2012 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Subaru Forester oil type depends on the engine: the X Limited takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the X Premium, Automatic Trans takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the X Premium, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the X Touring takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the X, Automatic Trans takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the X, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.5 quarts qt with filter); the XT Premium takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the XT Touring takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt 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 Trans: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X Premium, Standard Trans: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X Touring: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X, Automatic Trans: 0W-20, 5.5 quarts with filter
- X, Standard Trans: 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 Trans — 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 Trans — 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 Trans — Normally Aspirated | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.50 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | — |
| X, Standard Trans — 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. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Forester
🛞 2012 Subaru Forester Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Subaru Forester Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Subaru Forester Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.4 quarts (7 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Subaru Forester take?
It depends on the engine: X Limited uses 0W-20; X Premium, Automatic Trans uses 0W-20; X Premium, Standard Trans uses 0W-20; X Touring uses 0W-20; X, Automatic Trans uses 0W-20; X, Standard Trans uses 0W-20; XT Premium uses 5W-30; XT Touring uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Subaru Forester?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: X Limited holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Premium, Automatic Trans holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Premium, Standard Trans holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X Touring holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X, Automatic Trans holds 5.5 quarts with filter; X, Standard Trans holds 5.5 quarts with filter; XT Premium holds 4.4 quarts with filter; XT Touring holds 4.4 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Subaru Forester?
Most 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2012 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.