Top Oil Brands for Maximizing Your WRX Performance

When it comes to maintaining the performance and longevity of your WRX, choosing the right oil is crucial. The best brands not only ensure optimal engine performance but also offer superior protection against wear and tear. Renowned brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, and Royal Purple have consistently been recommended by enthusiasts and experts alike for their high-quality formulations that withstand the rigorous demands of a WRX engine. Curious to find out which other brands made the list and what specific products are recommended? Discover more below.

Illustration of oil for wrx

Best brands of oil for wrx in 2025

Mobil 1

Mobil 1 is a top-tier brand, often recommended for Subaru WRX engines, with their advanced full synthetic 5W-30 and 0W-40 oils offering excellent protection, and some users reporting good results with the Extended Performance High Mileage 5W-30 which has a higher PAO content. Despite some debates on forums about the ideal oil, many WRX owners have used Mobil 1 successfully for 90,000 miles with regular oil changes every 3,000-4,000 miles. Their oils meet or exceed API SP and ILSAC GF-6A standards, sometimes even going up to 20,000 miles between oil changes. Mobil 1's Triple Action Formula provides performance, cleanliness, and protection, and is the #1 selling motor oil in the U.S. retail market. However, some may prefer the 5W-40 for added protection in higher temperatures with harder driving conditions and high-performance driving. For more information about Mobil 1 products, you can visit their website.

Royal Purple

Royal Purple, founded in 1986, is a prominent American manufacturer known for its high-performance synthetic motor oils, including the 5W-30, which meets or exceeds the ILSAC GF-5 and Dexos1™ performance requirements, making it a popular choice for WRX vehicles. Its Synerlec additive technology contributes to enhanced wear protection and optimized fuel efficiency, with some users reporting reduced oil temperatures and improved performance, according to user reviews.

Amsoil

Amsoil is considered a top-tier brand for WRX oil, with many users opting for their 5W-30 European formula, which meets ACEA C3 standards, offering reduced SAPS and higher HTHS for better protection; some WRX owners have used Amsoil's Signature Series for up to 12,000 miles or one year under normal conditions, while others prefer more frequent changes at around 4,000-7,000 miles, particularly for tuned or high-performance vehicles; independent tests of Amsoil's Signature Series 5W-30 have shown it to have a higher TBN compared to Mobil 1, indicating superior protection and extended drain capabilities; for racing applications, Amsoil's Dominator 10W-30 is frequently used, though with shorter change intervals; despite being a premium-priced product, many enthusiasts find Amsoil's quality and performance worth the cost for their WRX. You can find more information on their website.

Castrol Edge

Castrol Edge, a brand with over 15 years of experience in high-performance lubricants, offers full synthetic motor oils, like the 5W-30, which are often recommended for WRX vehicles due to their superior engine protection and ability to fight against up to 42% more power-robbing deposits, as demonstrated in industry testing. Some users report smoother engine operation and consistent viscosity over time. Castrol Edge is formulated with fluid titanium, which doubles the oil's film strength, making it a popular choice among WRX owners. Many note its excellent performance in both older and newer cars with different engine types. The brand is trusted for maintaining engine health and is competitively priced, offering a wide range of specifications that meet or exceed many manufacturer's warranty requirements. The oil is tested to meet high standards and is used by motorsport teams like the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Ford M-Sport, and Tickford Racing, proving its capability in extreme conditions. Castrol Edge is available in various grades, including 0W-20, 0W-30, and 5W-30, to cater to different engine needs, and has been a subsidiary of BP since 2000.

Red Line

Red Line, established in 1979, is a top-tier manufacturer of fully synthetic oils, including the 5W-30, which is highly recommended for Subaru WRX engines due to its exceptional 1200 ppm of zinc providing superior protection against heat and friction, with many users reporting improved engine performance and ring seal; furthermore, Red Line's use of superior PAO and ester base stocks ensures stability at high temperatures and film strength at lower viscosities, making it a preferred choice for racing and street applications.

Valvoline

Valvoline, a trusted brand for over 150 years, offers a range of high-quality motor oils, including full synthetic options like 5W-30, which are often recommended for Subaru WRX engines to maximize their performance and longevity. Valvoline's Advanced Full Synthetic and Restore & Protect product lines provide superior wear protection, with Restore & Protect offering 40% better wear protection, and many users report positive results with Valvoline 5W-30, citing good engine health and low wear in oil analysis, while some also use 5W-40 for added protection. Although Subaru recommends 0W-20 for some WRX models, many owners prefer the added viscosity of a 5W-30. Valvoline also provides a range of other products, including high-mileage oils, for vehicles with over 150,000 miles.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil, with its Ultra Platinum full synthetic motor oil, is a top choice for Subaru WRX engines, offering up to 40% better performance than conventional oils. It provides excellent wear protection and maintains cleaner pistons, with a 15,000-mile protection guarantee, making it especially beneficial for high-performance and turbo engines. Formulated with natural gas, it offers complete protection and can enhance fuel economy. For more details, visit Pennzoil's full synthetic motor oils page.

Motul

Motul, a top-tier brand, offers premium synthetic oils like the 8100 X-Clean EFE 5W-30, often recommended for Subaru WRX models, ensuring high protection and fuel economy, and they provide 5W-40 options for built engines with different bearing clearances, with some kits including an OEM filter and drain plug gasket; many tuners and enthusiasts prefer Motul due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and demanding driving conditions, sometimes opting for 40 weight oils rather than the 30 weight recommended by the manufacturer; and kits are available for various WRX models, including 2015-2021 and 2022-2024, with options like 0W-20 and 5W-30, packaged with necessary components for easy oil changes.

Shell Rotella

Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 is a popular full synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil, often favored by Subaru WRX owners for its robust protection and ability to withstand the rigors of performance driving, with many users reporting reduced oil consumption compared to other brands; it's known for its high zinc content, which benefits turbo bearings, and its synthetic base provides reliable cold start performance while maintaining viscosity at high temperatures. Additionally, some users have found it effective in reducing leaks. Many consider it a cost-effective option for WRX engines, despite being formulated for diesel engines, and it meets API SM specifications, making it suitable for gasoline engines. For more details on this product, visit Shell Rotella T6 5W-40.

Liqui Moly

Liqui Moly is a top-tier German brand, with their 5W-30 and 5W-40 full synthetic oils being frequently recommended for Subaru WRX engines, known for excellent wear protection, maintaining engine cleanliness, and ensuring smooth operation. While some prefer Motul or other brands, Liqui Moly is considered a high-quality option that meets or exceeds Subaru's specifications, particularly with their Special Tec AA line designed for Asian and American vehicles. For more information, visit their product page.