What kind of oil does a Subaru Legacy EJ20 take?
In most Legacy EJ20 engines, the standard oil is 5W-30 full synthetic, but turbocharged variants or certain climates may call for 5W-40 or, in some markets, 0W-20. Always verify the exact specification in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your year and trim.
Understanding the EJ20 oil needs
The EJ20 family spans naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants across several generations of the Legacy. Oil requirements depend on whether the engine is non-turbo or turbocharged, as well as climate and driving conditions. The guidance below reflects common factory recommendations and typical owner practices.
Non-turbo EJ20 engines (Legacy/Outback, older Impreza)
For most non-turbo EJ20 engines, Subaru has historically recommended a 5W-30 full-synthetic oil that meets API SN or newer, with a capacity around 4.5 quarts (with filter). Use a high-quality synthetic or synthetic-blend oil that meets the specification, and follow the vehicle’s service schedule.
Common guidance for non-turbo EJ20 engines (informational overview):
- Viscosity: 5W-30 (synthetic preferred; some climates may allow 0W-30 or 0W-20 depending on manual guidance).
- Oil specification: API SN or newer; ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 class oils are compatible; Subaru-approved formulations meet these specs.
- Oil capacity: approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3–4.6 L) with filter; fill to the proper level using the dipstick.
- Oil change interval: typically every 5,000–7,500 miles (or as recommended by the owner's manual and oil-life monitor).
Overall, non-turbo EJ20 engines generally use 5W-30 full-synthetic oil, with about 4.5 quarts capacity and a change interval guided by the manual and driving conditions.
Turbo EJ20 engines (Legacy GT and similar)
Turbocharged EJ20 variants experience higher heat and stress, so many owners and some service guidance recommend a slightly thicker synthetic oil to improve high-temperature stability and turbo life. A common default is 5W-40, especially in warmer climates or with frequent high-load driving. In some climates or model years, 5W-30 may be permitted by the manual.
Turbo EJ20 oils (informational overview):
- Viscosity: commonly 5W-40 synthetic for turbocharged EJ20; 5W-30 may be acceptable where permitted by the manual or climate.
- Oil specification: API SN or newer; ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6; use oils that meet Subaru’s service requirements.
- Oil capacity: roughly 4.5 quarts (4.3–4.6 L) with filter; maintain correct level per dipstick.
- Oil change interval: typically every 5,000 miles or as specified in the owner’s manual; hard driving or hot climates may justify shorter intervals.
In short, turbo EJ20 engines commonly use 5W-40 synthetic for high-temperature reliability, though 5W-30 may be acceptable if permitted by the manual and climate. Always follow the year/model-specific guidance.
Summary of recommendations by engine variant
To recap the most practical guidance: non-turbo EJ20 engines typically require 5W-30 full-synthetic oil with about 4.5 quarts capacity and a 5,000–7,500 mile change interval; turbo EJ20 engines often use 5W-40 synthetic for better high-temperature performance, with similar capacity and a variable change interval based on usage. Always check your exact owner’s manual and use an oil that meets API SN or newer and ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 standards, aligning with Subaru's official specifications for your vehicle.
