Home › Help › Forester Oil Type

What Oil Does a Subaru Forester Take? Type, Weight, and Capacity by Engine

Short answer: most modern Foresters take 0W-20 full synthetic and hold right around 5.1 quarts. Older and turbo models differ. Here is the exact spec for every engine from 1998 to 2025.

0W-20 full synthetic 5W-30 for older models 4.4 to 5.3 quarts 6,000-mile interval

⚡ The quick answer

What oil does a Subaru Forester take? 0W-20 full synthetic for 2011 and newer. If you drive a 2011 or newer Forester with the naturally aspirated FB25 2.5L engine, it takes 0W-20 full synthetic and holds about 5.1 quarts with a filter change. Older 1998 to 2010 models with the EJ25 take 5W-30 (around 4.4 quarts), and the 2014 to 2018 Forester XT turbo takes 0W-20 full synthetic in a roughly 5.3-quart sump. Change it every 6,000 miles or 6 months.

Subaru is strict about oil weight. The FB-series engines were designed around the thinner 0W-20 to hit their EPA economy numbers and to feed the timing chain and oil control rings properly. Running the wrong viscosity is one of the more common reasons these boxer engines start burning oil between changes. Below is the breakdown by exact engine so you can match your model year before you buy a single quart.

📋 Forester oil type, weight, and capacity by engine

Find your model year and engine in the table. Capacities are for a normal oil-and-filter change, not a dry rebuild fill. Always finish by checking the dipstick, since the exact amount can vary slightly with filter brand and how level the car sits.

Model YearsEngineOil TypeCapacity (w/ filter)Interval
1998-20102.5L EJ25 (NA)5W-30 conventional or synthetic~4.4 qt3,750 mi
2004-2008 XT2.5L EJ255 turbo5W-30 synthetic~4.5 qt3,750 mi
2011-20182.5L FB25 (NA)0W-20 full synthetic~5.1 qt6,000 mi
2014-2018 XT2.0L FA20DIT turbo0W-20 full synthetic~5.3 qt6,000 mi
2019-20252.5L FB25 (NA, direct inj.)0W-20 full synthetic~5.1 qt6,000 mi
2025+ Hybrid2.5L FB25 hybrid0W-20 full synthetic~5.1 qt6,000 mi

Note: capacities are approximate. Your owner's manual or the underhood label is the final word for your exact build. When in doubt, fill to the upper hash on the dipstick.

🔧 What the numbers actually mean

The two numbers on a bottle of oil describe how it flows. The first number with the W (winter) is cold-flow: lower is thinner when cold. The second is viscosity at operating temperature. Here is how that plays out on a Forester:

  • 0W-20 flows fast on cold mornings and stays thin at temperature. Subaru chose it for FB engines to cut friction and improve fuel economy. It is the required spec on 2011 and newer naturally aspirated and on the FA20DIT turbo.
  • 5W-30 is slightly thicker. It was the factory fill for the older EJ-series engines and is still a sensible choice for high-mileage EJ blocks that have started to weep or burn a little oil.
  • Full synthetic is mandatory on every 0W-20 application. The molecules resist shear and handle the heat from direct injection and turbocharging far better than conventional oil. Do not run a synthetic blend where full synthetic is specified.

Which API and certification to look for

Buy a 0W-20 (or 5W-30) that carries the current ILSAC and API service category printed on the bottle, such as API SP. Subaru does not require its own branded oil for the warranty, only an oil that meets the published viscosity and quality standard. A name-brand full synthetic 0W-20 like Mobil 1, Castrol Edge, or Subaru's own genuine oil all qualify.

Burning oil or seeing low oil warnings?

Get a ranked list of likely causes for your exact Forester, with parts and fair-price repair estimates.

Run Free Diagnosis →

⚠️ Common Forester oil mistakes to avoid

  • Putting 5W-30 in a 0W-20 engine long term. Subaru allows 5W-30 only as an emergency top-off if 0W-20 is not available. Running it full time can hurt economy and complicate a warranty claim. Switch back at the next change.
  • Overfilling. The flat-four boxer layout is sensitive to oil level. Too much oil can foam, get whipped by the crank, and lead to seal leaks. Fill to the upper dipstick mark, not above it.
  • Stretching the interval on a 2.5L that burns oil. Many FB25 engines from roughly 2011 to 2014 are known for consuming oil. Check the level monthly. If you are losing more than a quart every 1,200 miles, read our guide on why a Subaru burns oil.
  • Ignoring a check engine light tied to oil. Low or degraded oil can trigger variable valve timing codes. If you see P0011 or a related VVT code, do not just clear it. Sort the oil condition first.
  • Skipping the filter. Always change the cartridge or spin-on filter with the oil. A clogged filter starves the timing chain tensioner.

🧮 How to pick the right oil for your Forester

Work through these steps and you will land on the correct fill every time:

  1. Identify your engine, not just the year. A 2016 base Forester takes 0W-20, but a 2016 Forester XT also takes 0W-20 full synthetic while running about 5.3 quarts instead of 5.1. The badge on the tailgate (XT means turbo) is your fastest clue.
  2. Match the viscosity from the table above. 2011 and newer naturally aspirated and all FA20DIT turbos: 0W-20. 2010 and older: 5W-30.
  3. Confirm full synthetic where required. Every 0W-20 Forester needs full synthetic, no exceptions.
  4. Buy the right quantity. A 5-quart jug plus a single quart covers the 5.1 to 5.3-quart engines with a little left over. The older EJ at 4.4 quarts fits inside one 5-quart jug.
  5. Set your interval. 6,000 miles or 6 months for modern models, sooner for short-trip or severe driving. Track it so you never guess.

If you are paying a shop and want to know whether the quote is fair before you say yes, run it through our repair quote checker first. An oil change with full synthetic on a Forester should land in the $70 to $110 range at most independents, more at the dealer.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What oil does a Subaru Forester take?
Most 2011 and newer naturally aspirated Foresters take 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Older models (1998 to 2010) and the EJ-engine turbo XT take 5W-30. Capacity is typically 4.4 to 5.1 quarts depending on the engine.
How many quarts of oil does a Subaru Forester take?
Naturally aspirated 2.5L FB25 engines take about 5.1 quarts. The older EJ25 takes about 4.4 quarts. The turbocharged 2.0L FA20DIT in the 2014 to 2018 XT takes about 5.3 quarts. Always fill to the dipstick mark and verify.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Subaru Forester?
If your Forester is spec'd for 0W-20, Subaru allows 5W-30 only as a temporary top-off in an emergency, not as a regular fill. Using 5W-30 full time can hurt fuel economy and may affect warranty coverage. Switch back to 0W-20 at the next change.
How often should I change the oil in a Subaru Forester?
For 2011 and newer Foresters on full synthetic, Subaru specifies 6,000 miles or 6 months. Turbo XT models call for 6,000 miles as well. Older models on conventional oil were 3,750 miles. Severe driving shortens the interval.
Does a Subaru Forester need full synthetic oil?
Yes for 0W-20 applications. Subaru requires full synthetic 0W-20 on FB-series engines (2011 and newer). The turbo FA20DIT also requires full synthetic. Only the oldest EJ-engine models could run conventional 5W-30.

📝 TL;DR

  • 2011-2025 naturally aspirated: 0W-20 full synthetic, ~5.1 qt, every 6,000 mi.
  • 2014-2018 XT turbo (FA20DIT): 0W-20 full synthetic, ~5.3 qt, every 6,000 mi.
  • 1998-2010 (EJ25): 5W-30, ~4.4 qt, every 3,750 mi.
  • Never run 5W-30 long term in a 0W-20 engine, and never overfill a boxer engine.