Along with Toyota’s Tacoma and Ford’s Ranger, Chevy’s Colorado is one hell of an off-roading champ. It was first introduced to the public back in 2004 and is, to this day, an incredibly popular pick-up truck here in the US. Over the years the Chevrolet engineers have perfected the original “formula”. The latest editions boast an impressive powertrain with decent HP and torque.
However, the stock air filtering system is far from ideal. On challenging terrain, it’s not always very effective, which puts the internal-combustion engine under a lot of strain. The good news is – with the best cold air intake for Chevy Colorado, you’ll get top performance out of your steel horse. It will significantly increase the airflow in the engine compartment and keep just the right temperature. Here are the worthiest picks!
Best Cold Air Intake for Chevy Colorado (Updated April, 2024)
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Best Cold Air Intake for Chevy Colorado Review
1. Chevy Colorado K&N Cold Air Intake
K&N is one of the obvious leaders when it comes to aftermarket air intake systems for US-made trucks. They have a stellar reputation and boast impeccable build quality. The best thing about this particular kit is easy maintenance. You’ll only have to think about cleaning the filter after you reach the 100K miles mark. Another standout “feature” is the generous 10-year (or 10-million-mile) warranty.
That means the engineers are confident that their air intake system will last for more than a decade. Add a market-leading airflow increase – up to 50% compared to stock – and you’ll get one hell of a deal. Sadly, all those pros come with one significant con: the price-tag is well above the market average. But, it will be money well spent if you’re ready to go with it.
Despite the steep price, K&N’s cold air intake kit is a reasonable investment. It is easy to maintain, includes a user-oriented warranty, and will instantly improve your engine’s performance. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about overheating, which is great news for the off-roading heads.
2. aFe Cold Air Intake for Chevy Colorado
Looking for something more affordable, but equally reliable and dependable? aFe might have exactly what you’re looking for. This company is also an “OG” in the world of aftermarket truck parts and will be a safe bet for most drivers. With it, you’ll get a nice boost in horsepower and torque. Don’t expect anything groundbreaking, of course (5-10HP and 6-8% of torque).
The package includes a detailed installation guide. If it’s your first time installing a third-party filter/air intake system, the user manual will be of great help. The company backs its product with a 60-day factory guarantee, by the way. The only downside – this air kit fits a small number of Colorado pickups (the 2015-2016 editions). Other than that, it’s mostly a bargain.
Owners of the 2015-2016 Chevy Colorado trucks might want to give this air intake system a good look. It will provide a guaranteed boost in horsepower and torque and is protected by a two-month guarantee. The installation instructions, in turn, will help you with the mounting process.
3. Volant Cold Air Intake for Chevy Colorado
Here, we have a 100% US-made air kit. It was designed by Volant’s engineers and manufactured in an American facility, which guarantees durability and safety. It comes packed with a fancy high-velocity adapter that maximizes the airflow and can handle the most stressful situations off the road. With this air intake, you’ll get a boost in fuel efficiency – a modest one, however.
Now, when I was testing it on my own Colorado, I didn’t notice any big changes at first. The Volant kit doesn’t feel much different from the stock gear. And for most inexperienced drivers, that will probably be a big turn-off. I did appreciate the improvements in the throttle response and in acceleration, though. Oh, and let’s not forget about the new, satisfying engine sounds!
This is one of those tried-and-true aftermarket parts that won’t disappoint you a single bit. It may not bring any instant changes, but, over time, you will start to appreciate the perks. The optimized airflow and the maximized MPG (miles-per-gallon) are just some of the reasons to consider it.
4. Rtunes Racing Short Ram Air Intake Kit
Last, but not least, let’s take a look at what Rtunes has to offer. Unlike K&N and aFe, it isn’t nearly as popular. On the bright side, this air intake kit is one of the most affordable deals available on the market right now. Plus, installation is easy, straightforward, and will only take you up to an hour (depending on your assembling skills).
The construction quality is above average and won’t let you down in the middle of the road. Overall, as a low-budget purchase for the average driver, it might as well be the best option. The bad news is – the package doesn’t include any instructions, but that’s not really a very big deal.
Looking for a fairly-priced and capable air intake kit for your Chevy Colorado? Then put Rtunes Racing on your list of must-haves. It doesn’t provide any big HP/torque/mileage boosts, but will still be a bargain for most.
Conclusion
And that is it for the list of the best cold air intake systems for the Chevrolet Colorado. It’s important to note that if you’re not a big fan of off-roading, you might not need to necessarily invest in an aftermarket air intake right this moment. For highway and city driving, the stock setup is quite alright. On the other hand, in the wilderness, the engine will, most certainly, get overheated, and it could fail without a proper air filtering system.
Keep that in mind when out shopping for a brand-new air intake! If you’re on a tight budget, Rtunes Racing might have a good offer for you. The K&N option, in contrast, is the most expensive one, but it will be money well spent in the long run. Make your choice wisely, and, most importantly, don’t rush yourself!
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