--- title: "2019-2024 Subaru Forester Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.4 qt" description: "The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/oil" updated: "2026-08-21" --- # 2019-2024 Subaru Forester Oil Type and Capacity The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents. **Quick answer**: The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester takes 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change. ## 2019-2024 Subaru Forester oil specifications (High confidence) | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Viscosity | 0W-20 | | Oil standard | API SN/SP / ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 | | Capacity (with filter) | 4.4 qt / 4.2 L | | Synthetic required | Yes | | Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) | Note: The SK generation switched to a direct-injected FB25D shared with Impreza/Crosstrek. Capacity dropped from the prior port-injected FB25's 5.1 qt to 4.4 qt with filter (per the owner's manual); dealer service tickets sometimes overfill to 5-6 qt. Confirm on the dipstick. ## Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover? These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2019 through 2024, the SK (5th generation), compact crossover suv (subaru global platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2019 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019) - [2020 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2020) - [2021 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2021) - [2022 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2022) - [2023 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2023) - [2024 Forester](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2024) ## What changed during the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2019 | Generation launch on the Subaru Global Platform; direct-injected FB25D replaces the port-injected FB25; no turbo XT offered in the US; EyeSight standard | | 2022 | Wilderness trim introduced with raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and additional underbody protection | | 2024 | Final model year of this generation before the SL redesign | ## 2019-2024 Subaru Forester oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester take? 4.4 quarts with a filter change. Fill to about 3.9 quarts, run the engine, then top up to the mark on the dipstick rather than pouring the full amount in at once. ### What kind of oil does a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester take? 0W-20 meeting API SN/SP / ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). ### Can you use a different viscosity in a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester? The factory specification is 0W-20 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice. ### How often does a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester need an oil change? 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval. ## Sources - [Wikipedia, Subaru Forester generations (SK)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2020 Forester 2.5L FB25D oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2020/subaru/forester/2-5l-4-cyl-engine-code-fb25d-1/) - [subaruforester.org, FB25DI correct oil level / capacity discussion (4.4 qt per owner's manual)](https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/fb25di-correct-oil-level-clarify-how-to-measure-oil-level-non-fb25di-posts-will-be-deleted.832532/) - [Subaru Service Bulletin 09-119-24, Thermo Control Valve Warranty Extension (2019-21MY Forester)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2024/MC-10253930-0001.pdf) - [Reddit r/SubaruForester, Subaru now covering TCV issues for 2019+ models](https://www.reddit.com/r/SubaruForester/comments/1bvqbgk/psa_subaru_is_now_covering_thermo_control_valve/) - [classaction.org, Subaru windshield settlement given preliminary approval](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-windshield-settlement-given-preliminary-approval-reimbursements-extended-warranty-available) - [classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019-2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)](https://www.classaction.org/news/subaru-lawsuit-says-2019-2025-vehicles-plagued-by-electrical-system-defect-causing-parasitic-battery-drain) - [Reddit r/subaru, 2019-2020 CVT warranty extension to 10 yr/100k thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1ltsv9m/20192020_us_cvt_warranty_extension_to_10/) - [Reddit r/subaru, 2019 Forester front brake rotor sizes (294/316mm front, 285mm rear)](https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1nvat0r/2019_subaru_forester_front_rotor_question/) - [tirecalculatorhub.com, Subaru Forester OEM tire size guide by year](https://tirecalculatorhub.com/guides/subaru-tire-calculator) - [wiperhaus.com, 2024 Subaru Forester windshield wiper blade size](https://wiperhaus.com/blogs/subaru-forester-information/2024-subaru-forester-windshield-wiper-blade-size) ## Other Subaru Forester generations - [2025-2026 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2025-2026/oil) - [2014-2018 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2014-2018/oil) - [2012-2013 Subaru Forester oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2012-2013/oil) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/oil). ## More for the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/forester/2019-2024/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.