Top Oil Brands for Subaru Outback Performance

Finding the best oil for your Subaru Outback can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and longevity. As with any automobile, the type of oil you use plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient engine operations. Some of the most recommended brands for Subaru Outback include Castrol, Mobil 1, and Valvoline, known for their high-quality synthetic oils that meet the car's specific requirements. Curious to find out which oil might be perfect for your Subaru Outback's needs? Read on below for a detailed guide and recommendations.

Illustration of oil for Subaru Outback

Best brands of oil for Subaru Outback in 2025

Castrol

Castrol is a highly regarded brand for Subaru Outback owners, particularly for its synthetic oil options. For a 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i, using Castrol Edge or Castrol Synthetic 5W-30 can provide excellent engine protection, especially given the vehicle's high mileage and harsh winter conditions. These oils have a viscosity that aligns well with Subaru's recommendations and can help mitigate oil burning and overheating issues. Castrol Edge, for instance, has a 100°C cSt of 9.8, which is suitable for Subaru engines that tend to prefer thicker oils. With proper maintenance, such as changing the oil every 5,000 miles and using a high-quality filter like Napa Gold, Castrol oil can help extend the engine's life.

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil for Subaru Outback, offering advanced full synthetic oils that provide guaranteed protection of critical engine parts for up to 20,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. These oils, such as Mobil 1 Extended Performance, utilize the Triple Action+ Formula to combine outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness, meeting ILSAC GF-6 standards for low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear protection. They maintain excellent viscosity and control oxidation to prevent oil breakdown, even in extreme temperatures up to 500 degrees F and down to -40 degrees F. Mobil 1 oils are also designed to keep the engine clean, improve fuel economy, and extend engine life by preventing damaging deposits and sludge buildup. With a synthetic blend media oil filter that achieves 99%+ efficiency in removing particles greater than 30 microns, Mobil 1 ensures optimal engine performance.

Penzoil

Pennzoil, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is an excellent choice for Subaru Outback owners due to its high-performance full synthetic motor oils. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil, made from natural gas, offers cleaner pistons, protected horsepower, and better fuel economy, making it ideal for extreme driving conditions. This oil meets stringent industry specifications such as API SP-Resource Conserving and ILSAC GF-6, and it also exceeds GM dexos1(tm) specifications. Available in various viscosities like 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, Pennzoil Platinum ensures comprehensive engine protection. Additionally, Pennzoil offers a Lubrication Limited Warranty, providing coverage up to 15 years or 500,000 miles.

Valvoline

Valvoline is a highly regarded brand for producing high-quality oil suitable for Subaru Outback models, particularly those requiring synthetic oil. For instance, the Valvoline Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20 is a popular choice among Subaru owners due to its excellent performance and protection against engine wear. This oil is designed to handle the demands of modern engines, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Many Subaru Outback owners have reported successful use of Valvoline synthetic oil, with some changing their oil at intervals of 7,500 to 10,000 miles. The ease of use and mess-free oil change process are additional benefits noted by users. For more information and user experiences, check out the Subaru XV Forum discussion.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella is highly regarded as one of the best oil producers for Subaru Outback models, especially for those engaging in severe driving conditions like trailer towing. The Shell Rotella T synthetic 5W-40, for instance, meets API SM requirements and has been successfully used in Subaru Outbacks, improving engine smoothness and reducing noise, as observed in a 2010 Subaru Outback with a 2.5 engine and CVT transmission. It is also noted for its robust additive package, which benefits higher mileage engines, and its ability to improve fuel efficiency, with some users reporting an increase of up to 1.8 mpg. This oil is suitable for cold starting, a crucial factor for drivers in colder climates like Wisconsin. Overall, Shell Rotella T synthetic 5W-40 is a reliable choice for Subaru owners seeking high-quality engine performance.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple is renowned as one of the best producers of motor oil for Subaru Outback, particularly due to its high-performance synthetic oils that exceed industry standards. Their oils offer up to 100% protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), 300% better oxidation resistance, and 50% improved deposit control, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. Royal Purple's oils also meet the stringent API SP/ILSAC GF-6 standards, providing enhanced fuel economy and superior corrosion protection. These features are crucial for modern engines, especially those with turbochargers and gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems. By using Royal Purple, Subaru Outback owners can expect improved fuel efficiency and long-term engine protection.

Amsoil

Amsoil is highly regarded as one of the best producers of oil for the Subaru Outback, particularly for its 2.5L engines. For instance, the Amsoil OE 0W-20 and Amsoil Signature 0W-20 have shown excellent performance in maintaining oil viscosity and managing fuel dilution, which is common in newer direct injection engines, with some users reporting acceptable fuel dilution levels around 5% even after 4,800-4,900 miles of use. These oils are recommended for their ability to withstand various driving conditions, including extreme weather and frequent city driving. Subaru recommends synthetic oil for models from 2013 onwards, and Amsoil meets these requirements effectively. Users have reported satisfaction with the smooth engine performance and the oil's ability to hold up well over extended mileage intervals. For more information on suitable oils, visit their Amsoil product page for Subaru Outback.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is highly regarded as one of the best producers of oil for Subaru Outback models, particularly for their synthetic oils that meet the stringent requirements of Subaru engines. For instance, the Liqui Moly Molygen 0W-20 synthetic oil is often recommended for its excellent performance in protecting engine components, especially in turbocharged and direct injection engines. This oil is known for its high lubrication properties and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among Subaru owners. It is compatible with the 2013 and later Subaru Outback models that require 0W-20 synthetic oil for optimum engine performance and protection. Using Liqui Moly oil can help maintain the engine's health and ensure long-term reliability. For more detailed discussions on oil recommendations for Subaru 2.4t engines, visit this forum thread.

Red Line

Red Line is renowned as one of the best producers of oil for the Subaru Outback, particularly due to its high-quality, fully synthetic ester formulas that ensure long-lasting engine protection. Established in 1979, Red Line offers over 100 products, including motor oils and gear oils, which are OEM-certified and designed for extended drain intervals and improved fuel economy. Their oils are popular among car enthusiasts for their rigorous quality assurance process and the absence of petroleum products, enhancing engine performance and durability. For Subaru models, Red Line's synthetic oils, such as the 0W-20 or 5W-30 viscosities, are highly recommended for their superior lubrication and protection against oil degradation. These oils are especially beneficial for turbocharged engines, like those in the WRX and WRX STI, which operate at higher temperatures.

Subaru Genuine Oil

Subaru Genuine Oil is the optimal choice for Subaru Outback owners, engineered specifically to meet the unique lubrication needs of the SUBARU BOXER® engine. It provides superior protection against oil breakdown, especially for turbo-charged engines, and is formulated with a unique blend of additives, detergents, and modifiers. This oil reduces wear, cleans internal components, and maximizes engine life while maintaining optimal fuel economy. According to a 2017 independent study by Idemitsu Lubricants America, Genuine Subaru Oil outperforms leading aftermarket brands in engine protection. Recommended for 2011 and newer turbo-charged Subaru vehicles, it ensures cleaner running and long engine life. For more detailed information, visit the Subaru Genuine Oil page.