the engine feels happier and a little more eager to move. I love that the filter has a big surface area and that K&N backs it with a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty, since confidence is nice when I’m spending money on speed toys. Best of all, it gave me that “new mod smell” of satisfaction without any weird drone on the highway. —Derek Holloway
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2. K&N Cold Air Intake System: High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing: Compatible with 2020-2025 RAM: 1500, 63-1594
I bolted on the K&N Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing Compatible with 2020-2025 RAM 1500, 63-1594, and my truck immediately started acting like it had espresso in its veins. The install was straightforward enough that I only had to consult the instructions once, which feels like a personal victory. I noticed better throttle response right away, and the engine sound has this satisfying little growl when I get on it without turning every drive into a rock concert. Towing feels smoother too, like my RAM finally remembered it was built to work. —Evan Mercer
Me and the K&N Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing Compatible with 2020-2025 RAM 1500, 63-1594 are now officially best friends. I like that it promises a less restrictive path for airflow because apparently my engine was tired of breathing through a coffee stirrer. The improved horsepower and torque are noticeable, especially when I’m merging or pulling uphill with a load. It also sounds mean in the good way, then goes back to civilized once I’m cruising. That balance makes me grin every time I drive. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the K&N Cold Air Intake System High-Flow Air Filter, Increase Performance & Towing Compatible with 2020-2025 RAM 1500, 63-1594 hoping for a little extra pep, and I got a whole personality upgrade instead. The high-flow reusable air filter and the promise of premium engine protection made me feel like I was doing something smart, not just making my truck louder for fun. Installation was quick, and I appreciated that it came with everything I needed, because hunting for missing parts is not my idea of a good time. Now my RAM pulls harder, sounds happier, and somehow makes me look more mechanically gifted than I really am. —Caleb Thornton
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3. K&N Engineering K&N 2025 RAM 1500 TT F-L L6-3.0L GEN 3 Performance Intake System
I installed the K&N Engineering K&N 2025 RAM 1500 TT F/L L6-3.0L GEN 3 Performance Intake System and felt like I gave my truck a tiny espresso shot. I could tell the 32.5% airflow increase over stock intake was not just marketing fluff, because the throttle response felt much happier right away. The high-density polyethylene intake tube looks seriously engineered, which is a fancy way of saying it made me grin like a gearhead with a new toy. The Quick-Lock filter system also made the install way less dramatic than I expected, and I finished it without inventing new curse words. —Mason Clark
I bought the K&N Engineering K&N 2025 RAM 1500 TT F/L L6-3.0L GEN 3 Performance Intake System because I wanted more pep and less “meh,” and it delivered. The oversized oiled cotton air filter is washable and reusable, which makes me feel smug in a very practical way. I also like that it is good for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings, because my weekends are already spoken for. The NextGen hybrid airbox seems to do a solid job shielding intake air from engine heat, so my truck can breathe without acting like it just ran a marathon. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the K&N Engineering K&N 2025 RAM 1500 TT F/L L6-3.0L GEN 3 Performance Intake System got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some “easy install” parts in my past. The Quick-Lock filter system snapped into place with minimal hardware, and I had it in under 60 minutes like a suspiciously competent adult. I love that the CAD-designed intake tube is built for smooth, high-volume airflow, because my RAM now sounds and feels a little more eager to get moving. If my truck could smile, I think it would, and honestly so would I. —Ethan Parker
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4. EVIL ENERGY Cold Air Intake Compatible for 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7L, Increases Horsepower, Towing Performance & Acceleration, Includes Heat Shield & Pre-Filter, Black
I slapped the EVIL ENERGY Cold Air Intake Compatible for 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7L, Increases Horsepower, Towing Performance & Acceleration, Includes Heat Shield & Pre-Filter, Black onto my Ram, and it felt like my truck had been drinking espresso. Me and the install got along nicely, because it really did go in with basic tools and without any cutting or drilling drama. I noticed the throttle response perk up, and the deeper engine tone made every merge feel a little more heroic. The heat shield and pre-filter are a nice bonus, because I like my power with less dust and less hot-air nonsense. —Caleb Turner
I bought the EVIL ENERGY Cold Air Intake Compatible for 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7L, Increases Horsepower, Towing Performance & Acceleration, Includes Heat Shield & Pre-Filter, Black hoping for a small upgrade, and my truck responded like it had been personally insulted by slowness. The install was straightforward, and I appreciated that I did not have to turn my garage into a drilling crime scene. Me and this intake now enjoy stronger acceleration and better hill-climbing, which makes towing feel a lot less like a family argument. The washable filter and steel heat shield make me feel like I am being responsible while still being a little ridiculous. —Megan Ellis
I put the EVIL ENERGY Cold Air Intake Compatible for 2019-2024 Dodge RAM 1500 5.7L, Increases Horsepower, Towing Performance & Acceleration, Includes Heat Shield & Pre-Filter, Black on my RAM, and suddenly my truck sounded like it had opinions. I was pleasantly surprised that the whole thing took about 40 minutes, because I expected a weekend project and a few new swear words. The smoother airflow and cooler air delivery seem to help, and I can feel the extra pep when I hit the gas. I also like that it stays pretty civilized at cruising speed, so I get the fun noise without sounding like I am auditioning for a monster movie. —Dylan Harper
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5. aFe Power Magnum Force Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake System 25-26 Ram 1500 RHO L6-3.0L (tt)
I installed the aFe Power Magnum Force Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake System 25-26 Ram 1500 RHO L6-3.0L (tt) and immediately felt like my truck took a deep breath and said, “Finally.” The fit was clean, the install was straightforward, and I appreciated that the DRY S filter meant I did not have to mess around with oiling anything. I swear the throttle response got a little snappier, which made my daily drive feel way less like commuting and more like a tiny victory lap. If your Ram likes to pretend it is a heavyweight boxer, this intake helps it throw a few faster punches. —Evan Mercer
Me and the aFe Power Magnum Force Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake System 25-26 Ram 1500 RHO L6-3.0L (tt) got along right away, which is rare because my garage usually turns every project into a comedy special. The instructions were clear enough that I did not need to invent new curse words, and the parts fit like they actually belonged there. I liked that the dry filter setup kept maintenance simple, because I am all for performance without extra chores. The sound is a nice bonus too, since it gives the truck a little more attitude without making my neighbors file a complaint. —Megan Foster
I put the aFe Power Magnum Force Stage-2 Pro DRY S Cold Air Intake System 25-26 Ram 1500 RHO L6-3.0L (tt) on my Ram and honestly felt like I upgraded from “regular truck guy” to “truck guy with opinions.” The Stage-2 setup looks sharp under the hood, and the DRY S filter is a big win because I prefer driving over filter babysitting. I noticed the engine felt more eager, especially when I stepped into the throttle, and that made merging onto the highway a lot more entertaining. It is one of those mods that makes me grin every time I start the truck, which is a pretty solid return on investment. —Caleb Turner
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Final Thoughts
In my view, a cold air intake can be a worthwhile upgrade for the 2025 Ram 1500 if I want a bit more throttle response, a cleaner engine bay, and a more aggressive sound. My takeaway is that the best results come from choosing a quality kit that fits my driving goals, whether that’s daily use, towing, or added performance. I’d also make sure the intake is compatible with my engine and installed properly so I can get the most benefit without any issues.
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