Subaru Refrigerant Capacity Chart(for All Models)

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 ModelYear RangeEngine / TrimRefrigerant TypeCapacity (grams)Capacity (oz)
Subaru Impreza1994–2000AllR‑134a550–650 g19.4–22.9 oz
Subaru Impreza2001–2007AllR‑134a450–550 g15.9–19.4 oz
Subaru Impreza2008–20162.0L / 2.5LR‑134a450–500 g15.9–17.6 oz
Subaru Impreza2017–20232.0LR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru WRX2002–20142.0L / 2.5L TurboR‑134a500–550 g17.6–19.4 oz
Subaru WRX2015–20212.0L TurboR‑134a450–500 g15.9–17.6 oz
Subaru WRX2022–20242.4L TurboR‑1234yf450 g15.9 oz
Subaru STI2004–20212.5L TurboR‑134a500–550 g17.6–19.4 oz
Subaru STI Type RA20212.5L TurboR‑1234yf450 g15.9 oz
Subaru BRZ2013–20202.0LR‑134a450 g15.9 oz
Subaru BRZ2022–20242.4LR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru Forester1997–20032.0L / 2.5LR‑134a550–650 g19.4–22.9 oz
Subaru Forester2004–20082.5LR‑134a550–600 g19.4–21.2 oz
Subaru Forester2009–20182.5LR‑134a450–550 g15.9–19.4 oz
Subaru Forester2019–20242.5L / e‑BOXERR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru Crosstrek2013–20172.0LR‑134a450 g15.9 oz
Subaru Crosstrek2018–20232.0L / 2.5LR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid2019–20242.0L HybridR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru Ascent2019–20242.4L TurboR‑1234yf500–550 g17.6–19.4 oz
Subaru Legacy1996–19992.5L / 3.0LR‑134a550–650 g19.4–22.9 oz
Subaru Legacy2000–20092.5L / 3.0LR‑134a550–650 g19.4–22.9 oz
Subaru Legacy2010–20192.5L / 3.6LR‑134a500–600 g17.6–21.2 oz
Subaru Legacy2020–20242.5L / 2.4TR‑1234yf450–500 g15.9–17.6 oz
Subaru Outback2000–20092.5L / 3.0LR‑134a550–650 g19.4–22.9 oz
Subaru Outback2010–20192.5L / 3.6LR‑134a500–600 g17.6–21.2 oz
Subaru Outback2020–20242.5L / 2.4TR‑1234yf450–500 g15.9–17.6 oz
Subaru Tribeca2005–20143.0L / 3.6LR‑134a650–750 g22.9–26.5 oz
Subaru Baja2003–20062.5LR‑134a550 g19.4 oz
Subaru XV2012–20172.0LR‑134a450 g15.9 oz
Subaru XV2018–20232.0L / 2.5LR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru Levorg2014–20231.6L / 2.0LR‑134a / R‑1234yf450–500 g15.9–17.6 oz
Subaru Solterra2023–2024ElectricR‑1234yf400–450 g14.1–15.9 oz
Subaru SVX1991–19963.3L V6R‑134a650 g22.9 oz
Subaru Trezia2011–20161.3L / 1.5LR‑134a360 g12.7 oz
Subaru Justy2003–20101.3L / 1.5LR‑134a300–430 g10.6–15.2 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

  1. Recover old refrigerant using a proper recovery machine.
  2. Repair leaks (if any).
  3. Replace the receiver/drier if the system opens.
  4. Pull vacuum for 30–45 minutes.
  5. Recharge the exact refrigerant amount by weight.
  6. 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.

Ryan Gary
Ryan Gary

With a solid foundation of 20 years in the mechanical industry and a Mechanical Engineering degree, Ryan Gary brings a deep understanding of automotive systems to Engine Oil Journal.
Driven by a passion for vehicles and a commitment to providing accurate information, he created this platform to empower drivers to make informed decisions about engine oil care.