What kind of differential fluid does a 2016 Subaru Legacy take?
The 2016 Subaru Legacy uses different fluids for different parts of its AWD drivetrain. Front and rear differentials take 75W-90 synthetic gear oil meeting GL-5 specifications. If your Legacy is equipped with a CVT, the transmission and center differential use Subaru CVT Fluid rather than gear oil. Always confirm the exact requirements in the owner's manual or with a Subaru dealer for your specific trim.
Front differential fluid
Below is what you should use for the front differential on a 2016 Legacy with permanent AWD. The front differential requires a specific gear oil designed for hypoid gears and typical Subaru AWD systems.
- Oil type: 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
- Specification: GL-5 (or equivalent meeting GL-5)
- Application: Front differential in Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system
Using the correct weight and specification helps protect gear surfaces and maintain smooth engagement across temperature ranges. Always use a factory-approved product and avoid mixing with engine oil or other lubricants.
Rear differential fluid
The rear differential in the 2016 Legacy also uses a gear oil designed for hypoid gears in an AWD setup. The recommended fluid mirrors the front differential’s spec to ensure compatible lubrication across the drivetrain.
- Oil type: 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
- Specification: GL-5
- Application: Rear differential in Subaru’s AWD system
Respect the service interval and use the specified oil to maintain differential performance and prevent wear under load. Avoid substituting with unrelated lubricants unless advised by Subaru documentation.
CVT-equipped models: transmission and center differential fluid
For Legacy models with the Lineartronic CVT, the transmission and the center differential inside the transfer case use Subaru’s dedicated CVT Fluid. This fluid is formulated specifically for CVTs and is not interchangeable with conventional gear oil.
- Fluid type: Subaru CVT Fluid (dedicated CVT transmission fluid)
- Usage: Transmission fluid and center differential fluid in CVT-equipped Legacy
- Important: Do not use engine oil or standard gear oil in the CVT or center differential
Refer to the owner’s manual for the exact CVT fluid specification and service intervals. If in doubt, have a Subaru dealer perform CVT-related maintenance to avoid damage.
Additional notes and calibration
Drivetrain configurations can vary by market and trim, so verify your specific model year and drivetrain. For example, some regional editions may have slightly different fluid recommendations or capacities.
- Always use manufacturer-approved fluids
- Do not mix CVT fluid with gear oil or engine oil
- Follow Subaru’s service intervals to maintain AWD performance
Bottom line: front and rear differentials use 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (GL-5); CVT-equipped models require Subaru CVT Fluid for the transmission and center differential. Checking the exact spec in the owner's manual ensures you use the right product for your vehicle.
Summary
Summary: A 2016 Subaru Legacy’s differential fluids depend on the drivetrain. Front and rear differentials require 75W-90 synthetic gear oil meeting GL-5 specs. If the car has a CVT, the transmission and center differential require Subaru CVT Fluid. Always reference the owner’s manual or a Subaru dealer for exact specifications and capacities.
