2015–2019 BS (5th generation)
2015–2019 Subaru Outback Oil Type and Capacity
The 2015–2019 Subaru Outback takes 0W-20 engine oil, 5.1 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2015–2019 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, revised, port-injected) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.1 qt / 4.8 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| OEM filter | Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51516XP, Purolator L14610 |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
2015 brought a ground-up FB25 revision (more power, better economy) but the oil grade, capacity, and filter carried over from the BR generation.
2015–2019 Subaru Outback 3.6L H6 (EZ36, now paired to High Torque CVT) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | API SN |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6.9 qt / 6.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
This generation moved the 3.6R from the old 5-speed automatic onto the same High Torque CVT (TR690) used elsewhere in the lineup.
Which Subaru Outback model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Outback built from 2015 through 2019 — the BS (5th generation), mid-size wagon/crossover. 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 2015–2019 Subaru Outback
- 2015Full redesign: all-new FB25, 3.6R moves to CVT, EyeSight driver-assist available for the first time on Outback
- 2018Facelift: revised front/rear styling, updated Starlink infotainment, standard EyeSight on most trims
- 2019Final year of this generation; last model year covered by the FB-engine oil-consumption settlement window
2015–2019 Subaru Outback oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2015–2019 Subaru Outback take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25, revised, port-injected) takes 5.1 quarts; The 3.6L H6 (EZ36, now paired to High Torque CVT) takes 6.9 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2015–2019 Subaru Outback take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5, 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 2015–2019 Subaru Outback?
- 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 2015–2019 Subaru Outback 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.
What oil filter does a 2015–2019 Subaru Outback take?
- The OEM filter is Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister). Common equivalents: Fram XG7317 (Ultra), Wix 51516XP, Purolator L14610.
Sources
- sportsubarusouth.com, Subaru Outback oil type by model year
- AMSOIL lookup, 2019 Outback 2.5L FB25 oil spec/capacity
- awdadventure.com, Subaru Outback tire fitment by year (2015–2019)
- Rohnert Park Transmission, Subaru Outback CVT problems guide by model year
- Subaru Battery Settlement, official settlement site (2015–2020 Outback coverage)
- Consumer Reports, 2015 Subaru Outback reliability (CVT complaint)
- classaction.org, Subaru windshield settlement given preliminary approval (Khona/Powell case background)
- Reddit r/subaru, 2019–2020 CVT warranty extension to 10 yr/100k thread