2011 Subaru Outback Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 Subaru Outback oil type depends on the engine: the i, Automatic CVT takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the i, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Automatic CVT takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the R takes 5W-30 (6.9 quarts qt with filter); the R Limited takes 5W-30 (6.9 quarts qt with filter); the R Premium takes 5W-30 (6.9 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- i, Automatic CVT: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- i, Standard: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Limited: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Automatic CVT: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Standard: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- R: 5W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- R Limited: 5W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- R Premium: 5W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i, Automatic CVT — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 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. |
| i, Standard — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 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. |
| Limited — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 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. |
| Premium, Automatic CVT — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 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. |
| Premium, Standard — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 4.40 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. |
| R — 3.6L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 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. |
| R Limited — 3.6L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 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. |
| R Premium — 3.6L Eng | ILSAC GF-4, API - SM or SL, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 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 Outback
🛞 2011 Subaru Outback Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2011 Subaru Outback Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2011 Subaru Outback Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2011 Subaru Outback Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.8 quarts (6.43 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 2011 Subaru Outback take?
It depends on the engine: i, Automatic CVT uses 5W-30; i, Standard uses 5W-30; Limited uses 5W-30; Premium, Automatic CVT uses 5W-30; Premium, Standard uses 5W-30; R uses 5W-30; R Limited uses 5W-30; R Premium uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2011 Subaru Outback?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: i, Automatic CVT holds 4.4 quarts with filter; i, Standard holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Limited holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Automatic CVT holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Standard holds 4.4 quarts with filter; R holds 6.9 quarts with filter; R Limited holds 6.9 quarts with filter; R Premium holds 6.9 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2011 Subaru Outback?
Most 2011 Subaru Outback 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 2011 Subaru Outback?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Subaru Outback. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.