2011 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 Subaru Forester oil type depends on the engine: the X Limited takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the X Premium, Automatic takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the X Premium, Standard takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the X Touring takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the X, Automatic takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the X, Standard takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts with filter); the XT Premium takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts with filter); the XT Touring takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- X Limited: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X Premium, Automatic: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X Premium, Standard: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X Touring: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X, Automatic: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X, Standard: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- XT Premium: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- XT Touring: 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 — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X Premium, Automatic — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X Premium, Standard — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X Touring — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X, Automatic — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X, Standard — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| XT Premium — Turbocharger | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| XT Touring — Turbocharger | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 0W-20 motor oil on AmazonBuy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon2011 Subaru Forester oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Forester
2011 Subaru Forester factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.4 quarts (7 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2011 Subaru Forester take?
It depends on the engine: X Limited uses 0W-20; X Premium, Automatic uses 0W-20; X Premium, Standard uses 0W-20; X Touring uses 0W-20; X, Automatic uses 0W-20; X, Standard uses 0W-20; XT Premium uses 5W-30; XT Touring uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2011 Subaru Forester take?
Capacity depends on the engine: X Limited holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Premium, Automatic holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Premium, Standard holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Touring holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X, Automatic holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X, Standard holds 5.5 quarts with filter; XT Premium holds 4.4 quarts with filter; XT Touring holds 4.4 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.