Borla Exhaust Buyer’s Guide | Touring vs S-Type vs ATAK
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Performance Guide
Borla Exhaust Buyer’s Guide: Touring vs S-Type vs ATAK
Choosing the right Borla exhaust is not just about picking the loudest option. It is about matching the sound, cabin comfort, fitment, and driving style to the way you actually use the vehicle.
A good exhaust should sound right everywhere, not just at wide open throttle.
Borla is one of the most recognized names in performance exhaust because the brand focuses on tone, material quality, and vehicle-specific engineering. The goal is not simply to make a vehicle louder. The goal is to make the vehicle sound more complete.
The challenge is choosing the right sound level. Borla Touring, S-Type, and ATAK each have a different personality. The best choice depends on how loud you want the vehicle to be, how much highway driving you do, and how sensitive you are to cabin noise.
Sound Comes First
Touring is refined, S-Type is aggressive but livable, and ATAK is the loudest and sharpest Borla option.
Quick Sound Comparison
Touring
Best for daily drivers, long highway trips, family vehicles, and a clean factory-plus tone.
S-Type
Best all-around choice for enthusiasts who want a deeper, sportier sound without going extreme.
ATAK
Borla’s loudest and most aggressive sound for drivers who want maximum presence.
Fitment First
Do not buy by sound clip alone.
Many Borla systems look similar online, but each part number can be specific to year, make, model, engine, drivetrain, cab length, bed length, bumper style, and factory exhaust layout.
Before ordering, confirm the exact vehicle configuration. This is especially important for trucks and vehicles with multiple exhaust exits or active valve options.
Check Before Buying
- Year, make, and model
- Engine size and trim
- 2WD, 4WD, AWD, or RWD
- Cab and bed configuration
- Factory single or dual exhaust
- Tip exit location
- Active valve or special bumper requirements
Borla Touring: refined, clean, and daily-driver friendly
Borla Touring is the mildest of the three main sound levels. It is the best option for drivers who want a better exhaust note without turning the vehicle into something loud all the time.
Think of Touring as the factory-plus choice. You get more character on startup and acceleration, but the system stays controlled when cruising. It is a smart pick for daily drivers, SUVs, family vehicles, and trucks that spend a lot of time on the highway.
Best choice if you are worried about drone
If you are sensitive to cabin noise, drive long distances, or leave early in the morning, Touring is usually the safest Borla sound level to start with.
Borla S-Type: the sweet spot for most enthusiasts
Borla S-Type is the sound level many drivers are looking for when they upgrade from stock. It is deeper, stronger, and more aggressive than Touring, but usually more livable than ATAK.
For many trucks, muscle cars, and performance cars, S-Type is the best balance. It gives the vehicle a real performance voice without making every drive feel extreme.
Why S-Type is often the safest performance pick
Aggressive Tone
Noticeably stronger than stock and more exciting than Touring.
Still Livable
A good match for daily and weekend use on many vehicles.
Wide Appeal
Popular for trucks, muscle cars, SUVs, and modern performance builds.
Borla ATAK: loud, sharp, and built for maximum attitude
ATAK stands for Acoustically-Tuned Applied Kinetics, and it is Borla’s most aggressive sound profile. This is the one for drivers who want the vehicle to announce itself.
ATAK can be the perfect choice for weekend builds, show cars, aggressive trucks, and performance vehicles where sound is a major part of the experience. But for a quiet neighborhood, long commute, or passenger-focused daily driver, ATAK may be more sound than you really want.
Sound Level Guide
Which Borla should you choose?
Touring: refined, mild, daily-friendly.
S-Type: deeper, sportier, best balance.
ATAK: loudest, sharpest, most aggressive.
Daily Driving Tip
The best exhaust is not always the loudest one. The best exhaust is the one you still enjoy after the first cold start, the first highway trip, and the first week of normal driving.
Will a Borla exhaust drone?
Drone is one of the biggest concerns when buying an exhaust. It is not simply loud sound. Drone is a low-frequency resonance that sits inside the cabin at certain RPM ranges, usually during steady cruising or light throttle.
Borla puts a lot of engineering into sound control, but every vehicle is different. Engine, transmission, gearing, tire size, cab design, and cylinder deactivation can all change how an exhaust feels from inside the cabin.
Simple drone rule
Choose Touring if cabin comfort is the top priority. Choose S-Type if you want a stronger sound but still want a balanced daily setup. Choose ATAK only if you already know you want the loudest Borla personality.
Does a Borla cat-back exhaust add horsepower?
A Borla cat-back exhaust can improve exhaust flow and may help performance on some applications, but it is best to keep expectations realistic. The biggest changes for most drivers are sound, feel, quality, and long-term durability.
A cat-back system does not replace a tune, headers, forced induction, or a full power package. Buy Borla because you want premium construction, better sound, and a more enjoyable driving experience every time you start the vehicle. Most Borla street systems are also backed by the brand’s Million Mile Warranty, which reflects the long-term durability of their T-304 stainless steel construction.
Common Borla Buying Mistakes
1. Buying only from a sound clip
Sound videos are helpful, but microphones, camera placement, speakers, and editing can make the same exhaust sound very different.
2. Choosing ATAK when S-Type would be better
Many buyers want the loudest option first, but S-Type is often the better match for a vehicle that is driven every day.
3. Ignoring truck cab and bed length
Truck exhaust fitment can change by cab, bed, wheelbase, drivetrain, and factory exit style. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
4. Expecting huge power gains from a cat-back
A cat-back is mainly a sound, flow, and quality upgrade. Do not confuse it with a full engine performance package.
Borla vs MagnaFlow vs MBRP
Borla is a strong choice if you want a clear sound ladder from refined to aggressive: Touring, S-Type, and ATAK. MagnaFlow is often known for a smoother, deeper, more mellow tone. MBRP is popular with truck owners who want strong value and an aggressive truck sound.
There is no single winner for every vehicle. Borla is usually the choice when sound engineering, stainless construction, and premium fit and finish are the main priorities.
Shop Exhaust by Vehicle
Shopping for a specific truck or car? Jump straight to exhaust systems for these popular platforms, then filter to Borla and confirm fitment for your exact year and configuration.
Do not see your vehicle? Browse all Cat-Back Exhaust and Axle-Back Exhaust systems, or shop the full Borla collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Borla louder than stock?
Yes. Borla exhaust systems are designed to improve the sound compared with the factory exhaust. Touring is the mildest, S-Type is more aggressive, and ATAK is the loudest of the three main options.
Is Borla S-Type too loud for daily driving?
For many drivers, S-Type is daily-drivable and is the best balance between sound and comfort. Sound tolerance is personal, so Touring may be better for very quiet daily builds.
What is the quietest Borla exhaust?
Touring is generally the quietest and most refined Borla sound level.
Will a Borla exhaust fit my vehicle?
Only if the part number matches your exact vehicle configuration. Always confirm year, make, model, engine, drivetrain, cab/bed length, and factory exhaust layout before buying.
Ready to choose the right Borla system?
Shop Borla exhaust systems or contact us with your vehicle details if you want fitment help before ordering.
Final Thoughts
A Borla exhaust is not just a louder pipe. It changes the personality of the vehicle. Touring keeps things refined, S-Type gives most enthusiasts the sound they want, and ATAK turns the aggression all the way up. Choose the sound level that fits your vehicle and your real driving routine, not just the loudest option on video.