Which engine oil is best for a Toyota Land Cruiser?

The best engine oil for a Toyota Land Cruiser is a high-quality full synthetic that meets Toyota’s specification for your exact model and market. Most newer Land Cruisers are recommended to use 0W-20, with 5W-30 acceptable in some climates or older engines — always verify in your owner’s manual or with a dealer.

Key oil specifications for the Land Cruiser

Oils used in Land Cruisers must be full synthetic and meet modern API and ILSAC standards. The exact viscosity and specification depend on the engine and market; here’s what to look for when shopping:

• 0W-20 synthetic oil — commonly recommended for many newer Land Cruiser engines; typically meets API SP and ILSAC GF-6.


• 5W-30 synthetic oil — a common alternative in hotter climates or on older engine variants; should also meet API SP/ILSAC GF-6 and be approved for your model by the manual.


• 5W-40 or similar higher-viscosity options — used in some engines or regions, particularly for high-load or diesel variants; verify compatibility in the owner’s manual.

In short, always confirm the exact grade and specification in the owner’s manual or with a Toyota dealer, as the Land Cruiser lineup spans multiple generations and configurations (gasoline and diesel) across markets.

Viscosity and formulation guidelines

Because oil viscosity needs vary with engine type, climate and usage, these are the typical guidelines you’ll encounter for Land Cruisers:

• 0W-20 full synthetic — default choice for many modern gasoline engines; promotes cold-start protection and fuel efficiency while meeting current API GF-6 standards.


• 5W-30 full synthetic — viable alternative for hotter climates, older engine variants, or where the manual lists this grade; should meet the same API GF-6/ILSAC standards.

Always follow the exact grade listed in your vehicle’s manual and avoid using a different viscosity than specified without guidance from a technician.

Brand and specification considerations

Choosing a brand that guarantees the correct specification helps protect engine wear, emissions systems, and warranty coverage. Look for full synthetic oils that clearly state API SP (or newer) and ILSAC GF-6, and consider brands that offer Toyota-approved formulations:

• Toyota Genuine Motor Oil — designed for Toyota engines; available in 0W-20 and 5W-30 variants depending on region.


• Mobil 1 (ESP/formulated lines) — commonly available in 0W-20 or 5W-30 with API SP and GF-6 ratings.


• Castrol EDGE or Castrol GTX Magnatec — offers 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic options meeting GF-6/API SP.


• Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic — available in 0W-20 and 5W-30 with modern API/GF-6 specs.


• Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic — 0W-20 or 5W-30 options with GF-6 compatibility.

Avoid mixing brands or using oils that do not clearly display the API SP and GF-6 (or newer) ratings, and always check that the grade matches your manual. Diesel variants, if any, may require different specifications; consult the manual for those engines.

Maintenance intervals and oil type

Oil-change intervals depend on oil type, driving conditions, and the vehicle’s oil-life monitoring system. In modern Land Cruisers with synthetic oils, typical intervals range from roughly 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal, mixed driving, but severe service, towing, or frequent short trips can shorten that window. Always follow the Oil Life Monitor (OLM) guidance or the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

• With synthetic oil and normal use, expect longer intervals (often up to 10,000 miles) as indicated by OLM.


• With conventional or blended oils, or under severe service, shorter intervals (around 5,000 miles or 6 months) are common.

After changing oil, reset the OLM if your vehicle uses it, and keep records of oil type, grade, and mileage to maintain warranty coverage and service history.

Climate and driving-condition considerations

Extreme temperatures, heavy towing, long periods of idling, or off-road use can influence the preferred oil grade. In very hot climates or for engines under heavy load, a slightly higher-viscosity oil such as 5W-30 or 5W-40 may provide better protection, while very cold climates may favor 0W-20 for easier cold starts. Always tailor your choice to the engine and environment as advised by Toyota.

Summary

For a Toyota Land Cruiser, the safest and most effective approach is to use a high-quality full synthetic oil that meets Toyota’s specifications, typically 0W-20 as the default in many recent models, with 5W-30 as a valid alternative in certain climates or older engines. Always verify the exact viscosity and specification in the owner’s manual or with a Toyota dealer. Choose a reputable brand that clearly lists API SP and ILSAC GF-6 (or newer) ratings, and adhere to recommended maintenance intervals based on your driving conditions. This ensures optimal lubrication, engine longevity, and warranty compliance.

What brand of oil does Land Rover recommend?

Castrol EDGE Professional
Land Rover recommends Castrol EDGE Professional—a high-quality, fully synthetic oil. Every vehicle that leaves the Land Rover factory is topped off with Castrol EDGE Professional, and it's the only oil recommended for use in a Range Rover Sport.

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. 

Which is better, 5W30 or 5W40 Toyota?

Vehicle Age and Engine Condition
New vehicles (within 5 years): Prioritize low-viscosity oil (5W30) for balanced fuel efficiency and heat dissipation. Older vehicles (over 8 years): Opt for high-viscosity oil (5W40) to enhance sealing and anti-wear performance.

What brand of oil does Toyota recommend?

Toyota recommends using its own Genuine Toyota Motor Oil because it is formulated specifically for their engines. However, you can also use any synthetic oil that meets Toyota's specifications and has the correct viscosity grade (like 0W-20 or 0W-16), which you can confirm by checking your owner's manual. You should ensure the oil is certified by ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee). 
Brand recommendations

• Genuine Toyota Motor Oil: This is the brand Toyota makes for its vehicles and is recommended for the best performance and protection. 
• Other synthetic brands: Other brands like Mobil 1 are also suitable, as long as they meet the required specifications, such as viscosity grade and ILSAC certification. 

How to choose the right oil

1. Check your owner's manual: This is the most important step. Your manual will specify the correct oil viscosity grade (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) and performance standard your engine requires. 
2. Look for certification: Ensure the oil container has the ILSAC "starburst" certification symbol to confirm it meets the required performance standards. 
3. Consider the viscosity: Newer engines often use lower viscosity oils like 0W-16 for better fuel economy, while older engines might use 5W-30. Always use the grade recommended in your manual.