11 best engine oils for Subaru Forester

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Subaru Forester has been known in Russia since 1997. It is a compact SUV, perfect for both city trips and long-distance travel. The car can be equipped with gasoline engines 2.0 and 2.5 liters, as well as a diesel power unit 2.0 liters. Paired with a continuously variable CVT and all-wheel drive, such a car can easily go on the Off Road route. To keep the Japanese engine in good condition, you must follow the manufacturer's Subaru Forester ICE service instructions. Let's find out which oil is the best for the Subaru Forester and what is praised in the reviews by the car service masters and car owners.

Manufacturer's recommendation Subaru Forester

The Japanese automaker prescribes in the operating instructions to perform engine maintenance Subaru Forester every 15,000 km, and if the crossover is rarely used, then every 12 months. With regard to the oil for the line of motors, the manufacturer has established the following requirements for the API standardization system:

1. for the very first generations Subaru Forester from 1997 release oil with the designation SJ is suitable;
2. owners of cars manufactured in the period 2001-2003 are recommended to fill in oil with an SL class;
3. SH approval is required for all subsequent generations.

The optimal SAE viscosity is 0W-20, but the manufacturer allows other parameters if Subaru Forester is operated in a warm region, where the temperature rises above +35 degrees in summer. ACEA approval class must be A1, A2, A3 or A5. The new C5 is also suitable.

Rating of the best engine oils for Subaru Forester

Considering the main characteristics of Forester engine oils Subaru and after reading hundreds of customer reviews, we have compiled a list of the most popular products for servicing Japanese internal combustion engines in these car models.

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price per liter
Rating of the best engine oils for Subaru Forester	1	SUBARU SN 0W-20	729 RUB
	2	Motul 8100 Eco-Lite SN / CF 0W20	727 RUB
	3	AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20	831 RUB
	4	Wolf Officialtech 0W20 LL FE	RUB 1,099
	5	Ravenol Eco Synth ECS SAE 0W-20	993 RUB
	6	Eurol Evolence 5W-30	544 r
	7	IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20	630 RUB
	8	XENUM Nippon Energy 0W20	659 r
	9	Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w20	750 RUB
	10	LIQUI MOLY Special Tec AA 5W-30	RUB 625
	11	Eurol Evolence 0W-20	532 RUB

SUBARU SN 0W-20

Rating: 4.9

The best oil for a Subaru Forester engine is a technical fluid produced specifically for the concern Subaru. The product has SN approval and is suitable for cars manufactured from 2004. The viscosity of the oil is 0W-20 and it is classified as easy-flowing. The owners of crossovers in the reviews like that in winter the car starts well – usually with the first or second scrolling with the starter. The product can be used in engines with a turbine or on simple “aspirated” engines. The surfactant complex effectively resists hard deposits on hot engine parts, but has a gentle effect on catalytic converters. Car service technicians praise the product for its thermal stability thanks to its high flash point of 235 degrees.

Experts considered this oil to be the best for Subaru Forester engines due to a special formula that reliably protects pistons and cylinders from wear. For this, the manufacturer added molybdenum to the composition, which increases slip and reduces friction, as well as boron, which prevents the destruction of the upper metal layer.

Advantages

• suitable for engines with and without turbocharging;
• prolongs the life of the catalyst;
• pronounced washing properties;
• freezes after -43º С;
• protects against wear.

disadvantages

• high price;
• it may be necessary to add 100 g for every 1000-2000 km.

Motul 8100 Eco-Lite SN / CF 0W20

Rating: 4.8

In second place is oil for Subaru Forester from the Motul brand. The 8100 Eco-Lite series is ACEA SN specification and is designed for use in modern Japanese model engines. Viscosity SAE 0W-20 is suitable for regions with temperatures of -35 degrees in winter and + 28º C in summer. It is a synthetic product with pronounced energy-saving properties. The 8100 Eco-Lite range is based on emission control technology, so the catalyst system stays efficient for longer and the amount of pollutants in the exhaust gas is reduced. Service station masters in reviews praise the technical fluid for the fact that it ensures engine cleanliness when using gasoline with an ethanol content of up to 85%.

We found this oil to be the best for Subaru Forester, which is operated in cold regions. The product has a very low viscosity number at a high shear rate of 2.6 mPa.s. This allows you to maintain excellent fluidity, despite frost and protect the internal surfaces of the internal combustion engine from the first seconds after starting the engine.

Advantages

• can be used in engines with turbocharging and direct injection;
• reduces hydrodynamic friction;
• promotes fuel economy;
• compatible with the operation of internal combustion engines on gas.

disadvantages

• not suitable for diesel engines;
• Base number may not cope with carbon deposits if you frequently fill up with bad fuel.

AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20

Rating: 4.7

The third place is taken by synthetic engine oil Subaru Forester from the AMSOIL brand. The technical fluid has a viscosity of 0W-20 and an API specification – SN. The ACEA A1 / B1 approval permits the use of the substance in engines running on gasoline or diesel fuel. The product is created using the special First in Synthetics technology and exceeds the requirements of modern internal combustion engines. The oil has pronounced detergent properties due to its high alkaline number of 12.5. A flash point of 220 degrees makes it thermally stable.

In our opinion, the oil is the best, since it has an A1 / B1 class according to ACEA, which allows it to be used with an extended interval between Subaru Forester maintenance. Masters of car services in reviews share that with this oil, from replacement to replacement, you can drive up to 17-18 thousand km without harm to the power plant. This is relevant if the driver Subaru Forester travels a lot over long distances without the opportunity to buy goods in a trusted place and perform service on time.

Advantages

• can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines;
• provides protection against wear;
• fuel savings are observed;
• excellent detergent properties.

disadvantages

• inconvenient packaging 3.78 l – nothing remains for topping up;
• there is a volatility according to the NOACK test of 8.5%.

Wolf Officialtech 0W20 LL FE

Rating: 4.7

Further in the review is engine oil from the Belgian brand Wolf. The synthetic product has ACEA-C5 approval and can be used on gasoline and diesel engines. The SAE index is 0W-20. Due to its low base number of 8.3 TBN, the oil does not harm the catalytic converter system or diesel particulate filter, but still protects the walls of the internal combustion engine from solid deposits. The total sulphated ash content reaches 0.79 units, which customers like in the reviews. The flash point of the grease is 235 degrees. During tests on a cold cranking simulator, the product showed a dynamic viscosity of 3500 (CCS), which indicates an easy start of the engine in the cold season.

Our experts have singled out this oil as the best fuel economy for the Subaru Forester. Due to the special composition, the technical fluid remains low flowing at an ambient temperature of -35 degrees. This allows the internal combustion engine to easily rotate the crankshaft with a piston group and does not create additional resistance. As a result, when using this oil, it is possible to achieve a fuel economy of 4%.

Advantages

• additives prevent soot deposits;
• easy cold start;
• excellent fluidity at low temperatures;
• reduces CO2 emissions.

disadvantages

• high price;
• Cannot be applied to Subaru manufactured earlier than 2010.

Ravenol Eco Synth ECS SAE 0W-20

Rating: 4.7

The five best oils for Subaru Forester includes a product from Ravenol. The substance is formulated with a package of additives to maintain fluidity at low ambient temperatures. In the manufacture of the grease, the Clean-Synto technology was used, in which the manufacturer brought the base number to 9.76. This allows you to keep the Subaru Forester engine clean and avoid premature fouling of the catalytic converter. The product can be used on power plants with direct fuel injection and turbocharging, as evidenced by the ACEA approval – A5 / B5 and the SN standard from API. It is suitable for diesel and gasoline engines Subaru Forester. In the reviews, experts praise the product for the tri-core molybdenum, which reliably protects the power plant from wear and tear.

Our experts recommend this engine oil for the Subaru Forester in the North. The pour point of the technical fluid is at a record level and is -54 degrees. This provides reliable protection for the piston rings when starting the internal combustion engine in such extreme conditions.

Advantages

• increased easy fluidity;
• applicable to engines with and without a turbine;
• low sulfur content 0.251;
• moderate base number 9.76.

disadvantages

• volatility according to NOACK – 7.4%;
• high price;
• acid index 2.33 is undesirable for ICE metal.

Eurol Evolence 5W-30

Rating: 4.6

The British manufacturer Eurol produces Evolence 5W-30 oil, which is suitable for servicing Forester engines Subaru installed since 2004. The grease has API – SN approval and can be used on diesel and gasoline power plants. Experts speak well of the gentle influence on the Forester turbocharger Subaru, especially when the intervals between oil changes are forced to increase. In the composition of the substance, ORT additives are used to increase protection against wear. The manufacturer recommends using the product on Forester models operated in difficult conditions, such as frequent stops or long journeys every day.

This oil is the best for Subaru Forester internal combustion engines in protecting the combustion chamber from soot deposits, as well as due to its gentle effect on the exhaust system with a catalytic converter or particulate filter. This effect was achieved thanks to the creation of a product based on the Mid SAPS technology, which assumes a reduced content of sulfur, phosphorus and sulphated ash.

Advantages

• prevents metal oxidation;
• stable at a temperature of 100-150 degrees;
• fights sludge and carbon deposits;
• protects against wear.

disadvantages

• weak detergents;
• quickly burns out and has to be refilled between replacements

IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20

Rating: 4.5

Subaru Forester's next maintenance oil is a product from the Japanese brand IDEMITSU. The Zepro Eco Medalist series is manufactured in Japan at a plant in Chiba. The company has an agreement with corporations Nissan, Subaru and Mazda for the production of engine oil, which is original for these brands. Perhaps, when buying a Subaru Forester in a car dealership, this particular technical tool was filled in its engine. Oil viscosity 0W-20 provides fuel economy and easy fluidity. SN approval applies to all latest generations Subaru Forester. In the reviews, drivers note the quieter operation of the motor when switching to oil from a Japanese company. A base number of 9.3 ensures timely removal of sludge from the combustion chamber.

Experts have put this oil in the list of the best for Subaru Forester due to the low frequency of counterfeits. Unlike other more popular brands, IDEMITSU products are almost never counterfeited, which increases the likelihood of buying an original product in a regular store when the next maintenance deadline is approaching.

Advantages

• suitable for all-season use;
• produced exclusively in Japan, Chiba;
• promotes fuel economy;
• easy start-up in winter.

disadvantages

• due to low viscosity, it can evaporate and burn out;
• high price.

XENUM Nippon Energy 0W20

Rating: 4.4

This product is produced by a Belgian company for Subaru Forester. The synthetic engine oil is API-SM approved and has proven itself on direct injection engines. The ACEA A1 / B1 indicator allows increasing the service interval if necessary. The grease is designed for engines running on both diesel fuel and gasoline. The owners of Subaru Forester in their reviews are glad that the technical liquid does not freeze down to -46 ° C, so the substance is suitable for use in the North. Thermal stability is possible due to the high flash point – 236 degrees.

Our experts have singled out this oil as another best in protecting piston rings and cylinder walls from wear and tear. This is made possible thanks to an expanded additive package. It includes: 1318 units of zinc, 1209 phosphorus, 3236 calcium and 136 boron. Mass fraction of sulfur is 0.415. All this creates a particularly durable layer on the surface, resistant to friction and heat.

Advantages

• stable viscosity index;
• reduced fuel consumption;
• pronounced cleaning ability;
• resistance to shear deformations.

disadvantages

• volatility according to HOAK as much as 9.3;
• Base number 10.3 and total acidity 2.63 worsen the situation for the catalysts and the exhaust system.

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w20

Rating: 4.3

In ninth place in the review of the best oils is a product from the American company “Mobil”. It is designed for American-Asian vehicles including Subaru Forester. According to the API specification, the product has a SN / SM class and fits the Japanese crossover in several generations at once – from the 2004 models to the most modern ones. The grease is produced directly in Europe from imported materials and using the technology of complete oil synthesis, which provides a low sulfate number and low ash content. In reviews, the product is praised for preventing oxidation, in case the user refueled with low-quality fuel. Suitable for aggressive driving style and use of the car in the North.

This oil is remarkably high in gravity despite its SAE 0W-20 viscosity. These characteristics provide better compression. On the new engine, this contributes to increased power and fuel efficiency. On an already worn out Subaru Forester ICE, the use of lubricant will lead to a reduction in waste consumption and a cleaner exhaust.

Advantages

• protection of the internal combustion engine from wear;
• suitable for extremely cold operating conditions;
• improves fuel consumption indicators by 2%;
• maintains antioxidant stability.

disadvantages

• a lot of fakes;
• inconvenient canister for filling oil.

LIQUI MOLY Special Tec AA 5W-30

Rating: 4.2

And here is the German engine oil for cars Subaru Forester from the LIQUI MOLY brand. The viscosity of 5W-30 allows the use of lubricant in crossover motors operated at ambient temperatures from -30 to +35 degrees. API approval is at the highest level – SN-Plus, so the product fits the new Subaru Forester, designed with turbocharged internal combustion engines. The technical liquid demonstrates reliable protection of the metal from oxidation, which customers like in the reviews. The composition with balanced additives prevents the product from foaming at a crankshaft speed of 6000-7000 per minute.

We recommend this oil for those Subaru Foresters that are used in sports competitions. The grease is designed to work in extremely high internal combustion engine temperatures and provides fast circulation, helping to cool the engine. It also helps keep the engine running at full capacity and protects piston rings and cylinder walls from scuffing. In 2018, the product won the award for Best Sports Powertrain Oil.

Advantages

• convenient canister with two handles;
• suitable for the latest generation of motors;
• silent operation of the internal combustion engine;
• helps to increase power.

disadvantages

• low base number 7.5;
• there are fakes.

Eurol Evolence 0W-20

Rating: 4.1

The review concludes with a synthetic motor oil from Eurol, a UK brand. Unlike the already mentioned substance from the same manufacturer, Evolence 0W-20 has a lower viscosity, which allows the product to be used in colder regions of Russia. Starting the engine Subaru Forester is even easier with it. The technical liquid begins to solidify after -40 degrees. The API standard classifies grease as SN. The composition is developed on the basis of SAPS technology and contains a minimum amount of sulfur, phosphorus and sulphated ash, which has a gentle effect on catalytic converters. In the reviews, the owners of Subaru Forester are pleased with the quiet operation of the engine and the absence of sludge on the gas distribution unit.

It is the most thermally stable crossover oil Subaru Forester. Despite the low SAE viscosity, the grease retains its consistency and ignites only at a temperature of 254 degrees. Such characteristics make it possible to use it on highly loaded off-road vehicles, for example, operated in taxis.

Advantages

• all-season use;
• pronounced antioxidant properties;
• reduces fuel consumption;
• ensures reliable operation of the internal combustion engine throughout the entire speed range.

disadvantages

• there is a small consumption for waste;
• only suitable for gasoline engines.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.