1996 Subaru Impreza Oil Type & Capacity
The 1996 Subaru Impreza takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.2 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 2D Coupe, 1.8 1 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 2D Coupe, 1.8 2 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 2D Coupe, 2.2 4, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 2D Coupe, 2.2 4, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 4D Sedan, 1.8 1 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 4D Sedan, 1.8 2 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 4D Wagon, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| L, 4D Wagon, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, 2D Coupe, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, 2D Coupe, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, 4D Sedan | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| LX, 4D Wagon | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| Outback, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| Outback, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon1996 Subaru Impreza oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Impreza
1996 Subaru Impreza factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.6 quarts (6.24 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1996 Subaru Impreza take?
The 1996 Subaru Impreza takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 30Deg.F), 10W-30/40 (-15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 1996 Subaru Impreza take?
The 1996 Subaru Impreza holds 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1996 Subaru Impreza?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Subaru Impreza. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.