2011 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Type & Capacity

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox oil type depends on the engine: the LS, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LS, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 2.4 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 2.4 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 2.4 C, FWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 3.0 5, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 3.0 5, FWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

LS, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LS, FWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 2.4 C, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 2.4 C, FWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 3.0 5, AWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
LT, 3.0 5, FWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 2.4 C, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 2.4 C, FWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 3.0 5, AWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 3.0 5, FWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
LS, AWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LS, FWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 2.4 C, AWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 2.4 C, FWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 3.0 5, AWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 3.0 5, FWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 2.4 C, AWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 2.4 C, FWD — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 3.0 5, AWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 3.0 5, FWD — 3.0L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.

Buy the right oil

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More specs & repair guides for your Equinox

2011 Chevrolet Equinox factory service manual All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

8.2 quarts (7.76 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox take?

It depends on the engine: LS, AWD uses 5W-30; LS, FWD uses 5W-30; LT, 2.4 C, AWD uses 5W-30; LT, 2.4 C, FWD uses 5W-30; LT, 3.0 5, AWD uses 5W-30; LT, 3.0 5, FWD uses 5W-30; LTZ, 2.4 C, AWD uses 5W-30; LTZ, 2.4 C, FWD uses 5W-30; LTZ, 3.0 5, AWD uses 5W-30; LTZ, 3.0 5, FWD uses 5W-30.

How much oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox take?

Capacity depends on the engine: LS, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LS, FWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 2.4 C, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 2.4 C, FWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 3.0 5, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; LT, 3.0 5, FWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 2.4 C, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 2.4 C, FWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 3.0 5, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 3.0 5, FWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.