Does a Subaru need synthetic oil?
Yes. For most modern Subaru engines, synthetic oil is required or strongly recommended, typically 0W-20 full synthetic, to meet efficiency and protection standards. Conventional oil is generally not advised unless the owner's manual explicitly allows it as a temporary measure in certain older engines or specific climates.
This article explains the oil type requirements, viscosities, maintenance intervals, and how these vary by engine, model year, and region, so Subaru owners can follow the official guidance and avoid potential warranty issues.
Oil type recommendations by engine and year
Here are the general guidelines most Subaru manuals and service advisories align with for common engines in the current era.
- Use 0W-20 synthetic oil (full synthetic recommended; some markets accept synthetic-blend) for most non-turbo Subaru engines.
- Check the owner’s manual for any climate- or engine-specific exceptions, including potential alternate viscosities (for example, 5W-30 in some older models or extreme temperatures).
- Turbocharged engines (e.g., WRX/STI) are typically specified with synthetic oils of appropriate viscosity as per the manual; verify the exact grade for your model year.
These guidelines emphasize relying on official documentation for your exact vehicle, as regional differences and model-year updates occur.
Oil change intervals and maintenance aids
Understanding when to change oil is critical; Subaru provides maintenance reminders and follows a schedule tied to oil type and driving conditions.
- With synthetic oil, typical intervals range from about 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,600–12,000 km) or about 6–12 months, depending on model year and driving conditions.
- In severe service (short trips, towing, dusty or off-roading conditions, extreme temperatures), changes may be required more frequently, often around 3,000–5,000 miles (4,800–8,000 km).
- The Subaru Maintenance Minder system uses sensor data and driving patterns to indicate when an oil change is due; always follow the warning or message you receive from the system.
Always verify with the owner's manual or dealer service department for the exact interval for your vehicle, as there can be important differences across engines and markets.
Model-year and regional variations
U.S. market and common engines
In the United States, most contemporary Subarus with four-cylinder engines are designed to run on 0W-20 synthetic oil, with the exact viscosity and specifications spelled out in the owner's manual. Some earlier models or engines may have had allowances for conventional oil under specific circumstances, but those are exceptions rather than the rule and typically require replacement with synthetic at the next service interval.
Europe and other regions
European-market Subarus historically have recommended similar low-viscosity synthetic oils (often 0W-20 or 0W-30) and may have region-specific approvals or brands; always consult the local owner's manual to confirm the correct specification and warranty coverage.
Turbocharged and performance variants
Turbocharged Subaru engines (like those found in WRX/STI models) generally require high-quality synthetic oils with particular viscosities and performance specifications; confirm the exact grade and API/ACEA spec in the model’s documentation, as incorrect selection can affect cooling and turbo longevity.
Summary
For most Subaru owners, synthetic oil is the recommended choice, with 0W-20 being the common spec. Always follow the exact guidance in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, as engine type, model year, and regional differences can change the required viscosity and whether synthetic is mandatory or optional. Use the Subaru Maintenance Minder and service intervals to keep the oil and engine in optimal condition, and consult a dealer or trusted mechanic if you’re unsure.
