The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is best known for its generous cargo and passenger space, simple controls, and off-road capabilities. The 2021 RAV4’s oil capacity is 4.8 quarts, which is an important figure to know for keeping up with regular maintenance.

The Toyota RAV4 is an affordable and fuel-efficient SUV that, with

proper maintenance

, has great longevity. Part of that maintenance includes regular oil changes which can be done professionally or, to save some money, at home.

Whether you’re looking to save some money by learning how to change your own oil or you’re just interested in learning more about your 2021 Toyota RAV4, we’ve got you covered.

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2021 Toyota RAV4 engine oil capacity

The engine oil capacity for Toyota’s 2021 RAV4 is 4.8 quarts with the oil filter. Be mindful that engine displacement—the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine—is different from engine oil capacity. The 4.8-quart engine oil capacity refers to the volume of oil needed for your RAV4’s oil changes.

What kind of oil does a 2021 Toyota RAV4 need?

The first step to a successful do-it-yourself oil change is picking out the right oil. Different engines require different oils so it’s important to make sure you’re picking oil with the right grade and specification for your 2021 Toyota RAV4.

Toyota’s recommendation for your 2021 RAV4 engine is Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or an API-certified synthetic equivalent with a viscosity of SAE 0W-16. If you’re in a pinch and SAE 0W-16 oil is unavailable, you can use SAE 0W-20 oil as long as it’s replaced with SAE 0W-16 at your next oil change.

Lost in the terminology? We’ve got you covered.

API stands for the American Petroleum Institute. An API certification means the oil you’re purchasing has met the performance and quality standards set by the API. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, an organization that issues the viscosity (thickness) grading system for engine oil. Synthetic oil is oil that has undergone refinements to ensure effectiveness and longevity—it tends to be more expensive than conventional oil but requires less frequent changes.

What about 0W-16? The first number tells us the likelihood of the oil thickening at low temperatures. The lower the number, the less likely it is to thicken and the more easily your engine starts in cold weather. The second number tells us the viscosity characteristic of the oil once your engine has warmed up. Higher values are commonly seen in vehicles that operate at high speeds or under heavy loads.

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What to do if your car’s oil pressure light is on

How often to change oil on a 2021 Toyota RAV4

It’s generally recommended that you change your RAV4’s oil annually or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Keeping up with regular oil changes can help increase your vehicle’s longevity, boost engine performance, and improve gas mileage.

Here are some other signs that indicate it’s time to

change your oil

Dark brown or black oil (clean oil will be light brown, like a cup of tea)

Gritty oil texture

Changes in fuel efficiency

Changes in vehicle performance (like weird noises)

MORE: How long does an oil change take?

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you’ve decided to change your oil at home, here’s what you’ll need:

Five quarts of SAE 0W-16 engine oil (you’ll only use 4.8 quarts)

A jack and jack stands (to raise your RAV4)

Wheel chocks (to prevent movement)

An oil catch container

A funnel

A new 2021 Toyota RAV4 filter

A new oil drain bolt washer

A 10mm socket with a ¼” drive ratchet

A 14mm socket with a ⅜” drive ratchet

Once you’ve gathered your materials, warm up the engine by idling it for a few minutes or taking it for a short drive. Next, follow these steps:

Get your RAV4 on jacks, using the wheel chocks on the rear tires to prevent rolling

Remove the oil fill cap

Underneath the engine, remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing old oil to drain into your oil catch container

Remove the old oil filter and let the oil continue to drain

Install the new filter

Reinstall the oil drain bolt with the new washer and tighten it to 30 lb-ft

Use the new oil to refill the engine

Secure the fill cap back in place

After you’ve changed your oil, let the engine run for about 30 seconds. Doing this before checking the oil level gives you a better idea of how much you’ll still need to top off. Using the dipstick, check if your oil needs to be topped off, then fill as needed. The oil pressure light should turn off on your car’s dashboard if you’ve done it right.

Don’t forget to clean up! Some oil retailers will accept old oil, or you can take it to your local recycling center. Old engine oil should never be thrown in the garbage or poured onto the ground.

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