---
title: "2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Type: 5W-30, 5 qt"
description: "The 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (cartridge). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/oil"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Type and Capacity

The 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (cartridge). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.

**Quick answer**: The 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox (2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection)) takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (cartridge)). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 0W-30 (Permitted for sustained cold below about -20°F/-29°C) |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed (dexos1 Gen 3 current; virtually all dexos1 oils sold today are full synthetic) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5 qt / 4.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF457G (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Wix 57082 / 57082XP, Fram CH9018, Baldwin P7442 |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months; many owners run 5,000 mi given this engine's oil-consumption history |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |

Note: Cartridge filter in a housing on the front of the block, replace the O-ring with the element. This engine is the subject of GM's oil-consumption special coverage: check the dipstick every 1,000 miles and never let it run low.

## 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 3.0L V6 (LFW, FlexFuel) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF63E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10575 (Ultra) |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |

Note: GM bulletin stresses using the specified PF63E (long) filter on these high-feature V6s for proper filtration.

## 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 3.6L V6 (LFX) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF63E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10575 (Ultra) |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |

Note: Direct-injected LFX replaced the 3.0L for 2013 with more power and similar economy.

## Which Chevrolet Equinox model years does this cover?

These oil specifications apply to every Chevrolet Equinox built from 2012 through 2017, the 2nd generation, compact/mid-size crossover suv (theta platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2012 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012)
- [2013 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2013)
- [2014 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2014)
- [2015 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2015)
- [2016 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2016)
- [2017 Equinox](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2017)

## What changed during the 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | Last year for the 3.0L LFW V6 option |
| 2013 | 3.6L LFX V6 (301 hp) replaces the 3.0L; MyLink touchscreen infotainment added |
| 2016 | Facelift begins: new projector-beam headlights across the lineup with LED running lamps on LT/LTZ; Teen Driver mode and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot added GM-wide this model year |
| 2016-2017 | Facelift: new front/rear fascias, grille and wheels; mechanical specs (oil, filters, wipers, bulbs) carry over unchanged |
| 2017 | Final year of the 2nd generation: carries over with minimal changes after 2016's refresh; LTZ trim renamed Premier, new Midnight Edition and Sport appearance packages added |

## 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?

It depends on the engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection) takes 5 quarts; The 3.0L V6 (LFW, FlexFuel) takes 6 quarts; The 3.6L V6 (LFX) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?

5W-30 meeting dexos1 licensed (dexos1 Gen 3 current; virtually all dexos1 oils sold today are full synthetic). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

### Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

The manufacturer also permits 0W-30 (Permitted for sustained cold below about -20°F/-29°C). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.

### How often does a 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox need an oil change?

Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months; many owners run 5,000 mi given this engine's oil-consumption history. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.

### What oil filter does a 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?

The OEM filter is ACDelco PF457G (cartridge). Common equivalents: Wix 57082 / 57082XP, Fram CH9018, Baldwin P7442. Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.

## Sources

- [AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Equinox 2.4L LEA (oil viscosity/capacity/torque)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/chevrolet/equinox/2-4l-4-cyl-engine-code-k-lea-k-flex/)
- [AMSOIL product lookup, 2015 Equinox 3.6L LFX (6 qt, 5W-30)](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2015/chevrolet/equinox/3-6l-6-cyl-engine-code-3-lfx-4/)
- [NHTSA TSB library, GM Special Coverage N192291100, excessive oil consumption](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10171430-9999.pdf)
- [ClassAction.org, Equinox/Terrain oil-consumption settlement details (SCA 15285)](https://www.classaction.org/blog/settlement-reached-in-class-action-over-chevy-equinox-gmc-terrain-oil-consumption-here-are-the-details)
- [NHTSA recall 16V-582, 2013 Equinox windshield wiper motor](https://auto-recalls.justia.com/chevrolet/equinox/2013/16v582000/index.html)
- [NHTSA recall report 22V-165, 2014-2015 Equinox/Terrain wiper module](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V165-9528.PDF)
- [TirePressure.org, 2013 Equinox placard tire sizes and pressures](https://tirepressure.org/chevrolet/equinox/2013)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2014 Equinox EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2014_Chevrolet_Equinox.shtml)
- [FinditParts, ACDelco PF457G cross-reference (Wix 57082, Baldwin P7442)](https://www.finditparts.com/products/3862532/acdelco-pf457g)
- [TerrainForum, GM bulletin on ACDelco PF63E filter for high-feature V6](https://www.terrainforum.net/threads/pf-63-oil-filter-info.10938/)
- [Turan-Foley Chevrolet, Equinox lug nut torque (140 lb-ft) by year](https://www.turanfoley.com/blogs/7280/chevy-equinox-lug-nut-torque-research/)

## Other Chevrolet Equinox generations

- [2025 Chevrolet Equinox oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2025/oil)
- [2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2018-2024/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/oil).

## More for the 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/equinox/2012-2017/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.