Quick answer: the 2013–2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L takes 5.1 US qt (4.8 L) of 0W-20 synthetic with a filter change; the 2012 2.5L takes 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) of 5W-30. The 3.6R six takes 6.9 US qt (6.5 L) of 5W-30.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinder (2012) | 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) | 5W-30 |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder (2013–2014) | 5.1 US qt (4.8 L) | 0W-20 synthetic |
| 3.6L 6-cylinder (3.6R) | 6.9 US qt (6.5 L) | 5W-30 |
2013 brought a new engine. The 2013 2.5L (FB25) takes 0.7 qt more than the 2012 engine and requires 0W-20 synthetic instead of 5W-30.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 2.5L | 3.6R |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) | 6.9 US qt (6.5 L) |
| 2013 | 5.1 US qt (4.8 L) | 6.9 US qt (6.5 L) |
| 2014 | 5.1 US qt (4.8 L) | 6.9 US qt (6.5 L) |
We read the engine oil table in the “Specifications” chapter of every model-year manual listed below.
Recommended oil type
2.5L (2013–2014): 0W-20 synthetic is the required oil. If it is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used to top up, but change back to 0W-20 synthetic at the next oil change.
2.5L (2012): Subaru says the engine is designed to use 5W-30 conventional oil; 5W-30 synthetic may be used.
3.6L six: Subaru says the engine is designed to use 5W-30 conventional oil, with 5W-30 synthetic allowed for optimum performance (10W-30 or 10W-40 conventional only to top up).
How to reset the oil life reminder on the 2012–2014 Subaru Outback
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
On models with a multi-function display, Subaru’s manuals set the oil reminder in the display’s setting screen: open the maintenance settings, select Engine Oil, set the date and distance of the reminder with the steering-wheel control switches, and select Set; Update returns the notification distance to the default. Older models without this menu have no oil reminder to reset.
Oil change tips
- 2.5L: a 5-quart jug is just short for 2013–2014; buy one extra quart.
- 3.6R: a 5-quart jug plus two quarts.
- Subaru says each quantity is only a guideline. After refilling, check the level with the dipstick: adding oil from the L to the F mark takes about 1.1 US qt (1.0 L).
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Subaru’s owner’s manuals, published on Subaru of America’s official Vehicle Resources page (“Specifications” chapter, engine oil table):
- 2012 Legacy and Outback owner’s manual
- 2013 Legacy and Outback owner’s manual
- 2014 Legacy and Outback owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 26, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2013–2014 Subaru Outback 2.5 take?
5.1 US qt (4.8 L) with a filter change.
How much oil does a 2012 Outback 2.5 take?
4.4 US qt (4.2 L).
What oil does a 2012–2014 Outback use?
0W-20 synthetic for the 2013–2014 2.5L; 5W-30 for the 2012 2.5L and the 3.6R.
How much oil does the 3.6R take?
6.9 US qt (6.5 L) of 5W-30.
Can I use 5W-30 in a 2013+ 2.5L?
Only to top up when 0W-20 synthetic is not available; change back to 0W-20 at the next oil change.
Newer Outback? See the 2015–2019 Subaru Outback.