A Dyno-tested and approved exhaust system.
An exhaust system for buyers wanting a simple upgrade.
Exhaust systems are designed to improve engine performance and fuel consumption, control noise, and direct gasses and exhaust emissions away from passengers in your vehicle. The best exhaust systems will be high-quality without sacrificing useability.
Exhaust systems should have great durability and corrosion resistance to prevent you from having to buy a new exhaust frequently. Our buyers guide has information on everything you should look for before buying your next exhaust system. Our team has researched some of the top-selling and highest-rated aftermarket exhaust systems so you don’t have to.
Exhaust System Buyers Guide
Exhaust systems enhance engine performance and increase airflow while preventing gas emissions from getting in the way while driving. Exhaust systems include mufflers designed to enhance exhaust sounds and keep both your gas mileage and fuel consumption under control.
The best exhaust systems make driving powerful and efficient for fuel economy. Exhaust systems are not a small purchase, so there are a few factors that should be considered before making your next auto purchase. From an easy installation to durability and compatibility of the product, these are just a few things to take into account when looking for your new exhaust system.
Ease Of Installation
An exhaust system goes underneath a vehicle and faces out toward the rear bumper. While you may need a car jack to lift your vehicle if it is lower to the ground, it is important that you choose an exhaust system that is easy to install. This will save you the labor and time of trying to install your newest exhaust system in what can take only minutes.
Durability
You want a product that will withstand emissions and gasses that will exit your vehicle and exhaust, while also decreasing fuel consumption and enhancing engine performance. Stainless steel is an ideal choice and is what most exhaust systems are configured with.
Compatibility
Some exhaust systems are designed specifically for muscle cars, trucks, or even vans and SUVs. All of these vehicles can have different layouts when it comes to installing your exhaust system. Each product has compatibility sections to identify if one exhaust system is a better fit, making the decision easier for you.
5 Best Exhaust Systems
- Best Warranty: Borla ATAK Exhaust System
- Best Exhaust Sound: Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System
- Easiest Installation: Flowmaster Outlaw Exhaust System
- MagnaFlow Axle-Back Performance Exhaust System
Best Exhaust System Comparison Chart
Borla ATAK Exhaust System |
Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System |
Flowmaster Outlaw |
MagnaFlow Axle-Back Performance Exhaust System |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost |
$795 — $3,015 |
$151 — $1,441 |
$136 — $2,483 |
$705 |
Warranty |
1,000,000.0 miles |
Limited lifetime depending on material |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Build Material |
Stainless steel |
Aluminized or stainless steel |
Stainless steel |
Black-coated stainless steel |
Our Review Standards
To select the exhaust systems featured in this buyers guide, our team first combed through dozens of resources such as DIY mechanic and auto enthusiast forums, manufacturer and exhaust system-specific websites, instruction manuals from manufacturers, and reviews from online retailers. We pay particularly close attention to quality reviews and recommendations that highlight the quality of warranties, customer service support, build quality, materials, and overall reliability.
We then have our network of experts share their thoughts on the selected exhaust systems. These experts have over 100 years of combined experience in aftermarket auto fields ranging from detailing to accessories to tires, and everything in-between. These experts helped us identify the qualities that would be most important to someone looking for an aftermarket exhaust system and the standout brands in each category.
We also factored in the quantity and quality of online retailer reviews from websites such as Amazon, RealTruck, Advance Auto Parts, and more. We looked at factors such as standout customer reviews, prices, meaningful superlatives, and discount shipping eligibility.
Why You Can Trust Us
Since 2020, we have published over 200 auto product reviews in an effort to make shopping for auto products easier. Our team of writers, editors, researchers, and product experts collaborates to thoroughly vet top products. We try to perform in-house testing on real vehicles whenever possible before making our recommendations.
When testing is not feasible, however, our aim is to make your life easier by doing all the online research for you and presenting that research in the form of easy-to-read product comparisons and buyers guides, rather than outright recommendations. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
#1 Best Warranty: Borla ATAK Exhaust System
Made in Tennessee, the Borla ATAK Exhaust System is not only designed for a great sound delivered by its aggressive mufflers but it’s also built to ensure the best exhaust flow to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Mandrel bent tubing improves both horsepower and torque thanks to increased exhaust flow.
This product’s warranty is what gives this system the edge over many others. 1,000,000.0 miles should last a lifetime and is significantly better than the limited lifetime warranties offered by other brands. You can choose from either polished or black-chromed tips for added personalization. The Borla exhaust system is made to be an easy and quick installation. You can simply attach the exhaust system to your vehicle with only hand tools from the comfort of your garage.
Key Features
- Cost: About $765 – $3,000
- T-304 stainless steel
- ATAK mufflers
- Mandrel bent tubing
- Dyno tested
- 1,000,000.0-mile warranty
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.9 out of 5 based on over 45 ratings
While there are only a handful of reviews for the Borla ATAK, the majority of customers are overwhelmingly positive about their purchase. Not only do many reviewers mention liking the sleek appearance, but many emphasize the nice growling noise the muffler makes. The majority of reviewers also share that this exhaust system is easy to install and a high-quality purchase, making it more than worth the investment.
#2 Best Exhaust Sound: Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System
The Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System is a high-quality exhaust that provides pleasant exhaust notes and high flow while driving to keep your engine in top condition. Designed with your choice of either aluminized or stainless steel construction, you can choose the best material and value for your vehicle’s exhaust.
This exhaust system is also Dyno-tested and approved. A dyno test (short for dynamometer) is a device that measures the force, torque, or power in your vehicle. Exhaust systems enhance power and engine performance. An added bonus to the Flowmaster system is the mandrel bent tubing for maximum flow, increasing engine performance at an even greater rate.
What earns this system the Best Exhaust Sound moniker is its signature growl. The muffler is manufactured with sound in mind so you can let everyone else know when you’re stepping on the gas.
Key Features
- Cost: About $150 – $1,440
- Dyno-tested
- Mandrel bent tubing
- Aluminized or stainless steel construction
- Three-year warranty on aluminized steel
- Limited lifetime warranty on stainless steel
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 90 ratings
The majority of customers are very pleased with their purchase of the Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System. Many buyers especially emphasize the nice sound from the flow muffler, without being overly aggressive.
#3 Easiest Installation: Flowmaster Outlaw Exhaust System
The Flowmaster Outlaw Exhaust System is the most aggressive sound system created by Flowmaster. The mufflers have a free-flowing design eliminating back pressure while increasing horsepower, torque, and gas mileage. This is the ideal exhaust system for fuel economy.
The Flowmaster Outlaw is designed with stainless steel, a common construction for most exhaust kits. This system promotes better airflow while emitting exhaust gasses using the mandrel bends that are implemented in this easy-to-install design. Helpful videos on RealTruck’s product page show you exactly how to install this system and what tools you’ll need. The easy bolt-on installation should give most DIY mechanics no issues, but if help is needed, their customer service team is happy to assist.
Key Features
- Cost: About $135 – $2,485
- Stainless steel construction
- Mandrel bent tubing
- Dyno-tested
- Bolt-on installation
- Limited lifetime warranty
What Customers Are Saying
RealTruck Review Score: 4.7 out of 5 based on over 40 ratings
While there are only a handful of reviews for the Flowmaster exhaust systems, customers give rave reviews. The rear exit exhaust was not only easy to install according to buyers, but it also had a great visual appearance and durability that was unlike other mufflers and exhausts many reviewers had used in the past.
#4 MagnaFlow Axle-Back Performance Exhaust System
The ManaFlow Axle-Back Performance Exhaust System is a high-quality tailpipe and dual-exhaust system to increase airflow and keep your engine running smoothly. With two exhaust pipes, the airflow through this system will keep your engine working well.
From muscle cars to Silverados or Toyota trucks, the MagnaFlow exhaust system is broadly compatible and has wider exhaust tips than many other axle-back exhaust systems on the market. With a 4.0-inch pipe diameter, the performance exhaust system is made for efficiency.
Key Features
- Cost: About $700
- Black coated stainless steel construction
- Limited lifetime construction warranty
- Mandrel bent tubing configuration
- Bolt-on installation
- 50-state legal
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon Review Score: 4.6 out of 5 based on over 450 ratings
The MagnaFlow exhaust system receives overall positive reviews from buyers. Many reviewers share how good of a value this product is. Exhaust systems are not a small cost, but the majority of buyers emphasize the MagnaFlow being more than worth their purchase. Some buyers also share increased gas mileage after installing this system.
Best Exhaust System: Bottom Line
A new exhaust system is no small purchase, but hopefully, this guide has made that purchase much easier. All the systems selected in this guide fit different needs and vehicle models, so be sure to confirm you have the best one for you before you hit add to cart. For a lifetime of better engine performance, you can’t go wrong with the Borla ATAK Exhaust System, but for that signature growl that will impress the neighbors, the Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System is the way to go.
Exhaust System: FAQ
*Data accurate at time of publication.