Best Engine Oil For Subaru Outback

When choosing an engine oil for your Subaru Outback, we recommend using an engine oil that has the specification API SN, SP, ILSAC GF-5, GF-6.

Best Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20 for Subaru Outback

Best engine oil for Subaru Outback

1. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1310 Motor Oil
2. Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil SN/GF-5
3. Castrol 06240 EDGE Extended Performance 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
4. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1410 Motor Oil
5. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine 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
11. Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5W30
12. Valvoline Modern Engine Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20
13. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Motor Oil 5W-20
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

Best motor oil for Subaru Outback

What oil for your Subaru?

Best synthetic oil for Subaru Outback

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 Outback.

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. Genuine Subaru Motor Oil

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Original fully synthetic Subaru 0W-20 engine oil with a unique formula, designed to maintain the “low friction” standard in modern non-turbinated Subaru engines, and includes requirements for high performance motors operating in a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions. Its special formula withstands the stringent requirements for continuous engine operation without viscous shear, while providing excellent lubrication of engine parts over the full range of applications.

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:

• Little bit pricey

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

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Idemitsu full 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.

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

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Сastrol EDGE Extended Performance is Castrol’s most advanced fully synthetic engine oil. It offers ultimate performance for an extended drain 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. Genuine Subaru SOA427V1410 Motor Oil

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Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 (SOA427V1410) is a high quality, low viscosity motor oil.

This oil was developed by Subaru for its new gasoline engines with reduced process holes. This oil is fully synthetic and is created on a high quality hydrocracking basis.

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 differs from its analogues as its energy-saving features are achieved due to the base, which is specially selected for this oil and additives, which improve oil characteristics.

In addition, thanks to this oil, it provides a smooth start of the engine even in cold weather due to high fluidity, but at high temperatures, the oil remains viscous enough to ensure a sufficient level of lubrication.

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

5. Idemitsu 30010091-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-20 Engine Oil

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Idemitsu Kosan Co. was founded in 1911 in Moji, Kita-Kyushu. It produces fuel products and basic chemicals, lubricants, engineering plastics, performance chemicals, organic light emitting diode (OLED) materials. Idemitsu develops clean and energy efficient products.

The container for this oil is 5 liters. Its high-quality friction modifying additive technologies and synthetic base oils save fuel. It protects the engine from wear and tear and minimizes the formation of deposits under any conditions. This means less oil is burnt and emissions are avoided. Reviewing your car’s owner’s manual is essential when selecting the oil that best suits your car.

With Idemitsu 30010091-530 C020 fully synthetic 5W-20 engine oil, the engine achieves the highest levels of power, torque and efficiency. This eliminates the number of waste oils.

Pros:

• Motor protection against wear and tear
• Elimination of emissions
• Maximum fuel consumption
• High level of performance

Cons:

• It works best with gasoline engines.

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

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The next oil is the Castrol Edge version of the 5W-20. This oil is fully synthetic and has its own special pre-formula. This oil has been developed to deliver peak performance under extreme pressure conditions. A great thing about this oil is that it has also been developed for use under a variety of driving speeds and conditions. No matter what kind of driving you do, this oil will reduce metal-to-metal contact to keep your engine running strong. In addition to reducing friction, it also reduces sludge buildup and deposits. Users really love how smooth your vehicle is with this oil.

This oil is also formulated to meet the requirements of most major brands. This means that you can use this oil in everything. It can be used in old or new engines. It even meets the requirements for use in turbo engines. This means you do not have to worry about damaging your engine if you use this oil. Because it is fully synthetic, it also offers a long life. It has special chemicals to prevent the oil from decomposing. This means you can stay longer between changes and still get the best protection. Castrol Edge is another great synthetic oil option to consider.

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

7. RAVENOL J1A1504 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil

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RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE 5W-20 is a top product for modern passenger cars with gasoline and diesel engines of the latest generation. Due to the USVO technology, we achieve an extremely high viscosity stability. We avoid and exploit the disadvantages of polymer viscosity improvers. This improves engine protection, performance, engine cleanliness and oil change intervals. USVO technology allows the product to be extremely resistant to oxidation and to shear losses throughout the change interval. This unique technology enables faster lubrication of the oil, minimizing friction and keeping the engine clean and efficient.

RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W-20 utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the engine surface structure, reduce friction and wear and significantly improve mechanical efficiency. RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W-20 has a high viscosity index due to its formulation with special base oils. The formulation avoids premature fuel ignition LSPI (Low Speed Prevention) and thus prevents engine damage. Recommended for turbo gasoline engines with direct injection (Turbo-GDI). RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W-20 contributes to the protection of the environment by reducing emissions. RAVENOL Super Fuel Economy SFE SAE 5W-20 minimizes friction, wear and fuel consumption with excellent cold start characteristics. RAVENOL SFE 5W-20 also meets extended oil change intervals according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Pros:

• High-quality synthetic engine oil developed in American, European and Japanese engines and extensively tested 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:

• None

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

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This is a fully synthetic engine oil that your car will surely thank you for using. Why? Well, it is known to car enthusiasts for its amazing lubricating and cleaning properties.

It is so good that Pennzoil is willing to give you a warranty that covers up to 500,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first) as long as you use only their synthetic oil.

Pennzoil’s attention to purity requires that this product at least be considered. Finally, if it gives your car more fuel economy, it will also save money. In fact, Pennzoil guarantees that you will get an average of 550 miles more out of your vehicle per year compared to a dirty engine. That is impressive.

Pros:

• The patented PurePlus technology ensures excellent base oil purity.
• Extremely good cleaning and lubricating properties for high fuel consumption
• Generous warranty

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than the market average

9. Red Line 15205 5W20 Motor Oil

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Red Line produces a range of synthetic oils that can withstand the pressure of a high performance vehicle.

Red Line is a favorite between high performance car and motorcycle racing customers. However, it is also suitable for everyday vehicles – they do not distinguish.

It’s really child’s play. If your engine is running hot, all you have to do is buy Red Line synthetic oil.

They have been around for nearly 40 years and are a trusted brand, especially in the racing industry. If you are in this industry and have not yet tried this animal of synthetic oil, we ask you to do so.

Pros:

• Amazing performance at high temperatures
• Helps reduce engine noise
• Extra strong cleaning additives
• Proven brand in the car racing industry

Cons:

• Specially marketed for racing cars

10. Idemitsu 30010099-95300C020 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil

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The container contains 5 quarts. In addition to 5w-20, it provides the engine with amazing protection against wear. The high piston cleanliness reduces green gas emissions. This protects the emission control systems and eliminates fuel consumption. It minimizes the formation of deposits, even under complicated conditions.

It contains turbos and is designed for powerful engines. With the specific technology, the engine serves long time.

Pros:

• Eliminated gas emissions
• Reduced fuel consumption
• Durable engine service
• Long service life

Cons:

• It is pretty expensive.

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. 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:

• Innovative formula fights carbon build-up in GDI (Gas Direct Injection), Turbo and other newer engines
• Premium full synthetic formula for exceptional high and low temperature protection
• Exceeds industry standards for protection against wear, deposits and sludge
• Exceptional protection against motor oil breakdown in demanding GDI, turbo and other newer engines
• Dexos1™ Gen2 approved and licensed
• Meets all preceding API and ILSAC gasoline categories. Check owner’s manual for API Service and Viscosity recommendations

13. Mobil 1 Extended Performance Motor Oil 5W-20

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Mobil 1™ Extended Performance 5W-20 is advanced full synthetic engine oils designed to keep your engines running like new and protect critical engine parts for 15,000 miles between oil changes. Mobil 1 Extended Performance features a special formulation that helps to provide outstanding protection during today’s longer oil change intervals.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 is made with a proprietary blend of high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with a precisely balanced additive component system, designed especially to help deliver performance and protection during long service intervals. Mobil 1 Extended Performance oils are uniquely designed to help provide outstanding levels of performance, cleaning power and engine protection, even during longer oil change intervals.

Pros:

• 15,000 miles of guaranteed protection
• Dexos approved
• Certified American Petroleum Institute – For gasoline engines
• Official motor oil of Nascar

Best semi synthetic oil for Subaru Outback

14. Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil

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TriShield is a unique triple action technology that attracts, traps and distributes particles that can accumulate in engines and cause sludge build-up. TriShield prevents small particles from becoming big problems and protects the car you can rely on. This innovative technology uses a polymer that contains two chemical hooks that attract and trap both sludge and soot in a single molecule to help prevent particle formation. With TriShield Technology, Castrol has improved the effectiveness and protection offered by GTX.

Pros:

• Excellent protection against engine sludge as measured in the VG Sludge Test sequence 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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It is a fully synthetic oil made from natural gas as a raw material, with a combination of additives that provide cleaner pistons, better fuel economy and protection of engines from metal abrasion caused by friction due to power loss.

Thanks to its extremely pure (99.5%) base material, it ensures faster oil flow at low temperatures.

Once again, we have an engine oil that meets or exceeds the vast majority of industry standards, from Dexos 1 to ACEA, including dozens of vehicle manufacturers’ own standards.

Pros:

• Fully synthetic oil
• Prices are lower than those of competitors.
• Increased fuel consumption

Cons:

• None

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

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It is intended for engines with high mileage. It is made from a mixture of raw materials that do not make it a full synthetic oil (therefore also called synthetic mixture).

It contains an impressive range of additives such as seal conditioners that rejuvenate aging engine seals to stop and prevent oil leakage, and additional cleaners that keep older engines cleaner by binding to and removing sludge and debris, and then antioxidants help prevent oil damage by preventing engine clogging sludge and debris.

Pros:

• Manufactured for high mileage engines.
• Impressive package of additives that work in a variety of ways to keep your engine running like new.
• Very inexpensive as it is not fully synthetic.

Cons:

• Not full synthetic

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. You can read a new review about Best oil for Ford Focus on our Carnesmechanical website.

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 original 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!

Outback

* Synthetic oil can be used but must have the same oil viscosity and be changed at the same intervals as conventional oil. Detailed information and recommendations for heavy driving conditions can always be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Use a brand name 0W/20 that meets the minimum requirements listed in the manual. This would be almost any available 0W/20, as they are all excellent and fully compatible with the OEM filling.

I think it is time to clear the air over synthetics. First, synthetic oil is not affected by heat or cold like oil. It can withstand up to 400 degrees and minus 40 degrees Celsius. Oil starts to thicken when it gets colder, which affects its ability to lubricate due to its high viscosity and does not lubricate an engine as quickly as plastics, it also thins and breaks down after reaching 260 degrees. Secondly, the high-quality synthetic plastic (P.A.O.) has a higher degree of additives and is not affected by condensation, so it does not produce the brown sludge you see in so many engines.

Subaru Repair: How to run in your new engine + oil change plan

It is no secret that the operation of a new car requires attention. The first month of use affects the long-term health of the engine. Subaru may have different engine types: turbocharged 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines or naturally aspirated engines, all horizontally opposed – each requires a reasonable initial running-in period.

Preventive measures can help prevent repairs. We’ve compiled tips on how to properly operate your vehicle for the initial use period.

• Start slowly. Wait until you hit 1,000 miles on the odometer before you exceed 4,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). A slow start reduces the risk of oil combustion, which ensures that the piston rings are properly positioned in the combustion chambers.
• Accelerate and brake wisely. Not abruptly. And not abruptly. That way you develop the right balance between the pads and the brake drums and discs.
• Try not to use cruise control. Avoid frequent use of different operating modes.
• Use different types of routes (highways, city roads). The engine adapts to accept engine speed ranges using different driving situations.
• Change the oil at the first recommended oil change point. The standard oil change period is 6 months or 6,000 miles. Whatever happens to your model, it will improve the overall condition of your engine by performing a timely oil change with high-quality synthetic oil. Oil changes will vary slightly depending on the intake method and size of your Subaru engine. To make sure you’re using the right type of oil and following the correct change schedule.
• Always check the dashboard. If the “cold engine” indicator light is blue, warm up the engine before driving. Synthetic motor oil on sale

Subaru oil change plan

The interval of 6 months or 6000 miles, whichever comes first, is mentioned above as the standard for new Subaru cars. This interval applies to all 2017 and 2018 Subaru Outback, BRZ, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX and STI. If you have another year of the car, check your manual to see if your interval is correct.

As mentioned earlier, some mechanics suggest doubling the oil change during the first interval (which would also mean changing it at 3 months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first, in the case of the above Subaru models 2017 and 2018). As mentioned in Cars101.com, it may be a good idea to change the oil before the standard interval, “especially in hard driving, cold/hot weather or manual transmissions that are turned up or down”.

The Subaru manual supports this perspective. The car manufacturer mentions that there are also different scenarios in which you want to top up the oil before the oil change – important because the consumption rate of engine oil increases under certain conditions. These scenarios are:

• During the introductory phase of first ownership
• If you have filled the car with inferior oil (or if you cannot check the oil quality, as with buying a used Subaru).
• If you have used oil that has an incorrect viscosity.
• If you are using high engine speeds (i.e. working at high speeds).
• If you are carrying heavy loads in your Subaru.
• When you connect a trailer to the vehicle.
• If you are idling for a long time.
• When you are in traffic jams or other stop-and-go scenarios.
• If the outside temperature is extreme during vehicle operation.
• If you accelerate and decelerate the car more often than normal.
• If you have activated engine braking.

In these situations, it is a good idea to check your oil every second time you refuel your car. You also want to change the oil more often. If your car consumes more than 1-quarter oil per 1200 miles, you want to take it to a mechanic to see why the consumption is unusually high.

As an example (see also your manual), here are the oil types that should be used in 2017 versions of these Subaru models and engine sizes:

• Outback 5 L – 0w-20 synthetic
• Outback 3,6 L – 5w-30 conventional or synthetic

Subaru Outback motor oil recommendations

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil comes in two SAE weights: OW-20 and 5W-30. OW-20 is used in the non-turbo engine, designed for improved fuel economy and increased power. 5W-30 is formulated for the turbo engine, which runs at a higher temperature.

Subaru Outback engine oil type

What is viscosity and what weight of oil should you use in your Subaru? For your first oil change in the 2.5-liter boxer engine in the Subaru Outback, the engineers recommend the use of synthetic oil 0w-20.

Engine oil grades for Subaru Outback

Outback 2.5L 0w-20 synthetic
3.6L 5w-30 conventional (that is what it comes with) or you can switch to 5w-30 synthetic.
Legacy 2.5L 0w-20 synthetic

Subaru Outback engine oil price

Subaru Outback Oil Change costs $102 on average.

Recommended oil for Subaru Outback

5W-30