2012 Hyundai Tucson Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Hyundai Tucson oil type depends on the engine: the GL, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.33 quarts qt with filter); the GL, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.33 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, 4WD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts qt with filter); the GLS, FWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, 4WD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, FWD takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- GL, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.33 quarts with filter
- GL, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.33 quarts with filter
- GLS, 4WD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- GLS, FWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- Limited, 4WD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- Limited, FWD: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL, Automatic Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.33 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| GL, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.33 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| GLS, 4WD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| GLS, FWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| Limited, 4WD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| Limited, FWD — 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above. SAE 5W-20, 5W-30, ILSAC GF-3 or Above, SAE 10W-30 Above 0Deg F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Tucson
🛞 2012 Hyundai Tucson Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Hyundai Tucson Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Hyundai Tucson Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Hyundai Tucson Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.19 quarts (6.8 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Hyundai Tucson take?
It depends on the engine: GL, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; GL, Standard Trans uses 5W-20; GLS, 4WD uses 5W-20; GLS, FWD uses 5W-20; Limited, 4WD uses 5W-20; Limited, FWD uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: GL, Automatic Trans holds 4.33 quarts with filter; GL, Standard Trans holds 4.33 quarts with filter; GLS, 4WD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; GLS, FWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; Limited, 4WD holds 4.86 quarts with filter; Limited, FWD holds 4.86 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Most 2012 Hyundai Tucson 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 — Hyundai recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Hyundai Tucson. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.