This is a topic that needs to be covered for a couple of reasons. The first and primary reason is that maintaining your 2025 Sport Badlands is important, especially if you’ve been off-roading, because air filters and cabin air filters exposed to all that dirt and sand need to be replaced more often than what is stated in the user manual. The next reason is that the 2025 Badlands (and Badlands Sasquatch), have a different engine than earlier model years. Don’t worry, it’s still a 2.0-liter Ecoboost 4-cylinder but because the engine is different, the location of the air filter is different too.
That being said, one of the easiest and most cost-effective maintenance tasks you can perform yourself is changing the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. This simple job takes only a few minutes. In fact, it’s so easy that after the Rebelle Rally last year, I changed both in a parking lot in California in about 5 minutes and even though the car only had about 3,000 miles on it, both were incredibly dirty and needed replacing. Doing this job yourself can save you a significant amount of time and money compared to having them changed at a Ford dealership or oil change shop.
Locating and Replacing the Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter
Engine Air Filter
Again, since the engine is different, make sure you’re purchasing a filter for the 2025 model year and you have the Badlands, the Outer Banks Sasquatch and Black Diamond Sports have the 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine. If you look at the photos below, you’ll see the location of the air filter on the 2021-2024 Badlands in the first photo and the location of the 2025 filter in the second.
The engine air filter is housed within the air intake box, located under the hood on the driver’s side of the engine bay. To access the filter, you’ll need to loosen one clamp with a standard screwdriver, so have one handy. You’re manual, available right at your fingertips on your touchscreen inside the car, has all the instructions, a diagram, and a handy maintenance video. The hardest part is just getting the compartment to snap back into place. Watch the video. If I had, I might have shaved my filter change down to 4 minutes.
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. To access it, you will need to lower the glove box by releasing the side tension tabs as shown in the photo.
Use a flashlight and you’ll find the cabin air filter behind a little flip door with the markings air flow with an arrow. This is a hint to match that downward arrow with the down arrow on the cabin air filter. Basically, just make sure it’s not upside down. Really easy, pull the old one out, push the new one into place and make sure the little door closes.
Cost of Air Filters and Where to Purchase Them
Engine Air Filter: Prices range from $20 to $40, depending on the brand. OEM (Motorcraft) filters are available from Ford dealerships, while aftermarket options can be found at auto parts stores and online retailers like Amazon or RockAuto. The cost at Ford dealerships vary but expect to pay $60-$100 for the service, including the filter.
Cabin Air Filter: Typically costs $15 to $30, with similar availability at auto parts stores, Ford dealerships, and online. I checked around and most shops charge a standard $49.99 to change it, including the filter. That’s a pretty hefty labor or markup charge for a 2-minute job requiring no tools.
DIY Cost:
- Engine Air Filter: $20 - $40
- Cabin Air Filter: $15 - $30
By replacing both filters yourself, you can save $75 - $150 per service interval. Over the lifespan of your Bronco Sport, these savings add up significantly, ESPECIALLY if you’re off-roading it.
When to Change Your Filters
Engine Air Filter: Ford recommends replacing the air filter every 30,000 miles, but if you frequently drive in dusty or off-road conditions, inspect it more often and replace as needed. A dirty or clogged filter will appear dark and filled with debris, or in my case, silt. Reduced fuel efficiency, sluggish acceleration, or an unusual engine noise may be indicators of restricted airflow.
Obviously, the inspection process is all the same steps as the change except returning the old filter, there’s no easy way to inspect it.
Cabin Air Filter: Should be changed approximately every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, or sooner if you notice reduced airflow, unpleasant odors, or excessive dust inside the cabin. If you live in an area with excessive pollen, this will shorten its life as well. If your cabin air filter gets clogged, your A/C has to work harder, and you may feel a restricted air flow. It can even cause your vehicle to overheat so realize this filter is more important than just the cleaner air experience.
Hint: If you take your vehicle in for an oil change, the technician will almost always show you the air filter and the cabin air filter as part of your service. If it looks dirty or they recommend it to be replaced, just say no and make a note to do it yourself.
You Can Do It!
Replacing your air filter and cabin air filter is a simple, cost-effective maintenance task that anyone can do. With just a few minutes of effort and basic tools, you can keep your Bronco Sport running efficiently while saving money. Whether you’re an off-roader like me or enjoy your Sport as a pavement only, keeping these filters clean ensures optimal performance and a comfortable ride. Happy wrenching!
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