2009 Dodge Nitro Oil Type & Capacity
The 2009 Dodge Nitro oil type depends on the engine: the R/T, 4WD takes 10W-30 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the R/T, RWD takes 10W-30 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the SE, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SE, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- R/T, 4WD: 10W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
- R/T, RWD: 10W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
- SE, 4WD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SE, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, 4WD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/T, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 5.50 QTS. | — | For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use the recommended engine oil that meets the requirements of ACEA C3, and approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 only. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. |
| R/T, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 5.50 QTS. | — | For countries that use the ACEA European Oil Categories for Service Fill Oils, use the recommended engine oil that meets the requirements of ACEA C3, and approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 only. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade. |
| SE, 4WD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SE, RWD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SLT, 4WD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
| SLT, RWD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE 5W-20 engine oil is not available. |
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Buy the right oil & filter for your Nitro
🛒 Buy 10W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (5.5 quarts needed) on Amazon🛒 Buy 5W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (5.5 quarts needed) on Amazon💡 Capacity Note: Your 2009 Dodge Nitro holds 5.5 quarts with filter. Since standard jugs are 5 quarts, be sure to pick up extra 1-quart bottles or a 2-pack to reach the full mark on the dipstick.
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Nitro
🛞 2009 Dodge Nitro Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2009 Dodge Nitro Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2009 Dodge Nitro Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2009 Dodge Nitro Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
14.0 quarts (13.24 L) — MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Includes: heater and coolant recovery tank filled to "max" level.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2009 Dodge Nitro take?
It depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD uses 10W-30; R/T, RWD uses 10W-30; SE, 4WD uses 5W-20; SE, RWD uses 5W-20; SLT, 4WD uses 5W-20; SLT, RWD uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; R/T, RWD holds 5.5 quarts with filter; SE, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SE, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Most 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 — Dodge recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.