SXTH vs. S&B: Best Cold Air Intake for a 3rd Gen Toyota Tundra?

The SXTH CPLT and S&B are two of the most popular cold air intake choices for the 3rd Gen Toyota Tundra, but they take different approaches to improving airflow, turbo sound and filter service.

If you are shopping for a cold air intake for a 2022-2026 Toyota Tundra, there is a good chance these two systems are already on your shortlist. Both fit the 3.4L twin-turbo V6, work with gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid Tundras, and can be installed without custom tuning. Both also fit the current Toyota Sequoia, with an important fitment distinction covered below.

Short answer: Choose the SXTH Element CPLT Intake if your priorities are more turbo sound, a complete system extending to the turbo inlets and published wheel-horsepower gains. Choose the S&B 75-5163 Cold Air Intake if you want the lower-priced option, a choice between oiled cotton and dry filter media, and published airflow and filtration-efficiency test results.

Do the SXTH and S&B intakes fit the Toyota Sequoia?

Yes. The same two systems also fit the 2023-2026 Toyota Sequoia with the 3.4L twin-turbo i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. The 2022-2026 Tundra is available with either the standard gas 3.4L twin-turbo V6 or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, while every current-generation U.S.-market Sequoia uses the hybrid powertrain.

In other words, Tundra owners need to confirm whether their truck is gas or hybrid, but either version is supported. Sequoia owners only need to confirm the model year and engine application.

What makes the SXTH Tundra intake different?

The SXTH CPLT is built as a full intake path rather than only an airbox and filter change. It replaces the factory ducting and continues down to both turbo inlets with rotational-molded XLPE tubing. That matters on the twin-turbo Tundra because restriction close to the compressors can affect how hard the turbos must work to maintain boost.

SXTH reports an average gain of 14 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque at the wheels on a completely stock tune. It also reports that the dry filters flow 12% to 17% more air than the OEM and TRD intake setups. Dyno results can change with temperature, fuel, vehicle condition and test method, but SXTH is the only one of these two manufacturers that publishes a wheel-horsepower and wheel-torque result for this application.

The other major reason to buy the SXTH intake is sound. Removing the factory system's noise-reducing restrictions makes turbo spool, bypass-valve activity and lift-off sounds much easier to hear. If the factory truck feels too quiet and the goal is to hear the twin turbos working, the SXTH is the stronger match.

Shop the SXTH Element CPLT Intake for the Tundra and Sequoia

What makes the S&B Tundra intake different?

The S&B 75-5163 uses two enclosed airboxes, large intake tubes and two filters. The sealed boxes help isolate the filters from under-hood heat and debris, while clear snap-in lids make it easy to inspect them. The kit also gives buyers a choice between cleanable oiled-cotton filters and dry extendable filters.

S&B focuses its published data on airflow and filtration. It reports 27.96% more airflow than stock with 99.24% efficiency for the cotton version, and 25.38% more airflow with 99.56% efficiency for the dry version. Those numbers come from S&B's ISO 5011 testing rather than a chassis-dyno horsepower claim.

That makes the S&B attractive for an owner who wants measurable restriction reduction but cares just as much about filter efficiency and maintenance. It is also generally the less expensive of the two kits, although current pricing should always be checked before buying.

Shop the S&B Cold Air Intake for the Tundra and Sequoia

Which intake sounds better on a 3rd Gen Tundra?

Both intakes make the turbos noticeably louder than the factory system. You should expect more induction noise under acceleration, clearer spool sounds and more audible pressure release when you lift off the throttle.

There is no controlled, same-truck sound test proving that one kit is always louder. Cabin volume also changes with exhaust modifications, windows, drive mode and throttle input. Based on each system's design and stated priorities, the SXTH is the better choice for someone specifically chasing the most noticeable turbo character. The S&B still adds plenty of sound, but its strongest case is the balance of airflow, enclosed filtration and value.

SXTH dry filter vs. S&B cotton or dry filter

The filter decision may be more important than a small difference in advertised airflow.

• SXTH dry filter: No oiling is required. SXTH recommends periodic inspection and cleaning based on driving conditions.
• S&B cotton cleanable filter: Uses oiled cotton media and can be cleaned and re-oiled instead of replaced.
• S&B dry extendable filter: Requires no oil and can be blown out with compressed air to extend its service life. S&B's published test shows slightly higher filtration efficiency for this option, with slightly less airflow improvement than its cotton filter.

For a street-driven truck, either type can work well when maintained correctly. Owners who frequently drive in dry, dusty conditions may prefer the simpler service routine of a dry filter. Owners who want the highest published airflow figure from S&B may prefer its cotton version.

Do these Tundra cold air intakes require a tune?

No. Both manufacturers designed these systems to work with the factory calibration and sensors. A tune is not required for installation, and neither kit should cause a check-engine light during normal operation when it is installed correctly and the truck is otherwise functioning properly.

Owners of certain Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models should also be aware of Toyota TSB T-SB-0030-23, which addresses specific fuel-injector-related drivability symptoms and diagnostic codes. An intake does not create that factory issue, but a less restrictive system can make an existing problem more noticeable. If your truck has a lack of power, a warning light or the related codes, have the Toyota service bulletin addressed before treating the intake as the cause.

For more power, consider the COBB AccessPORT for the Tundra non hybrid.

Will a cold air intake void the Toyota warranty?

An aftermarket intake does not automatically void the entire vehicle warranty. However, a dealer or manufacturer can deny coverage for a specific failure if it determines that the aftermarket part or its installation caused the problem. Keep the factory intake, follow the filter-service instructions and install every coupler, clamp and sensor connection correctly.

Are the SXTH and S&B Tundra intakes legal in California?

As of September 2026, neither of these current-generation Tundra intake systems has a California Air Resources Board Executive Order covering this application. They cannot be sold or shipped to California for use on a pollution-controlled vehicle. Emissions status can change, so verify the current product-page information before ordering.

Is a cold air intake worth it on the 2022-2026 Tundra?

A cold air intake is worth considering if you want more turbo and induction sound, a serviceable high-flow filter and less intake restriction. The change in sound is usually the part you will notice most often in everyday driving. Power gains should be judged by the manufacturer's test data, and you should not expect an intake alone to transform the truck or guarantee better fuel economy.

If your only goal is the lowest possible maintenance, the factory intake remains hard to beat. If you want to hear more of the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 and plan to continue modifying the truck, an intake is a sensible early upgrade.

Our recommendation: SXTH or S&B?

For the performance-focused owner, we would choose the SXTH CPLT. Its complete duct-to-turbo-inlet design, dry filter, published wheel gains and aggressive sound profile make it the more compelling upgrade when performance and driver experience are the reasons for buying an intake.

For the value-focused daily driver, we would choose the S&B Cold Air Intake. It costs less at current pricing, offers two filter-media choices and backs its airflow claims with detailed filtration-efficiency data. It is the practical choice if you want a well-sealed system and prefer to decide between oiled cotton and dry filters.

There is no bad choice between them. The decision comes down to whether you place more weight on SXTH's complete performance package and turbo sound or S&B's value, filter selection and filtration testing.

Other 3rd Gen Tundra intake options

If neither system is the right match, Redline360 carries other intake designs for the 3.4L twin-turbo Tundra:

• aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake: Dual sealed housings with a choice of Pro DRY S or Pro 5R filters and published horsepower, torque and airflow results.
• HPS Cold Air Intake: Aluminum intake tubing, reusable cotton filters and polished, red or black finish options.
• Shop all Toyota Tundra air intake kits to compare the full selection.

Manufacturer specifications and emissions status were checked on September 9, 2026. Product fitment and compliance information can change, so review the current product page before ordering.