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When choosing an engine oil for your Subaru Forester, we recommend using an engine oil that has the specification API PS, ILSAC GF-6.

Best Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20 for Subaru Forester

Best choice

Idemitsu Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20

Advanced fully synthetic engine oil, meets the specifications of API SP, ILSAC GF-6

  • 5,0 Rating
  • API: SP
  • ILSAC: GF-6
  • 5 Quart Container
  • Made in Japan

Top rated oil for Subaru Forester

Top choice

Castrol EDGE Extended Performance 0W-20

  • 4,8 Rating
  • API SN, ACEA A1/B1
  • ILSAC GF-5

Best choice

Idemitsu Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20

  • 4, 9 Rating
  • API SN
  • ILSAC GF-5

Recommended

Valvoline Modern Engine Motor Oil 5W-20

  • 4,7 Rating
  • API SN
  • ILSAC GF-5

Best synthetic oil for Subaru Forester

1. Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil SN/GF-5

2. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1310 Motor Oil

3. Castrol 06240 EDGE Extended Performance 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

4. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil (SN/GF-5-5 Quart)

5. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1410 Motor Oil

6. Castrol 03086 EDGE Extended Performance 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

7. RAVENOL J1A1504 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil

8. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil

9. Red Line 15205 5W20 Motor Oil

10. Idemitsu 30010099-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil (SN/GF-5-5 Quart)

11. Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5W30

12. Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

13. Valvoline Modern Engine Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

Best semi synthetic oil for Subaru Forester

14. Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil

15. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil 10W-30

16. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 10W-30

What is synthetic oil and how does it work?

 

Best synthetic oil for Subaru Forester

ILSAC GF-5 oils are formulated to improve fuel efficiency and provide improved performance across a wide range of areas including high temperature deposit protection for pistons, improved protection against the formation of engine sludge Subaru Forester.

Best motor oils meets the most advanced GF-5 standard, set by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) enable to exceed the requirements of such car manufacturers as Subaru.

1. Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil SN/GF-5

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Idemitsu fully synthetic engine oil is reliable and offers exceptional protection. With this oil it improves engine performance.

The synthetic base oil and friction-reducing technology help the engine run smoothly. This keeps the engine intact and delivers great power.

When engine oil is cheap, it allows deposits to build up and wear out when the weather changes. However, this 0W-20 engine oil from Idemitsu is different.

The viscosity does not change even under worse conditions. Instead, it ensures proper lubrication and engine cleaning.

The high technical quality of this oil makes it an excellent choice. It provides a tight seal and allows complete fuel combustion.

This results in less soot adhering to the pistons and other components. This top class 0W-20 synthetic oil in turn helps to reduce overall emissions.

Pros:

  • Perfect engine cleaning
  • Minimizes emissions
  • Frictionless additives
  • Compatibility with wide engines

Cons:

  • Only available for petrol engines
  • You will only receive 946 mL oil.

2. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1310 Motor Oil

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Genuine Subaru 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil is uniquely formulated to master the low-friction design of the Subaru non-turbo engine, and is designed for high performance under a variety of operating conditions. Its advanced formula resists rigorous and long engine operation without viscosity loss and improves lubrication at all operating temperatures.

Pros:

  • More power and optimized fuel consumption
  • Excellent protection against oil oxidation and degradation
  • Clean running engine and longer engine life
  • Increased protection against paints and deposits

Cons:

  • None

3. Castrol 06240 EDGE Extended Performance 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

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Castrol EDGE Extended Performance is Castrol’s most advanced fully synthetic engine oil. It offers ultimate performance for an extended runoff of 20,000 miles or a full year. Castrol EDGE Extended Performance with Fluid TITANIUM technology is the first choice for drivers of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and SUVs that demand outstanding performance and protection over a full year or 20,000 miles. Create exhilarating performance with any drive.

Castrol EDGE Extended Performance features some of the best features of Castrol’s patented Fluid TITANIUM technology, which transforms its structure to be stronger under pressure. It helps keep metal apart and combat power-sapping friction to achieve maximum engine performance. Castrol EDGE Extended Performance offers performance with the power to extend the drain by 20,000 miles, force with the muscle to maintain viscosity stability under the engine’s extreme force, and protection against wear.

Pros:

  • 20,000 miles between dewatering intervals guaranteed*.
  • Recommended for heavy-duty applications such as towing, high performance driving, frequent short trips or idling, dusty, humid or extreme temperature conditions.
  • Developed with fluid-titanium technology to provide maximum strength under pressure.
  • Reduces metal-to-metal contact across a range of travel speeds.
  • Reduces the formation of engine deposits to maximize engine response.
  • The best advanced fully synthetic products you can buy.

Cons:

  • None

4. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil (SN/GF-5-5 Quart)

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Maximum fuel consumption

Synthetic base oils in combination with advanced friction modifying additive technologies reduce friction and improve the flow properties of the lubricant to achieve the highest fuel consumption.

Engine protection without compromise

Contains unique and strong additive components that provide excellent protection against engine wear. It minimizes the formation of deposits, even under extreme test conditions.

Reduced oil consumption and emissions

Designed for extremely low volatility and high piston cleanliness, which means less oil burn and emissions.

Idemitsu works with some of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers to develop technologically advanced engine oils that deliver the highest fuel economy. Idemitsu engine oils offer improved wear protection under some of the most demanding operating conditions. The unique combination of high quality synthetic base oil and high performance additive components enables engines to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, torque and performance. By minimizing wear and keeping the engine virtually free of harmful deposits, Idemitsu engine oil helps extend engine life. Idemitsu is committed to developing clean, energy efficient products. The Idemitsu 5W-20 meets this commitment by reducing vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, protecting emission control systems and reducing fuel consumption. The fully synthetic formulation with robust additive technology offers the potential to extend oil change intervals and thus reduce the amount of waste oil produced.

Pros:

  • Maximizes fuel consumption by combining synthetic base oils with advanced friction modifying additive technologies.
  • Provides excellent protection against engine wear and minimizes the formation of deposits, even under extreme conditions.
  • Designed for high piston cleanliness, which means less oil burn and lower emissions.
  • Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to make sure you buy the right oil for your vehicle.

Cons:

  • The price is slightly too high

5. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1410 Motor Oil

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The Genuine Subaru Certified 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, especially recommended for turbocharged engines, provides excellent protection against oil failure for clean operation and long engine life. 5W-30 synthetic engine oil is required for 2011 and newer turbocharged Subaru vehicles.

Pros:

  • Optimized fuel consumption
  • Increased protection against paints and deposits
  • Excellent lubrication for reduced motor wear over the entire operating temperature range
  • Reduces oil loss through evaporation and combustion.

Cons:

  • None

6. Castrol 03086 EDGE Extended Performance 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

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Engine oils must be able to react consistently to changing environments in your engine. At every moment of the journey, your engine oil must be able to respond to the needs of the different metal-to-metal contact points in your engine with different requirements, pressures and temperatures. Castrol EDGE Extended Performance – Castrol’s premium fully synthetic oil is uniquely engineered with fluid-titanium technology to provide unsurpassed protection for critical engine parts and ensure optimum performance – with strength to enable an extended drain interval of up to 20,000 miles. Extended service is not recommended for heavy service applications such as racing, frequent towing or towing, commercial use, extremely dirt/dusty conditions or excessive idling.

For advanced protection for cars and trucks that need it most, contact Castrol 5W20 Edge Extended Performance with synthetic titanium engine oil. The heavy 5W-20 synthetic product lubricates key components for up to 20,000 miles. The car’s engine oil is easy to store and pour. For even more protection, consider adding other automotive products, such as the treatment of liquid engines, which are available separately.

7. RAVENOL J1A1504 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil

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RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W-20 is a fully synthetic engine oil with CleanSyntho technology based on PAO (polyalphaolefins) for passenger cars, petrol and diesel engines with and without turbocharging and direct injection. Minimization of friction, wear and fuel consumption, excellent cold start properties. Extended oil change intervals according to manufacturer’s instructions. The composition of the oil minimizes the probability of early ignition (LSPI, Low Speed Pre-Ignition). Recommended for turbo gasoline engines with direct injection (Turbo-GDI).

RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W20 achieves a high viscosity index due to its formulation with special base oils. The excellent cold-start behavior ensures optimum lubrication reliability in the cold-running phase. RAVENOL SFE SAE 5W-20 contributes to the protection of the environment by reducing emissions.

Pros:

  • High-quality synthetic engine oil designed and extensively tested in American, European and Japanese engines when SAE 5W-20 is required.
  • Licensed approvals for API SN, SM and ILSAC GF-5 quality standards
  • High corrosion protection even at high speeds, protects the longevity of the engine with excellent cleaning and dispersion properties for trouble-free engine operation.
  • Low tendency to evaporation with low oil consumption and safety against accumulation of sludge, coking and corrosion even under unfavorable operating conditions.

Cons:

  • Difficult to find in the stores

8. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil

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This oil, like the others, offers the best protection for your engine. It works under various conditions and Pennzoil is another brand with a good reputation for good reason. They are a good product and their oil is good. Their oil is characterized by the use of PurePlus Gas-to-Liquid technology and high performance additives to keep the oil working at all temperatures. It also keeps high performance and luxury cars as close to the factory clean as you can for your engine. This can also be used with other engines.

The formulation also provides oil stability so it will not burn, and it keeps the gaskets working so your car will not have oil leaks. This oil keeps your pistons nice and clean, as well as the rest of your engine. Users love how long this oil lasts and some of the other benefits of this oil. Some users have found that their cars were quieter, more efficient and more responsive when they used this oil. It can even be used in modern engines or old engines. If you are looking for an all-around good fully synthetic oil, then Pennzoil ultra premium may be just right for you.

It also helps to support cleaner pistons and protect against performance losses often caused by engine wear and deposits.

However, you should note that this oil lacks the right additives to make it ideal for high mileage engines, but Pennzoil offers a high mileage version.

Pros:

  • Fully synthetic oil for high-performance engines
  • Provides impressive viscosities over a temperature range
  • Helps maintain engine efficiency
  • Provides excellent protection against engine wear

Cons:

  • Its additives are not very strong
  • Not ideal for high mileage engines

9. Red Line 15205 5W20 Motor Oil

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Red Line synthetic oils offer the highest protection and lowest friction for your engine. This special blend of components helps to keep the multi-weight oil stable over different temperatures. Since the oil is a fully synthetic oil, it offers benefits that conventional petroleum-based oil cannot offer.

Characteristics:

  • Manufactured in only one top quality, these products offer the highest quality available on the market today and a variety of viscosities.
  • Fully synthetic ester formula for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, high performance vehicles and marine applications.
  • Designed for maximum protection, efficiency, cleanliness and excellent drain intervals.
  • Excellent wear protection and friction reduction over a wide operating range.
  • The high cleaning power enables longer drain intervals and ensures increased cleanliness.

Pros:

  • Better protection
  • Improved performance
  • Quality you can trust

Cons:

  • Difficult to find in the stores

10. Idemitsu 30010099-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil (SN/GF-5-5 Quart)

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Synthetic engine oil for gasoline engines, according to the latest API SN specification. Provides a confident start in winter operation at temperatures down to -30 C. maintains excellent lubricating properties and ensures cleanliness of the engine, which helps to increase its service life.

Maximum fuel consumption

Synthetic base oils in combination with advanced friction modifying additive technologies reduce friction and improve the flow properties of the lubricant to achieve maximum fuel savings.

Motor protection without compromise

Contains unique and strong additive components that provide excellent protection against engine wear. It minimizes the formation of deposits, even under extreme test conditions.

Pros:

  • Maximizes fuel consumption by combining synthetic base oils with advanced friction modifying additive technologies.
  • Provides excellent protection against engine wear and minimizes the formation of deposits, even under extreme conditions.
  • Designed for high piston cleanliness, which means less oil burn and lower emissions.
  • Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to make sure you buy the right oil for your vehicle.

Cons:

  • None

11. Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5W30

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Recommended especially for turbo-charged engines, Genuine Subaru Certified 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil provides superior protection against oil breakdown for cleaner running and long engine life. 5W-30 synthetic motor oil is required for 2011 and newer turbo-charged Subaru vehicles.

Pros:

  • Optimized fuel economy
  • Increased protection against varnish and deposits
  • Superior lubrication for reduced engine wear across the operating temperature range
  • Reduces oil loss due to evaporation and burn off

12. Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

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Royal Purple Motor Oil Combines premium base oils with proprietary additive technologies to create high performance motor oils that optimize engine performance and provide superior protection. No special procedures are necessary when upgrading to Royal Purple. Royal Purple motor oil is fully compatible with mineral or other synthetic oils. Royal Purple recommends waiting until the manufacturers first scheduled oil change in new gasoline engines before upgrading to Royal Purple. Royal Purple’s API licensed motor oil delivers superior protection and improves performance in gasoline and diesel engines. Royal Purple’s API SN licensed motor oil meets ILSAC GF-5 and Dexos1 1 performance requirements.

Pros:

  • Better wear protection
  • Increased fuel efficiency
  • Better protection of the expensive catalytic emission system
  • Improved compatibility with fuels containing ethanol
  • Superior corrosion protection

13. Valvoline Modern Engine Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

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Fight carbon build-up with Valvoline Modern Engine SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. Engines in vehicles 2012 and newer are built smaller and more efficient than ever. As a result, they run hotter and are prone to fuel and oil related carbon build-up. These issues could lead to power and fuel economy loss and ultimately engine breakdown. This oil is formulated to fight carbon build-up in GDI (Gas Direct Injection), Turbo, and other newer engines. Developed with innovative motor oil technology, Valvoline Modern Engine SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil exceeds industry standards for protecting today’s engines from carbon build-up, wear, sludge, extreme temperatures and more.

Pros:

  • Designed to fight carbon build-up in GDI, Turbo and other newer engines
  • Protects against carbon build-up, wear, sludge, and extreme temperatures
  • Protects against oil oxidation and viscosity breakdown
  • Provides outstanding protection against knocking and catastrophic engine failure caused by low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)
  • Developed with innovative motor oil technology

Best semi synthetic oil for Subaru Forester

14. Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil

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Castrol GTX ULTRACLEAN synthetic technology has excellent performance. The unique Double Action formula removes old mud and protects against the formation of new mud, giving you more control over the difficult conditions at today´s

APPLICATION

Castrol GTX ULTRACLEAN 10W-30 is suitable for use in automotive gasoline engines where the manufacturer recommends an API SN, ILSAC GF-5 or earlier 10W-30 lubricant.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • Provides 50% better sludge protection compared to hard industry standards.
  • Enhanced protection against viscosity and thermal degradation
  • Excellent protection against high temperature deposits
  • High-quality base oils and wear protection additives that extend the service life of your engine.

Pros:

  • Excellent protection against engine sludge, measured in Sequence VG sludge test.
  • Extended protection against viscosity and thermal degradation.
  • High-quality base oils and wear protection additives to extend the service life of your engine.
  • Helps minimize oil consumption

Cons:

  • None

15. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil 10W-30

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The Platinum range of motor oils is second only to Ultra Platinum in terms of performance and is the second largest in Pennzoil’s product range, still surpassing Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline and other manufacturers.

Advantages of Pennzoil 10w-30 Platinum:

  • Supports pistons up to 8% cleaner than the closest competitor and 40% cleaner than the most stringent standard requirements (results obtained in the ILSAC GF-5, Sequence IIIG test using SAE 5W-30 viscosity greases and Ford, Chrysler, GM and Ferrari specifications)
  • No other engine oil (except Ultra Platinum) can keep your engine even cleaner.
  • Helps improve fuel economy
  • Helps to save power
  • Excellent wear protection
  • High performance of Pennzoil Platinum at extreme temperatures (provides excellent pumping ability at low temperatures and excellent protection at extremely high temperatures)
  • Designed for heavy-duty driving: start/stop function, frequent short trips, heavy loads, dirt roads and dusty conditions

Pros:

  • Developed for a high quality base oil using our revolutionary PurePlus Gas-to-Liquid technology in combination with a powerful additive system.
  • Protects against the effects of low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in modern turbocharged engines.
  • Provides better fuel economy that helps you drive an extra 550 miles per year compared to a dirty engine.
  • Provides unsurpassed wear protection by preventing engine parts from coming into contact.
  • Provides excellent piston cleanliness and keeps pistons up to 50% cleaner than required by the most stringent industry standards – based on the results of Sequence IIIH engine testing.

Cons:

  • None

16. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 10W-30

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Valvoline MaxLife 10W-30 synthetic engine oil is specially designed to extend the life of high mileage engines. The synthetic mixing formula contains special additives specifically designed to solve the problems of older engines. It is a mixture of manufactured and high-quality conventional raw materials with sealing and cleaning agents, fiction modifiers and wear protection additives. They offer performance advantages for engines with high mileage, new builds and conversions. Switch to MaxLife Valvoline engine oil to give your high mileage car or truck the extra protection it needs to run for long periods. The MaxLife formula is designed to combat the four major causes of engine leaks, deposits, mud and friction. The five-quarter version of the synthetic mixed engine oil means fewer bottles overfill your garage. It is generally the right size for an oil change for most standard vehicles. Rely on Valvoline MaxLife 10W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil to take care of your valuable ride.

Pros:

  • Seal conditioners regenerate aging engine seals to help stop and prevent oil leaks.
  • Additional wear protection prevents future engine wear
  • Additional cleaning agents keep older engines clean by binding and removing sludge and deposits.
  • Antioxidants help prevent oil damage and prevent engine sludge clogging and deposits from forming.

Cons:

  • Price is slightly too high

How to choose engine oil for Subaru Forester

Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds artificially produced (synthesized) using chemically modified petroleum components instead of complete crude oil. Read our new rewiev about Best oil for Subaru Impreza.

Synthetic oils were originally developed for aircraft engines (and are still used exclusively in aircraft engines) because they can reduce friction and wear on engine parts. This performance is because synthetic oil has an incredible ability to function reliably at extreme heat and cold temperatures and withstand rigorous and long engine operation without viscosity degradation.

Consider this as…. At sub-zero temperatures like 0F, the quality of the oil can be the difference between getting around the engine in 10 seconds (synthetic) or 3 minutes (normal). Normal 5w-20 engine oil can become thicker over time (like pasta sauce, which thickens when heated several times) and could actually turn into 5w-40 when changed! Synthetic motor oil reviews

Does it make my engine last longer?

Yes – because it is so slippery and synthetic, it reduces engine wear and extends engine life. It flows more easily in cold weather, so no prima loss in cold oil. It is also very resistant to viscosity degradation (the oil’s ability to flow easily at all temperatures) to heat, friction and chemical impurities. It is the cheapest insurance you can take out for your vehicle.

What are the advantages of Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil?

The technical advantages of Subaru synthetic motor oils include:

  • Better measurement behavior at low and high temperatures with viscosity
  • Better chemical and shear stability
  • Lower evaporation loss
  • Resistance to oxidation, thermal degradation and oil sludge problems
  • Extended drain intervals with the environmental benefit of less oil waste.
  • Improved fuel economy in certain engine configurations.
  • Better lubrication during cold starts.
  • Longer motor service life

Is Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil Good for the Environment?

YES – Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil can be recycled together with normal engine oil. In addition, synthetic engine oils do not need to be changed so often, which results in less waste oil.

In addition, synthetic engine oils for your vehicle can increase your fuel consumption by more than 2%. To illustrate the scale of this change, you understand that if only a third of U.S. drivers reduced their gasoline consumption by 2%, we would save nearly a billion gallons of gasoline and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by eight million tons per year. This is equivalent to removing about 1.5 million cars from the road. It is good for the environment!

Does Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil Need a Special Oil Filter?

No. Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil works with the same Subaru filters that are used with conventional engine oils.

Can I mix Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil with conventional engine oil?

In an emergency, you can mix the two types of oil. However, it is best not to mix them and the oil should be changed as soon as you are out of the emergency. The performance and benefits of Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil will be degraded if mixed with normal oil.

Engine oil grades for Subaru Forester

Subaru offers two different SAE weights that differ in viscosity. As shown below, the 5W-30 is specifically designed for turbos running at higher temperatures. The 0W-20 is the perfect weight for the non-turbo engine and is designed for improved fuel economy.

Which oil for your Subaru?

Subaru Engine Oil

There is a full range of mobile brand engine oils suitable for the various Subaru automotive programs, including oils suitable for gasoline engines and oils suitable for diesel and hybrid engines. There are Mobil brand engine oils specifically designed for Subaru Forester models such as Subaru Forester 2.5i and oils designed for Subaru Outback models such as Subaru Outback 2.5i.

0W-20 Engine oils for Subaru

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 is a high performance synthetic engine oil suitable for a range of Subaru vehicles, including Subaru Forester models and Subaru Outback models.

5W-30 Engine Oil for Subaru

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 is an advanced synthetic engine oil that meets or exceeds the industry specifications for your Subaru: ILSAC GF-5 and API SN.

How does synthetic oil help protect the engine of my Subaru?

Tests have shown that Mobil 1 can reach all moving parts of the engine faster than some conventional oils. Until your oil circulates completely, friction between dry parts of the engine will slowly reduce engine life. Synthetic engine oils such as Mobil 1 start to circulate immediately and protect every moving part in the engine, which over time can lead to savings in maintenance costs.

Which oil should I buy for my Subaru?

It is important to use the right oil in your car to meet the Subaru manufacturer’s specifications. Using the correct Mobil 1 product during routine maintenance and in accordance with your vehicle’s manual will not affect the Subaru manufacturer’s warranty.

We know that the use of the right engine oil is crucial for the care of your Subaru. That is why we only use Genuine Subaru engine oil in your Subaru. Below you will find a brief overview to help you find the right oil and oil change interval for your vehicle. Use the form on the right for a convenient oil change and service planning!

Subaru Forester Oil Change Service Intervals

 Model Yr. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE) Oil Type First 3 months or 3,000 miles First 7.5 months or 7,500 miles Further changes every 7.5 months or 7,500 miles
2011 4-non turbo 0W-20 Synthetic X X  X
2011 4-turbo 5W-30 Synthetic  X  X
2012  4-non turbo0W-20  Synthetic X  X
2012  4-turbo5W-30  Synthetic X  X
2013  4-non turbo0W-20Synthetic  X  X
2013  4-turbo5W-30 Synthetic  X  X
2014  4-non turbo0W-20  Synthetic X  X
 2014 4-turbo5W-30 Synthetic  X  X

Subaru Forester motor oil recommendations

Subaru Synthetic Engine Oil is supplied in two SAE weights: OW-20 and 5W-30. OW-20 is used in the non-turbo engine, which is designed for improved fuel economy and higher performance. 5W-30 is formulated for the turbo engine running at a higher temperature.

Subaru Forester engine oil type

If you are looking for the first oil change in a Subaru Forester, it is recommended that you use 0w-20 synthetic oil for the 2.5-liter boxer engine and 5w-30 synthetic oil for the 2.0 turbo boxer engine.

Subaru Forester engine oil price

Subaru Forester Oil Change costs $100 on average.

Recommended oil for Subaru Forester

5W-30

Subaru Forester engine oil capacity

Model: Subaru Forester, SF (1997 – 2002)

EngineCapacity/Filter capacity
litres(liters)
Oil Change Intervals
Forester 2.0 (1997 – 1998)EJ 20J412 500 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0 (1999 – 2002)EJ 20J4.512 500 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0 T (1999 – 2002)512 500 km/ 12 months
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Model: Subaru Forester, SG (2002 – 2008)

EngineCapacity/Filter capacity
litres(liters)
Oil Change Intervals
Forester 2.0 (2002 – 2005)EJ 20J415 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0 (2005 – 2008)4.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0 T (2002 – 2005)4.515 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5 (2005 – 2008)4.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5 T (2005 – 2008)4.315 000 km/ 12 months

Model: Subaru Forester, SH (2008 – 2013)

EngineCapacity/Filter capacity
litres(liters)
Oil Change Intervals
Forester 2.0 (2008 – 2013)4.2 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5 (2008 – 2011)EJ 2534.2 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5 (2011 – 2013)FB25B5.212 000 km/ 8 months
Forester 2.5 T (2008 – 2011)EJ 2554.2 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5 T (2011 – 2013)EJ 2554.212 000 km/ 8 months
Forester 2.0 D (2008 – 2013)5.9 / 0.415 000 km/ 12 months

Model: Subaru Forester, SJ (2013 – )

EngineCapacity/Filter capacity
litres(liters)
Oil Change Intervals
Forester 2.0i (2013 – )FB204.8 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0 XT (2013 – )FA20DIT5.1 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.5i (2013 – )FB254.8 / 0.215 000 km/ 12 months
Forester 2.0D (2013 – )5.9 / 0.415 000 km/ 12 months

Best oil for Subaru Forester Video

David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

David Muench (Carnes Mechanical)

Hey, I’m David. I’ve worked in a cars store for 6 years. I write reviews and guides, helping people to choose the most suitable technicals and best product for them. I’m happy to finally share my knowledge of the industry here, on CarnesMechanical.

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