Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
Factory manual oil type & capacity for the Subaru Forester. Exact capacities and specs extracted from the LEMON service manual archive.
Last updated: 2026-10-29 • Reading time: 8 min • By AllOEMManuals Editorial Team
Quick Answer
2022-2024 Subaru Forester uses 5.40 QTS. (5.11 L) — ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A, API - SN PLUS, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)..
| Generation | Years | Top spec |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2024 | 2022-2024 | 5.40 QTS. (5.11 L) — ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A, API - SN PLUS, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt). |
| 2020-2021 | 2020-2021 | 4.40 QTS. (4.16 L) — ILSAC GF-5, API - SN PLUS, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt). |
| 2019 | 2019 | 4.40 QTS. (4.16 L) — ILSAC GF-5, API - SN, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
This vehicle's factory manual
The spec is above. This opens the 2022 Subaru Forester factory book. Use another year if yours is older.
Subaru Forester maintenance schedule
Know the exact oil type & capacity job for your Subaru Forester
2022-2024 Subaru Forester uses 5.40 QTS. (5.11 L) — ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A, API - SN PLUS, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)..
Fluid type and capacity can change by engine, drivetrain, and transmission. Verify the exact branch before filling anything. Once the spec is confirmed, use the supplies and purchase links below to build the full one-trip shopping list before you start the repair.
Exact Vehicle Check
The button opens the factory book for this vehicle. Use the engine picker only when your trim is not the one this page already matched.
2022-2024
- →If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt).
2020-2021
- →If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt).
2019
- →If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change.
2018
2015-2017
Manual already checked Amazon for you
You came here for the exact spec. Now here is the exact part — plus the two things people always forget and have to run back to the store for.
Subaru Forester 0W-20 Oil + Filter
The factory spec is 0W-20. Buy the exact oil and matching filter in one shot.
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links — at zero extra cost to you. We only suggest items that match the factory specs on this page.
Oil Change — Manual's Parts List
Everything for one clean oil change. No extra trips.
- 1Engine OilShop →
0W-20 — get the right number of quarts
- 2Oil FilterShop →
Match to your engine variant
- 3Drain Plug Crush WasherShop →
The #1 cause of post-change leaks
- 4Oil Filter WrenchShop →
Hand-tightened filters seize after heat cycles
- 5Shop Rags / Blue TowelsShop →
6-pack — you will use more than you think
Get everything at once
One search shows all of the above on a single page.
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One-Trip Shopping List
Recommended supplies and tools for this job, grouped so you can buy everything before the repair starts.
Premium Full Synthetic Oil
Match the viscosity (e.g. 0W-20) to your vehicle spec.
Oil Filter
High-efficiency filter to match your specific engine model.
Oil Drain Pan
Low-profile pan for easy oil collection and disposal.
Filter Wrench
Adjustable or size-specific wrench to remove stuck filters.
Funnel Set
Prevent spills when refilling your engine oil.
Shop Towels
Lint-free towels for spills, dipsticks, and filter surfaces.
Project Essentials
Basic tool sets, gloves, and cleaning supplies for your Subaru Forester so the job is ready when the parts arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is this data from?
- Extracted directly from the LEMON factory service manual archive. Sources are cited per generation.
- What oil type & capacity does a Subaru Forester use?
- 2022-2024 Subaru Forester uses 5.40 QTS. (5.11 L) — ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6A, API - SN PLUS, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil Note: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. Adding the oil from low level to full level: 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)..
- How much oil does a Subaru Forester take?
- 6.30 QTS. (5.96 L) — ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (2018)
- How often should I change the oil in a Subaru Forester?
- Most Subaru service manuals recommend oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions (towing, extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic) may require more frequent changes. Verify with your owner's manual for the exact interval.
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Author & Review
Published by AllOEMManuals, founded by Lyndon Bedford, an automotive technician with 20 years of experience. He owned and operated a mechanic shop in Hurst, Texas from 2014 to 2022 and continues hands-on repair work.
Content may combine manual references, general repair templates, and AI-assisted drafting. Confirm the source, vehicle configuration, and applicability before working. Report corrections through our contact page.
Last updated: 2026-10-29