Does Dodge use synthetic oil?
Yes. For most current Dodge gasoline engines, synthetic oil is recommended or required, typically 0W-20 or 5W-20, with higher-viscosity synthetic options (such as 5W-50) used for high-performance variants. Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact grade and change interval.
Dodge’s lineup spans modern gasoline engines, high-performance variants, and diesel options. The question of oil type matters for performance, fuel economy, warranty coverage, and maintenance planning. This article outlines what Dodge owners should know about synthetic oil use across current models, including where it’s standard, where different viscosities apply, and how maintenance intervals interact with oil choice.
Which Dodge models commonly require synthetic oil
The following list highlights engine families and platforms in Dodge vehicles that typically specify synthetic oil in their manuals. The exact grade and interval can vary by year and market, so always verify with the owner’s manual or a dealership.
Gasoline engines
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 (found in Charger, Challenger, Durango, Grand Cherokee, and others) — commonly uses 0W-20 full synthetic.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 (Charger, Challenger, Durango, and other Dodge/Chrysler applications) — commonly uses 5W-20 synthetic.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat variants) — typically calls for high-performance synthetic like 5W-50.
- 6.4L (392) Hemi and other high-performance variants — often favored with higher-viscosity synthetic oils (e.g., 5W-40 or 5W-50) depending on the model and year.
These examples illustrate the general pattern: modern Dodge gasoline engines trend toward synthetic oil, with the exact grade depending on engine and performance requirements.
Oil viscosity and types Dodge recommends
Before you review the oil grades, note that Dodge specifies different viscosities by engine and year. The most common grades in recent Dodge gasoline engines are 0W-20 and 5W-20, while performance and certain diesel engines use higher-viscosity synthetics.
- 0W-20 full synthetic: widely used in many modern Dodge gasoline engines for cold-start protection and fuel efficiency.
- 5W-20 full synthetic: used in some engines and market configurations where the manual calls for it.
- 5W-40 or 5W-50 full synthetic: recommended for high-performance engines and some hot-rod variants to provide additional protection under demanding conditions.
- Diesel-specific synthetic oils (e.g., 5W-40 meeting API CK-4/ACEA specs) for EcoDiesel engines.
Always confirm the exact viscosity from the owner’s manual or a Dodge service adviser. Using the wrong grade can affect engine protection and warranty eligibility.
Maintenance, warranty, and service intervals
Before listing service details, it’s important to anchor expectations about intervals and warranty implications. Synthetic oil can extend change intervals under normal conditions, but severe driving conditions still require more frequent changes. Warranty coverage generally depends on following the manufacturer’s recommended oil grade and service schedule.
- Oil change intervals: Many modern Dodge vehicles permit longer intervals with synthetic oil under normal driving, but severe service (short trips, towing, hot climates, or extreme cold) may require more frequent changes.
- Follow the official maintenance schedule: Use Mopar-approved synthetic oil and filters as specified for your model to help protect warranty coverage.
- Consult a dealer or service professional if you’re unsure: They can confirm the exact grade, capacity, and interval for your engine year and trim.
Conclusion: Sticking to the recommended oil grade and change schedule is essential for engine health and warranty integrity.
What about older Dodge models or diesel engines?
The answer becomes more nuanced for older vehicles and non-gasoline powertrains.
- Older gasoline Dodge models (pre-2010s) may have historically used conventional oil or synthetic blends, with newer manuals gradually migrating toward full synthetic in many applications.
- EcoDiesel and other diesel engines require diesel-grade synthetic oils that meet API CK-4 or equivalent specifications; these typically use higher-viscosity synthetics (e.g., 5W-40) to cope with diesel engine stresses.
- Always verify the exact specification for your model year and engine with the owner’s manual or a Dodge service adviser.
Summary: For older vehicles and diesels, the oil recommendation can differ from current gasoline engines and should be confirmed through official documentation or a service professional.
Summary
Across Dodge’s current lineup, synthetic oil use is standard for most gasoline engines, with specific viscosity grades driven by engine design and performance needs. Diesel EcoDiesel engines also rely on synthetic, while older or non-gasoline models may have different requirements. The safest approach is to consult the owner’s manual or a Dodge dealer to confirm the exact oil type, viscosity, and service interval for your vehicle's year and engine.
