2008 Toyota RAV4 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2008 Toyota RAV4 oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.4 D, AWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Base, 2.4 D, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Base, 3.5 K, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter); the Base, 3.5 K, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter); the Limited, 2.4 D, AWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Limited, 2.4 D, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Limited, 3.5 K, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter); the Limited, 3.5 K, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter); the Sport, 2.4 D, AWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Sport, 2.4 D, FWD takes 0W-20 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Sport, 3.5 K, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter); the Sport, 3.5 K, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.4 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.4 D, AWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.4 D, FWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.5 K, AWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.5 K, FWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, 2.4 D, AWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Limited, 2.4 D, FWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Limited, 3.5 K, AWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, 3.5 K, FWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Sport, 2.4 D, AWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Sport, 2.4 D, FWD: 0W-20, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Sport, 3.5 K, AWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
- Sport, 3.5 K, FWD: 5W-30, 6.4 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.4 D, AWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.4 D, FWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.5 K, AWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.5 K, FWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| Limited, 2.4 D, AWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Limited, 2.4 D, FWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Limited, 3.5 K, AWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| Limited, 3.5 K, FWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| Sport, 2.4 D, AWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Sport, 2.4 D, FWD — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 0W-20, 5W-20 | 4.50 QTS. | 4.30 QTS. | — |
| Sport, 3.5 K, AWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| Sport, 3.5 K, FWD — 3.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-30 | 6.40 QTS. | 6.00 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 0W-20 motor oil on AmazonBuy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon2008 Toyota RAV4 oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your RAV4
2008 Toyota RAV4 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.2 quarts (6.81 L) — TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent. DO NOT use plain water alone.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2008 Toyota RAV4 take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 D, AWD uses 0W-20; Base, 2.4 D, FWD uses 0W-20; Base, 3.5 K, AWD uses 5W-30; Base, 3.5 K, FWD uses 5W-30; Limited, 2.4 D, AWD uses 0W-20; Limited, 2.4 D, FWD uses 0W-20; Limited, 3.5 K, AWD uses 5W-30; Limited, 3.5 K, FWD uses 5W-30; Sport, 2.4 D, AWD uses 0W-20; Sport, 2.4 D, FWD uses 0W-20; Sport, 3.5 K, AWD uses 5W-30; Sport, 3.5 K, FWD uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2008 Toyota RAV4 take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 D, AWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, 2.4 D, FWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, 3.5 K, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Base, 3.5 K, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Limited, 2.4 D, AWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Limited, 2.4 D, FWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Limited, 3.5 K, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Limited, 3.5 K, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Sport, 2.4 D, AWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Sport, 2.4 D, FWD holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Sport, 3.5 K, AWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter; Sport, 3.5 K, FWD holds 6.4 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2008 Toyota RAV4?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2008 Toyota RAV4. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.