1987 Subaru XT Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.2 quarts)
The 1987 Subaru XT takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.2 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL-10, 1.8 4, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL-10, 1.8 4, Standard — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL-10, 1.8 7, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL-10, 1.8 7, Standard — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| GL, Standard — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your XT
🛞 1987 Subaru XT Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Subaru XT Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Subaru XT Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Subaru XT Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.5 quarts (5.2 L) — Anti-freeze and Anticorrosive Ethylene-Glycol Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Subaru XT take?
The 1987 Subaru XT takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Subaru XT?
The 1987 Subaru XT oil capacity is 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Subaru XT?
Most 1987 Subaru XT owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Subaru recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Subaru XT?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Subaru XT. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.