Subaru Crosstrek Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Crosstrek oil capacity with filter runs from about 4.4 to 5.1 US quarts depending on generation and engine, with viscosity moving from 0W-20 to 0W-16 on the newest models.
Subaru Crosstrek engine oil capacity by generation
The Crosstrek has used the FB20 2.0L flat-four across three generations, joined by the FB25 2.5L on higher trims starting with the redesigned 2024 model. Capacity and the recommended viscosity both changed between generations, so match the figure to your build year and engine, not just the model name.
Why the number changes
Subaru revised the FB20's internals (piston design, oil galleries) between the first-generation Crosstrek (2013-2017) and the second generation (2018-2023), which lowered the fill volume. The 2024-and-later redesign also moved Subaru's factory-fill recommendation from 0W-20 to the thinner 0W-16 grade for better fuel economy, with 0W-20 listed as an acceptable temporary substitute.
Capacity and viscosity table
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| FB20 (2013-2017, 1st gen XV Crosstrek) | 4.8 L / 5.1 qt | SAE 0W-20 synthetic |
| FB20 (2018-2023, 2nd gen) | 4.2 L / 4.4 qt | SAE 0W-20 synthetic |
| FB20 (2024-newer, 3rd gen) | 4.3 L / 4.6 qt | SAE 0W-16 synthetic (0W-20 acceptable temporary substitute) |
| FB25 (2024-newer, 3rd gen, Premium/Sport/Limited trims) | 4.3 L / 4.6 qt | SAE 0W-16 synthetic (0W-20 acceptable temporary substitute) |
Always confirm on your own vehicle
Oil specifications vary by exact build date and market. Before you buy oil or a filter, confirm the figure against your own vehicle: the capacity and viscosity are printed in the owner's manual maintenance section, and many Crosstrek trims also carry a small reminder sticker or stamped plate near the oil filler cap. The driver's door placard covers tire pressure and payload, not oil - use the manual or filler cap for oil specifics.
Filter and drain notes
Subaru's OEM filter part number across recent FB20/FB25 engines is 15208AA21A. Whichever filter you use, the capacity above already includes the amount the new filter holds, so do not add extra oil on top of the table figure.
Summary
| FB20 (2013-2017) capacity with filter | 5.1 US qt / 4.8 L |
|---|---|
| FB20 (2018-2023) capacity with filter | 4.4 US qt / 4.2 L |
| FB20 (2024-newer) capacity with filter | 4.6 US qt / 4.3 L |
| FB25 (2024-newer) capacity with filter | 4.6 US qt / 4.3 L |
| Viscosity, 2013-2023 models | SAE 0W-20 synthetic |
| Viscosity, 2024-newer models | SAE 0W-16 synthetic (0W-20 temporary substitute) |
| OEM filter part number (recent FB20/FB25) | Subaru 15208AA21A |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Crosstrek: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Subaru Crosstrek take 0W-16 or 0W-20 oil?
It depends on the year. 2013-2023 Crosstrek models (FB20 engine) call for 0W-20 synthetic oil. Starting with the redesigned 2024 model (both FB20 and FB25 engines), Subaru's factory fill moved to 0W-16, with 0W-20 listed as an acceptable temporary substitute if 0W-16 is not available.
How much oil does a Subaru Crosstrek need with a filter change?
It ranges from about 4.4 to 5.1 US quarts (4.2 to 4.8 liters) depending on generation: roughly 5.1 quarts for 2013-2017 models, about 4.4 quarts for 2018-2023 models, and about 4.6 quarts for 2024-and-newer FB20 or FB25 engines.
Is the oil capacity the same for the FB20 and FB25 engines?
On the current (2024-and-newer) generation, both the FB20 2.0L and FB25 2.5L take the same roughly 4.6 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter and the same 0W-16 viscosity, based on the figures published for this generation. Earlier-generation FB20 engines used a different, lower fill volume, so do not carry the current figure back to an older model year.
Where can I find the exact oil capacity for my specific Crosstrek?
The most reliable source is your own vehicle: check the maintenance or specifications section of the owner's manual, or look for the capacity printed on or near the oil filler cap under the hood. The driver's door placard lists tire and payload data, not oil capacity, so it will not have this figure.