2012 Lexus IS 250 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Lexus IS 250 oil type depends on the engine: the Base, AWD takes 0W-20 (6.7 quarts with filter); the Base, RWD, Automatic takes 0W-20 (6.6 quarts with filter); the Base, RWD, Standard takes 0W-20 (6.6 quarts with filter); the F Sport takes 0W-20 (6.6 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, AWD: 0W-20, 6.7 quarts with filter
- Base, RWD, Automatic: 0W-20, 6.6 quarts with filter
- Base, RWD, Standard: 0W-20, 6.6 quarts with filter
- F Sport: 0W-20, 6.6 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, AWD — AWD | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. API - SAE 0W-20 | 6.70 QTS. | 6.30 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
| Base, RWD, Automatic — RWD | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. API - SAE 0W-20 | 6.60 QTS. | 6.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
| Base, RWD, Standard — RWD | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. API - SAE 0W-20 | 6.60 QTS. | 6.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
| F Sport — RWD | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. API - SAE 0W-20 | 6.60 QTS. | 6.20 QTS. | SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your IS 250
2012 Lexus IS 250 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.9 quarts (10.31 L) — TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or Similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. DO NOT use plain water alone.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Lexus IS 250 take?
It depends on the engine: Base, AWD uses 0W-20; Base, RWD, Automatic uses 0W-20; Base, RWD, Standard uses 0W-20; F Sport uses 0W-20.
How much oil does a 2012 Lexus IS 250 take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base, AWD holds 6.7 quarts with filter; Base, RWD, Automatic holds 6.6 quarts with filter; Base, RWD, Standard holds 6.6 quarts with filter; F Sport holds 6.6 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Lexus IS 250?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Lexus IS 250. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.