2012 Toyota Prius Oil Type & Capacity: 0W-20 (4.4 quarts)
The 2012 Toyota Prius takes 0W-20 motor oil — 4.4 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
0W-20 — 4.4 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five | 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 engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchanging. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. |
| Four | 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 engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchanging. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. |
| Plug-in | 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 engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchanging. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. |
| Three | 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 engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchanging. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. |
| Two | 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 engine oil capacity is a reference quantity to be used when exchanging. Warm up the engine and turn off the hybrid system, wait more than 5 minutes, and check the oil level on the dipstick. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Prius
🛞 2012 Toyota Prius Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Toyota Prius Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Toyota Prius Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Toyota Prius Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.6 quarts (7.19 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 Prius take?
The 2012 Toyota Prius takes 0W-20 motor oil (TOYOTA Genuine Motor Oil. SAE 0W-20 or equivalent ILSAC multigrade oil), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Toyota Prius?
The 2012 Toyota Prius oil capacity is 4.4 quarts with a filter change, or 4.1 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Toyota Prius?
Most 2012 Toyota Prius 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 Prius?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Toyota Prius. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.