2012 Subaru Outback Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Subaru Outback oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Base, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Standard Trans 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:
- Base, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Limited: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Standard Trans: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Base, Standard Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Limited — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Premium, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Premium, Standard Trans — 2.5L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| R — 3.6L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | 6.70 QTS. | — |
| R Limited — 3.6L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | 6.70 QTS. | — |
| R Premium — 3.6L Eng | API - SM or SN or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | 6.70 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Outback
🛞 2012 Subaru Outback Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Subaru Outback Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Subaru Outback Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 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 Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Subaru Outback take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Base, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; Limited uses 5W-30; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Premium, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; R uses 5W-30; R Limited uses 5W-30; R Premium uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Subaru Outback?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic CVT Trans holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Base, Standard Trans holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Limited holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Standard Trans 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 2012 Subaru Outback?
Most 2012 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 2012 Subaru Outback?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Subaru Outback. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.