What kind of oil does a Toyota Land Cruiser take?
In brief: the oil depends on the exact Land Cruiser model and engine, but most modern Land Cruisers use full-synthetic oil, commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30, and you should verify the exact grade in the owner's manual or with a Toyota dealer.
The Land Cruiser lineup spans multiple generations and markets, from the 100- and 200-series models to the latest 300-series. Each engine variant—gasoline, diesel, or hybrid—has its own oil specification and capacity. Because using the wrong oil can affect lubrication, emissions, and warranties, the safest approach is to follow Toyota's official recommendation for your exact vehicle by checking the owner’s manual, the service plate, or asking a dealer.
Oil requirements by model and engine
Here is a general guide to what you’ll typically see across the Land Cruiser lineup. Variations exist by market and year, so always confirm with the manual or a dealer.
- Newer gasoline engines in modern Land Cruisers typically require full-synthetic oil in the 0W-20 to 5W-30 range. The exact viscosity and oil specification (such as API SN/GF-6 or newer) are specified in your owner's manual or on Toyota’s official service information.
- Diesel variants sold in some markets often call for full-synthetic oil with a higher viscosity, commonly around 5W-40, with the appropriate API/ACEA specifications. Always check the market-specific manual or dealer guidance, as diesel oil requirements differ from gasoline engines.
- In extreme climates (very cold or very hot), Toyota may recommend a particular viscosity within the same overall range (for example, opting for the lower end of 0W-20 or the upper end of 5W-30) to optimize cold starts and high-temperature protection.
By understanding these general patterns, you can navigate toward the right oil for your vehicle's engine and climate, but the definitive source remains the owner's manual or a Toyota service adviser.
How to verify the exact oil for your Land Cruiser
If you’re unsure or don’t have the manual handy, use these steps to confirm the correct oil specification for your specific Land Cruiser.
- Check the owner's manual or the maintenance schedule for the exact grade and specification (viscosity, API/ACEA rating, and any Toyota-specific spec).
- Look up your vehicle’s VIN on Toyota’s official service site or contact a local dealer to obtain the precise requirement for your engine and market.
- Use a high-quality full-synthetic oil that meets the indicated specification (e.g., API SN or newer, GF-6 or newer) and the viscosity recommended for your engine and climate.
- Inspect the engine oil cap area or any service stickers—some manuals list the recommended grade directly there, though the manual remains the primary source.
- When in doubt, consult a trusted Toyota service center or technician to confirm the exact oil and change interval for your vehicle.
These steps help ensure you use the correct oil and maintain engine performance and warranty coverage.
Summary
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s oil needs are not universal; they depend on the exact generation, engine type, and operating climate. Most modern Land Cruisers use full-synthetic oil, typically in the 0W-20 or 5W-30 range, with the precise specification listed in the owner’s manual or provided by a dealer. Always verify the exact grade and specification for your vehicle to ensure proper lubrication, performance, and warranty compliance.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 0W20 Toyota?
Yes, you can use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20, especially in warmer climates or if you tow heavy loads, though it may slightly decrease fuel economy. The main difference is viscosity: 5W-30 is thicker when cold and at operating temperature, which can offer better protection in hot weather, but 0W-20 is specifically recommended by Toyota to maximize fuel efficiency and performance for most conditions. It is best to check your owner's manual, as it may list 5W-30 as an acceptable alternative for certain driving conditions.
When to consider using 5W-30
- Hot climates: A slightly thicker oil can provide better protection at high temperatures.
- Heavy towing or hard driving: A thicker oil film can be beneficial under high-load conditions.
- Higher mileage vehicles: Some sources suggest that 5W-30 can be better for engines with over 75,000 miles.
Potential downsides of using 5W-30
- Reduced fuel economy: The primary reason for the 0W-20 recommendation is to meet fuel efficiency standards, and using a thicker oil may lead to a slight decrease in gas mileage.
- Slower cold starts: The "0W" rating in 0W-20 means it flows faster in very cold temperatures, offering quicker lubrication during cold starts compared to 5W-30.
What to do
- Check your owner's manual: The manual is the definitive source and may list acceptable alternative viscosities for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.
- Consider your climate: If you live in a place with very hot summers or if you frequently tow, 5W-30 is a viable option.
- For a 2019 Toyota Camry, some sources recommend 0W-16 as the correct oil, not 0W-20, for the 4-cylinder engine. If you have a 4-cylinder engine, consult your owner's manual to confirm the correct oil weight, which may be 0W-16 or 0W-20.
- If you have a car with over 75,000 miles, consider switching to 5W-30.
- If you choose to switch, be sure to use a high-quality synthetic oil with the correct API and ILSAC GF-6 certifications.
What kind of oil does a Land Rover v8 take?
For most Land Rover models, the recommended lubricant is: Castrol EDGE Professional 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Oil.
What kind of oil does a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser take?
The oil class is standard and the SAE oil weight is 0W-20.
What oil does a Toyota Landcruiser take?
The tools required for this job are 5.9 quarts of 0W20 synthetic oil we recommend an OEM oil filter.
