Top Oil Brands for Subaru: Unleash Your Engine's Potential!

When it comes to maintaining the performance and longevity of your Subaru, selecting the right engine oil is crucial. Subaru engines, renowned for their unique boxer layout, require oils that can withstand their high-rev demands and provide superior lubrication. Among the top recommended brands for Subaru engines are Mobil 1, Castrol, and Royal Purple, each offering high-quality synthetic oils that enhance engine performance and protection. To help you make an informed choice, we've curated a detailed list of the best oils for your Subaru below.

Illustration of oil for Subaru

Best brands of oil for Subaru in 2025

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil

Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil is highly regarded for its superior performance and compatibility with Subaru vehicles, particularly those with the BOXER engine. It is formulated to handle the unique demands of modern Subaru engines, such as the low-friction design of the FB engine and the extreme heat of turbocharged engines. Synthetic 0W-20 oil is required for non-turbocharged engines, while 5W-30 synthetic oil is necessary for turbocharged models from 2011 and newer. This oil offers better chemical and shear stability, decreased evaporative loss, and resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown, extending engine life and improving fuel economy by over 2%. For more detailed information, visit the Subaru Synthetic Oil Facts and Requirements page.

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is highly regarded as one of the best producers of motor oil for Subaru vehicles, known for its advanced full synthetic formulations that enhance fuel economy and engine performance. For instance, the Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 is engineered to maximize miles per gallon and protect engines for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. This oil meets ILSAC GF-6 standards, providing protection against low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear, and is suitable for severe service conditions such as extended idling and cold weather. In a case study, a 2020 Subaru Outback XT using a Mobil 1 EP blend showed satisfactory performance despite increased idling and short runs. Mobil 1 oils are also recommended by many car manufacturers due to their outstanding levels of performance and protection.

Castrol EDGE

Castrol EDGE is a highly regarded motor oil brand, particularly suitable for Subaru vehicles, known for its robust performance and advanced synthetic formulation. It provides 50X better high-temperature performance than the latest industry standard and offers 6X better wear protection than required by the Sequence IVA test limits. Castrol EDGE Extended Performance is engineered to endure severe heat and maintain its viscosity, ensuring optimal engine protection for up to 25,000 miles between oil changes. This oil exceeds the requirements of API, GM dexos, and ACEA specifications, making it one of the strongest and most robust engine oils available. It also offers unsurpassed sludge protection and thermal stability, making it an excellent choice for Subaru owners.

Pennzoil Platinum

Pennzoil Platinum is renowned for its exceptional performance and protection, making it an ideal choice for Subaru owners. This full synthetic motor oil, available in viscosities such as 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30, keeps pistons up to 40% cleaner than the toughest industry standards and exceeds ILSAC GF-6 and API SP specifications. It also offers superior wear protection and maintains performance in extreme conditions. Pennzoil Platinum has been trusted by consumers since its revamp in 2010, and it is recommended by several OEMs, including GM and Ford. Additionally, it comes with a lubrication limited warranty covering up to 15 years or 500,000 miles. For more information about Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oils, visit their website.

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is a top choice for Subaru owners, offering 40% better wear protection and 25% better deposit protection than industry standards, as tested in the Sequence IVB and GMOD engine tests. It provides 24X stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants than the leading full synthetic oil and meets or exceeds API ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, and GM dexos 1 Gen 3 standards. This oil is designed with high-quality base oils and additives, ensuring superior performance in various driving conditions. Trusted for over 150 years, Valvoline's Advanced Full Synthetic oil enhances fuel efficiency, reduces wear, and prolongs engine life, and is certified for use in a wide range of vehicles, including Subaru models. For more detailed information and purchasing options, visit the Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil page.

AMSOIL Signature Series

The AMSOIL Signature Series is renowned for its exceptional performance and protection in Subaru vehicles, formulated with superior base oils and robust additives to withstand high horsepower, heat, and complex emissions control systems. It is designed for extended drain intervals of up to 25,000 miles or one year, exceeding the performance demands of modern engines. This oil delivers long-lasting performance and protection, outperforming many conventional and synthetic motor oils. It has been tested to meet or exceed API SN RC specifications, although it is not API certified. The Signature Series has shown zero LSPI events in rigorous testing, ensuring reliable engine operation. For more details on its compatibility with Subaru vehicles, visit the AMSOIL product page.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is renowned for producing high-performance motor oils that excel in protecting and enhancing the performance of modern engines, including those in Subaru vehicles. Their oils, such as the 5W30 synthetic oil, offer 100% protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), 300% better oxidation resistance, and 50% improved deposit control, ensuring optimal engine longevity and fuel efficiency. Royal Purple oils meet and exceed the latest industry standards, including the API SP/ILSAC GF-6 license, and are backwards compatible with earlier standards. These oils also provide superior corrosion protection and improved compatibility with fuels containing ethanol. By delivering the fuel economy performance of lower viscosity oils, Royal Purple helps reduce CO2 emissions and meet stricter government regulations. For more information about their high-performance motor oil, visit their website.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 is highly regarded for its performance in Subaru vehicles, particularly in older models like the 2008 Legacy GT, where it has been observed to improve engine smoothness and reduce noise. It offers a 1.5% enhancement in fuel economy compared to conventional 15W-40 oils and provides excellent protection against wear, deposits, and oil breakdown. This full synthetic heavy-duty engine oil meets or exceeds API CK-4, CJ-4, and other industry standards, ensuring compatibility with exhaust emissions control systems. Users have reported an increase of up to 1.8 mpg in fuel efficiency. Its advanced low-ash formulation helps maintain vehicle emission compliance and engine fuel efficiency. For more detailed specifications, refer to the Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 datasheet.

Red Line Synthetic Oil

Red Line Synthetic Oil is a top choice for Subaru owners due to its high-performance characteristics, such as its use of synthetic ester and hydrocarbon base stocks, which provide advanced stability at high temperatures and ultimate film strength at lower viscosities. Red Line oils exceed OEM/API standards, including API SN PLUS/SP and ILSAC GF-6, ensuring optimal engine protection and fuel economy. They contain high levels of ZDDP for antiwear protection and molybdenum for friction reduction, making them ideal for demanding environments. Red Line oils have been proven in various applications, including track vehicles and race cars, to provide unmatched long-life protection. For a Subaru Crosstrek, Red Line's 0W20 or 0W30 oils are recommended, with the 0W30 offering a higher viscosity option for those preferring additional protection. You can explore more about Red Line's 0W20 Engine Oil.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil for Subaru vehicles, offering products like the Special Tec AA SAE 0W-20 and Molygen New Generation 5W-30. These oils are fully synthetic, providing excellent wear resistance, outstanding engine cleanliness, and high shear stability. They are designed to meet the high demands of modern Asian and American gasoline engines, including those with direct injection (GDI) and turbochargers. These oils also ensure fuel savings and reduced pollutant emissions, and they are compatible with catalytic converters and turbochargers. Liqui Moly's innovative additive technology guarantees optimal engine efficiency and long engine service life.