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How many quarts of oil does a Chevy Impala use?

The oil capacity of a Chevy Impala is not a single fixed number; it depends on the engine and model year. In general, most Impala configurations use about 4.5 to 6 quarts of oil, with the 3.6L V6 variants typically closer to 6 quarts.


Note: Chevrolet discontinued the Impala after the 2020 model year, so the guidance below mostly covers the late-generation lineup (roughly 2000s through 2020). To be sure, always check your owner's manual or the under-hood certification label for your exact engine and year.


Engine configurations and oil capacity


Below is a guide to typical oil capacities for common Impala engines. Exact figures can vary by year and oil filter; always verify with official documentation or your dealer.



  • 3.8L V6 (3800) — about 4.5 quarts with filter.

  • 3.9L V6 — about 5 quarts.

  • 2.4–2.5L Ecotec I4 (2014–2016) — roughly 4.0–4.5 quarts.

  • 3.6L V6 (LFX) — about 6 quarts.


Because oil capacity can depend on the exact engine variant and whether the oil filtration setup differs by year, always confirm the precise capacity for your vehicle using the owner's manual or a Chevrolet service bulletin.


How to verify the exact capacity for your Impala


Before performing an oil change, confirm the precise capacity for your specific vehicle. The following steps help ensure you add the correct amount of oil and avoid overfilling.



  1. Identify your engine code and model year from the glove box label or VIN lookup.

  2. Open the owner's manual and locate the "Engine Oil" section, which lists capacity for your engine variant.

  3. Check under-hood stickers or service information for the oil capacity when the filter is changed.

  4. When changing oil, start with the minimum recommended oil amount (often around 4.5–5 quarts depending on engine) and add gradually while checking the dipstick.

  5. Run the engine for a few minutes, check for leaks, then recheck with the dipstick and top off to the full mark if needed.


Verifying the exact capacity for your vehicle reduces the risk of underfilling or overfilling, which can harm engine performance and longevity.


Summary


In short, a Chevy Impala does not have a universal oil capacity. Most models fall in the 4.5–6-quart range, varying by engine. The safest approach is to consult your owner's manual or Chevrolet's official specifications for the exact figure for your year and engine variant, and to use the dipstick to verify the correct fill after an oil change. If you’re shopping for a used Impala, ask for the service record to confirm the engine type and the oil capacity that was used during changes.

How much oil does a 3.5 L V6 engine take?


Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost

ItemCapacity
Engine oil (with oil filter)5.7 L (6.0 qt)
Engine coolant12.4 L (13.1 qt)
Brake fluidBetween MIN/MAX on brake fluid reservoir
Rear axle fluid (four-wheel drive)2.11 pt (1.0 L)



What oil does a 2014 2.4 Chevy Impala take?


Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30 5 Quart.



How much oil does a Chevy Impala take?


A Chevy Impala takes 6 quarts of oil for the 3.6L V6 engine or 5 quarts for the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, always with the correct oil filter. For the 3.6L engine, the recommended oil viscosity is typically 5W-30, while the 2.5L engine often uses 5W-20. 
For the 3.6L V6 engine

  • Oil Capacity: 6 quarts (with filter)
  • Oil Type: 5W-30 is recommended for all temperatures
  • Note: For extremely cold temperatures (below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶 or -20∘Fnegative 20 raised to the composed with power cap F−20∘𝐹), a 0W-30 oil is specified. 

For the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
  • Oil Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter)
  • Oil Type: 5W-20 is preferred
  • Note: 0W-20 is also acceptable for all temperatures. 

Important tips
  • Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate information for your specific model year and engine. 
  • It is crucial to replace the oil filter when changing the oil. 
  • After adding the new oil, run the engine for a short time to allow it to circulate, then check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct and add more if needed. 



How much oil does a 3.8 L v6 engine take?


A 3.8L V6 engine typically takes between 4.5 and 6 quarts of oil, depending on the specific vehicle and year. For example, a 1994-2004 Ford Mustang with a 3.8L V6 needs about 5 quarts, while a 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.8L V6 takes about 6 quarts. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a reliable source, like an oil capacity chart, to confirm the exact amount for your specific model, and always check the oil level with the dipstick after refilling. 
Here are some examples of oil capacities for different vehicles with a 3.8L V6 engine: 

  • Ford Mustang (1994-2004): ~5 quarts
  • Jeep Wrangler (2007-2011): ~6 quarts
  • Pontiac Grand Prix (2008, 3800 V6): ~4.5 quarts
  • Buick LeSabre (2000): ~7.4 quarts


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.