Subaru Outback Oil Type & Capacity
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Subaru Outback takes 0W-16 or 0W-20 engine oil, about 4.6-4.8 qt with a filter change, on 2026 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2020-2025 models use 0W-20 (4.4-4.8 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
Oil by model year
| Model years | Oil type | Capacity | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0W-16 / 0W-20 | 4.6-4.8 qt | Shop 0W-16Shop 0W-20 |
| 2020-2025 | 0W-20 | 4.4-4.8 qt | Shop 0W-20 |
| 2015-2019 | 0W-20 / 5W-30 | 5.1-6.9 qt | Shop 0W-20Shop 5W-30 |
| 2013-2014 | 0W-20 / 5W-40 | 5.1-6.9 qt | Shop 0W-20Shop 5W-40 |
| 2011 | 5W-30 | 4.4-6.9 qt | Shop 5W-30 |
| 2010 | 5W-30 | 4.4-6.7 qt | Shop 5W-30 |
| 2005-2008 | 5W-30 | 4.4-6 qt | Shop 5W-30 |
Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources. Shop links go to Amazon, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Every Outback year
Frequently asked
What kind of oil does a Subaru Outback take?
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Subaru Outback takes 0W-16 or 0W-20 engine oil, about 4.6-4.8 qt with a filter change, on 2026 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2020-2025 models use 0W-20 (4.4-4.8 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
How many quarts of oil does a Subaru Outback take?
About 4.6-4.8 qt with a filter change on 2026 models, and 4.4-4.8 qt on 2020-2025 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.
Does the oil type change by year on the Subaru Outback?
Yes. We record 7 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2026: 0W-16/0W-20; 2020-2025: 0W-20; 2015-2019: 0W-20/5W-30. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.
Sources. The oil grade and capacity for 20 of 20 model years is checked against a cited source, most often Car Specs - Subaru Outback oil capacity, AMSOIL lookup guide - 2026 Subaru Outback, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo (FA24) and AMSOIL lookup guide - 2026 Subaru Outback, 2.5L 4-cyl (FB25D). Each year page lists its own sources.
Last verified 2026-10-08. Maintained by Matan B., who runs GarageDex. How we verify.