In 2017, Edmunds cited the RAV4 as being both user-friendly and versatile. As RAV4 owners know, it’s a dependable compact SUV that is as comfortable to drive on a highway as it is on a backcountry dirt road.

If you’re determined to qualify for the 200,000+ mile club—or even if you just want to retain your RAV4’s resale value—an important step is committing to regular oil changes. You don’t need to dole out cash to a mechanic to do this, though. You can easily take care of oil changes yourself if you know your RAV4’s engine oil capacity.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has put together everything you need to know about the RAV4 engine oil capacity—and how to find cheap

Toyota Rav4 insurance costs

while you're at it.

2017 Toyota RAV4 engine oil capacity.

The engine oil capacity for a 2017 Toyota RAV4 is 4.6 quarts. Keep in mind, this number is different from the

engine displacement

that refers to the volume the cylinders take up.

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What kind of oil does a 2017 Toyota RAV4 need?

But what type of oil do you need for this engine? Toyota recommends that RAV4 owners use an engine oil with a grade of SAE 0W-20. They also reocmmend using synthetic rather than conventional oil.

If that means nothing to you, let us help and break it down. SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, which oversees the classification system for motor oils. The numbers refer to the viscosity—or resistance to flow—of the engine oil.

The first number, which is 0 in this case, indicates the viscosity during a cold start. The lower the number, the better the oil will flow in colder temperatures. The number 20 refers to the viscosity of the oil at normal engine operating temperatures (generally 212 degrees Fahrenheit).

Toyota recommends that RAV4 owners use

Toyota Genuine Motor Oil

. However, you can certainly use another brand of motor oil, as long as it is of the same quality.

Of course, when changing your oil, you’ll also need to install a new oil filter as well. Fortunately, genuine Toyota filters are fairly inexpensive (less than $10).

But as is the case with motor oil, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a Toyota brand filter. When searching for an oil filter at a local brick-and-mortar retailer or online, just be sure you’ve typed in the correct model year and trim of your RAV4.

MORE:

Toyota RAV4 towing capacity

How often to change oil on a 2017 Toyota RAV4

Toyota's recommended maintenance schudule says you should change your oil every 7,500 or 10,000 miles when using synthetic oil. However, many RAV4 owners say they don’t like to wait up to 10,000 miles, particularly if their RAV4 is older.

Check your oil and oil levels between oil changes to know if you should change your oil sooner than the recommended timeline. When checking your oil, look for these signs that it’s time for an oil change:

Black or dark brown oil

Gritty feeling or coarse oil

Oil has a burning smell

MORE:

Toyota lug pattern guide

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Before you

change the oil and filter

in your RAV4, be sure to assemble the following:

4.6 qts. of synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil (buy 5 quarts)

A funnel to make pouring the new oil easier

A 2017 Toyota RAV4 oil filter

A 2017 Toyota RAV4 oil filter wrench

A 14 mm ratchet to take off the oil drain bolt and torque wrench

New washer for re-installing the drain bolt

Cardboard to place under your RAV4, paper towels, and a drain pan to hold the used oil

Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks to keep your RAV4 from rolling

Once you have all that assembled, warm up your engine so it’s easier to drain the old oil. Then, turn the engine off and follow these steps:

Take off the oil fill cap

Slide beneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to drain into the drain pan

Take out the old oil filter and let the oil continue to drain

Put in the new oil filter

Put the oil drain bolt back on using a fresh washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the cap

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary. Check your car's dashboard to make sure the

oil pressure light

is off, and you are good to go!

It’s incredibly important that you dispose of the old oil properly. Oil retailers such as Auto Zone or Advance Auto will accept your old oil, or you may be able to bring the oil to a local recycling center. You should never throw your old oil out with your trash or—worse yet—pour it onto the ground.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

RAV4s are known for their longevity. In fact, it’s not unusual to come across an owner who’s gotten 200,000 or even 250,000 miles out of their RAV4. The secret to extending the life of your SUV is keeping up with routine maintenance, in particular, oil changes.

If you’re committed to keeping your RAV4 running optimally and

saving money on your car expenses

, you’re likely the type of person who researches to ensure you’re paying the lowest rate for your insurance premium.

Jerry

, the

trustworthy insurance shopping super app

, will find you the cheapest insurance rates without sacrificing your coverage. You’ll get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, Jerry agents are just a text away.

And the savings don’t stop there. Jerry will review your policy regularly. This means you can be confident, knowing that you’re always getting the best deal on insurance for your 2017 Toyota RAV4.

“My policy covers two people and four cars: a truck, SUV, convertible, and muscle car.
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