Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity

The Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 or 0W-30 or 5W-30 engine oil, about 4.4-6.2 qt with a filter change, on 2014-2026 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2008-2013 models take 4.4-6.2 qt - so check your year in the table below.

Oil by model year

Model yearsOil typeCapacity
2014-20260W-20 / 0W-30 / 5W-304.4-6.2 qt
2008-20130W-20 / 0W-30 / 5W-304.4-6.2 qt
2003-20070W-20 / 5W-304.2-4.8 qt
1997-20025W-304.2-5.3 qt

Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources.

Every Forester year

Frequently asked

What kind of oil does a Subaru Forester take?

The Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 or 0W-30 or 5W-30 engine oil, about 4.4-6.2 qt with a filter change, on 2014-2026 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2008-2013 models take 4.4-6.2 qt - so check your year in the table below.

How many quarts of oil does a Subaru Forester take?

About 4.4-6.2 qt with a filter change on 2014-2026 models, and 4.4-6.2 qt on 2008-2013 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.

Does the oil type change by year on the Subaru Forester?

Yes. We record 4 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2014-2026: 0W-20/0W-30/5W-30; 2008-2013: 0W-20/0W-30/5W-30; 2003-2007: 0W-20/5W-30. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.

More specs for the Subaru Forester