--- title: "Subaru Outback Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.4 qt" description: "How the Subaru Outback oil specification changed from 2010 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The 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." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/oil" updated: "2026-08-21" --- # Subaru Outback Oil Type and Capacity The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Subaru Outback oil specification changed by year? | Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/oil) | 0W-20 | 4.4 / 4.8 qt | N/A | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) | | [2015-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/oil) | 0W-20, 5W-30 | 5.1 / 6.9 qt | Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister) | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) | | [2010-2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/oil) | 0W-20, 5W-30 | 5.1 / 6.9 qt | Subaru 15208AA160 (spin-on canister) | 6,000 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,000 mi / 3 months (severe service) | ## Full specifications by generation The oil on a Subaru Outback is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Subaru Outback Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020-2025/oil) - [2015-2019 Subaru Outback Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015-2019/oil) - [2010-2014 Subaru Outback Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010-2014/oil) ## Subaru Outback oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a 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 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 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 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)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_FB_engine) - [AMSOIL lookup, 2022 Outback 2.4L FA24 turbo oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2022/subaru/outback/2-4l-4-cyl-engine-code-a-fa24-a-turbo/) - [NHTSA, 19V-664 brake pedal mounting bracket recall (WUL-97)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V664-6082.PDF) - [NHTSA, 24V-227 front passenger airbag sensor recall](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V227-7296.PDF) - [Out Motorsports, 2022 Outback Wilderness review (260 hp FA24F introduction)](https://www.outmotorsports.com/2021/09/2022-subaru-outback-wilderness-review-off-road/) - [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) - [AutoZone, 2023 Outback wiper blade fitment (26/18/16)](https://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/wiper-blade-windshield/subaru/outback/2023) - [Edmunds, 2023 Subaru Outback review (XT/Wilderness turbo trim lineup)](https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outback/2023/) ## Find your exact Outback - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2012) - [2011](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2011) - [2010](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/2010) More Subaru Outback guides: - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/subaru/outback/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.