Keeping your Subaru’s air conditioning system properly charged is essential for cooling performance, fuel efficiency, and compressor life.
Using the wrong refrigerant or incorrect amount can lead to poor cooling, high-pressure issues, or system damage.
Below is a comprehensive Subaru refrigerant capacity chart covering the most popular Subaru models and generations.
Subaru Refrigerant Capacity Chart
| Subaru Model | Year Range | Engine / Trim | Refrigerant Type | Capacity (grams) | Capacity (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | 1994–2000 | All | R‑134a | 550–650 g | 19.4–22.9 oz |
| Subaru Impreza | 2001–2007 | All | R‑134a | 450–550 g | 15.9–19.4 oz |
| Subaru Impreza | 2008–2016 | 2.0L / 2.5L | R‑134a | 450–500 g | 15.9–17.6 oz |
| Subaru Impreza | 2017–2023 | 2.0L | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru WRX | 2002–2014 | 2.0L / 2.5L Turbo | R‑134a | 500–550 g | 17.6–19.4 oz |
| Subaru WRX | 2015–2021 | 2.0L Turbo | R‑134a | 450–500 g | 15.9–17.6 oz |
| Subaru WRX | 2022–2024 | 2.4L Turbo | R‑1234yf | 450 g | 15.9 oz |
| Subaru STI | 2004–2021 | 2.5L Turbo | R‑134a | 500–550 g | 17.6–19.4 oz |
| Subaru STI Type RA | 2021 | 2.5L Turbo | R‑1234yf | 450 g | 15.9 oz |
| Subaru BRZ | 2013–2020 | 2.0L | R‑134a | 450 g | 15.9 oz |
| Subaru BRZ | 2022–2024 | 2.4L | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru Forester | 1997–2003 | 2.0L / 2.5L | R‑134a | 550–650 g | 19.4–22.9 oz |
| Subaru Forester | 2004–2008 | 2.5L | R‑134a | 550–600 g | 19.4–21.2 oz |
| Subaru Forester | 2009–2018 | 2.5L | R‑134a | 450–550 g | 15.9–19.4 oz |
| Subaru Forester | 2019–2024 | 2.5L / e‑BOXER | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2013–2017 | 2.0L | R‑134a | 450 g | 15.9 oz |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2018–2023 | 2.0L / 2.5L | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 2019–2024 | 2.0L Hybrid | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru Ascent | 2019–2024 | 2.4L Turbo | R‑1234yf | 500–550 g | 17.6–19.4 oz |
| Subaru Legacy | 1996–1999 | 2.5L / 3.0L | R‑134a | 550–650 g | 19.4–22.9 oz |
| Subaru Legacy | 2000–2009 | 2.5L / 3.0L | R‑134a | 550–650 g | 19.4–22.9 oz |
| Subaru Legacy | 2010–2019 | 2.5L / 3.6L | R‑134a | 500–600 g | 17.6–21.2 oz |
| Subaru Legacy | 2020–2024 | 2.5L / 2.4T | R‑1234yf | 450–500 g | 15.9–17.6 oz |
| Subaru Outback | 2000–2009 | 2.5L / 3.0L | R‑134a | 550–650 g | 19.4–22.9 oz |
| Subaru Outback | 2010–2019 | 2.5L / 3.6L | R‑134a | 500–600 g | 17.6–21.2 oz |
| Subaru Outback | 2020–2024 | 2.5L / 2.4T | R‑1234yf | 450–500 g | 15.9–17.6 oz |
| Subaru Tribeca | 2005–2014 | 3.0L / 3.6L | R‑134a | 650–750 g | 22.9–26.5 oz |
| Subaru Baja | 2003–2006 | 2.5L | R‑134a | 550 g | 19.4 oz |
| Subaru XV | 2012–2017 | 2.0L | R‑134a | 450 g | 15.9 oz |
| Subaru XV | 2018–2023 | 2.0L / 2.5L | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru Levorg | 2014–2023 | 1.6L / 2.0L | R‑134a / R‑1234yf | 450–500 g | 15.9–17.6 oz |
| Subaru Solterra | 2023–2024 | Electric | R‑1234yf | 400–450 g | 14.1–15.9 oz |
| Subaru SVX | 1991–1996 | 3.3L V6 | R‑134a | 650 g | 22.9 oz |
| Subaru Trezia | 2011–2016 | 1.3L / 1.5L | R‑134a | 360 g | 12.7 oz |
| Subaru Justy | 2003–2010 | 1.3L / 1.5L | R‑134a | 300–430 g | 10.6–15.2 oz |
Related Subaru Engine Oil Capacity Chart(For All Models)
Understanding Subaru Refrigerant Types
R-134a (Older Subaru Models)
- Used in most Subaru vehicles before 2018–2020.
- More affordable and widely available.
- Requires PAG oil (varies by compressor type).
- Normal low-side pressure: 25–45 PSI.
- Normal high-side pressure: 150–250 PSI (depending on ambient temperature).
R-1234yf (Newer Subaru Models)
- Found in most Subaru vehicles 2019 and newer.
- Lower environmental impact.
- More expensive than R-134a.
- Not interchangeable with R-134a.
- Requires dedicated R-1234yf service equipment.
Never mix refrigerants. Doing so can contaminate the system and cause costly repairs.
Related Ford Refrigerant Capacity Charts(for All Models)
Why Correct Refrigerant Capacity Matters
Using the correct refrigerant amount ensures:
- Proper cabin cooling
- Balanced system pressure
- Compressor longevity
- Reduced risk of system failure
Overcharging Can Cause:
- High head pressure
- Compressor damage
- Poor cooling performance
- AC clutch cycling issues
Undercharging Can Cause:
- Weak cooling
- Ice buildup on the evaporator
- Compressor overheating
- System air contamination
Always evacuate the system with a vacuum pump before recharging.
Related Nissan Refrigerant Capacity Chart(for All Models)
Subaru AC Oil Capacity (General Guidance)
When replacing major AC components:
- Compressor replacement: 90–120 ml PAG oil (varies by model)
- Condenser replacement: Add 10–30 ml
- Evaporator replacement: Add 40–60 ml
How to Recharge a Subaru AC System
- Recover old refrigerant using a proper recovery machine.
- Repair leaks (if any).
- Replace the receiver/drier if the system opens.
- Pull vacuum for 30–45 minutes.
- Recharge the exact refrigerant amount by weight.
- Verify pressures and vent temperature.
Charging by pressure alone is not recommended. Always charge by weight using a digital scale.
Related AC Refrigerant Capacity All Cars R134a Chart
FAQs
How much Freon does a Subaru hold?
Most Subaru vehicles hold between 400 g and 650 g (14–23 oz), depending on the model and year.
What refrigerant does Subaru use?
- Older models: R-134a
- Newer models (2019+): R-1234yf
Can I replace R-134a with R-1234yf?
No. The systems are designed differently and are not interchangeable.
What are normal AC pressures for Subaru?
For R-134a systems:
- Low side: 25–45 PSI
- High side: 150–250 PSI
For R-1234yf systems:
- Low side: 20–40 PSI
- High side: 140–220 PSI
Pressures vary depending on outside temperature.
What happens if you overfill refrigerant?
Overfilling can cause high pressure, reduced cooling, and possible compressor failure.
Final Thoughts
Using the correct Subaru refrigerant capacity is essential for optimal AC performance and long-term reliability. Always check the under-hood label for exact specifications before charging the system. While this chart covers most Subaru models, slight variations may exist based on trim level, dual-zone systems, or hybrid configurations.
If you’re unsure, consult a certified technician to avoid costly AC system damage.



