Surface modified filter media, including surface modified filter media having enhanced performance characteristics, are provided. In some embodiments, a filter media may comprise two or more layers designed to enhance fluid separation efficiency. One or more of the layers may have at least a portion of a surface that is modified to alter and/or enhance the wettability of the surface with respect to a particular fluid. In certain embodiments involving a filter media including more than one surface modified layer, at least one surface modified layer may have a greater air permeability and/or mean flow pore size than that of another surface modified layer. Such a configuration of layers may result in the media having enhanced fluid separation properties compared to filter media that do not include such modified layers or configuration of layers, all other factors being equal. The filter media may be well-suited for a variety of applications, including filtering fuel, air, and lube oil.