1990 Hyundai Sonata Oil Type & Capacity
The 1990 Hyundai Sonata oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.4 S, Automatic takes 20W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.4 S, Standard takes 20W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.0 T, Automatic takes 20W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 3.0 T, Standard takes 20W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, 2.4 S, Automatic takes 20W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, 2.4 S, Standard takes 20W-20 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, 3.0 T, Automatic takes 20W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, 3.0 T, Standard takes 20W-20 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.4 S, Automatic: 20W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.4 S, Standard: 20W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.0 T, Automatic: 20W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.0 T, Standard: 20W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- GLS, 2.4 S, Automatic: 20W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- GLS, 2.4 S, Standard: 20W-20, 3.5 quarts with filter
- GLS, 3.0 T, Automatic: 20W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- GLS, 3.0 T, Standard: 20W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.4 S, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 2.4 S, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 3.0 T, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 3.0 T, Standard — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
| GLS, 2.4 S, Automatic — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | — |
| GLS, 2.4 S, Standard — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | — |
| GLS, 3.0 T, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
| GLS, 3.0 T, Standard — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-20/40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-20/30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1990 Hyundai Sonata
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (20W-20, 3.5 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your Sonata
🛒 Buy 20W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (3.5 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (20W-20):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your Sonata
🛞 1990 Hyundai Sonata Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1990 Hyundai Sonata Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1990 Hyundai Sonata Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1990 Hyundai Sonata Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.4 quarts (7 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1990 Hyundai Sonata take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 S, Automatic uses 20W-20; Base, 2.4 S, Standard uses 20W-20; Base, 3.0 T, Automatic uses 20W-20; Base, 3.0 T, Standard uses 20W-20; GLS, 2.4 S, Automatic uses 20W-20; GLS, 2.4 S, Standard uses 20W-20; GLS, 3.0 T, Automatic uses 20W-20; GLS, 3.0 T, Standard uses 20W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 1990 Hyundai Sonata?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 S, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Base, 2.4 S, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Base, 3.0 T, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, 3.0 T, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.4 S, Automatic holds 3.5 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.4 S, Standard holds 3.5 quarts with filter; GLS, 3.0 T, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; GLS, 3.0 T, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1990 Hyundai Sonata?
Most 1990 Hyundai Sonata 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 — Hyundai recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1990 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. 20W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1990 Hyundai Sonata. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.