Sxth Element Intake 6th Gen 4Runner: Install & Impressions

[Trail4R]

Prototype Sxth Element CPLT Intake For The 2025 6th Gen 4Runner - Install & Review​

Just wrapped up the install of the Sxth Element CPLT Intake on our 2025 6th Gen 4Runner Hybrid, and the difference is noticeable, both in terms of sound and power.

Find it online: https://4runnermods.com/products/2025-toyota-4runner-cplt-intake

This intake is a huge step up from stock; it pulls fresh air from the fender area just like the factory intake box, but flows through a larger airbox with a high-flow dry filter and into a smooth, perfectly sized intake tube tuned for the factory MAF. No tuning needed, no CELs, and it’s dyno-proven to deliver up to 14 HP at the wheels.

One of the coolest features is their new QuickSnap magnetic lid, which makes servicing the filter fast and frustration-free, with no more stripped bolts, missing hardware, or messing with hardware. I've never seen this on an intake box before. Really cool to see something like this. The whole system fits like OEM and looks clean in the engine bay. For Trailhunter and TRD Pro models, tuning is required, but for all other hybrid and gas trims, it's a simple bolt-on mod.

Power

The power seems to be more noticeable at shift points, rather than by drastic feel. The 6th Gen already features some impressive performance, especially the hybrid. The intake just provides more fresh air, faster, which ultimately helps the engine breathe more efficiently and stay in the power band with less effort, especially during throttle transitions and mid-range acceleration. I didn’t notice a huge gain in overall power, but the improved airflow makes the shift points feel quicker and more responsive, especially with how strong the hybrid already is.

Sound

The "blow off flutter" sound, found on the Trailhunter with the snorkel, cannot be heard on any other model because the factory intake is engineered to muffle sound for NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) reduction. The sound produced by the blow-off valve (BOV) or, more accurately, the turbocharger's bypass valve occurs when you release the throttle after the turbo has been creating boost, but again, you can't hear this on any models except for the Trailhunter.

With the Sxth Element Intake, you can now hear the blow off flutter, but not nearly as much as you would on a vehicle with a snorkel. If the Trailhunter snorkel sound is at a level 10 sound, then the Sxth Element Intake would be at a level 3-4 sound. It's there, and you can now hear it with the windows up or down, but it's not apparent as the Trailhunter. I personally like the noise level. It's just enough to know it's there, but not too loud that it's going to drive you crazy. Once you turn up the volume to a level 20, the sound seems to get washed out, and you can't hear it anymore. Same goes for the windows down with lots of wind noise. Once the wind starts blowing into the cabin with the widows down, you can't hear it anymore.

Sxth Element CPLT Intake​

1. Remove Radiator Cover​

Start by removing the radiator cover and set to the side.

2. Remove Seal Strip Inlet​

Remove the secondary intake inlet. Just pull up on it, and it will come out.

3. Remove MAF Clip & MAF Sensor​

Use a pair of clip removal tools to pop off the MAF harness and then unscrew both the gold screws holding the Mass Airflow Sensor to the inlet.

4. Remove OEM Air Box​

Remove the air box. Just pull up on it, and it will come out. There is no hardware holding it down, just these three ball studs that seat into a plastic bushing on the feet of the intake box.

5. Remove OEM Inlet Tube​

Remove the inlet tube and set the MAF to the side.

6. Swap Mounting Feet From OEM Box​

Remove the mounting feet on the OEM airbox and swap them over to the Sxth Element Air Box.

7. Connect Small Sxth Element Coupling​

Connect the small coupling on the throttle body.

8. Connect Sxth Inlet Tube & MAF​

Connect the new inlet, and Mass Airflow Sensor with new hardware.

 

[Trail4R]

9. Install Large Sxth Element Coupling​

Install the larger coupling on the new inlet tube, but don't tighten anything else. Leave everything loosely connected.

10. Install New Air Box​

Mount the new airbox on the factory ball studs and then position the coupling into the airbox as well. Everything should be fully connected and positioned correctly at this point.

11. Install 1 Push Clip & Re-Install Radiator Cover​

You will reuse one of the OEM push clips to hold this portion of the intake down. Save the rest of your clips for later, you never know when one of these might break.

12. Remove Protective Film on Airbox Cover​

Peel back the protective film on the top and bottom of the cover.

Air Box Cover Quick Release Magnets​

One of the coolest features on this new Intake, the magnets. Amazing idea.

Final​

 

[Trail4R]

And here are some final shots. This thing is incredibly dialed for a prototype.

 

[TRD JON]

Solid write up on this one! Such a great system. Loved it in my Tacoma. Can’t wait to do it with the 4R!

 

[SXTHElement]

Thank you for the detailed install and review!

We’ve worked hard to make this system a clean, functional upgrade.

 

[4RunnerStan]

Do we know yet if this voids any warranty? I would imagine not because you aren't tuning it, but I don't really know anything about adding aftermarket power train items

 

[Trail4R]

@4RunnerStan - Intakes and most aftermarket parts will not void the warranty alone, however, the dealership can always deny service if they think that specific modification has caused problems to the vehicle. In short, intakes have always been a product that people install with no problem at all.

We can also let @SXTHElement chime in on this one if they want.

 

[Trail4R]

Solid write up on this one! Such a great system. Loved it in my Tacoma. Can’t wait to do it with the 4R!

Thanks dude!

 

[Trail4R]

Thank you for the detailed install and review!

We’ve worked hard to make this system a clean, functional upgrade.

You're welcome. The more I drive the 4Runner, the more I enjoy actually hearing the sound of the turbo.

Amazing intake. Thank you!

 

[SXTHElement]

Do we know yet if this voids any warranty? I would imagine not because you aren't tuning it, but I don't really know anything about adding aftermarket power train items

An intake alone cannot void your entire warranty, but a dealership could deny service if they find that damage occurred due to an intake being installed. For example, if your transmission starts leaking and you have an intake installed, the intake would not be the cause for this leak, so the service would be covered. Conversely, if your MAF sensor fails, a dealership could posit that the installation of the intake could have damaged the MAF sensor and this may not be covered. That being said, we have rarely seen dealerships deny coverage even when potentially related items are affected, and we have lots of solid testing data to confirm our parts do not cause damage.

 

[4RunnerStan]

An intake alone cannot void your entire warranty, but a dealership could deny service if they find that damage occurred due to an intake being installed. For example, if your transmission starts leaking and you have an intake installed, the intake would not be the cause for this leak, so the service would be covered. Conversely, if your MAF sensor fails, a dealership could posit that the installation of the intake could have damaged the MAF sensor and this may not be covered. That being said, we have rarely seen dealerships deny coverage even when potentially related items are affected, and we have lots of solid testing data to confirm our parts do not cause damage.

Awesome thank you so much, that gives me great peace of mind! Can't wait to pick one of these up.