2015 Subaru Outback Engine Oil Capacity

Your 2015 Subaru Outback has an engine oil capacity of either 5.1 or 6.9 quarts, depending on your engine.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
The engine oil capacity of your 2015 Subaru Outback is 5.1 quarts for the standard 2.5-L four-cylinder engine, but it needs 6.9 quarts for the more powerful 3.6-L six-cylinder engine.
If you want your 2015
Subaru
Outback to be your adventure wagon for many more years to come, oil changes must be a strict
part of your maintenance routine
. Follow along as we cover how much oil it needs, what kind of oil to use, and how often you need to change your oil to ensure optimum efficiency, performance, and longevity.

2015 Subaru Outback engine oil capacity

The engine oil capacity for the 2015 Subaru Outback depends on your powertrain
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And while we're discussing the topic, let us clarify that engine displacement (the number measured in liters at the front of your engine type) is different than engine oil capacity. Engine displacement measures the total volume of the cylinders, while engine oil capacity specifies the amount of oil required for each oil change.

What kind of oil does a 2015 Subaru Outback need?

The
owner’s manual
for the 2015 Subaru Outback states that the two powertrains are designed to use the following oil types:
  • 0W-20 synthetic engine oil for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder
  • 5W-30 conventional engine oil for the 3.6-liter six-cylinder
Please note: Subaru says in its owner’s manual that both engines can use synthetic or conventional oil of the indicated viscosity rating. But synthetic oil is recommended for optimum engine performance, even on the 3.6-liter model.
But what the heck is viscosity, anyways? Viscosity is a rating that indicates how thin/thick your oil is at 0°F (first number) and 212°F (second number). These recommended oils run thin at a wide range of temperatures, which is a good thing!
Thinner oils tend to run cleaner and cause less wear and tear on your engine. And lastly, the “W” simply indicates that the oil is suitable for cold weather conditions.

How often to change the oil on a 2015 Subaru Outback

Here are the recommended oil change schedules for the 2015 Subaru Outback:
  • Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if using synthetic oil
  • Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if using conventional motor oil
Oil is the essential lubrication your vehicle needs for all your engine’s moving parts to function smoothly. If your oil drops below the recommended capacity or becomes too old/dirty, fuel efficiency can decrease and you could risk potential damage to your engine
We recommend checking your oil once a month to stay ahead of these negative consequences. However, you'll want to check your oil immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as strange smells, smoke, odd noises, or performance deviations.

How to change your oil and oil filter

Don’t want to pay exorbitant labor costs at the mechanic's? You can save $25 to $75 for every oil change by purchasing your own materials and completing the job in your garage. So start saving today by using these step-by-step oil change instructions for your 2015 Subaru Outback:
Gather materials: A socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a replacement filter, and either 5.1 or 6.9 quarts of oil (depending on engine type).
Prep work: Start your Subaru Outback engine. Let it run until it reaches operating temperature. Then, turn the engine off and proceed to open the hood.
How to change your oil: Follow these step-by-step instructions.
  • Remove the oil fill cap.
  • You’ll want to remove the oil drain bolt and washer from underneath the engine, which will drain the old oil into a pan below.
  • Remove the old oil filter and let the oil drain until the drip stops.
  • Install the new oil filter.
  • Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft.
  • Refill the engine with your oil of choice and replace the fill cap.
  • Run your engine for about a minute to let the oil settle into the filter. This will help make your oil level more accurate.
  • Measure to ensure you’re at the correct oil level, and top off as needed. 
Testing and disposal: Use your dipstick to test oil levels. Run the engine to check for leaks. Dispose of old oil at your local recycling center.
MORE: How much should an oil change cost?
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