2018 Subaru Forester Oil Type & Capacity
The 2018 Subaru Forester oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0XT Premium takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the 2.0XT Touring takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Limited takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i Touring takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter); the 2.5i, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0XT Premium: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- 2.0XT Touring: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Limited: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i Touring: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
- 2.5i, Standard Trans: 0W-20, 5.1 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0XT Premium — 2.0L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| 2.0XT Touring — 2.0L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i Limited — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i Touring — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
| 2.5i, Standard Trans — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SN or SM, 0W-20 Synthetic Oil | 5.10 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on AmazonBuy 0W-20 motor oil on Amazon2018 Subaru Forester oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Forester
2018 Subaru Forester factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.5 quarts (8.99 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2018 Subaru Forester take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0XT Premium uses 5W-30; 2.0XT Touring uses 5W-30; 2.5i Limited uses 0W-20; 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans uses 0W-20; 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans uses 0W-20; 2.5i Touring uses 0W-20; 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans uses 0W-20; 2.5i, Standard Trans uses 0W-20.
How much oil does a 2018 Subaru Forester take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.0XT Premium holds 5.4 quarts with filter; 2.0XT Touring holds 5.4 quarts with filter; 2.5i Limited holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i Touring holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.1 quarts with filter; 2.5i, Standard Trans holds 5.1 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2018 Subaru Forester?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2018 Subaru Forester. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.