S&B vs K&N vs aFe Intake for Ford Maverick EcoBoost
CHOOSE BY MODEL YEAR AND FILTER PREFERENCE, NOT PEAK CLAIMS: CURRENT 2022–2024 ECOBOOST KITS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY FIT 2025–2026
S&B offers oiled or dry media in an enclosed airbox; K&N 63-2618 uses oiled cotton; aFe 50-70079 offers dry or oiled variants. The cited 2022–2024 kits are 2.0L EcoBoost applications and are not for the Hybrid.
The cited S&B and K&N pages say their kits are not legal for California use on pollution-controlled vehicles.
The meaningful differences are application, enclosure and filter service—not the loudest horsepower number. Manufacturer dyno claims use different vehicles and test methods, so they are not a controlled head-to-head result.
| Product family | Published Maverick scope in cited source | Filter choice | Purchase boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&B 75-5161 | 2022–2024 2.0L | Oiled cotton or dry extendable | Page says not California street legal |
| K&N 63-2618 | 2022–2024 2.0L | Oiled cotton gauze | Page says not California street legal |
| aFe Momentum GT 50-70079D/R | 2022–2024 2.0L | Dry S or oiled Pro 5R variant | Verify current emissions and application listing |
S&B emphasizes a sealed large airbox, inspection lid and full tube path to the turbo. K&N uses a roto-molded tube and oversized reusable oiled filter. aFe's D/R suffix matters because it identifies dry versus oiled media. Dry media avoids re-oiling; oiled reusable media requires correct cleaning and oil quantity.
None of these 2022–2024 applications should be assumed to fit a 2025–2026 truck after Ford's refresh. S&B now lists a separate 75-5216 family for 2025–2026. Re-run the application selector immediately before ordering. An intake also does not authorize a tune, alter fuel requirements or prove a warranty outcome; keep the factory parts and follow installation and inspection instructions.
Compatibility snapshot
| Decision point | What this guide establishes |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L EcoBoost only for the compared 2022–2024 kits |
| Model-year break | Revalidate 2025–2026; separate applications exist |
| Maintenance choice | Dry media for no re-oiling; oiled media for reusable cotton preference |
| Legal gate | Check current CARB/executive-order status and local rules before purchase |
Bottom line
For a stock Maverick, choose the exact-year enclosed kit with the filter service you will actually maintain. Do not buy a 2022–2024 part for a refreshed truck or use unmatched dyno claims as a ranking.
For underbody protection around the same powertrain, see Which RIVAL Skid Plate Fits a Ford Maverick EcoBoost?.
Sources & notes
- S&B 75-5161 Maverick 2.0L intake, accessed 2026-10-27. 2022–2024 fit, media choices, airbox and California statement.
- K&N 63-2618 Maverick intake, accessed 2026-10-27. 2.0L application, filter media, installation and California statement.
- aFe 50-70079D/R instructions, accessed 2026-10-27. 2022–2024 Maverick 2.0L application and part families.
- S&B current Ford intake catalog, accessed 2026-10-27. Separate 2025–2026 Maverick 2.0L product family.