Kia Stinger Cold Air Intake: Best Kits for 2.0T, 2.5T, 3.3TT

Here's the short answer. On a 2018-2021 Stinger 2.0T, we'd run the aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro 5R (56-10055R). On a 2022-2023 2.5T, grab the Injen SP1352 short ram in whichever finish you like. On the 3.3 twin-turbo V6 (GT and GT2), our pick is the aFe Takeda Momentum dual intake (56-70038R). The Injen SP1350 is right behind it if you want metal tubes and more growl. Not ready for a full kit? A drop-in panel filter in the factory box is the easy first step. Every part below is in our cold air intakes shop.

Which Stinger engine do you have?

Intakes are engine-specific, so sort this out first. Every Stinger runs an 8-speed automatic, which means the engine is the only thing that changes the part number.

Years	Engine	Output	Factory filter
2018-2021	2.0L Theta II T-GDi turbo I4	255 PS (252 hp)	One panel filter
2022-2023	2.5L Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi turbo I4	300 hp	One panel filter
2018-2023	3.3L Lambda II T-GDi twin-turbo V6	365 hp (2018-2020), 368 hp (later), 376 lb-ft	Two panel filters, left and right

The fastest way to tell is to pop the hood. Two filter boxes, one on each side, means you have the V6. One box means a four-cylinder, and the model year decides which one: 2021 and older is the 2.0T, while US 2022-2023 cars run the 2.5T. GT and GT2 badges mean V6. Outside the US there's also a 2.2 diesel, and nothing in this guide fits it.

Best cold air intakes for the 2018-2021 Kia Stinger 2.0T

Kia quotes the 2.0T at up to 255 hp at 6,200 rpm and 260 lb-ft from its twin-scroll turbo. The factory setup is a single panel filter in a plastic airbox. Every kit here replaces that box and tube with a bigger filter and a smoother path to the turbo, and every one keeps your factory MAF sensor in play.

The AEM C.A.S. 21-867C runs an oversized, oil-free Dryflow synthetic filter. It sits in the original airbox space behind a heat shield. The tube is mandrel-bent aluminum in gunmetal gray powder coat, held with 5 stainless clamps. AEM estimates 10.41 hp at 4,381 rpm. Heads up: AEM lists it for 2018-2020 cars only.

The Injen SP1355P is a polished 6061-T6 aluminum short ram with Injen's patented MegaRam tech and a serviceable SuperNano-Web dry filter. Injen rates it at up to 13 hp and 16 lb-ft, says it keeps A/F ratios in check, and says no tune is required. Injen lists fitment as 2018-2021.

The Injen SP1355WB is the same SP short ram in wrinkle black with the SuperNano-Web dry filter. It's the sleeper finish if you'd rather not flash a polished tube every time the hood goes up.

The Injen SP1355WR is the same system again, this time in wrinkle red. It looks right at home next to red calipers or a HiChroma Red car like the one above.

The K&N Typhoon 69-5320TS pairs a silver mandrel-bent aluminum tube with an oiled cotton gauze filter (replacement RU-4600). K&N estimates 5.4 hp at 5,799 rpm and 11.3 lb-ft, and quotes an install time of 60 minutes or less with hand tools. The numbers are modest, but it's simple and it's backed by K&N's No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.

The aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro 5R 56-10055R is the big swing. aFe rates it at up to +23 hp and +35 lb-ft, says it outflows the factory intake by 65%, and measures it at 355 CFM at 7" H2O. A one-piece housing grabs cool air directly behind the grille and feeds an open 5-layer oiled Pro 5R filter on a 4" flange through an XLPE tube. Expect an aggressive intake sound.

The aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro DRY S 56-10055D is the same hardware with an oil-free dry filter. aFe rates it at up to +20 hp and +30 lb-ft, 58% more flow than stock, and 340 CFM. The housing uses the factory air inlet.

The aFe Takeda Momentum 56-70055R wraps the filter in a sealed, heat-resistant XLPE box that pulls from behind the grille. A clear sight window lets you check the filter without tools. aFe claims +11 hp and +17 lb-ft, 47% more flow, and 315 CFM.

Our pick for the 2.0T

Go with the aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro 5R (56-10055R). It has the biggest claimed gains and the biggest flow number of any 2.0T kit we carry. If you hate oiling filters, take the Pro DRY S version. If you want shiny metal and a no-tune promise, take an Injen SP1355 in your color.

Best cold air intakes for the 2022-2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T

The facelift brought the 2.5L Smartstream turbo four, rated at 300 hp. It still breathes through one panel filter in a factory box, which is where these kits go. This is the section for anyone searching a 2022 GT-Line cold air intake.

The Injen SP1352P is a polished short ram that Injen rates at up to 18 hp and 20 lb-ft, the biggest claim for the 2.5T. Injen says it's tuned at the factory to stay inside Kia's fuel trims and A/F ratios, so a check engine light shouldn't be a worry.

The Injen SP1352WB is the same kit in wrinkle black, built around a 4.0" mandrel-bent aluminum tube. It's the one we'd put on a murdered-out car.

The Injen SP1352WR brings the same 6061-T6 aluminum tube in wrinkle red. Like its siblings, Injen designed it to drop in without a tune.

The aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro 5R 56-10060R posts the highest flow number for the 2.5T at 360 CFM. aFe rates it at up to +17 hp and +16 lb-ft, and says it outflows the factory intake by 29%.

The aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro DRY S 56-10060D is the same hardware with a dry filter. aFe claims up to +12 hp and +11 lb-ft, 20% more flow, and 335 CFM.

The aFe Momentum Pro 5R 56-70060R goes the sealed-box route, with an XLPE tube, a bellows silicone coupler, and a 4" flange 5-layer Pro 5R filter. aFe claims up to 13% more flow, +12 hp, +14 lb-ft, and 315 CFM.

The aFe Momentum Pro DRY S 56-70060D uses an oil-free 3-layer synthetic filter, and aFe pitches it as best suited for street use. aFe claims up to +11 hp and +10 lb-ft, 9% more flow, and 305 CFM. It's the low-fuss daily option.

Our pick for the 2.5T

Get the Injen SP1352 in any finish. It carries the biggest power claim, Injen promises no tune, and the three colors let you match the bay. If flow is what you care about most, the aFe Stage-2 Pro 5R is the other strong play.

Best cold air intakes for the Kia Stinger GT and GT2 (3.3 twin-turbo V6)

The 3.3TT makes 365 hp (368 hp on later cars) and a fat 376 lb-ft from 1,300-4,500 rpm. It breathes through two filters, one per turbo, so every V6 kit is a dual setup.

Plenty of V6 owners will tell you there's no true cold air intake for this engine, only warm air intakes. They have a point. These are short ram designs that live in the bay where the factory boxes were, so heat shields and sealed housings matter here more than on most cars.

Figure 2 shows the basic layout of a dual short ram like the Injen. You get two air filters (1), two intake tubes (2) with a stepped section (3) where the tube steps toward the turbo inlet, and silicone couplers (4) cinched down with band clamps (5).

The AEM C.A.S. 21-849DS uses black high-density cross-linked polyethylene pipes with non-woven synthetic dry filters (replacement 21-2093DK), plus 11 clamps and 4 couplers. AEM estimates 17.6 hp at 5,770 rpm. AEM lists CARB EO D-670-26 for it, but its paperwork also carries a not-legal-in-California line, so California owners should confirm the EO covers their car before buying.

The Injen SP1350WB runs dual 6061-T6 aluminum tubes with two reusable SuperNano-Web dry filters (replacement X-1078-BB). Injen rates it at up to 21 hp and 18 lb-ft, says no tune is required, and lists fitment as 2018-2023 V6. It doesn't come with a heat shield, so we'd add Injen's optional 1120BLK hydroshield.

The Injen SP1350WR is the same dual short ram in wrinkle red. It carries no CARB EO number.

The Injen SP1350P is the polished version, and it's the show-bay pick. Like every SP1350, it's built in Pomona, California and backed by Injen's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The K&N Typhoon 69-5318TS puts dual cotton gauze filters (replacement RU-5163) behind custom heat shields in the old airbox spaces, with silver aluminum tubes. K&N estimates 9.09 hp at 5,249 rpm and 8.3 lb-ft, and the kit weighs 15.4 lb. K&N lists CARB EO D-269-86, along with a not-for-California note, so confirm before you buy if you live there.

The aFe 56-70038R is listed under its older MagnumFORCE Stage-2 name, but aFe now calls it the Takeda Momentum. It uses sealed one-piece XLPE housings, XLPE tubes, 6" tall 360-degree radial Pro 5R filters, and clear sight windows. A barbed fitting carries over the stock connection. aFe claims +22 hp, +20 lb-ft, and up to 31% more flow. It also fits the 3.3TT Genesis G70, which we cover in our Genesis G70 build guide.

Our pick for the GT and GT2

Run the aFe 56-70038R. It has the biggest power claim of the V6 kits, and its sealed housings answer the warm-air complaint better than open filters do. If you want metal tubes and more noise, get an Injen SP1350 and add the hydroshield.

Kia Stinger cold air intake comparison

Here's every intake and filter we carry for the Stinger, side by side.

AEM vs Injen vs K&N vs aFe: which brand for the Stinger?

• aFe (Takeda): the biggest claimed gains on the 2.0T and the V6. You can choose oiled Pro 5R or dry Pro DRY S filters, and choose between open Stage-2 or sealed Momentum housings. If someone searched "Takeda intake Kia Stinger," this is that.
• Injen: aluminum short rams in three finishes, with a no-tune promise on every engine. The 2.5T kit has the top power claim in its class.
• AEM: dry Dryflow filters that AEM says can go up to 100,000 miles before cleaning. Covered by AEM's Lifetime Limited Warranty.
• K&N: Typhoon kits with oiled gauze and conservative claims. You also get heat shields on the V6 kit and a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Our take: aFe if you want the most power, Injen if you want looks and sound, AEM if you want to set it and forget it.

Will a cold air intake void your Kia warranty?

No, not on its own. Simply installing an aftermarket part does not void your warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Kia has to prove the intake caused or contributed to a failure before it can deny a claim. Even then, it can only deny that specific repair, not your whole warranty. Keep your factory airbox in the garage anyway, so you can go back to stock for a service visit if you ever want to.

Does a Stinger intake need a tune?

None of these require one to run. They all bolt to a stock car and reuse the factory MAF sensor and breather. Injen goes furthest on this, saying its kits stay within factory fuel trims and A/F ratios with no extra tuning. If you're already tuned, give your tuner a heads up before you swap intakes.

How does a Stinger sound with an intake?

Louder under boost, which is half the fun. AEM promises a deeper, more aggressive induction tone. Injen calls its sound an intake growl. aFe describes the open-element Stage-2 as aggressive. The sealed Momentum boxes are the pick if you want gains without turning every on-ramp into a show.

How hard is the install?

It's a driveway job. K&N quotes 60 minutes or less with simple hand tools for the 2.0T Typhoon, and the rest are the same kind of bolt-on swap: pull the airbox, move the sensor, clamp the new tube.

Figure 1 shows a typical single-filter kit like the AEM. The heat shield (1) drops in where the old box sat, and the Dryflow filter (2) mounts to the intake tube (3). Move your MAF sensor into its mount (4) carefully, reconnect the breather at the breather fitting (5), and snug every coupler and clamp (6). A loose clamp here is the number one cause of post-install check engine lights.

Drop-in filter or full intake?

A drop-in panel filter keeps the factory box, adds some flow, and is basically invisible. A full intake changes the sound, the look and the claimed gains. If you're leasing or want zero fuss, start with a filter. If you want to hear the turbo, buy the kit.

The K&N 33-5073 is the washable cotton gauze panel for the 2018-2021 2.0T. It measures 9.938 x 9.813 x 1.438 in, and K&N rates it at up to 99% overall filter efficiency.

The K&N 33-5067 is the left-side panel for the V6. It measures 9.813 x 7.656 x 1.063 in and is backed by K&N's lifetime warranty.

The K&N 33-5068 is the right-side partner. Buy it together with the 33-5067, because the V6 needs both.

The aFe Magnum FLOW Pro 5R 30-10317 uses five layers of pre-oiled cotton gauze. aFe claims up to 51% more flow than stock, measured on the left filter. It also fits the 3.3TT G70.

The aFe Magnum FLOW Pro DRY S 31-10317 has three layers of oil-free synthetic media on a polyurethane frame with a progressive bump seal. It includes both the left and right filters in one box.

Shopping for a 2022-2023 2.5T air filter replacement? K&N's panel for that engine is 33-5154.

Cleaning and maintenance

Dry filters (AEM Dryflow, Injen SuperNano-Web, aFe Pro DRY S) wash with no oil. AEM says its filter can go up to 100,000 miles before cleaning, depending on conditions. Oiled filters (K&N gauze, aFe Pro 5R) need washing and re-oiling. K&N lists 100,000 miles between cleanings under normal highway driving, and the 33-5073 takes 1.46 oz of oil. Go light on the oil, since too much can foul a MAF sensor. On the aFe Momentum kits, just peek through the sight window.

Kia Stinger mods: where an intake fits

An intake is the classic first performance mod on a Stinger, GT2 included. After that, most builds go to wheels. Our Stinger wheel fitment guide covers sizes and offsets, and the wheels you need for your Kia Stinger covers our favorite looks. Interior mods are your call, and we stick to what changes how the car drives and sits.

If you autocross, know that an intake like the Typhoon bumps you out of SCCA stock class. Still cross-shopping? Read Kia Stinger GT vs Audi S4. Building something else too? Our intake guides cover the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Subaru WRX.

Kia Stinger cold air intake FAQ

What's the best cold air intake for the Kia Stinger GT?

For the 3.3 twin-turbo GT, we'd run the aFe 56-70038R. aFe claims +22 hp and +20 lb-ft, and the sealed XLPE housings keep bay heat away from the filters. The Injen SP1350 is the runner-up, with up to 21 hp and 18 lb-ft claimed and a no-tune design. Add the 1120BLK hydroshield to the Injen.

Is a GT2 intake different from a GT intake?

No. The GT2 uses the same 3.3L twin-turbo V6, so every V6 kit here fits both. That includes 2018 GT2 cars and the later 368 hp cars. Shop by engine, not trim. If your hood has two filter boxes, you're in the V6 section.

What's the best intake for the Kia Stinger 2.0?

Our pick is the aFe Takeda Stage-2 Pro 5R 56-10055R. aFe rates it at up to +23 hp and +35 lb-ft with 355 CFM of flow. Want an oil-free filter? Take the 56-10055D. On a 2018-2020 car, the AEM 21-867C is a solid dry-filter alternative.

What K&N air filter fits the Kia Stinger?

The 2018-2021 2.0T takes the K&N 33-5073. The 3.3 V6 takes two filters, the 33-5067 on the left and the 33-5068 on the right. The 2022-2023 2.5T uses the 33-5154. All of them are washable and reusable.

Do you carry a BMS intake for the Stinger?

We don't stock BMS for the Stinger. If you were shopping BMS, you probably want a simple bolt-on with real gains. On the V6 that's the aFe 56-70038R or the Injen SP1350, and on the 2.0T it's the aFe Stage-2. All of them bolt to a stock car.

How much horsepower does a Stinger intake add?

Maker claims range from 5.4 hp (K&N on the 2.0T) up to +23 hp (aFe Stage-2 on the 2.0T). On the 2.5T, the top claim is Injen's 18 hp and 20 lb-ft. On the V6, the top claims are aFe's +22 hp and Injen's 21 hp. These are peak numbers, so think of an intake as sharper response and more sound with some power on top.

Are Stinger cold air intakes legal in California?

Most aren't. Every Injen, aFe intake and AEM 21-867C here is not CARB legal, so they're not for California cars. The AEM 21-849DS and K&N 69-5318TS list CARB EO numbers (D-670-26 and D-269-86), but their paperwork also carries not-for-California notes, so confirm before you buy. Drop-in filters are the easy California-friendly move.

Is a short ram the same as a cold air intake?

Not quite. A short ram keeps the filter in the engine bay with a short, direct tube, while a true cold air intake pulls air from outside the bay. Every Stinger kit here is really a short ram, a ram-style design, or a shielded or boxed hybrid. That's why heat shields and sealed boxes are the features to shop for.

Which Stinger GT intake fits an Australian car?

Match the engine, not the market. If your car has the 3.3 twin-turbo V6, look at the V6 kits. If it has the 2.0T, look at the 2.0T kits, and check the years on each part. Nothing here fits the 2.2 diesel sold outside the US.

Shop every Kia Stinger cold air intake

Pick your engine, pick your filter, and send it. You'll find all of these in our cold air intakes collection.