What type of coolant does a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek use?

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek requires a silicate-free, ethylene glycol–based long-life coolant, typically Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant (LLC) in a ready-to-use 50/50 premixed formulation with distilled water. Using the correct coolant helps protect the aluminum engine and aging gaskets.

Understanding the coolant specification is essential for proper maintenance. Subarus from this era rely on a specific, low-silicate coolant that is compatible with the vehicle’s cooling system materials. Below are the official guidance and practical notes for owners and technicians.

Official coolant specification for the 2016 Crosstrek

Before listing options, note that Subaru specifies an ethylene glycol–based coolant with low silicate content that is compatible with aluminum engines and Subaru seals. Subaru offers Genuine Long Life Coolant, but equivalent products may be acceptable if explicitly labeled as Subaru- and engine-compatible.

• Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant (LLC) – ethylene glycol–based, silicate-free, formulated for Subaru engines; sold premixed 50/50 with distilled water.


• Ethylene glycol–based coolants from reputable brands that clearly state compatibility with Subaru engines and are silicate-free and designed for OAT/HOAT formulations.


• If using concentrate instead of premixed, mix with distilled water to achieve the 50/50 ratio and ensure the final mixture remains free of mineral contaminants.

Using a coolant that does not meet Subaru’s specification can lead to corrosion, deposits, and cooling-system damage. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a Subaru service professional for the recommended product.

Maintenance notes and service tips

Keeping the Crosstrek’s cooling system healthy requires attention to coolant type, level, and replacement timing. Consider the following guidelines:

• Check the coolant level when the engine is cool and top up with the same type of coolant if needed.


• Avoid mixing different coolant types in the same system unless compatibility is confirmed and the system has been flushed properly.


• Follow the service schedule for coolant replacement as outlined in the owner's manual; many owners plan a coolant service around 10 years or 100,000 miles, but always verify the exact interval for your vehicle.

Proper maintenance helps prevent overheating and protects against corrosion and leaks. If you perform a drain and fill, ensure complete emptying and refill with the correct premixed coolant or correctly mixed 50/50 solution, then bleed air per the service procedure.

Color and compatibility note

Color alone is not a reliable indicator of compatibility. Do not rely on color to determine whether a coolant is right for your Crosstrek. Always verify the product specification and Subaru approval to avoid issues.

Summary: For a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, use Subaru Genuine Long Life Coolant or an ethylene glycol–based coolant explicitly labeled as compatible with Subaru engines, with low silicate content, and suitable for a 50/50 premixed mixture with distilled water. Refer to the owner's manual and consult a Subaru dealer or certified technician for precise recommendations and service intervals.

What kind of coolant does a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek take?

Pentosin – Pentofrost A3 HOAT Phosphated Asian 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze / Coolant – 1 Gallon (Part No.

What kind of coolant does a 2016 Subaru take?

The correct coolant for a 2016 Subaru is Subaru's blue Super Coolant (50/50 pre-diluted), or a compatible yellow or blue Asian vehicle-specific HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or P-HOAT (Phosphated HOAT) coolant. Do not mix with other coolant types, especially silicate-based coolants, as this can cause gelling and damage the system. 
Recommended coolant types

• Genuine Subaru: Blue Super Coolant (pre-diluted). 
• Aftermarket compatible: A yellow or blue Asian vehicle-specific HOAT or P-HOAT coolant. 
• Universal: A universal yellow coolant that states compatibility with HOAT, P-HOAT, and OAT coolants, or is designed for all vehicles. 

Important considerations

• Avoid mixing: Do not mix coolants of different types (e.g., blue and green) or colors unless they are specifically stated to be compatible. Mixing can cause gelling. 
• Color does not equal type: The color of the coolant is not a reliable indicator of its type, as different manufacturers use different colors for different formulas. 
• Check your owner's manual: Always check your owner's manual or consult a Subaru dealership to confirm the correct type and service intervals for your specific vehicle. 
• Concentrate vs. pre-mixed: Subaru's blue Super Coolant is pre-diluted with distilled water for correct proportions. If using a concentrate, you must mix it with the correct amount of distilled water. 

Do Subaru's need special coolant?

Yes, Subarus need a specific coolant, primarily the factory-filled "Super Coolant," which is a special blue Subaru coolant. Before 2008, Subarus used a long-life green coolant. While a high-quality universal Asian blue coolant can be used, it's crucial to use the correct type for your specific Subaru model and year to ensure proper corrosion protection, especially for its aluminum engine components.
 
Coolant types and considerations

• Blue Subaru Super Coolant: This is the current standard, introduced after 2008, and is a premixed, long-life formula designed specifically for Subaru's aluminum engines. It has a much longer service interval than older coolants. 
• Green Subaru Long Life Coolant: This was used in Subarus before 2008. It is an ethylene glycol-based coolant that is not premixed and requires mixing with water to the correct ratio, which can be more challenging to get right. 
• Universal Asian Blue Coolant: A high-quality universal Asian blue coolant can be used as a substitute for Subaru's blue Super Coolant. This coolant is also designed to protect aluminum engines and can be a good option if you can't get the Subaru-brand product. 

Important tips

• Always check your owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific Subaru model will be in your owner's manual. 
• Don't mix coolants: Never mix green and blue coolant, as they are not formulated to be compatible with each other. 
• Consider the warranty: If your car is still under warranty, using the specified Subaru coolant is recommended to avoid voiding the warranty. 
• Don't use universal coolants indiscriminately: While some universal coolants may work, it's crucial to ensure the universal coolant is specifically formulated for Asian vehicles to protect against corrosion and other damage. 

What kind of coolant does a Subaru crosstrek take?

The recommended antifreeze for a Subaru Crosstrek is Subaru Genuine Super Coolant blue, which is a 50/50 pre-mixed coolant. Alternatively, you can use a compatible blue Asian vehicle long-life antifreeze/coolant, such as Prestone Asian Vehicles (Blue) antifreeze+coolant. It is crucial to use the correct type to avoid potential damage.
 
This video shows the location of the coolant reservoir in a Subaru Crosstrek: 35sDIY PintoYouTube · Nov 13, 2017
Recommended options

• Subaru Genuine Super Coolant: This is the OEM-recommended blue coolant specifically designed for Subaru vehicles. 
• Prestone Asian Vehicles (Blue) Antifreeze/Coolant: This is a compatible option that is specifically formulated for Asian vehicles, including Subaru models 2009 and newer. 
• Other compatible blue Asian vehicle coolants: Any other brand of blue Asian long-life coolant should also be compatible. 

Important considerations

• Do not mix coolants: It is vital to avoid mixing different types or colors of coolant, as they can react, gel, and damage your cooling system. 
• Check the color: Look for the blue color, as Subaru models 2009 and newer use this specific type of coolant. 
• Use the correct mixture: Ensure you are using a 50/50 pre-mixed formula or that you mix a concentrate with the correct amount of distilled water. 
• Consult your manual: Always refer to your owner's manual to confirm the specific requirements for your vehicle's model year.