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 with filter); the GT Limited, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GT spec.B takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the i, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the i, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the Limited takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the R takes 5W-30 (5.8 quarts with filter); the R Limited takes 5W-30 (5.8 quarts 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. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Legacy
2009 Subaru Legacy factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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.
How much oil does a 2009 Subaru Legacy take?
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.
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.