How much oil does a 2021 Outback take?
With the filter: 4.4 US qt on the 2.5 L, 4.8 US qt on the 2.4 L turbo. Both are guidelines.
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In-depth guide
2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Outback oil is 0W-20 synthetic. With the filter, the 2.5 L is 4.4 US qt and the 2.4 L turbo is 4.8 US qt. The book sends the change to a trained expert.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Required grade | 0W-20 synthetic. API SN with the words RESOURCE CONSERVING, or SN PLUS with RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5. |
| If 0W-20 is unavailable | 5W-30 conventional may be used to add oil. Change back to 0W-20 synthetic at the next oil change. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. |
| 2.5 L with filter | 4.4 US qt (4.2 L, 3.7 Imp qt). Low to full is 1.1 US qt (1.0 L). |
| 2.4 L turbo with filter | 4.8 US qt (4.5 L, 4.0 Imp qt). Low to full is 1.1 US qt (1.0 L). |
Source: owner's manual / last verified 2026-10-16 (Owner's manual publication A2600BE-B, file MSA5M2104B, copyright 2020, edited 2020/10/1. Subaru's manual index lists A2600BE-B as the 2021 Outback book. The same PDF also describes the Legacy. (opens in a new tab)).
Difficulty, time, and cost are estimates when this guide gives them. Torque is a cited figure, or it is left off.
Main source: Owner's manual publication A2600BE-B, file MSA5M2104B, copyright 2020, edited 2020/10/1. Subaru's manual index lists A2600BE-B as the 2021 Outback book. The same PDF also describes the Legacy. (opens in a new tab), Subaru Corporation, published 2020-10-01, read 2026-10-16.
Funnel
For adding oil. The capacity page does not print a drain-plug size.
| Item | Figure | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Required grade | 0W-20 synthetic. API SN with the words RESOURCE CONSERVING, or SN PLUS with RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5. | Approved engine oil |
| If 0W-20 is unavailable | 5W-30 conventional may be used to add oil. Change back to 0W-20 synthetic at the next oil change. Conventional oil may be used if synthetic is unavailable. | Oil grade note |
| 2.5 L with filter | 4.4 US qt (4.2 L, 3.7 Imp qt). Low to full is 1.1 US qt (1.0 L). | Engine oil capacity |
| 2.4 L turbo with filter | 4.8 US qt (4.5 L, 4.0 Imp qt). Low to full is 1.1 US qt (1.0 L). | Engine oil capacity |
2.5 L is 4.4 US qt with the filter. 2.4 L is 4.8 US qt with the filter.
API SN or SN PLUS with RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5.
The book says the necessary quantity can differ slightly. Recheck the level. The change itself is described as a job for a trained expert.
Quantities are guidelines. The separate Warranty and Maintenance Booklet was not read, so no mile interval is added. Coolant is on the coolant guide. CVT fluid is on the transmission guide.
This PDF also describes the Legacy. The oil capacities below are printed by engine, and the book applies those engine rows to the models that use them.
Outbound links only. BaySheet does not sell parts. Confirm fitment on the retailer page. Amazon links are searches for a real part name plus this vehicle. Tool rows do not get a product search. The search is not a part number.
Part
0W-20 synthetic engine oil
API SN or SN PLUS with RESOURCE CONSERVING, or ILSAC GF-5. 4.4 US qt on the 2.5 L, 4.8 US qt on the 2.4 L, with the filter.
2021 Outback oil specification (opens in a new tab)Search Amazon.com (affiliate link) (opens in a new tab)As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tool
Funnel
For adding oil. The capacity page does not print a drain-plug size.
With the filter: 4.4 US qt on the 2.5 L, 4.8 US qt on the 2.4 L turbo. Both are guidelines.
0W-20 synthetic is required. 5W-30 conventional is only a temporary top-up if 0W-20 is unavailable.
The Warranty and Maintenance Booklet was not read, so no mile is stated.
The maintenance checklist is on the site now. The email list is not sending yet, so this box will not store an address.
These guides cover the same kind of work. Their numbers belong to those vehicles, not to this one.
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