Subaru’s boxer engines, including the popular 2.5-liter flat-4 and the turbocharged variants found in XT models, have specific oil needs. Choosing the right type and viscosity of oil ensures optimal engine health, performance, and longevity.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what oil your Subaru Forester needs and share five of the best engine oils that are commonly available.
Subaru Forester Engine Oil
1. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic 0W-20
Why It’s Great:
This oil is formulated to offer exceptional protection and long-lasting performance, especially suited for Subaru Forester engines that call for 0W-20.
Key Features:
- Advanced synthetic formula for superior protection.
- Excellent performance in both hot and cold temperatures.
- Outstanding resistance to engine wear.
- Helps keep internal engine parts clean.
- Delivers stable viscosity over long intervals.
2. Castrol EDGE Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20
Why It’s Great:
Castrol’s premium full synthetic oil is known for strength and durability under stress, making it a solid choice if you drive frequently or under demanding conditions.
Key Features:
- Built with advanced durability technology.
- Reduces metal-to-metal contact for extended engine lifespan.
- Stable across a range of operating temperatures.
- Helps maintain peak performance.
- Excellent for daily commuting and long highway driving.
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3. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil
Why It’s Great:
Valvoline’s offering balances performance and everyday reliability, making it a smart pick for most Subaru Forester drivers.
Key Features:
- Full synthetic protection against wear and deposits.
- Flows smoothly at startup for early engine protection.
- Helps improve fuel economy.
- Designed to keep engines running clean.
- Great wash-out resistance at higher temperatures.
4. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
Why It’s Great:
This oil is ideal for turbocharged Forester engines or vehicles driven under demanding conditions. It provides exceptional protection under high heat.
Key Features:
- Full synthetic oil with excellent thermal stability.
- Great choice for turbo engines.
- Strong protection against sludge and deposits.
- Helps performance under heavy loads.
- Excellent lubrication at high temperatures.
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5. Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
Why It’s Great:
Royal Purple is often selected by enthusiasts who want enhanced performance and friction reduction, especially in high-demand driving.
Key Features:
- Premium additive package for reduced friction.
- Designed to enhance horsepower and response.
- Superior wear protection.
- Supports long engine life.
- Ideal for both daily driving and spirited performance.
Why Engine Oil Choice Matters for Subaru Forester
Modern engines operate under intense conditions – extreme heat, rapid acceleration, frequent stops, and high revolutions. Subaru engines are no exception. The right oil:
- Provides critical protection against friction and wear.
- Ensures good performance in cold starts and high temperatures.
- Helps maintain fuel efficiency.
- Keeps internal engine components clean and free of harmful deposits.
- Extends the time between oil changes while protecting critical components.
For Subaru Forester engines, full synthetic oils are highly recommended. Synthetic oils resist breakdown far better than conventional oils and perform more consistently across temperature extremes.
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Subaru Forester Oil Basics
Before choosing oil, it’s important to know what your Forester requires:
- Non-turbo models typically use 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
- Turbocharged Foresters often require 5W-30 full synthetic oil.
- Newer models may even specify 0W-16 oil, but if a dealer-recommended 0W-16 isn’t available, 0W-20 is an acceptable alternative.
These viscosities refer to how the oil flows at cold and hot operating temperatures, and Subaru designs its engines to operate best with these specific grades.
A high-quality oil should meet or exceed industry standards such as API SP or SN PLUS and ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6. These certifications ensure the oil provides the protection and performance modern engines require.
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How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Forester
Choosing the best oil for your Subaru Forester depends on a few key factors:
1. Know Your Engine Type
If you own a naturally aspirated Subaru (non-turbo), a 0W-20 oil is typically recommended. Turbocharged engines often need a slightly thicker oil, like 5W-30, to handle higher temperatures and pressures.
2. Driving Conditions Matter
- City commuting: Frequent stops and starts call for oil with strong thermal stability.
- Highway cruising: Long, sustained engine loads benefit from oils with solid shear protection.
- Cold climates: Oils with strong low-temperature performance help reduce wear on cold starts.
3. Consider Your Oil Change Interval
Full synthetic oils tend to last longer than conventional or synthetic-blend oils. If you prefer extended oil changes, choose oils labeled for long-wear protection.
4. Always Prioritize Specifications
Ensure the oil you select meets or exceeds the industry specs for your model year and driving needs. The top oils listed above all meet rigorous standards for modern engines.
Related Subaru Engine Oil Capacity Chart(For All Models)
Routine Maintenance Tips for Your Subaru
Here are a few best practices to extend the life of your Forester’s engine:
- Regularly check oil level: Especially between services during extreme driving.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals: Don’t just go by mileage – temperature and usage matter.
- Use genuine oil filters: A quality filter helps ensure your engine stays contaminant-free.
- Pay attention to dashboard warnings: Low oil pressure or check-engine lights can signal oil-related issues.
FAQs
Can I put 5W-30 in a Subaru Forester?
Yes, you can use 5W-30 in a Subaru Forester if your model is turbocharged or if your owner’s manual specifically allows it. Many older and turbo Forester models are designed for 5W-30 because it offers better protection under higher temperatures and heavier engine loads. However, most modern non-turbo Forester models are engineered for 0W-20, which improves fuel economy and cold-start lubrication.
Using 5W-30 in a non-turbo model won’t usually cause immediate damage, but it may reduce fuel efficiency and is not ideal for long-term use unless Subaru approves it for your engine.
Can I put 5W-40 in my Subaru Forester?
5W-40 is not recommended for most Subaru Forester models. This oil is thicker at operating temperatures and is typically used in high-performance or heavy-duty engines. Using 5W-40 in a Forester designed for 0W-20 or 5W-30 can increase internal engine resistance, reduce fuel economy, and affect proper oil flow. It should only be used if explicitly specified in the owner’s manual or under extreme conditions where Subaru allows heavier viscosity oil.
Can I put 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 on my Subaru Outback?
Yes, 5W-30 can be used temporarily in a Subaru Outback if 0W-20 is not available, but it is not the preferred long-term choice for newer models. Subaru recommends 0W-20 for most modern Outback engines because it provides better fuel efficiency and faster lubrication during cold starts. Prolonged use of 5W-30 may slightly reduce fuel economy and does not fully match Subaru’s engine design specifications unless stated otherwise in the owner’s manual.
How many litres of engine oil for a Subaru Forester?
Most Subaru Forester models require approximately 4.8 to 5.4 liters (5.1 to 5.7 quarts) of engine oil when performing an oil change with a filter replacement. The exact amount depends on the model year and engine type (turbo or non-turbo).
Which oil is best for a Subaru Forester?
The best oil for a Subaru Forester is a full synthetic motor oil that matches the viscosity specified for your engine. For most non-turbo models, 0W-20 full synthetic oil is ideal, while turbocharged models typically perform best with 5W-30 full synthetic oil. High-quality oils from trusted brands that meet modern API and ILSAC standards provide excellent engine protection, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right engine oil isn’t just about brand names, it’s about selecting the correct viscosity, formula, and performance level for your Subaru Forester. Whether you’re driving in cold weather, towing, commuting, or enjoying rugged trails, the right full synthetic oil makes a noticeable difference in engine health and performance.
The five oils listed above are trusted choices that cover a range of driving needs and engine types. With the right oil and regular maintenance, your Forester can deliver dependable performance for many miles to come.
