2021 Subaru WRX Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 Subaru WRX oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the Limited, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Automatic CVT Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the Premium, Standard Trans takes 5W-30 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the STI takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the STI Limited takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Limited, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Automatic CVT Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Premium, Standard Trans: 5W-30, 5.4 quarts with filter
- STI: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- STI Limited: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 2.0L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Limited, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.0L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Limited, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Premium, Automatic CVT Trans — 2.0L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| Premium, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 5.40 QTS. | 5.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| STI — 2.5L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
| STI Limited — 2.5L Eng | API SN or SM, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-4 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil Specified | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-40 conventional oil may be used if replenishment is needed but should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2021 Subaru WRX
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Buy the right oil & filter for your WRX
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (5.4 quarts needed) on Amazon💡 Capacity Note: Your 2021 Subaru WRX 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 WRX
🛞 2021 Subaru WRX Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2021 Subaru WRX Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2021 Subaru WRX Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2021 Subaru WRX Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.6 quarts (8.13 L) — SUBARU Super Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2021 Subaru WRX take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; Limited, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Limited, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans uses 5W-30; Premium, Standard Trans uses 5W-30; STI uses 5W-30; STI Limited uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2021 Subaru WRX?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Limited, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Limited, Standard Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Automatic CVT Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Premium, Standard Trans holds 5.4 quarts with filter; STI holds 4.5 quarts with filter; STI Limited holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2021 Subaru WRX?
Most 2021 Subaru WRX 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 2021 Subaru WRX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 Subaru WRX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.