2021 Subaru Outback Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 Subaru Outback oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts with filter); the Limited takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts with filter); the Limited XT takes 0W-20 (4.8 quarts with filter); the Onyx Edition XT takes 0W-20 (4.8 quarts with filter); the Premium takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts with filter); the Touring takes 0W-20 (4.4 quarts with filter); the Touring XT takes 0W-20 (4.8 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Limited: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Limited XT: 0W-20, 4.8 quarts with filter
- Onyx Edition XT: 0W-20, 4.8 quarts with filter
- Premium: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Touring: 0W-20, 4.4 quarts with filter
- Touring XT: 0W-20, 4.8 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.40 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Limited — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.40 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Limited XT — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.80 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Onyx Edition XT — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.80 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Premium — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.40 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Touring — 2.5L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.40 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Touring XT — 2.4L Eng | ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, API - SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil | 4.80 QTS. | — | If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Outback
2021 Subaru Outback 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 2021 Subaru Outback take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 0W-20; Limited uses 0W-20; Limited XT uses 0W-20; Onyx Edition XT uses 0W-20; Premium uses 0W-20; Touring uses 0W-20; Touring XT uses 0W-20.
How much oil does a 2021 Subaru Outback take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Limited holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Limited XT holds 4.8 quarts with filter; Onyx Edition XT holds 4.8 quarts with filter; Premium holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Touring holds 4.4 quarts with filter; Touring XT holds 4.8 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 Subaru Outback?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 Subaru Outback. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.