Yes a cabin air filter would cause a distinct smell. But if there wasnt one in there to begin with then its not the culprit or w/e. Speaking of cabin air filters i need to change mine cause all of my 3 speeds suck, the 4'th speed only blows the most.

 

You could douse it in fabreeze before installing it

I should take a look at mine, given I never have

 

Subaru recommends changing it every 1,500 miles.

 

I am...
-closing in on 100k miles
-lived for three years in a very dusty (dirt) area
-have done multiple rally-x's

 

Edit: 7,500 miles my bad.

 

You have a unicorn ****tin in your filters. Better check to make sure its not poking holes in your exhaust either.