Top Oil Brands for Subaru Forester: Elevate Engine Performance

The Subaru Forester is a beloved SUV known for its reliability and performance, and choosing the right oil is crucial to maintain its peak condition. There are several top-notch brands that Subaru owners swear by to keep their engines running smoothly. Brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, and Valvoline have consistently garnered praise for their high-quality formulations that meet the specific needs of Subaru’s boxer engines. Additionally, Pennzoil and Royal Purple are also popular choices for those looking to ensure optimal performance and longevity for their vehicles. For a detailed comparison and to find the best oil option for your Forester, read on below.

Illustration of oil for Subaru Forester

Best brands of oil for Subaru Forester in 2025

Motul

Motul is highly regarded as one of the best producers of oil for Subaru Forester models, particularly due to its high-performance 100% synthetic oils that meet stringent standards. The Motul 5W-30 oil, for example, is designed to reduce sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur content, making it compliant with Euro 4, 5, and 6 emission regulations and compatible with catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). It fulfills all Subaru engineering and technical requirements, ensuring the engine's genuine warranty coverage. Users have reported smoother and quieter engine operation after using Motul oils, such as the Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE. This oil is available in 1L and 5L cans, making it convenient for various vehicle needs.

Castrol

Castrol is a highly recommended brand for Subaru Forester owners, known for its high-quality synthetic oils that meet Subaru's stringent standards. For models from 2011 onwards, Castrol's 0W-20 and 5W-30 full synthetic oils are ideal, providing superior protection against engine wear, oxidation, and sludge buildup. These oils maintain their viscosity well in extreme temperatures, ensuring optimal engine performance. Castrol products, such as the GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30, are widely used by Subaru dealerships and are certified by the American Petroleum Institute, ensuring they meet the latest industry standards. For more insights on the best oil for a Subaru Forester, you can visit this comprehensive guide.

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is a highly recommended oil brand for Subaru Foresters, particularly those made in or after 2011, which require full synthetic oil. For non-turbo engines, Mobil 1's 0W-20 oil is ideal, while turbo engines benefit from their 5W-30 oil. Mobil 1 oils meet or exceed Subaru's standards and are certified by the American Petroleum Institute, ensuring they meet the latest industry standards. These oils help maintain optimal engine performance, improve fuel efficiency, and extend engine life by preventing damaging deposits and sludge buildup. Regular oil changes with Mobil 1 oil, every six months or 6,000 miles, are crucial for the longevity of your Subaru Forester. For more details on the best oil for your Subaru Forester, visit the Dyer Subaru blog.

Valvoline

Valvoline is highly regarded as one of the best producers of motor oil for the Subaru Forester, particularly due to its full synthetic 0W-20 oil, which is known for its excellent performance in reducing fuel dilution and intake valve fouling. This oil has been praised for its low NOACK volatility, which helps minimize vaporized oil in the intake gases, a critical factor for direct injection engines like those in the Subaru Forester. Users have reported successful high-mileage performance without oil burning or other engine issues, with some owners noting their vehicles have reached very high mileage without any significant problems. The Valvoline Advanced 0W-20 has also shown superb results in used oil analysis (UOA), further solidifying its reputation. Additionally, the oil's thin viscosity does not compromise its protective capabilities, making it a reliable choice. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella, particularly the T6 5W-40, is often recommended for Subaru Forester owners due to its excellent performance in extreme temperatures, improved fuel economy of up to 1.5% compared to 15W-40 oils, and enhanced wear protection. This fully synthetic oil features Triple Protection Plus technology, ensuring protection against wear, deposits, and oil breakdown. It is compatible with exhaust emissions control systems and maintains optimal oil pressure through its outstanding shear stability. Many Subaru enthusiasts, including those with WRX and Forester models, have reported positive experiences with this oil. It meets or exceeds various industry standards, including API CK-4 and ACEA E9. For detailed product information, you can view the Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 datasheet.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil is a highly recommended brand for Subaru Forester owners, offering advanced full synthetic motor oils that provide complete protection for top engine performance. For Subaru Foresters, especially those from 2011 onwards, Pennzoil's full synthetic oils are ideal, with non-turbo engines requiring 0W-20 oil and turbo engines needing 5W-30 oil. These oils are engineered to maintain viscosity in extreme temperatures, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. Pennzoil's synthetic oils also offer better protection against engine wear, oxidation, and sludge buildup compared to conventional oils. Using Pennzoil oils can help extend the life of your Subaru Forester and improve fuel efficiency.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil for the Subaru Forester, particularly for its high-performance synthetic oils that exceed industry standards. Their oils offer 100% protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), 300% better oxidation resistance, and 50% improved deposit control, ensuring enhanced engine performance and long-term protection. Royal Purple's oils also meet the stringent API SP/ILSAC GF-6 standards and are backwards compatible with earlier specifications. This oil is designed to handle the high pressures and stresses of modern engines, including those with turbochargers and gasoline direct injection (GDI). It also provides superior corrosion protection and improved fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for Subaru Forester owners.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a highly regarded brand for Subaru Forester owners, particularly those with turbo engines, as it offers high-quality synthetic oils that meet the specific viscosity requirements of 5W-30. For turbo models like the 2018 Forester XT, Liqui Moly's synthetic oil provides superior lubrication and protection against wear and tear, even in extreme temperatures. This brand is known for its durability and performance, often recommended by mechanics and Subaru enthusiasts. Using Liqui Moly oil can help maintain optimal engine performance and longevity, and it is compatible with the latest industry standards. Regular oil changes with Liqui Moly oil can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce engine wear. Discover more about the best oil for your Subaru Forester here.

Amsoil

Amsoil is renowned as one of the best producers of oil for the Subaru Forester, offering superior synthetic oils that enhance engine performance and longevity. For instance, Amsoil's Synthetic 0W-20 oil, as used in a Subaru Crosstrek with 28,500 miles on the engine and 5,700 miles on the oil, showed excellent results in a Blackstone oil analysis, indicating its effectiveness in maintaining engine health. Amsoil's products are designed to provide outstanding metal-to-metal frictional properties and excellent protection, even in severe driving conditions. The brand's CVT fluid, for example, ensures optimal performance for continuously variable transmissions in Subaru vehicles. With its high-quality formulations, Amsoil helps in improving fuel efficiency and driveability. For more information on their oil offerings for Subaru Forester, visit the Amsoil website.

Red Line

Red Line is highly regarded as one of the best producers of oil for the Subaru Forester, particularly with their 75W90 Gear Oil, which is recommended for Subaru differentials and exceeds API GL-5 standards. This oil, containing polyol ester base stocks, provides excellent lubrication under extreme conditions, reducing wear and temperatures in hypoid gears. It is the preferred product for most car and light truck differentials, both conventional and limited-slip, and is also suitable for many transmissions and transaxles. Red Line's synthetic oils offer stable viscosity over extended periods and are optimized for a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for both passenger and racing applications. The 75W90 Gear Oil is especially popular for its friction modifier, which is beneficial for limited-slip units.