Just removed mine. I cut one end of the filter with a razorblade and lightly pulled and the little plastic rivets just let go nice and neatly. Added a drop in K&N filter, and have been averaging 1-2mpg better according to the calculator in the car, and the throttle response is definitely a little better. I'm kind of shocked that Toyota put that thing in there. It's very restrictive. If my car saw tons of off-road and dust, I'd probably leave it and just do the K&N. But it doesn't, so I think it's well worth it.