2012 Toyota Matrix Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Toyota Matrix oil type depends on the engine: the Base, Automatic Trans takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the Base, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts qt with filter); the S, AWD takes 5W-20 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, FWD, Automatic Trans takes 5W-20 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, FWD, Standard Trans takes 5W-20 (4.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, Automatic Trans: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Base, Standard Trans: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- S, AWD: 5W-20, 4.0 quarts with filter
- S, FWD, Automatic Trans: 5W-20, 4.0 quarts with filter
- S, FWD, Standard Trans: 5W-20, 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, Automatic Trans — 1.8L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.10 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, Standard Trans — 1.8L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil | 4.40 QTS. | 4.10 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. |
| S, AWD — 2.4L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil | 4.00 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil may be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
| S, FWD, Automatic Trans — 2.4L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil | 4.00 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil may be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
| S, FWD, Standard Trans — 2.4L Eng | TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil | 4.00 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil may be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Matrix
🛞 2012 Toyota Matrix Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Toyota Matrix Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Toyota Matrix Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Toyota Matrix Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.8 quarts (5.48 L) — TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. DO NOT use plain water alone. The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Toyota Matrix take?
It depends on the engine: Base, Automatic Trans uses 0W-20; Base, Standard Trans uses 0W-20; S, AWD uses 5W-20; S, FWD, Automatic Trans uses 5W-20; S, FWD, Standard Trans uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Toyota Matrix?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, Automatic Trans holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Base, Standard Trans holds 4.4 quarts with filter; S, AWD holds 4.0 quarts with filter; S, FWD, Automatic Trans holds 4.0 quarts with filter; S, FWD, Standard Trans holds 4.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Toyota Matrix?
Most 2012 Toyota Matrix 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 — Toyota recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Toyota Matrix?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Toyota Matrix. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.