2010 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.4 quarts)
The 2010 Subaru Forester takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.4 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.4 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X Limited | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| X Premium, Automatic | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| X Premium, Standard | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| X, Automatic | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| X, Standard | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| XS, Automatic | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| XS, Standard | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| XT Limited | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
| XT Premium | ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or is used for heavy-duty applications, use API SM or SL viscosity SAE 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, or 20W-50. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Forester
🛞 2010 Subaru Forester Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2010 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2010 Subaru Forester Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2010 Subaru Forester Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.1 quarts (6.71 L) — SUBARU Coolant or equivalent: a 50/50 mixture of Ethylene-Glycol Coolant and distilled water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2010 Subaru Forester take?
The 2010 Subaru Forester takes 5W-30 motor oil (ILSAC GF-4 or API - SM, SAE 5W-30), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 2010 Subaru Forester?
The 2010 Subaru Forester oil capacity is 4.4 quarts with a filter change, or 4.2 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2010 Subaru Forester?
Most 2010 Subaru Forester 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 2010 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2010 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.