Best Air Filter for Dodge Challenger: 6 Winter Picks

You want your Challenger to run reliably and comfortably when temperatures drop. Winter brings colder air, moisture, road salt, slush, and extra debris, so a correctly chosen engine air filter or cabin air filter matters more than most drivers realize.

A fresh, properly fitted engine air filter helps protect the intake and maintain normal airflow, while a good cabin air filter helps improve the air coming through your HVAC system and may reduce stale winter odors. This guide helps you compare compatible, buyer-friendly filters so you can choose the best fit for your Challenger, driving conditions, and maintenance goals.

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Top Picks

How We Picked These Filters

You should choose filters that match your vehicle, protect the engine, and meet the conditions you drive in. We prioritized vehicle-specific fitment for Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 applications, clear replacement part numbers, filtration material, airflow balance, activated carbon for cabin odor control, ease of installation, and value for routine maintenance.

For winter specifically, we looked for filters that help manage moisture, road salt, dust, and debris without overpromising performance gains. A fresh filter is most useful when it replaces a dirty, clogged, or aging one, so the focus here is practical protection, cabin comfort, and easy fitment rather than unrealistic horsepower claims.

Before You Buy: Challenger Fitment Checklist

• Check the filter type: Engine air filters protect the intake; cabin air filters clean air entering the HVAC system.
• Match the part number: Common numbers in this guide include 4861746AA, 4861746AB, 68256672AA, 68071668AA, CA11257, and CF11668.
• Confirm your engine: 3.6L, 5.7L, and 6.4L models may not use the same engine air filter.
• Compare the old filter shape: Do not force a filter that does not sit flat or seal correctly in the housing.
• Use oiled filters carefully: Avoid oiled filters unless the manufacturer recommends them for your setup and you know how to maintain them.

68256672AA Air Filter

If your Challenger uses the 68256672AA filter style, this Lvdrwi option gives you a straightforward replacement focused on fit and easy maintenance. It is aimed at select 5.7L and 6.4L Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 applications, so it is best for shoppers who already know their current filter or intake setup matches this part number.

It is a reusable, cleanable dry filter, so there is no oiling step. That matters if you want simpler maintenance and want to avoid oil residue near modern intake sensors. Clean it only according to the seller’s instructions and let it dry fully before reinstalling.

This is not the right pick for every Challenger. If you have a different engine, a stock panel-filter box that uses the 4861746AA family, or an unknown intake setup, confirm fitment before buying.

What People Say

Owners say it fits like the original part, is easy to install, and feels well made. Several reviewers called out the perfect fit for Shaker and RT setups and appreciated the included clamp and finish.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Engine Protection Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Solves common winter maintenance issues by helping keep road salt, grit, and dirty spray away from the intake while avoiding the maintenance step of oiling a reusable filter.

Key Benefits

• Vehicle-specific fit for select 2011-2021 Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 5.7L and 6.4L applications
• Reusable, cleanable dry design with no oil required
• Replaces OEM part number 68256672AA when your setup matches
• Useful for certain cold air intake and Shaker-style setups
• Best for shoppers who can confirm the exact part number before ordering

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if your current filter or intake setup calls for 68256672AA and you want a reusable dry replacement.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if you are not sure about your engine, airbox, or part number. A stock-style 4861746AA panel filter may be the safer route for many standard setups.

Check Product Details on Amazon

X4XZ Engine Air Filter 4861746AA

If you want a simple stock-style engine air filter replacement, this X4XZ option is one of the more straightforward picks in the roundup. It targets the common 4861746AA and 4861746AB part-number family and is commonly listed for 2011-2020 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger applications.

The fine paper-style media is designed to catch dust, road grit, and larger particles before they reach the intake. That is useful during winter because salted roads, slush, and dirty spray can leave more debris around the airbox area than normal dry-weather driving.

Installation should be manageable for many DIY owners: open the airbox, remove the old filter, clean loose debris from the housing, seat the new filter evenly, and close the cover fully. If your old filter is clogged, replacing it can help restore normal airflow and throttle response.

What People Say

Owners highlight the snug, OEM-like fit and the ability to swap the filter themselves to save on shop visits. Multiple reviewers note reliable performance after installation and straightforward fitment despite it not being a factory-branded part.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Engine Protection Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Helps with winter driving by replacing a dirty 4861746AA-style filter and keeping road salt, slush, and debris from reducing intake airflow.

Key Benefits

• Direct replacement for OE# 4861746AA and 4861746AB applications
• Paper-style filtration media helps trap dust, salt residue, and road debris
• Commonly listed for 2011-2020 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger/Charger V6/V8 models
• Simple DIY swap for owners comfortable opening the airbox
• Good value pick when you want an OEM-style replacement

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if your Challenger uses the 4861746AA or 4861746AB style filter and you want an easy, affordable replacement.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if your vehicle falls outside the listed year range or if your current filter shape does not match the product listing.

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GF668 Cabin Air Filter

If winter driving makes your Challenger smell damp, dusty, or stale inside, the GF668 cabin filter is a low-effort way to refresh the HVAC system. It uses activated carbon material and is designed around the CF11668 / 68071668AA cabin-filter family, which is commonly associated with Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 applications.

Cabin filters do not change engine performance, but they can make daily driving more comfortable. A fresh cabin filter can help capture dust, pollen, road grime, and some odor-causing particles before they circulate through the vents.

Install it carefully by checking the airflow arrow and making sure the cover snaps back into place. If your windows fog quickly or the heater airflow feels weak, checking the cabin filter is an easy first step.

What People Say

You’ll see owners praising the snug, OEM-like fit and how easy the swap is. Many note it installs in minutes and improves cabin air quality after routine replacement.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cabin Comfort Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Keeps dust, slush residue, and road debris from building up in the cabin filter area, helping reduce stale odors and weak HVAC airflow during winter commutes.

Key Benefits

• Replacement for CF11668 / 68071668AA cabin-filter applications
• Activated carbon media helps reduce odors and capture fine particles
• Commonly listed for Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 applications
• Quick DIY install when the airflow arrow is aligned correctly
• Practical choice if you want a budget-friendly cabin filter

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if your main concern is cabin odor, dust, or weak HVAC freshness during winter commutes.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if you are trying to solve engine performance problems. This is a cabin filter, not an engine air filter.

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A-Premium Cabin Air Filter

If you want a slightly more comfort-focused cabin filter, the A-Premium activated-carbon option is a strong fit to compare against the GF668. It targets the 68071668AA replacement family and is designed to help reduce dust, pollen, and odors before they reach the cabin.

This is useful during winter because moisture, slush, and road salt can leave the cabin smelling stale. A fresh activated-carbon cabin filter will not fix every HVAC odor, but it can help reduce common smells and improve airflow when the old filter is dirty.

The main thing to check is compatibility. Product listings and vehicle tables can vary by year and trim, so confirm your Challenger’s current cabin filter shape and part number before ordering.

What People Say

You’ll see owners comment on the snug, OEM-like fit and how the charcoal layer cuts down on odors while being simple to install.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cabin Comfort Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Keeps out dust, slush residue, and road debris that can clog vents and create stale odors, helping preserve heater and defroster airflow during winter driving.

Key Benefits

• Replacement for the 68071668AA cabin-filter family
• Activated carbon media helps absorb odors from damp roads and exhaust
• Multi-layer filtration captures dust, pollen, and fine road particles
• Quick DIY swap when the airflow arrow is aligned properly
• Good choice when cabin freshness matters more than the lowest price

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if you want an activated-carbon cabin filter for odor control, daily commuting, and winter HVAC freshness.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if your current cabin filter or owner’s manual does not match the 68071668AA replacement family.

Check Product Details on Amazon

A-Premium Engine Air Filter

If your Challenger uses the 4861746AA-style panel filter, this A-Premium engine air filter is a practical OEM-style replacement to consider. It is commonly listed for multiple Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger applications, including 3.6L, 5.7L, and 6.4L engines when the year and trim match.

The goal here is not a dramatic performance upgrade. The real value is replacing a dirty or restricted filter so the engine can maintain normal airflow, cleaner intake air, and more consistent response during cold starts.

It is a good choice if you want a conventional panel filter rather than a reusable performance-style filter. As always, compare the product listing with your current filter and your vehicle’s part number before ordering.

What People Say

Owners highlight the snug, OEM-like fit and easy installation, with several reporting steadier performance after replacing an older filter.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Engine Protection Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Keeps out salt, slush, and road debris that can clog the intake and foul sensors; swapping the filter on schedule helps avoid reduced airflow and rougher operation during winter driving.

Key Benefits

• OEM-style panel replacement for matching 4861746AA-style applications
• Designed for common Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 fitments when year and engine match
• Helps maintain normal throttle response when replacing a clogged filter
• Simple DIY swap with basic airbox access
• Good choice if you prefer a conventional disposable filter

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if you want a straightforward 4861746AA-style engine air filter and prefer a conventional OEM-style replacement.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if your current airbox, trim, or engine uses a different filter shape or part number.

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KAX Cabin & Engine Air Filter Kit

If you want to handle both filters in one maintenance session, the KAX kit is the most convenient option here. It includes an engine air filter and a cabin air filter, so you can refresh intake protection and cabin airflow at the same time.

The cabin filter uses coconut shell-activated charcoal to help reduce odors from wet carpets, road grime, and winter traffic. The engine filter focuses on capturing road grit before it reaches the intake. For a winter tune-up, that combination makes sense because cold-weather driving affects both the engine bay and the cabin.

The main caution is fitment. Kits can be convenient, but both filters must match your vehicle. Confirm the engine filter and cabin filter part numbers before ordering so you do not end up with one correct filter and one wrong one.

What People Say

Owners frequently note the snug OEM-like fit, noticeably cleaner cabin air, and the convenience of getting the engine and cabin filters together.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Engine and Cabin Benefits

Problem Solving Ability

Helps solve two winter maintenance issues at once: a dirty intake filter and a stale or clogged cabin filter.

Key Benefits

• Includes both engine and cabin filters for matching applications
• Coconut shell-activated charcoal cabin filter helps reduce odors
• Engine filter helps catch grit while maintaining normal airflow
• Convenient choice for a full seasonal filter refresh
• Best when both part numbers match your vehicle

Who Should Buy This

Buy this if you want to replace both filters together and you have confirmed that both included filters match your Challenger.

Who Should Avoid This

Avoid it if you only need one filter or if either included filter does not match your year, engine, or cabin-filter part number.

Check Kit Details on Amazon

FAQ

Which Air Filter Types Work Best for Your Challenger in Winter?

You want an air filter that balances reliable particle capture with normal airflow in cold, sometimes salty winter conditions. For most Dodge Challenger engines, the safest real-world choice is a high-quality pleated panel or synthetic filter that matches your OEM shape and part number.

Examples include vehicle-specific engine filters like 68256672AA for matching 5.7L and 6.4L applications and the common 4861746AA family used across many Chrysler 300, Charger, and Challenger listings. For cabin air, an activated carbon cabin filter can help reduce road odors and airborne particles.

How Often Should You Check or Replace Engine and Cabin Filters in Winter?

Inspect both filters before winter starts and more often if you drive on salted roads, dusty construction routes, or through frequent slush. Cabin filters are often checked around every 12 months or 12,000-15,000 miles, but harsh conditions can require earlier replacement.

When installing an engine filter, make sure the airbox is clean, the mating surfaces are free of debris, and the filter seals evenly. For the cabin filter, remove trapped leaves or grit, orient the airflow arrow correctly, and make sure the cover snaps back fully.

Will Aftermarket Filters Affect Sensors, Warranty, or Fuel Economy?

A correctly fitted aftermarket filter should work normally when it matches the right part number and seals properly in the housing. Problems are more likely when the filter is the wrong size, poorly seated, over-oiled, or not designed for your intake system.

Do not expect a fresh filter to create major horsepower or fuel-economy gains. The realistic benefit is restoring normal airflow and protection when the old filter is dirty or clogged. Keep receipts and avoid forcing any filter that does not fit cleanly.

Should You Replace the Engine Filter or Cabin Filter First?

Replace the engine air filter first if you notice a dirty airbox, rough idle, reduced throttle response, or a visibly clogged engine filter. Replace the cabin filter first if your heater airflow is weak, the cabin smells stale, or the windshield fogs more than usual.

If both filters are old, a kit like the KAX cabin and engine filter set can be convenient, as long as both included filters match your exact vehicle.

How Do You Confirm the Right Fit Before Ordering?

Use three checks: match your vehicle year and engine, compare the OEM or replacement part number, and look at the shape of the filter already in your car. Helpful numbers to compare include 4861746AA, 4861746AB, 68256672AA, 68071668AA, CA11257, and CF11668.

Amazon’s garage checker, your owner’s manual, and the part number printed on the old filter are all useful. If any of those disagree, do not order until you confirm the correct fit.

Customer Favorite Filters

When choosing between the 68256672AA, X4XZ Engine Air Filter 4861746AA, and the GF668 cabin air filter, most shoppers are balancing correct fitment, airflow, ease of installation, and winter comfort. Pick the 68256672AA option only when your HEMI setup matches that part number, choose the X4XZ for a simple 4861746AA-style engine-filter swap, and choose the GF668 when cabin odor and airflow are your top concerns.

Wrapping Up

By choosing the right engine and cabin filters, you give your Challenger a simple, cost-effective way to stay protected and comfortable through winter. Engine filters help keep debris out of the intake and maintain normal airflow, while cabin filters improve HVAC freshness and can reduce odors from damp winter driving.

For a stock-style engine filter, compare the X4XZ and A-Premium options if your vehicle uses the 4861746AA family. For select 5.7L and 6.4L setups, check whether the 68256672AA filter matches your current part. For cabin comfort, the GF668 and A-Premium activated-carbon filters are practical choices. If both filters are due, the KAX kit can save time, as long as both included filters fit your exact Challenger.

This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.