2025–2026 SL (6th generation)
2025–2026 Subaru Forester Oil Type and Capacity
The 2025–2026 Subaru Forester takes 0W-16 engine oil, 4.6 quarts with a filter change by engine. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
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Quick answer
2025–2026 Subaru Forester 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25D, direct-injected) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-16 |
| Oil standard | ILSAC GF-6 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.6 qt / 4.4 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
The redesigned SL generation moved the non-hybrid FB25D to a thinner 0W-16 factory fill (up from 0W-20 on the SK generation), with capacity ticking up slightly to 4.6 qt with filter.
2025–2026 Subaru Forester 2.5L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle FB25 + electric motor, S:HEV) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-16 |
| Oil standard | ILSAC GF-6 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.6 qt / 4.4 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
Combined output is 194 hp (162 hp / 154 lb-ft from the Atkinson-cycle 2.5L engine plus a 118 hp / 199 lb-ft electric motor) through an e-CVT. Oil viscosity/spec is confirmed the same 0W-16 as the non-hybrid FB25D; the exact refill capacity for the Atkinson-cycle variant hasn't been independently cross-checked against the non-hybrid figure, so treat it as an estimate until confirmed against the dipstick or owner's manual.
Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2025 through 2026 — the SL (6th generation), compact crossover suv (subaru global platform, redesigned). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2025–2026 Subaru Forester
- 2025All-new SL-generation redesign, unveiled October 2024 for the 2025 model year; adds a factory Forester Hybrid (S:HEV) for the first time in the US; base horsepower rises slightly to 180
- 2026Carryover year; no major mechanical changes identified
2025–2026 Subaru Forester oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2025–2026 Subaru Forester take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25D, direct-injected) takes 4.6 quarts; The 2.5L Hybrid (Atkinson-cycle FB25 + electric motor, S:HEV) takes 4.6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2025–2026 Subaru Forester take?
- 0W-16 meeting ILSAC GF-6, full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2025–2026 Subaru Forester?
- The factory specification is 0W-16 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 2025–2026 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 (SL)
- Subaru Media, Subaru debuts all-new 2025 Forester SUV (press release)
- Car and Driver, Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid (specs, mpg, curb weight, tire size)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2025 Forester 2.5L FB25D oil spec/capacity (0W-16, 4.6 qt)
- sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Forester oil type by model year (2025, incl. S:HEV hybrid)
- KBB, 2025 Subaru Forester specs (180 hp across trims)
- Subaru.com, 2025 Forester Hybrid Edition (194 combined hp, e-CVT)
- classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019–2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)
- Conley Subaru, Forester lug nut torque by model year