3.5, 4 and 5.25-Inch Car Speakers Compared: Dash and Door Upgrades from JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Focal, JBL and Pioneer
Small speakers fill the dash, pillars and smaller doors, and factory ones in those spots often sound thin. On our listings there are 3.5-inch speakers from Pioneer, Kicker, Alpine and JL Audio, 4-inch from Pioneer, JBL, JL Audio, Alpine and Focal, and 5.25-inch from Kicker, JBL, Alpine, JL Audio, Focal and Infinity. Mounting depth matters most in a dash, so it is in the table where the listing gives it. Several listings note they run well on receiver power, such as the JBL Club 44F and 54F and the Pioneer TS-G1020S. The JL Audio C7-350cm and Alpine BRV-S40C are meant for amplified, DSP-tuned systems.
Side by side
From our own listings. "Not listed" means the listing does not give that spec. Power is as each listing states it (RMS, nominal or recommended). Prices are the listed prices.
3.5, 4 and 5.25-inch car speakers on our listings.
| Speaker | Size | Type | Power | Sensitivity | Mounting depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer TS-A878 | 3.5" | Coaxial | 15 W nominal | 88 dB | 1-3/8" | $50 |
| Kicker DS 43DSC3504 | 3.5" | Coaxial | 20 W RMS recommended | 88 dB | 1-5/8" | $54.99 |
| Alpine S2-S30 | 3.5" (description says 3") | Coaxial | 85 W RMS | 83 dB | 1-3/8" | $119.95 |
| JL Audio C2-350X | 3.5" | Coaxial | 25 W RMS | 83 dB | 1.50" | $159.99 |
| JL Audio CF-350mt | 3.5" | Custom-Fit midtweeter | 35 W RMS | 86 dB | 1.59" | $229.99 |
| JL Audio C7-350cm | 3.5" | Midrange (single) | 100 W RMS | 86.5 dB | 1.46" | $649.99 |
| Pioneer TS-G1020S | 4" | Coaxial | 30 W nominal | 87 dB | 1-3/4" | $60 |
| JBL Stage3 427F | 4" | Coaxial | 30 W RMS | 90 dB | Not listed | $69.95 |
| JBL Club 44F | 4" | Coaxial | 35 W RMS | 90 dB | About 2" | $79.95 |
| JL Audio C1-400x | 4" | Coaxial | 35 W RMS | 84.5 dB | 1.81" | $94.99 |
| Alpine S2-S40 | 4" | Coaxial | 45 W RMS | 86 dB | Not listed | $109.95 |
| JL Audio C2-400X | 4" | Coaxial | 35 W RMS | 84.5 dB | 1.81" | $189.99 |
| Focal Performance 100AC | 4" | Coaxial | 40 W nominal | Not listed | Not listed | $223.99 |
| Alpine BRV-S40 | 4" | BassRev coaxial (for OPTIM8) | 40 W RMS | 84 dB | 1-3/4" | $249.95 |
| Alpine S2-S40C | 4" | Component set | 45 W RMS | 86 dB | Not listed | $149.95 |
| Alpine BRV-S40C | 4" | BassRev component, no passive crossovers (for OPTIM8) | 40 W RMS | 84 dB | 1-3/4" | $299.95 |
| Kicker DS 43DSC504 | 5.25" | Coaxial | 50 W RMS recommended | 90 dB | 1-3/4" | $74.99 |
| JBL Club 54F | 5.25" | Coaxial | 45 W RMS | 91 dB | 1-15/16" | $79.95 |
| Alpine S2-S50 | 5.25" | Coaxial | 55 W RMS | 87 dB | Not listed | $129.95 |
| JL Audio C1-525X | 5.25" | Coaxial | 50 W RMS | 89 dB | 2.42" | $129.99 |
| Focal Performance 130AC | 5.25" | Coaxial | 50 W nominal | 89.3 dB | Not listed | $263.99 |
| JL Audio C2-525X | 5.25" | Coaxial | 60 W RMS | 89 dB | 2.50" | $279.99 |
| JL Audio C2-525 | 5.25" | Component set | 60 W RMS | 89 dB | 2.5" | $329.99 |
| Infinity Kappa 503CF | 5.25" | Component set | 80 W RMS | 93 dB | Not listed | Call for price |
| JL Audio C3-525 | 5.25" | Convertible component | 75 W RMS | 90 dB | About 2.3" | $529.99 |
| JL Audio C3-525cw | 5.25" | Component woofer (single) | 75 W RMS | 90 dB | 2.27" | $189.99 |
Where our fit table has verified 3.5 inch
These models have at least one spot verified as 3.5 inch in our fit table, usually the dash (the years are the full range of verified rows, and not every spot in every year is 3.5): Audi A3 (2015-2020), Audi Q5 (2018-2024), Bmw 3 Series (2006-2022), Bmw 4 Series (2014-2020), Bmw 5 Series (2011-2016), Bmw X1 (2013-2015), Bmw X5 (2007-2013), Chevrolet Equinox (2024), Chevrolet Suburban (2007-2026), Chevrolet Tahoe (2007-2014), Chrysler 300 (2005-2023), Dodge Challenger (2015-2023), Dodge Charger (2011-2023), Dodge Dart (2013-2016), Dodge Durango (2004-2013), Dodge Grand Caravan (2008-2020), Dodge Journey (2009-2020), Ford Expedition (2015-2026), Ford Explorer (2011-2019), Ford F-150 (2015-2022), Ford Fusion (2010-2020), Ford Super Duty (2023-2026), GMC Canyon (2015-2026), GMC Yukon (2007-2014), Hyundai Sonata (2020-2024), Jeep Cherokee (2014-2023), Jeep Grand Cherokee (1999-2026), Lexus ES (1995-2025), Mercedes-benz GLC (2016-2022), Nissan Frontier (2005-2026), Nissan Maxima (2016-2023), Ram 1500 (2002-2024), Ram 1500 Classic (2019-2024), Ram 2500 (2006-2018), Toyota 4Runner (2010-2024), Toyota Camry (2007-2011), Toyota Highlander (2008-2013), Toyota Sienna (2011-2020), Toyota Tacoma (2016-2026), Toyota Tundra (2022-2026).
Where our fit table has verified 4 and 5.25 inch
4-inch is verified on: Audi Q7 (2017-2023), Bmw 3 Series (2006-2018), Bmw X5 (2014-2018), Hyundai Sonata (1995-1996), Hyundai Tucson (2019-2021), Jeep Gladiator (2020-2025), Jeep Wrangler (1995-2025), Kia Sorento (2016-2020), Kia Sportage (1995-2002), Lexus ES (2013-2018), Lexus NX (2015-2024), Nissan Frontier (1998-2004), Nissan Sentra (2020-2025), Tesla Model 3 (2017-2023), Tesla Model Y (2020-2024), Toyota Corolla (1995-1997).
5.25-inch is verified on: Chevrolet Suburban (1995-2006), Dodge Grand Caravan (1996-2007), Hyundai Accent (2000-2005), Hyundai Elantra (1996-2000), Jeep Cherokee (1995-1996), Jeep Wrangler (1997-2001), Lexus ES (1997-2001), Mercedes-benz C-Class (2006-2007), Ram 1500 (1995-2008), Ram 2500 (1995-2009), Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002).
Pick your year in Shop by vehicle to see which spots take which size in your exact car. Anything not verified says Confirm fit at the shop.
Receiver power or an amp
The JBL Club 44F and 54F, JBL Stage3 427F and Pioneer TS-G1020S listings say they work on head unit power. The JL Audio C7-350cm is a single midrange for three-way active systems, and JL recommends 50 to 150 watts and a DSP. The Alpine BRV-S40C has no passive crossovers and is meant to run with the Alpine OPTIM8 processor, per their listings. For the 4-channel amps on our listings, see our 4-channel amp comparison.
How to pick
Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model and which spots you want to upgrade, and Tony will tell you which sizes fit and whether you need an amp.
Everything is bought and installed at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Call (323) 944-7844 to confirm stock before you drive over.
In the shop
Gear from this post
Buy Now, Pay Later
Shop by vehicle
Find parts that fit your car
Pick your year, make and model to see the stereos, speakers and boxes that fit it, with prices. Pickup and install in South Gate.
Fastest way to a price
Text us what you drive or what you are building
Car audio: send the year, make, and model, and Tony gets back to you with what fits and a price. DJ gear: tell Joe the room or the party, like "backyard party, 150 people" or "starter DJ setup," and he will put a setup together.
More from the blog
6.5-Inch Car Speakers Compared: Coaxial vs Component from JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Focal, Hertz and Pioneer
Pick a coaxial pair like the Pioneer TS-G1620F, Kicker DS 43DSC6504 or JL Audio C1-650X for a simple drop-in upgrade on a factory radio. Pick a high-sensitivity pair like the Focal ICU 165 or ISU 165 if you are keeping the factory radio and want more volume from it. Pick a component set like the JL Audio C2-650, Kicker KS 51KSS6504 or Alpine R2-S65C when you can mount the tweeters up high and plan to add an amplifier.
Read it6x9 Car Speakers Compared: Coaxial, 3-Way and Component from JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine, Focal, Pioneer and JBL
On factory radio power, pick an efficient coaxial like the Infinity Kappa 693M (94 dB), Hertz CX 690 (93.5 dB), JBL Club 964M or Stage3 9637F (93 dB) or JL Audio C2-690TX (93 dB). With an amp, step up to a component set like the JL Audio C1-690, Alpine R2-S69C or Kicker CS 46CSS694, which put the tweeter up front. For select Ram, Toyota and GM trucks, the JL Audio CF-690-RTG is a custom-fit component system. Check your year in Shop by vehicle first: in our table, 6x9 front doors are verified for trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500.
Read it6x8, 5x7 and 4x6 Car Speakers Compared: For Fords, GM Trucks, Jeeps and More
Many Fords use oval 6x8 speakers, and many GM trucks and older Jeeps use 4x6. On our listings, 6x8 and 5x7 speakers often share an opening: the JL Audio C2-570X and Focal 570AC are listed for both sizes, the Alpine S2-S68 and Infinity Kappa 683XF are listed for 6x8 and many 5x7 spots, and the Pioneer TS-G6820S often fits 5x7 with the right adapter. Mounting depth matters in thin doors, so it is in the table. Our fit table has verified 6x8 in Ford F-150, Ranger, Mustang, Explorer, Escape, Focus and more, and 4x6 in GM truck rears and older Wrangler dashes.
Read itQuestions on 3.5, 4 and 5.25-Inch Car Speakers Compared: Dash and Door Upgrades from JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Focal, JBL and Pioneer
What size are my dash speakers?
It depends on the car. Our fit table has verified 3.5-inch spots, usually in the dash, on the models listed in this guide. Pick your year in Shop by vehicle to see your exact spots.
Do small speakers need an amplifier?
Some don't, per their listings. The JBL Club 44F and 54F, JBL Stage3 427F and Pioneer TS-G1020S listings say they work on head unit power. The JL Audio C7-350cm and Alpine BRV-S40C are made for amplified, DSP-tuned systems.
Do you install these?
Yes. Tony installs them in our bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate. Call or text first to set up a time.