What kind of oil does a Lexus 3.5 V6 take?

Most modern Lexus 3.5L V6 engines are designed to run on 0W-20 full-synthetic oil, though some older or regional variants may specify 5W-30. Always verify the exact specification for your vehicle in the owner's manual or on the engine oil cap or label.

Understanding the 3.5L V6 family

The Lexus 3.5-liter V6 family encompasses several generations and configurations (notably the 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS variants). While many later models standardized on a 0W-20 full-synthetic oil, certain older vehicles or specific markets have used 5W-30 or other grades. Because oil requirements can shift with year, market, and engine variant, your car’s precise spec should come from official documentation tied to your VIN.

Oil viscosity and specifications you should know

Below is a snapshot of common oil grades seen across the Lexus 3.5L V6 lineup. The exact grade for your car will be listed in the manual or on the under-hood label.

• 0W-20 full synthetic — the prevailing standard for most late-model 3.5L V6 engines, typically meeting API SP and ILSAC GF-6A requirements.


• 5W-30 — used on some older 3.5L V6 variants or in markets where this grade is specified by the manufacturer.


• 5W-20 — occasionally listed as an alternate in certain regions or manuals, but far less common for modern Lexus 3.5L V6s.

Concluding the list, the key takeaway is to follow the grade your vehicle's official documentation specifies. In practice, newer models typically call for 0W-20 synthetic, with 5W-30 as a possible fallback only if explicitly allowed.

How to confirm the exact oil for your vehicle

To ensure you’re using the correct oil for your specific Lexus, follow these steps:

• Check the owner’s manual, specifically the engine oil section, for the exact viscosity and specification (for example, 0W-20, API SP, GF-6A).


• Look at the oil filler cap on the engine; many vehicles print the required viscosity there (e.g., 0W-20).


• Inspect the under-hood label or maintenance sticker in the engine bay for oil specification guidance.


• When in doubt, contact a Lexus dealer or service center and provide your VIN for VIN-specific guidance.

Using oil outside the manufacturer’s specification can affect performance, efficiency, and warranty coverage, so verification is important.

Synthetic vs. conventional oil and maintenance practices

Today’s Lexus engines are designed with synthetic oil in mind, offering better protection and longer intervals in many driving conditions. While older guidance sometimes allowed conventional oil, current recommendations for most 3.5L V6 engines favor full synthetic oil (commonly 0W-20) with service intervals that follow the manufacturer’s schedule. Always adhere to the interval specified for your climate and driving conditions.

Summary

The prevailing answer for most Lexus 3.5L V6 engines is to use 0W-20 full-synthetic oil, aligned with API SP and ILSAC GF-6A specs. Some older models or regional variants may call for 5W-30, but the exact requirement depends on year, market, and engine variant. Always verify with the owner’s manual, the engine oil cap, or a Lexus dealer using your VIN to ensure you meet the exact specification for your vehicle.

Can I use 5W-20 in a Lexus?

You can use 5W-20 in a Lexus if the owner's manual specifies it or allows it as an alternative to a different oil grade, but you should always check your specific model's owner's manual first. For newer models, 0W-20 is more commonly recommended, and using a different viscosity may affect oil change intervals and could be considered a deviation from the manufacturer's warranty requirements. 
Before you use 5W-20 oil

• Consult the owner's manual: This is the most crucial step, as it contains the manufacturer's official recommendation for your specific vehicle model and year. 
• Check the oil cap: The oil cap itself is a reliable source for the correct viscosity to use. 
• Consider your climate: Some older manuals may have different recommendations based on temperature. For example, 5W-30 might be recommended for hotter climates, while 0W-20 or 5W-20 is often used in colder climates. 

Potential consequences

• Voided warranty: Using oil that is not recommended by the manufacturer could potentially void your warranty, especially if you have a newer model that requires a specific synthetic oil. 
• Altered oil change intervals: If your manual allows for a different oil, using 5W-20 could change your oil change interval, such as requiring more frequent changes. 
• Engine performance: While a temporary mix-up is unlikely to cause lasting damage, using the wrong oil viscosity consistently could affect your engine's performance and potentially shorten its lifespan over time. 

What kind of oil does a 3.6 V6 take?

5W-20
For a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, you should use **5W-20** motor oil.

How much oil does a 3.5 L V6 need?

A 3.5L V6 engine typically takes about 6 quarts of oil for an oil and filter change, though the exact amount can vary slightly depending on the vehicle's make and model. Some models, like certain Toyota 3.5L engines, require 6.1 quarts, while others may have a 5.8 or 6.2-quart capacity depending on features like a tow package. Always check your owner's manual for the specific capacity and recommended oil type for your vehicle, and always check the dipstick after an oil change to ensure the level is correct. 
Oil capacity by make

• Ford: Many 3.5L V6 engines, including the Ecoboost, require 6 quarts of oil when replacing the filter. 
• Toyota: A 3.5L V6 engine in some models like the Tacoma needs 6.1 quarts for a filter change, but this can vary, so always consult your owner's manual. 

Important tips

• Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to determine the exact oil capacity for your specific vehicle. 
• Check the dipstick: After adding oil, start the engine and let it run for a few seconds, then turn it off and wait a few minutes. Check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the recommended range, usually marked between the "low" and "full" or "add" and "full" lines. 
• Add oil gradually: It's easier to add a little more oil than to remove it if you overfill. 

What oil does Lexus recommend?

Lexus recommends using SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil for most newer models, while older models may require SAE 5W-30 conventional oil. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific oil type and weight recommended for your particular model and year.
 
Oil type by model year

• Newer models: Generally require 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil.
• Older models: May require 5W-30 conventional oil. 

Important considerations

• Consult the owner's manual: The owner's manual is the definitive source for your specific vehicle's requirements, especially for hybrid models. 
• Synthetic vs. conventional: Synthetic oils are recommended for newer vehicles as they offer better protection and can extend oil change intervals, but always use the type specified in your manual. 
• Operating conditions: If you frequently drive under "special operating conditions" (like towing or off-roading), you may need more frequent oil changes, regardless of the oil type.