What You Need to Know About Your UTV’s Air Filter and Why the S&B Filter Is a Smart Factory Replacement

Keep Your UTV Breathing Clean — How S&B Filters Deliver Proven Protection and Performance

If you’re running a side-by-side, the air box isn’t just a compartment for clean air—it’s how your engine breathes. A poor or clogged air filter doesn’t just hurt performance, it exposes your machine to dust, sand, mud, and debris that can lead to costly engine damage. Understanding how your air filter works and choosing a quality replacement like the S&B Air Filter can make a huge difference in power, reliability, and long-term protection.

Why Your UTV’s Air Filter Matters

Your engine needs a steady supply of clean air to perform efficiently. When you ride through sand dunes, dusty trails, or muddy terrain, the air filter stands between your engine and whatever the trail throws at it.
A compromised air filter can lead to:

• Reduced airflow and power loss.

• Debris entering the intake system, wearing down engine components.

• Poor throttle response or sluggish performance.

• Shortened filter life and more frequent replacements.

For riders who hit the dunes, desert, or woods, keeping your filter clean and functional is key to maintaining consistent power and engine life.

When to Inspect, Clean, or Replace Your Filter

Regular inspection is simple preventive maintenance that keeps your ride running right. Look for these signs that your filter needs attention:

• Noticeable drop in performance or throttle response.

• Visible dirt buildup or dust layers on the filter.

• Engine sputtering or unusual intake sounds.

• Riding often in sandy or dusty areas without recent cleaning.

Some filters can be cleaned and reused, but many stock options degrade over time. Replacing your factory filter with a high-performance design, like the S&B Air Filter, gives you more airflow, better protection, and fewer replacements over the long haul.

Why Choose the S&B UTV Air Filter

S&B Filters designs its UTV filters specifically for side-by-side riders who face extreme off-road conditions. These filters are built to outperform standard OEM filters and last much longer while maintaining precise fitment for multiple UTV brands and models.

Key Features:

• High-Efficiency Filtration: Up to 99.98% efficiency for exceptional dust and debris protection.

• Increased Airflow: Proprietary dry synthetic media allows higher flow rates without sacrificing protection.

• Reusable Design: Washable and reusable up to ten times for long-term savings.

• Durable Construction: Silicone rubber base and seal withstand heat, vibration, and long rides.

• Perfect Fit: Designed to fill the air box completely for maximum filtration surface area and reliable sealing.

Whether you’re riding dunes at Glamis, crawling trails in Moab, or cutting through muddy fields, the S&B Filter gives your UTV better airflow and a stronger defense against the elements.

Popular S&B Air Filters by Model

SB Filters makes direct-fit OEM replacement air filters for many of the popular UTVs on todays market. Each filter is designed for perfect OEM fitment, ensuring maximum airflow and a tight seal in your air box. Below are a few popular models, but be sure to check out what S&B Filters offers for your Side x Side UTV

1. Polaris RZR Pro R (2.0 L)
Built for the high-horsepower Pro R platform, this S&B filter improves airflow by roughly 1.6% over stock while maintaining nearly 99.96% filtration efficiency. It’s ideal for dune and desert riders pushing the limits of their 2.0 L ProStar engine, providing consistent performance under heavy dust loads.

2. Polaris Xpedition
Designed for the 2024+ Polaris Xpedition, this filter delivers a 2% airflow gain over factory specs while offering 99.95% filtration efficiency. Its reinforced silicone body handles heat and vibration from long overland trips, making it a strong choice for explorers and multi-day riders who value reliability and easy maintenance.

3. Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo / Maverick R / Commander 
The S&B filter for the Maverick X3 handles high intake pressure and fine desert dust, keeping boost levels consistent for turbocharged performance. Its synthetic media maintains airflow even when loaded with debris—ideal for hard-charging dune and race applications.

4. Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 / Kawasaki Ridge
This filter uses a durable silicone base and precision sealing edges to protect the KRX’s naturally aspirated powerplant from mud, silt, and trail grit. Built for riders who mix mountain trails, forest runs, and deep mud, it provides both airflow and longevity for any terrain.

These examples highlight how S&B Filters applies the same performance-driven design across multiple manufacturers—giving UTV owners reliable, reusable, and performance-focused filtration no matter what they drive.

Real-World Riding Advantage

In harsh conditions, stock filters can clog quickly and restrict air intake, forcing your engine to work harder. The S&B Air Filter is designed to maintain airflow longer and resist clogging, even after hours of dusty riding.
That means more consistent power, smoother throttle response, and less time worrying about maintenance between rides. For riders who go hard and often, that’s a major advantage.

Maintenance Tips for the S&B Air Filter

To get the most from your S&B Air Filter:

• Always ensure the filter is seated properly and the seal area is clean before installation.

• Follow S&B’s cleaning procedure for reusable filters—rinse, dry completely, and inspect the rubber seals.

• Check after long rides in sand or dust-heavy conditions, and clean as needed.

• Pair it with a particle separator or snorkel system for even greater dust protection.

• Keep a backup filter in your gear bag for quick swaps during multi-day rides.

Regular maintenance will extend your filter’s life and keep your UTV performing at its peak.

Your air filter is one of the most important and overlooked components in your UTV. It directly affects power, performance, and engine longevity. Replacing the factory filter with an S&B Air Filter offers proven filtration, better airflow, and long-term durability—all designed for the demanding environments UTVs face.

For riders who push their machines hard, this isn’t just a small upgrade—it’s essential protection for the heart of your engine.

Shop Everything S&B Filters has to Offer Here