What oil does a Subaru take?

Engine oil

API SM or SN (ENERGY CONSERVING / RESOURCE CONSERVING) or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5 · 5W-30(2014–2014 · Forester 2.0XT (2014))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 'Turbo models': 5W-30 synthetic oil is required; conventional may be used if synthetic is unavailable; 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional for top-up only.

Oil change with filter

5.4 quarts (5.1 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Turbo models, changing the oil and oil filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SM or SN (ENERGY CONSERVING / RESOURCE CONSERVING) or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5 · 5W-30(2015–2015 · Forester 2.0XT (2015))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 5W-30 synthetic required.

Engine oil

API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-5 · 5W-30(2016–2019 · Forester 2.0XT (2016-2018); WRX (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 5W-30 synthetic required; 5W-40 conventional for top-up only.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 5W-30(2021–2021 · WRX (2021))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 5W-30 synthetic required.

Oil change with filter

5.4 quarts (5.1 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Forester turbo models and WRX 'Except STI', changing the oil and oil filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

ILSAC GF5 multigrade; API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING · 0W-20(2018–2019 · BRZ (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Always use SUBARU approved engine oil; otherwise 'another motor oil of matching quality'. Recommended viscosity SAE 0W-20.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS (Resource Conserving); ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2020–2020 · BRZ (2020))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Recommended viscosity SAE 0W-20.

Oil change with filter

5.7 quarts (5.4 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Manual prints 'Oil capacity (Drain and refill reference) — With filter 5.7 qt. (5.4 L, 4.8 Imp. qt.)'; without filter 5.5 qt. (5.2 L).

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2020–2020 · Crosstrek Hybrid (2020))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN, SN PLUS or SP RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A · 0W-20(2022–2023 · Crosstrek Hybrid (2022-2023))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Oil change with filter

4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2016–2019 · XV Crosstrek Hybrid (2016); Impreza (2017-2019); Crosstrek (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2020–2021 · Impreza (2020-2021); Crosstrek (2020-2021))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN, SN PLUS or SP RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A · 0W-20(2022–2023 · Impreza (2022-2023); Crosstrek (2022-2023))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

ILSAC GF-6B (Shield mark), ILSAC GF-6A (Starburst mark) or API SP RESOURCE CONSERVING · 0W-16(2024 on · Impreza (2024-2026); Crosstrek (2025))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-16 synthetic is 'the required oil'; 0W-20 conventional may be used only to top up and must be changed to 0W-16 at the next oil change.

Oil change with filter

5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)(XV Crosstrek Hybrid 2016)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter.

Oil change with filter

4.7 quarts (4.4 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Impreza 2017-2026 and Crosstrek 2018-2025 (2021-2023 Crosstrek prints it as '2.0 L engine models'). Changing the oil and oil filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2021–2022 · Legacy XT / Outback XT (2021-2022))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN, SN PLUS or SP RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A · 0W-20(2023–2025 · Legacy XT / Outback XT (2023-2025))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SP RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-6A · 0W-20(2022 on · WRX (2022-2026); Outback 2.4 L turbo (2026))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Oil change with filter

4.8 quarts (4.5 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter; 4.5 US qt (4.3 liters) changing the oil only (WRX and 2026 Outback editions).

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2022–2022 · BRZ (2022))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. 5W-30 conventional to top up only.

Engine oil

API SN, SN PLUS or SP RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A · 0W-20(2024 on · BRZ (2024-2025))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. 5W-30 conventional to top up only.

Oil change with filter

5.3 quarts (5 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter; 5.1 US qt (4.8 liters) changing the oil only.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-5 · 5W-30(2018–2019 · WRX STI (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 5W-30 synthetic required; 5W-40 conventional for top-up only.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 5W-30(2021–2021 · WRX STI (2021))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 5W-30 synthetic required.

Oil change with filter

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

STI, changing the oil and oil filter; 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters) changing the oil only.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SM or SN (ENERGY CONSERVING / RESOURCE CONSERVING) or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5 · 0W-20(2014–2014 · Forester 2.5i (2014))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional may be used to top up.

Oil change with filter

5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

2014 Forester non-turbo. Adding from low to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter).

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SM or SN (ENERGY CONSERVING / RESOURCE CONSERVING) or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5 · 0W-20(2015–2015 · Forester (2015))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2016–2019 · Forester (2016-2018); Legacy / Outback 2.5i (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional may be used to top up.

Engine oil

API SN or SN PLUS RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 · 0W-20(2020–2022 · Forester (2020); Legacy / Outback (2021-2022); Crosstrek 2.5 (2021))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

API SN, SN PLUS or SP RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A · 0W-20(2022–2025 · Forester (2022-2024); Crosstrek 2.5 (2022-2023); Legacy / Outback (2023-2025))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-20 synthetic is 'the required oil'; conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable.

Engine oil

ILSAC GF-6B (Shield mark), ILSAC GF-6A (Starburst mark) or API SP RESOURCE CONSERVING · 0W-16(2024 on · Impreza RS (2024-2026); Crosstrek 2.5 (2025-2026); Forester (2026); Outback (2026))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 0W-16 synthetic is 'the required oil'; 0W-20 conventional may be used only to top up and must be changed to 0W-16 at the next oil change. The switch to 0W-16 follows the model generation, not the year: the 2024 Forester and 2025 Legacy/Outback editions still print 0W-20.

Oil change with filter

5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)(Forester 2015-2018; Legacy / Outback 2018-2019)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter.

Oil change with filter

4.4 quarts (4.2 liters)(Forester 2020-2024; Legacy / Outback 2021-2025; Crosstrek 2.5 2021-2023)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter.

Oil change with filter

4.7 quarts (4.4 liters)(Impreza RS 2024-2026; Crosstrek 2025-2026; Forester 2026; Outback 2026)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Changing the oil and oil filter; 4.4 US qt (4.2 liters) without filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Engine oil

API SN RESOURCE CONSERVING or ILSAC GF-5 · 5W-30(2018–2019 · Legacy 3.6R / Outback 3.6R (2018-2019))

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru's US manuals say 'Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil'; this is the published alternative oil. 'Your vehicle is designed to use 5W-30 conventional motor oil, however 5W-30 synthetic may be used for optimum engine performance'; 10W-30 or 10W-40 conventional for top-up only.

Oil change with filter

6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

3.6 L models, changing the oil and oil filter.

Coolant

SUBARU Super Coolant

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru defaults (every Subaru US manual read, 2014-2026). Mazda engines in this file carry their own coolant (FL-22).

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No. 116

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Subaru: 'FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid'; manuals warn not to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4. Mazda engines carry their own brake fluid.

Electric — no engine oil to change.

Coolant

GENUINE SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT (PINK) or similar (heater circuit); Genuine Traction Battery Coolant or similar (power control unit / traction battery)

Manufacturer-publishedSource

Battery-electric: no engine oil. Read from the 2024 US Solterra owner's manual; the 2023 edition was not found. Battery circuit coolant must be low electric conductivity, non-amine, non-borate with azole additives.

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 · FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 / FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704

Manufacturer-publishedSource

2024 US Solterra owner's manual.