2016 Subaru Outback Oil Type & Capacity
The 2016 Subaru Outback oil type depends on the engine: the 2.5i takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Limited takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Premium takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 3.6R Limited takes 5W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.5i: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Limited: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Premium: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 3.6R Limited: 5W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| 2.5i Limited — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| 2.5i Premium — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| 3.6R Limited — 3.6L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil | 6.90 QTS. | 6.70 QTS. | Your vehicle is designed to use 5W-30 conventional motor oil, however 5W-30 synthetic may be used for optimum engine performance. If you do choose to use synthetic oil, SUBARU recommends that you continue using synthetic for the life of your vehicle. |
Buy the right oil
Buy 0W-20 motor oil on AmazonBuy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon2016 Subaru Outback oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Outback
2016 Subaru Outback factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.2 quarts (7.76 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2016 Subaru Outback take?
It depends on the engine: 2.5i uses 0W-20; 2.5i Limited uses 0W-20; 2.5i Premium uses 0W-20; 3.6R Limited uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2016 Subaru Outback take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.5i holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i Limited holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i Premium holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 3.6R Limited holds 6.9 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2016 Subaru Outback?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2016 Subaru Outback. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.