How much coolant does a Subaru Forester hold?
In general, Foresters with the common 2.5-liter engine hold about 7 quarts (6.6 liters) of coolant in the total cooling system, while turbocharged 2.0-liter engines require about 9 quarts (8.5 liters). Exact capacity depends on model year and engine; check the owner's manual for the precise figure.
Understanding what the capacity covers
The published capacity refers to the entire cooling system — radiator, engine block passages, heater core, hoses and the expansion reservoir. The guideline is to fill with the recommended coolant at the correct mixture, then bleed the system if required by your year and configuration.
Capacity by engine type
2.5-liter naturally aspirated engines
The typical total cooling system capacity for most 2.5L Foresters is around 7 quarts (6.6 liters). This includes coolant in the radiator, engine, heater core and hoses, plus the overflow reservoir.
2.0-liter turbo engines
Turbocharged Foresters use a larger cooling system, typically about 9 quarts (8.5 liters) for the total capacity, reflecting the higher heat load from forced induction.
Note that exact figures vary by model year and market; always verify with the owner's manual or the service specification for your car.
Typical capacity ranges by engine type:
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engines: approximately 7 quarts (6.6 liters) total cooling system capacity.
- 2.0-liter turbo engines: approximately 9 quarts (8.5 liters) total cooling system capacity.
These values are approximate ranges; your exact capacity may differ by year and variant. Always consult the owner's manual for the precise specification.
In summary, expect around 7 quarts for most 2.5L Foresters and about 9 quarts for turbo models, with year-to-year variation small but possible.
How to check and refill coolant safely
Before you begin, review the steps below and follow your model-year manual for any specifics.
The following steps outline a safe, general approach to checking and refilling coolant. Follow your model-year manual for any specifics.
- Park on level ground and allow the engine to cool completely before inspecting the coolant level.
- Remove the radiator cap (only when cool) and check the level in the radiator and the expansion reservoir.
- If the level is low, add the coolant mix to the recommended level, typically up to the MAX line on the reservoir.
- Bleed the cooling system if your model requires it, following your manual's procedure.
- Run the engine with the cap off for a few minutes to bring the thermostat to open and air to escape; then top off if needed.
After refilling, dispose of any waste properly and ensure there are no leaks. Regular checks help prevent overheating and preserve engine health. Always use the coolant type specified by Subaru (usually pre-mixed 50/50 or the concentrate with proper dilution) and follow safe handling guidelines.
Summary
Across Forester generations, coolant capacity depends on engine type. The 2.5-liter NA engine typically holds around 7 quarts, while the 2.0-liter turbo variant holds about 9 quarts. Always confirm with the specific owner's manual for your model year and engine, and follow safe procedures when checking or refilling coolant to maintain optimal cooling performance.
What coolant does a Subaru Forester take?
A Subaru Forester takes Subaru Super Coolant, which is a blue, 50/50 pre-diluted antifreeze designed for their engines, and it's recommended to also use the Subaru Coolant Conditioner for optimal protection. The color of the coolant isn't always a reliable indicator, so it's best to use the Subaru-specific product.
Recommended coolant
- Subaru Super Coolant: This is the specific product recommended by Subaru for its Forester models. It is a blue, 50/50 pre-diluted antifreeze.
- Subaru Coolant Conditioner: A small bottle of conditioner is also essential for use with the coolant, as it helps protect against leaks and corrosion.
Important considerations
- Follow manufacturer recommendations: Because Subaru engines are unique, using the correct coolant is crucial, especially for warranty-related repairs.
- Pre-diluted is easiest: The Super Coolant comes pre-mixed with the correct concentration of antifreeze and demineralized water, which eliminates the need for you to mix it yourself.
- Compatibility: Using a different brand of coolant can be risky, as it may not offer the same level of protection or could cause issues with the engine's components, particularly in the unique Boxer engine design.
How much coolant for a Subaru Forester?
I see that the coolant is sold in 1 gallon bottles (3.78 liters) and the manual says it needs 7.8 liters, which is a little more than 2 gallons (7.56 liters).
How many gallons of antifreeze does a 3.6 V6 take?
The whole system capacity may be 3.5 gal, but just replacing the radiator doesn't empty out the entire engine block.
How much coolant does a 2015 Subaru Forester take?
& Engine coolant Vehicle model Non-turbo models Turbo models MT models Coolant capacity Coolant type 7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt) CVT models 8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt) CVT models 9.4 US qt (8.9 liters, 7.8 Imp qt) SUBARU Super Coolant The indicated coolant quantity is only a guideline.
