2010 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
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. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Forester
2010 Subaru Forester factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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.
How much oil does a 2010 Subaru Forester take?
The 2010 Subaru Forester holds 4.4 quarts with a filter change, or 4.2 quarts without changing the filter.
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.