2020–2025 BT (6th generation)
2020–2025 Subaru Outback Oil Type and Capacity
The 2020–2025 Subaru Outback takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.4 quarts with a filter change by engine. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2020–2025 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25D, direct-injected) oil
Check your manual| 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) |
The BT switched to a direct-injected FB25D, sharing its architecture with Impreza/Crosstrek/Forester. Capacity dropped from the prior port-injected FB25's 5.1 qt to about 4.4 qt with filter. Confirm on the dipstick after filling, as some dealer service tickets still reference the older 5.1 qt figure.
2020–2025 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (FA24F) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil standard | API SN/SP / ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.8 qt / 4.5 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
Shares its factory oil-change interval with the naturally-aspirated FB25D despite being turbocharged; some owners choose to shorten it given the added thermal load.
Which Subaru Outback model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Subaru Outback built from 2020 through 2025 — the BT (6th generation), mid-size wagon/crossover (subaru global platform). 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 2020–2025 Subaru Outback
- 2020Generation launch on the Subaru Global Platform; direct-injected FB25D replaces the port-injected FB25; 3.6R/EZ36 discontinued; EyeSight standard
- 2022Wilderness trim introduced. First Outback to use the turbocharged 2.4L FA24F, plus raised suspension, all-terrain tires, and a full-size spare option
- 2023XT trims (Touring XT, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT) broaden 2.4T availability beyond Wilderness; minor styling refresh
- 2025Final model year of this generation before the next redesign; largely a carryover year
2020–2025 Subaru Outback oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2020–2025 Subaru Outback take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25D, direct-injected) takes 4.4 quarts; The 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (FA24F) takes 4.8 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2020–2025 Subaru Outback take?
- 0W-20 meeting API SN/SP / ILSAC GF-5/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 2020–2025 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 2020–2025 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.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Subaru FB engine (FB25D direct-injection, 2020 Outback/Legacy)
- AMSOIL lookup, 2022 Outback 2.4L FA24 turbo oil spec/capacity
- NHTSA, 19V-664 brake pedal mounting bracket recall (WUL-97)
- NHTSA, 24V-227 front passenger airbag sensor recall
- Out Motorsports, 2022 Outback Wilderness review (260 hp FA24F introduction)
- classaction.org, Subaru lawsuit: 2019–2025 vehicles, parasitic battery drain (Taylor v. Subaru)
- AutoZone, 2023 Outback wiper blade fitment (26/18/16)
- Edmunds, 2023 Subaru Outback review (XT/Wilderness turbo trim lineup)