The 3.6L engine is one of the most widely used V6 engines in modern vehicles, especially across Stellantis (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram) and General Motors (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick).
Although all of them are labeled “3.6L,” oil capacity is not identical because different engine families (like Pentastar, LFX, LLT, LGX) have different designs, oil pan sizes, and filtration systems.
3.6L Engine Oil Capacity
FCA / Stellantis 3.6L Pentastar Engine
| Vehicle Model | Engine Code | Years | Oil Capacity (with filter) | Oil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler | Pentastar 3.6L | 2012–2026 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | 5W-20 / 5W-30 |
| Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | Pentastar 3.6L | 2012–2026 | 6.0 quarts (5.7L) | 5W-20 / 5W-30 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Jeep Cherokee | Pentastar 3.6L | 2014–2023 | 5.9–6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Jeep Gladiator | Pentastar 3.6L | 2020–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Dodge Charger | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2025 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Dodge Challenger | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2023 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Dodge Durango | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Chrysler 300 | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2023 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | Pentastar 3.6L | 2017–2026 | 5.9–6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Ram 1500 (V6) | Pentastar 3.6L | 2013–2025 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Ram ProMaster | Pentastar 3.6L | 2014–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Dodge Journey | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2020 | 5.9–6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Jeep Commander (late models/exports) | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2013 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
| Chrysler Town & Country (late V6) | Pentastar 3.6L | 2011–2016 | 5.9–6.0 quarts | 5W-20 |
Related Jeep SRT Oil Capacity(For All Models)
GM 3.6L High Feature V6 Engine Oil
| Vehicle Model | Engine Code | Years | Oil Capacity (with filter) | Oil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Camaro | LFX / LGX 3.6L | 2010–2023 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | LLT / LFX 3.6L | 2009–2024 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Impala | LFX 3.6L | 2012–2020 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Malibu V6 | LFX 3.6L | 2012–2016 | 5.5–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Equinox (V6 trims) | LFX 3.6L | 2010–2017 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | LGX 3.6L | 2019–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Chevrolet Colorado (V6) | LFX 3.6L | 2015–2022 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| GMC Acadia | LLT / LFX 3.6L | 2007–2023 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| GMC Terrain (V6 trims) | LFX 3.6L | 2010–2017 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| GMC Canyon (V6) | LFX 3.6L | 2015–2022 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Buick Enclave | LLT / LFX 3.6L | 2008–2023 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Buick LaCrosse | LFX 3.6L | 2010–2019 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Buick Regal GS | LFX 3.6L | 2012–2017 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Cadillac CTS | LFX 3.6L | 2014–2019 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Cadillac ATS | LFX 3.6L | 2013–2019 | 5.7–6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Cadillac XT5 | LGX 3.6L | 2017–2024 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Cadillac XT6 | LGX 3.6L | 2020–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
| Cadillac CT5 | LGX 3.6L | 2020–2026 | 6.0 quarts | 5W-30 |
Key Notes on 3.6L Engine Oil Capacity
Even though the 3.6L designation sounds uniform, oil capacity differences exist due to:
- Oil pan design changes across model years
- Engine revisions (LLT vs LFX vs LGX vs Pentastar updates)
- Filter size variations
- AWD vs RWD configurations in some models
Related Mopar Engine Oil Capacity Chart(For All Make + Models)
Important Maintenance Tips:
- Always refill oil gradually and check dipstick levels
- Do not overfill beyond the manufacturer’s specification
- Use correct viscosity (5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on engine)
- Synthetic oil is strongly recommended for all 3.6L engines
- Replace the oil filter during every oil change
FAQs
How much oil does a 3.6 L engine take?
Most 3.6L V6 engines take 5.5 to 6.0 quarts (5.2 to 5.7 liters) of engine oil with a filter change. The most common capacity across FCA (Pentastar) and GM 3.6L engines is 6.0 quarts.
What type of oil does a 3.6 L V6 take?
Most 3.6L V6 engines use:
- 5W-20 (FCA/Stellantis Pentastar engines)
- 5W-30 (GM 3.6L engines like LFX, LGX, LLT)
Always check the owner’s manual because oil viscosity can vary by model year and engine revision.
Related 2013 GMC Acadia Engine Oil Capacity(+ Best Recommended Oils)
Can I use 5W-30 engine oil?
Yes, but it depends on the engine:
- GM 3.6L engines: 5W-30 is usually recommended and safe
- FCA Pentastar 3.6L engines: typically require 5W-20, and using 5W-30 is not always recommended unless specified
Using the wrong viscosity can affect fuel economy, lubrication efficiency, and warranty compliance.
How much oil does a 2019 Ram 1500 3.6 take?
A 2019 Ram 1500 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 takes:
- 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of engine oil with filter
Recommended oil type:
- 5W-20 full synthetic
Is a 3.6 liter engine good?
Yes, the 3.6L V6 is generally considered a good engine because it offers:
- Strong balance of power and fuel efficiency
- Reliable performance when properly maintained
- Wide availability across SUVs, trucks, and sedans
- Low maintenance complexity compared to turbocharged engines
However, like any engine, long-term reliability depends heavily on oil change intervals and proper maintenance.
How many quarts of oil does a 3.6 L V6 Charger take?
A Dodge Charger 3.6L Pentastar V6 typically takes:
- 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with oil filter change
Recommended oil:
- 5W-20 full synthetic
How much oil does a V6 use?
Most modern V6 engines use:
- 4.5 to 6.5 quarts (4.3 to 6.2 liters), depending on engine design
For 3.6L V6 engines specifically:
- The standard range is about 6.0 quarts
Oil consumption (burning oil while running) should be minimal in a healthy engine, noticeable consumption may indicate wear or mechanical issues.
Final words
Most 3.6L V6 engines across FCA and GM platforms have a very consistent oil capacity range of:
5.5 to 6.0 quarts (5.2 to 5.7 liters)
The most common standard across SUVs, sedans, and trucks is 6.0 quarts with filter change, making this one of the easiest engine families for maintenance consistency.
