best cold air intake for nissan frontier
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Best Cold Air Intake for Nissan Frontier Review

Known as the Navara on the international market, Nissan’s Frontier is a highly competitive mid-size truck. It was first introduced to the general public in 1985, and today, it’s one of the obvious leaders in the segment. To make it a worthy rival to Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, and the recent Gladiator, the engineers equipped it with a powerful 4.0-lit V6 engine. It’s a really strong unit, with decent HP, torque, and up-hill performance.

But, there’s always room for improvement. And one of the cheapest and most effective ways to boost the powertrain is to install the best cold air intake for Nissan Frontier. Yes, I’m talking about replacement parts from third-party brands. By optimizing the airflow, they are capable of maximizing performance in more than one way. Ready to check out the finest offers? Here they are!
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Best Nissan Frontier Cold Air Intake Review

1. K&N Cold Air Intake for Nissan Frontier

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal

What do we all expect to get with an aftermarket air kit? More airflow, HP, and torque, of course! And that’s exactly what K&N’s system provides. With ~15 extra HP and torque, it makes the Frontier feel a lot more “driven” and capable on the road. The lifetime filter, in turn, does an excellent job of keeping the engine bay protected from contaminants. Add an aerodynamic tube (available in various finishes and materials), and you’ll get a bargain.

The ultra-longevity guarantee is even more reason to invest in this cold air intake. However, the installation process isn’t super-fast and may take up to two hours. The reason: the instructions aren’t at all clear and may end up confusing you instead of helping. That’s especially true for the amateur drivers with little to no experience with aftermarket parts. A quick note: make sure you secure the filter properly to avoid rattling!

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Different materials/coating for the tube
Provides a guaranteed increase in performance
Backed by the trademark ultra-longevity warranty
Might take a while to install

Verdict
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Despite the minor difficulties with the installation, the K&N air intake kit is an excellent choice for Nissan Frontier. The intake tube, filter, and longevity warranty are its biggest pros that easily outweigh that one con. And, no matter how old or new your truck is, you’ll absolutely get a performance boost.

2. aFe Power Magnum for Nissan Frontier

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-10492 Nissan Frontier/Xterra Performance Intake System

As for this next intake system, I believe the five-layer conical filter is its most significant selling point. It ensures maximum airflow without any interruptions, always keeping the engine cool and in perfect working condition. The heat shield is worth our attention as well. Thanks to the one-piece construction and the premium powder coating, it doesn’t lose efficiency or effectiveness over time.

Compatibility/flexibility is another standout feature. This intake kit can be installed on the 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier without any drilling, cutting, or other DIY activities. On the downside, I didn’t notice any considerable improvements in terms of fuel efficiency, which can be a con for drivers hoping to save some money in the long run. In any case, aFe’s cold air intake system is a good choice for the Frontier.

View on aFe Power

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
4.9
Value for Money
5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Includes one of the best aftermarket filters
Top-notch (one-piece) powder-coated heat shield
Can be installed on different Frontier editions/generations
No significant mileage gains

Verdict
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Enhanced compatibility, easy installation, and a premium filter turn this air kit into a must-have. It was specifically designed for the Nissan truck and you won’t have any problems with replacing the stock gear. Sadly, despite the obvious gains in performance, the MPG ratio won’t be improved in any way.

Best Cold Air Intake for Nissan Frontier (Updated April, 2024)

Product Product Information View on Amazon
Editor’s Choice

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal

1) K&N Cold Air Intake for Nissan Frontier

  • Best Features:
    • Aerodynamic tube with multiple finishes/materials
    • Provides a decent boost in HP/torque
    • Pioneering ultra-longevity guarantee
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: 14.27 HP 14.76 lbs x ft Torque
  • Fits Models: 2008-2019 Nissan Frontier 4.0 L

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aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-10492 Nissan Frontier/Xterra Performance Intake System

2) aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-10492 Nissan Frontier

  • Best Features:
    • Five-layer filter for optimal performance
    • Premium-quality one-piece heat shield
    • Covers a wide range of Frontiers
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: 11 HP 15 lbs x ft Torque
  • Fits Models: 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier 4.0 L

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Conclusion

Frontier was specifically designed with the roughest trails in mind. It’s used to conquering muddy, showy, and dusty roads in every corner of the planet. That means the engine is more than ready for extreme situations on your off-roading adventures. The air filtration system isn’t ideal, though, and is known to “give up” when it’s too hot outside, or when you’re pushing the powertrain to the limit.

To solve this issue and save yourself an expensive trip to the closest auto shop, I recommend investing in an aftermarket air intake system. It won’t cost you a fortune, but the pros will include a boost in performance, the airflow, and even the way the engine sounds. Both K&N and aFe can be trusted with your truck. It’s up to you to decide which one is the better pick!

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