2009 Subaru Legacy Oil Type & Capacity
The 2009 Subaru Legacy oil type depends on the engine: the GT Limited, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the GT Limited, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the GT spec.B takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the i, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the i, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the Limited takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the R takes 5W-30 (5.8 quarts qt with filter); the R Limited takes 5W-30 (5.8 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- GT Limited, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- GT Limited, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- GT spec.B: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- i, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- i, Standard: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- Limited: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- R: 5W-30, 5.8 quarts with filter
- R Limited: 5W-30, 5.8 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT Limited, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| GT Limited, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| GT spec.B — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| i, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| i, Standard — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| Limited — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| R — 3.0L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 5.80 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
| R Limited — 3.0L Eng | API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 5.80 QTS. | — | In hot weather oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Legacy
🛞 2009 Subaru Legacy Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2009 Subaru Legacy Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2009 Subaru Legacy Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2009 Subaru Legacy Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.6 quarts (7.19 L) — SUBARU Coolant or equivalent: a 50/50 mixture of Ethylene-Glycol Coolant and soft water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2009 Subaru Legacy take?
It depends on the engine: GT Limited, Automatic uses 5W-30; GT Limited, Standard uses 5W-30; GT spec.B uses 5W-30; i, Automatic uses 5W-30; i, Standard uses 5W-30; Limited uses 5W-30; R uses 5W-30; R Limited uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: GT Limited, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT Limited, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT spec.B holds 4.2 quarts with filter; i, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; i, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; Limited holds 4.2 quarts with filter; R holds 5.8 quarts with filter; R Limited holds 5.8 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Most 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 2009 Subaru Legacy?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2009 Subaru Legacy. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.