1996 Hyundai Sonata Oil Type & Capacity
The 1996 Hyundai Sonata oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic takes 20W-40 (3.91 quarts qt with filter); the Base, Standard takes 20W-40 (3.91 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 2.0 F takes 20W-40 (3.91 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 3.0 T takes 20W-40 (4.23 quarts qt with filter); the GLS takes 20W-40 (4.23 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, Automatic: 20W-40, 3.91 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard: 20W-40, 3.91 quarts with filter
- GL, 2.0 F: 20W-40, 3.91 quarts with filter
- GL, 3.0 T: 20W-40, 4.23 quarts with filter
- GLS: 20W-40, 4.23 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.91 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, Standard — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.91 QTS. | — | — |
| GL, 2.0 F — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 3.91 QTS. | — | — |
| GL, 3.0 T — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.23 QTS. | — | — |
| GLS — 3.0L Eng | API - SAE 20W-40/50 (32Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (-10Deg.F to Above 120Deg.F), 5W-30/40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F) | 4.23 QTS. | — | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Sonata
🛞 1996 Hyundai Sonata Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1996 Hyundai Sonata Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1996 Hyundai Sonata Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1996 Hyundai Sonata Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.7 quarts (7.28 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 1996 Hyundai Sonata take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic uses 20W-40; Base, Standard uses 20W-40; GL, 2.0 F uses 20W-40; GL, 3.0 T uses 20W-40; GLS uses 20W-40.
What is the oil capacity of a 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic holds 3.91 quarts with filter; Base, Standard holds 3.91 quarts with filter; GL, 2.0 F holds 3.91 quarts with filter; GL, 3.0 T holds 4.23 quarts with filter; GLS holds 4.23 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
Most 1996 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 1996 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. 20W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Hyundai Sonata. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.