Subaru Forester Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Forester oil capacity with filter depends on the exact engine code - figures range from about 4.4 to 5.4 US quarts (4.2 to 5.1 liters), using 0W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic depending on generation.
Oil capacity depends on the engine, not just the model year
Subaru reused the Forester nameplate across several distinct engine families, so a capacity that is correct for one generation can be wrong for another that looks similar. The figures below are keyed to the actual engine code stamped on the block, not just the calendar year, because that is what determines the correct fill amount.
Verified capacities by engine code
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| FB25D - 2.5L non-turbo (2019-2025) | 4.2 L / 4.4 qt | SAE 0W-20 full synthetic |
| FB25B / FB25BA / FB25BC - 2.5L non-turbo (2011-2018) | 4.8 L / 5.1 qt | SAE 0W-20 full synthetic |
| FA20F - 2.0L turbo, Forester XT (2014-2018) | 5.1 L / 5.4 qt | SAE 5W-30 full synthetic |
Note: for Forester generations built before 2011 (EJ25/EJ253/EJ255 engine family), reliable independent figures for both capacity and viscosity together could not be confirmed for this page. Rather than guess, check your own vehicle for those generations using the sources below.
Where to confirm the number for your exact car
- The owner's manual specifications section, which lists capacity and viscosity for your specific engine and trim.
- The oil filler cap or dipstick, which is often stamped with the recommended viscosity grade.
- The engine code sticker or VIN plate, usually on the underside of the hood or on the driver's door jamb, to confirm exactly which engine you have.
- A dealership parts or service department, which can look up the figure from the VIN with no guesswork.
Why the small differences matter
Overfilling or underfilling by even half a quart can cause aeration, oil starvation on turbo models, or leaks past seals. Because the Forester XT turbo and the naturally aspirated 2.5L share a similar-looking bay, always confirm the engine code before buying oil or a filter.
Summary
| FB25D (2019-2025) capacity | 4.2 L / 4.4 US qt with filter |
|---|---|
| FB25D viscosity | SAE 0W-20 full synthetic |
| FB25B family (2011-2018) capacity | 4.8 L / 5.1 US qt with filter |
| FB25B family viscosity | SAE 0W-20 full synthetic |
| FA20F turbo XT (2014-2018) capacity | 5.1 L / 5.4 US qt with filter |
| FA20F turbo viscosity | SAE 5W-30 full synthetic |
| Pre-2011 EJ25 family | Not independently verified - check owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Forester: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Subaru Forester need full synthetic oil?
Yes. Every Forester engine covered here (FB25D, FB25B family, and the FA20F turbo) specifies full synthetic oil from the factory, in 0W-20 for the non-turbo engines and 5W-30 for the FA20F turbo. Using conventional oil is only an acceptable temporary top-up, not a long-term substitute.
Is the capacity the same for a dry fill and an oil-and-filter change?
No. A dry fill (empty engine, e.g. after a rebuild) takes slightly more oil than a routine oil-and-filter change, because some oil remains in the block and cooler lines during a normal service. The figures in the table above are for a standard oil-and-filter change, which is what almost every driver needs.
My Forester XT turbo takes different oil than my neighbor's non-turbo Forester - why?
The FA20F turbo engine used in the Forester XT (2014-2018) runs hotter and under more thermal stress than the naturally aspirated FB25 engines, so Subaru specifies a heavier 5W-30 synthetic for it instead of the 0W-20 used in the non-turbo models, along with a larger overall capacity.
What if I can't find my exact engine code in this table?
Do not guess or reuse a similar-sounding figure. Check your driver's door jamb sticker or VIN plate for the exact engine code, then confirm the capacity and viscosity in your owner's manual or by calling a Subaru dealer parts department with your VIN.