1996 Subaru Impreza Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.2 quarts)
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. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Impreza
🛞 1996 Subaru Impreza Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1996 Subaru Impreza Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1996 Subaru Impreza Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1996 Subaru Impreza Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network 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.
What is the oil capacity of a 1996 Subaru Impreza?
The 1996 Subaru Impreza oil capacity is 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Subaru Impreza?
Most 1996 Subaru Impreza 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 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.