The 2012 Subaru Outback provides its drivers with smooth handling, high reliability, and fuel efficiency, all while exuding some of the rugged and roomy traits of an SUV. To maintain this idyllic crossover of virtues, you’ll want to know the 2012 Outback’s engine oil capacity—4.4 quarts.

High ratings in safety, reliability, and overall driving enjoyment typically accompany reviews of the 2012 Subaru Outback. But to keep the truth in these descriptors, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial.

An oil change is one of the most vital supporting services for any vehicle. If you’re looking to save some money on your Subaru maintenance costs, you may want to consider DIYing your oil change at home. It’s a relatively beginner-friendly

car repair

task…as long as you know your 2012 Subaru Outback engine oil capacity. Let’s get into it.

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2012 Subaru Outback engine oil capacity

The first thing we’ll start with is the engine oil capacity itself, or in other words, how much oil your Outback’s engine needs. The 2012 Subaru Outback has an engine oil capacity of 4.4 quarts or 4.2 liters, with the filter.

However, the 2012 Outback was brought to market with three different powertrains, each requiring a different amount of oil.

4.4 quarts or 4.2 liters works just fine for the 2.5-liter, non-turbo engines, but you’ll need to bump up just a bit to 4.5 quarts or 4.3 liters for turbocharged 2.5-liter engines. If you’re rolling with the upgraded 3.6-liter engine, you’ll need to keep the engine full with 6.9 quarts or 6.5 liters of oil.

Be careful to not mix up the engine displacement value with the engine oil capacity. The engine displacement (for example a “2.5-liter engine”) describes the volume occupied by the engine’s cylinders. The engine oil capacity describes the amount of oil the engine needs to work effectively. The two cannot be interchanged.

What kind of oil does a 2012 Subaru Outback need?

We’ve covered the amount of oil the 2012 Outback needs, but we’re not done there. Next, we’ll need to know what kind of oil its engine requires.

Subaru recommends the 2012 Outback be filled with 5W-30 motor oil certified with an API classification. If that looks like another language at the moment, don’t worry we’ll break it down for a more thorough explanation.

5W-30 is the oil grade and that tells us the oil’s viscosity levels at both the engine’s cold start temperature and the engine’s normal operating temperature. An engine that requires 5W-30 oil will need a low oil viscosity (5) at the engine’s cold start temperature (W, standing for “winter”). It also needs that oil to have a higher viscosity (30) once the engine reaches its piping hot normal operating temperature of around 212 degrees F.

The API classification signifies that the oil in question has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute to meet certain OEM standards in quality and performance.

Engine oil that sports a 5W-30 oil grade and API classification will create the ideal environment for the 2012 Subaru Outback’s optimal engine functionality. Feel free to use either conventional oil or synthetic oil as long as it meets these qualifications!

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How often to change oil on a 2012 Subaru Outback

Now you’re ready for the oil change! Well, maybe.

It is recommended that you change the oil in a 2012 Subaru Outback every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you use conventional motor oil. If you prefer to use the synthetic stuff, you’ll be able to go 7,500 to 10,000 miles before your oil needs changing.

While those ranges can be helpful benchmarks in keeping track of your oil changes, you’ll also want to consider your driving habits and environment. Folks that put a lot of miles on their vehicles or who drive on tough terrain every day will likely need an oil change more often than someone who only brings the car out of the garage once a week.

Since oil change intervals can vary widely based on your vehicle usage, it’s important to know how to identify poor oil quality so you can change your vehicle’s oil at the right times. Keep your sense out for these signs you need an oil change:

Dark brown or black oil color: clean motor oil looks closer to amber or light brown

Gritty or sludgy oil texture: engine oil should be smooth and near syrupy

Unfamiliar engine noises: low levels of oil or contaminated oil can damage your engine and lead to the dreaded engine knock

Burning or oily smell: you may catch a whiff of something burning when your oil is contaminated or low

Reduced engine performance: keep an eye out for worsening fuel economy, sluggish start-ups, and any other decrease in your vehicle’s performance

MORE: Why is my engine so loud?

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you deduce, whether by mileage count or that smell coming from your engine, that your Outback is due for an

oil change

, head out to the garage with these materials:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Clean rag or paper towels

Replacement oil filter

Clean washer for drain bolt

4.4 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil

Before you start the actual oil change, you’ll want to warm the engine up to make draining easier. Let your vehicle idle for about 10 minutes, or take a quick drive. Once you’re confident the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, park and shut the vehicle off while on a level surface, pop the hood open, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Position yourself under the engine to remove the oil drain bolt and allow the old oil to begin draining into the drain pan

Remove the existing oil filter and let the old oil drain away completely

Use a clean rag or paper towels to wipe away excess oil in the area

Install the new oil filter

Replace the oil drain bolt with the fresh washer

Refill the engine with 4.4 quarts of 5W-30 and replace the oil fill cap

Finish up by pouring the old oil into a sealable container so you can follow proper disposal procedures at your local recycling center. Be sure you do not dump any oil in your trash or on the ground. And you’re done! Your 2012 Subaru Outback engine is ready to hit the road once again.

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