Subaru Forester Engine Oil & Fluids

If you own a Subaru Forester, then you know that the engine oil in your vehicle needs to be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles when using synthetic motor oil.

This article will tell you what oil to use in your Subaru Forester, as well as what fluids you need to maintain your Subaru Forester.

Subaru Forester Engine Oil Recommended

For new Subaru Forester vehicles, it is recommended to use 0w-20 viscosity, API SN, SP, or ILSAC GF-5, GF-6 engine oil.

Subaru Forester Motor Oil Capacity

• Subaru Forester XT 2004 – 2010 5W-30 Conventional Oil 4.4 Quarts
• Subaru Forester XT 2011 – 2018 5W-30 Synthetic Oil 4.4 – 5.4 Quarts

Subaru Forester Motor Oil Viscosity

New Subaru Forester vehicles should use 0w-20, 5w-20 or 5w-30 viscosity engine oil. For vehicles with over 100,000 miles, you should use 10w-30 viscosity oil.

Subaru Forester Engine Oil Specifications

When selecting oil for your Subaru Forester, consider API and ILSAC specifications. For new Subaru Forester vehicles, oil that meets API SN, SN+, SP, and ILSAC GF-5, GF-6 must be used.

When choosing your engine oil, consider the mileage of your Subaru Forester and the operating conditions of your Subaru Forester.

Best Engine Oil for Subaru Forester

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-20

• API SN
• Subaru SOA427V1310

Subaru Forester Engine Oil Reviews & Buying Guide

When selecting engine oil for your Subaru Forester, consider the mileage of the Subaru Forester and the condition of the engine. For a new Subaru Forester and a low mileage vehicle, it is best to use synthetic engine oil.

Synthetic oil for Subaru Forester

Synthetic oil has a significant impact on Subaru Forester’s fuel consumption due to its physical and chemical characteristics. Because of its high fluidity and friction properties, friction losses in the Subaru Forester engine are significantly reduced. This means that more of the energy released in the combustion process will be transferred directly to the wheels. As a result, the gas pedal in the Subaru Forester becomes more responsive with less fuel consumption.

When using synthetic oil in the Subaru Forester, there is less friction in the engine and transmission at low temperatures than when using high viscosity oil. This provides improved Subaru Forester engine starting performance, fuel economy, and lower emissions when the Subaru Forester is operated in cold cycle mode.

Subaru Forester 0w-20 Engine Oil

For new Subaru Forester vehicles with less than 50,000 miles, we recommend using a synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil that meets the API SP, ILSAC GF-6 specification.

Idemitsu Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20 GF-6

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6

Castrol Edge Advanced Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20

• API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
• ILSAC: GF-6
• ACEA: A1, B1, C5
• GM dexos1
• GM 4718M
• GM 6094M
• Ford WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C962-A1

Red Line Motor Oil 0W-20

• API: SN, CF
• ILSAC: GF-5
• ACEA: A5, B5
• GM dexos1
• BMW LL-14 FE+
• Fiat 500X MS-6395
• Honda, Acura
• Mopar 68152004PA
• Nissan KLAM7-00204
• Subaru
• Jaguar
• Land Rover STJLR.51.5122
• Mazda 0000-G5-0W20-MQ, 0000-77-0W20-QT
• Mitsubishi MZ320106

Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

• API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
• ILSAC: GF-6A, GF-5, GF-4
• ACEA: A1, B1
• Ford WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C947-A
• Chrysler MS-6395

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• GM 6094M
• Ford WSS-M2C947-A, WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C962-A1

Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 0W-20

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• Chrysler MS-6395
• Ford WSS-M2C 947-A, WSS-M2C 947-B1
• GM 6094 M
• GM dexos1 Gen 2
• Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6
• Chrysler MS-6395
• GM dexos1™ Certification
• Ford WSS-M2C947-A

K&N Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20

• API: SN+
• ILSAC: GF-6A

Subaru Forester 5w-20 Engine Oil

For new Subaru Forester vehicles with less than 75,000 miles, we recommend using a synthetic 5w-20 viscosity engine oil that meets the API SN, SP, ILSAC GF-5, GF-6 specifications.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

• API SP, API SP Resource Conserving
• ILSAC GF-6A
• GM dexos1:GEN2 Licensed
• Ford WSS-M2C947-A
• Ford WSS-M2C947-B1
• Fiat Chrysler Automotive MS-6395
• GM 6094M
• FORD WSS-M2C962-A1

Amsoil Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

 

• API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
• ILSAC: GF-6A, GF-5, GF-4
• ACEA: A1, B1
• GM dexos1 Gen 2
• Honda HTO-06
• Ford WSS-M2C946-B1, WSS-M2C946-A, WSS-M2C929-A
• Chrysler MS-6395

Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-20

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• Chrysler MS-6395
• Ford WSS-M2C 947-A, WSS-M2C 947-B1
• GM 6094 M
• GM dexos1 Gen 2
• Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

K&N Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20

 

• API: SN+
• ILSAC: GF-6A

Subaru Forester 5w-30 engine oil

For a new Subaru Forester with between 50,000 and 150,000 miles, we recommend a 5w-30 viscosity engine oil that meets API SN, SN+, SP, ILSAC GF-5, GF-6 specifications.

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5w-30

• API: SN
• ILSAC: GF-5
• Subaru

Idemitsu Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil

• API SP
• ILSAC GF-6

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30

• API SP, API SP Resource Conserving
  ILSAC GF-6A
• GM dexos1:GEN2 Licensed
• HONDA/ACURA HTO-06
• Ford WSS-M2C946-A
• Ford WSS-M2C946-B1
• Ford WSS-M2C929-A
• GM 4718M
• GM 6094M
• FORD WSS-M2C961-A1

Castrol Edge 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

• API SN
• ILSAC GF-5
• ACEA A1/B1, A5/B5
• GM dexos1
• Meets Ford WSS-M2C929-A, Ford WSS-M2C946-A
• Honda HTO-06
• Meets engine test requirements of Chrysler MS-6395

Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

• API: SP, SN PLUS, SN
• ILSAC: GF-6A, GF-5, GF-4
• ACEA: A1, B1, A5, B5
• GM dexos1 Gen 2
• Honda HTO-06
• Ford WSS-M2C946-B1, WSS-M2C946-A, WSS-M2C929-A
• Chrysler MS-6395

Red Line Motor Oil 5W-30

• API: SN, CF
• ACEA: A3, B3, B4
• VW 502.00, 503.01, 505.01
• BMW LL-01
• Ford WSS-M2C946-A
• GM dexos1 (GM-LL-A-025, GM6094M, GM4718M)

K&N Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30

• API: SN+
• ILSAC: GF-6A

Subaru Forester 10w-30 engine oil

For Subaru Forester vehicles with over 150,000 miles, we recommend using a conventional 10w-30 viscosity engine oil that meets API SM, SN specifications.

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 10W-30

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• Chrysler MS 6395

Formula Shell Conventional 10W-30 Motor Oil

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• Chrysler MS 6395
• Ford WSS-M2C946-A
• Ford WSS-M2C946-B1

Castrol Edge High Mileage Oil 10W-30

• API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
• ILSAC: GF-6
• GM 6094M

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30

• API: SP
• ILSAC: GF-6A
• Chrysler MS 6395

Subaru Forester Engine Oil Review

Engine Oil Type for Subaru Forester

There are two types of engine oils: conventional oil and synthetic oil. Lately, Subaru Forester owners choose synthetic motor oil simply because of its quality and good molecular consistency.

Synthetic oils for the Subaru Forester have many additives that help increase engine compression as well as reduce fuel consumption. Winter starting the engine is much easier since the oil does not thicken as much at low temperatures.

The only disadvantage of synthetic oil is its high price compared to conventional oil. We recommend using synthetic oil in newer Subaru Forester models, and conventional motor oil in older Subaru Forester models.

Subaru Forester Engine Coolant and Antifreeze

Efficient engine coolant protects your Subaru Forester engine from freezing and overheating. It can also protect your Subaru Forester engine from corrosive elements and improve performance. Select the coolant based on the recommendations in your Subaru Forester service book. These are popular coolants that may be suitable for your Subaru Forester.

Zerex Asian Vehicle Blue Silicate and Borate Free 50/50 Prediluted Ready-to-Use Antifreeze/Coolant

• Formulated to replace the OEM fluid in Asian make vehicles such as Honda, Nissan, KIA, Hyundai, and others requiring a blue, silicate free HOAT antifreeze/coolant
• Meets the following OEM and industry specifications: Hyundai/KIA MS 591-08, Mitsubishi ES-64217, JIS K 2234-1994, Ford WSS-M97B55-A, ASTM 3306, ASTM D4985, Federal Specification A-A-870A

Subaru Forester Brake Fluid

Brake fluid provides lubrication to the brake system in your Subaru Forester and prevents corrosion of its components. Brake fluids are classified based on the DOT (Department Of Transportation) standard. DOT 4 or DOT 5 brake fluid is recommended for your Subaru Forester. It is recommended that you change the brake fluid in your Subaru Forester every two years. We have listed the popular brake fluids that can be used in your Subaru Forester

Bosch ESI6-32N Brake Fluid DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1

• DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1

Amsoil Synthetic Brake Fluid DOT 3 and DOT 4

• DOT 3&4

Castrol Dot 4 Brake Fluid

• DOT 4

Subaru Forester Automatic Transmission Fluids

Amsoil ATLQT Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

• Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures and challenging terrain
• Remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures
• Provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid

• Dexron VI

Subaru Forester Power Steering Fluid

ACDelco Power Steering Fluid

How often should I change the engine oil in my Subaru Forester?

• Changing the synthetic oil in your Subaru Forester is required once a year or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
• Regular oil in your Subaru Forester needs to be changed every six months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

How long does it take to change the oil in a Subaru Forester?

An oil change in a Subaru Forester usually takes 30 minutes.

How much does it cost to change the oil in a Subaru Forester?

An oil and filter change will cost between $20 and $50. The cost of the change along with the oil will be $40 to $80 with regular oil. If your Subaru Forester requires synthetic oil, you will have to pay between $70 and $150. The price may vary depending on your area and the quality of the auto shop.

How much does motor oil cost for a Subaru Forester?

• The price of regular motor oil is: $20 to $30
• The price of synthetic engine oil: $40 – $50

How often should I change the coolant in my Subaru Forester?

Flush and replace the antifreeze every 5 years or 50,000 miles driven.

How often should I change the brake fluid in my Subaru Forester?

The brake fluid should be changed every 2 years.

What is the oil change interval for the automatic transmission oil in my Subaru Forester?

For a Subaru Forester with an automatic transmission, an ATF change is recommended every 50,000 to 70,000 miles under standard vehicle operating conditions. In a variator, the ATF should be changed at least every 50,000 miles.

How often should I change the power steering fluid in my Subaru Forester?

It is recommended to change the power steering fluid after 50,000 to 70,000 miles, guided by the condition of the fluid.