Your Ford Explorer’s factory air intake is designed for quiet efficiency, not performance — and that restriction is costing you horsepower every time you hit the gas. Upgrading to an aftermarket cold air intake is one of the simplest, most affordable mods you can make to unlock more power, torque, and a deeper engine note.
Top 3 Cold Air Intakes for Ford Explorer 2011-2019 Ecoboost
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
|
Expert’s Choice
K&N
|
|
aFe Power Magnum FORCE
|
|
AIRAID
|
|
K&N – Best Overall Cold Air Intake for Ford Explorer
The K&N 77 Series Cold Air Intake earns its spot as the overall best pick for the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6, delivering a guaranteed horsepower and torque increase backed by real dyno data — up to 13.55 HP at 5500 RPM and 10 lb-ft of additional torque. The system’s mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube replaces the restrictive factory setup, while the oversized oiled cotton air filter provides exceptional airflow and filtration in one package. One of the biggest advantages here is long-term convenience: under normal highway driving conditions, the washable filter only needs cleaning every 100,000 miles, saving owners time and money compared to disposable paper filters. Installation is straightforward, typically completed in under 60 minutes with basic hand tools, making it approachable even for first-time DIYers. The kit includes five stainless steel clamps and a coupler for a secure, leak-free fit, along with all necessary mounting hardware. K&N backs the system with a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty, and it won’t void your vehicle’s factory warranty. Note that it’s not legal for sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California, so check compatibility before ordering if you’re a California resident.
- Guaranteed dyno-proven horsepower and torque gains
- Washable filter needs cleaning every 100k miles
- Quick 60-minute DIY installation process
- Lifetime Limited Warranty, won’t void factory coverage
- Durable aluminum intake tube construction
- Not CARB legal in California
- Only fits 2011-2019 model years
Expert Recommendation
Choose the K&N 77 Series if you want proven, guaranteed horsepower gains and a low-maintenance filter backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty.
aFe Power Magnum FORCE – Best for EcoBoost Airflow for Ford Explorer
Built specifically for the 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, the aFe Power Magnum FORCE Rapid Induction system is engineered to maximize airflow where turbocharged engines need it most. In-house dyno testing confirmed gains of up to 7 HP and 2 lb-ft of torque, with the system outflowing the restrictive factory intake by an impressive 44%, measured at 570 CFM. At the heart of the system is a large 7-inch conical filter with a 3.5-inch flange opening, using a five-layer, progressively finer, oiled cotton gauze design that balances airflow with effective filtration. The washable and reusable Pro 5R filter means owners won’t need to buy replacement filters down the road. A snap-on top-mounted heat shield replaces the factory air box lid, keeping installation simple while maintaining the factory mounting points and helping isolate the intake from engine bay heat. The CAD-modeled, dyno-tuned, roto-molded intake tube is precision engineered for a perfect fit and consistent performance. Note this system is not currently CARB exempt and isn’t available for sale or use on vehicles registered in California.
- Outflows factory intake by 44%
- Large 7-inch conical washable filter
- Simple heat shield installation, factory mounts
- Roto-molded tube engineered for perfect fit
- Dyno-verified real-world horsepower gains
- Not CARB exempt, unavailable in California
- Lower gains than some competitors
Expert Recommendation
Pick the aFe Power Magnum FORCE if your Explorer runs the EcoBoost engine and you want an intake purpose-built for turbocharged airflow demands.
AIRAID – Best Performance Intake for Ford Explorer
The AIRAID Cold Air Intake System sets itself apart with a race-inspired, one-piece roto-molded air box that completely eliminates the limitations of the factory setup on your Ford Explorer Sport’s 3.5L turbocharged V6. Every restrictive OEM component — the intake tubing, air filter, and air box — is replaced, resulting in a system engineered for serious airflow efficiency and reduced intake restriction. The computer-designed, high-density cross-linked polyethylene intake tube ensures proper mass air flow sensor calibration, which is critical for keeping the engine running smoothly while maximizing gains. AIRAID’s premium non-woven synthetic air filter is washable and reusable, offering long-term cost savings without compromising filtration quality. Because this is a race-specific design, AIRAID notes that custom ECU tuning may be required to unlock optimal performance results, making it best suited for enthusiasts comfortable with further modifications. Installation uses commonly available hand tools, keeping it accessible to experienced DIYers and professional installers alike. Backed by a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty, this system isn’t legal for sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California.
- Complete air box, tube, and filter replacement
- Race-specific engineering for serious gains
- Washable, reusable synthetic filter media
- Lifetime Limited Warranty included
- Precise mass air flow calibration design
- May require custom ECU tuning
- Not CARB legal in California
Expert Recommendation
Go with the AIRAID system if you want a complete race-inspired intake overhaul and don’t mind pairing it with custom tuning for peak results.
The Final Word
Any of these three intakes will noticeably improve your Ford Explorer’s airflow and throttle response over the restrictive factory setup. The K&N 77 Series stands out for its guaranteed gains and low-maintenance washable filter, making it the safest all-around choice. The aFe Power Magnum FORCE is purpose-built for EcoBoost turbo airflow demands, while the AIRAID system rewards enthusiasts chasing maximum performance with custom tuning. Whichever you choose, expect easier installation, better sound, and a more responsive engine without sacrificing daily reliability.
Add Comment