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 qt with filter); the 2.0XT Touring takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i Limited takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i Premium, Automatic CVT Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i Premium, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i Touring takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i, Automatic CVT Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5i, Standard Trans takes 0W-20 (5.1 quarts qt 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. | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2018 Subaru Forester
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Buy the right oil & filter for your Forester
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (5.4 quarts needed) on Amazon🛒 Buy 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil (5.4 quarts needed) on Amazon💡 Capacity Note: Your 2018 Subaru Forester holds 5.4 quarts with filter. Since standard jugs are 5 quarts, be sure to pick up extra 1-quart bottles or a 2-pack to reach the full mark on the dipstick.
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Forester
🛞 2018 Subaru Forester Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2018 Subaru Forester Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2018 Subaru Forester Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2018 Subaru Forester Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network 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.
What is the oil capacity of a 2018 Subaru Forester?
Oil 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.
How often should I change the oil in my 2018 Subaru Forester?
Most 2018 Subaru Forester 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 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.