Are you searching for the best oil that can complement your Subaru WRX? That means you are smart enough to take care of your car’s engine along with the other aspects!

However, the best way to keep your Subaru WRX engine solid and protected is to add the right engine oil. Top-quality engine oil can enhance the life of an engine and keep it running perfectly for years after years. In addition to the betterment of the engine, the right oils also initiate power increase and bring in a boost in the fuel economy. 

There are a number of different brands available in the market today which might make you quite confused when choosing the best one. As it is a matter of your favorite car’s health and longevity, you just cannot settle with anything less than the best. 

This is why we have completely dedicated ourselves to bringing you the best reviews of Subaru WRX engines here in this article. We hope our information and reviews would be highly helpful for you to find out the right oil that can take your engine efficiency to the highest level.

Top 5 Best oil for Subaru WRX: Best Medicines for Your Subaru WRX

You will find a huge number of engine oils available on the market today, and each of them claims to be the best! The delusional and exaggerated advertisements might make you quite confused, and consequently, it will make it difficult for you to find the best oil for Subaru WRX.

However, we know that you want the very best engine oil for your favorite Subaru car. We have tried to summarize the most effective options here so that you can choose from the very best products only.

Here is our shortlist of the best oil for wrx that you should consider buying in 2021. Let’s go through all the options and get the one that suits your car the most!

ImageProductDetailPrice
Castrol 03585 Edge Bio-Synthetic 0W-20

Castrol 03585 Edge Bio-Synthetic 0W-20

  • Resists deposit formation to maximize engine response
  • Eco-friendly as it uses a larger portion of renewable sources
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Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30

  • Cools down the engine and ensures smooth driving
  • Highly compatible with turbo-charged engines
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Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30

  • Pure Plus Technology keeps the engine healthy
  • Improved Fuel Economy
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Royal Purple 51530 5W-30 Petrol

Royal Purple 51530 5W-30 Petrol

  • Compatible with ethanol based fuels
  • Great protection against wear and corrosion
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Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 5W-20

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 5W-20

  • Superior antioxidants resists the breakdown of motor oil
  • Added detergent protects sludge and deposits
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How Can You Choose The Best Oil For Subaru WRX?

To ensure your Subaru WRX is running in great health, you need to ensure that you are using the right kind of motor oil. You need to remember, that not all oils are created to be of equal quality.

You should choose the engine oil for your Subaru WRX as per expert recommendations and Toyota tolerances. We have gathered and summarized all that relevant information in this review, and thus made it easier for you to choose the most effective option quickly and conveniently.

The viscosity and amount of engine oil is mainly dependent on the generation, volume, and type of the Subaru WRX engine, and the degree of its wear.

As per our findings, we want to inform you that you must use synthetic oils for your Subaru WRX. Also, you need to be sure whether they have the right certifications, like API SN, SN PLUS, or SM. 

For the Subaru WRX models that came to the market after 2015, the best fit would be the oils that are API SN Plus rated. These oils help your car to prevent low-speed pre-ignition in the directed-injected turbo-engines like FA20DIT.

Also, you should be looking for an oil that has ILSAC GF-5 and ILSAC GF-6 specifications. For older models, we would recommend ILSAC GF-4 or Toyota motor oil approvals.

Subaru Recommends the “5W-30” synthetic oils for all its WRX and WRX STI models. 

To help you reach the very best decision, we have provided short discussions on the best Subaru WRX oil choices you can find in the market. Check out their features and performances, and choose the one that you think would complement your car the most!

The best engine oil for Subaru WRX 0w-20

Our reviewed 3 best Subaru WRX Engine Oil 0w-20 are:

ProductPrice

Castrol 03585 Edge Bio-Synthetic 0W-20

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Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage SAE 0W-20

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Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil 8100 0W20

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Castrol 03585 Edge Bio-Synthetic 0W-20

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 0W-20
  • Brand: Castrol
  • Liquid Volume:160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: ‎9.13 pounds
  • API: SP
  • ILSAC: GF-5

If you have a new Subaru WRX that has traveled less than 75000 miles, then we would recommend you to go for an engine oil with 0w-20 viscosity, ILSAC GF-5, or GF-6 specification. Some options that you may consider have been presented below:

Castrol 03585 Edge 0W-20 is an oil that is not only excellent in quality but also friendly for the ecosystem. The oil contains 25% sugarcane-derived oil compounds, which means higher use of renewable sources.

Castrol EDGE Bio-synthetic 0W-20 comes in a combination of fluid titanium technology and natural lubrication of plants. When you have it in your car, you can be sure of enjoying the maximum engine performance as well as a higher level of protection.

Pros

  • Reduces metal to metal contact
  • Decreases the formation of engine deposit 
  • Maximizes engine response
  • Use of renewable sources

Cons

  • Some customers found oil leaks upon delivery

Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage SAE 0W-20

Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 0W-20

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 0W-20
  • Brand: Valvoline
  • Liquid Volume: 5 Quarts
  • Product Weight: ‎9.28 pounds
  • API: SP

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 is one of the most perfect alternatives for people who look for higher mileage but low spending on their cars. It would also be a great option for people who are looking for high-end engine oil for their Subaru WRX.

Valvoline 0W-20 comes in a full synthetic formula that is enhanced with proprietary MaxLife Technology. It helps to ensure maximum protection against wear, sludge, deposits and leaks. The oil has enhanced anti-wear additives that deliver a thick and long-lasting layer of anti-wear films.

Pros

  • Delivers excellent protection against engine stress and heat
  • Extra wear protection
  • Extra detergents to keep the older engines cleaner

Cons

  • Acceleration might seem a bit weaker

Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil 8100 0W20

Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil 8100 0W20 ECO-LITE

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 0W-20
  • Brand: Motul
  • Liquid Volume: 5 Quarts
  • Product Weight: ‎9.28 pounds
  • Flash Point: 433 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • API: SN+
  • ILSAC: GF-5

If you are looking for full synthetic engine oil that can delight you with a great fuel economy, then you have just found the lubricant you are searching for. The oil meets API SN+ standards, which pretty much certifies its higher performance as well as added protection. 

The composition of Motul 5L Synthetic Engine Oil 8100 0W20 ensures excellent oxidation resistance, better anti-deposit protection, and improved engine cleanliness. The oil shows great oil flow at the start-up, leading to a faster build-up of oil pressure. As a result, your engine can reach the operating temperature quite soon.

Pros

  • Maximizes fuel economy
  • Outstanding oxidation resistance and anti-deposits protection
  • Ameliorates oil flow at the start-up

Cons

  • No esters in the SN recipe

Subaru WRX engine oil 5w-20

According to our research, a new Subaru WRX with less than 75000 miles should use engine oils of viscosity 5W-20, ILSAC GF-5, and GF-6 specifications. Some options to go for can be as follows:

ProductPrice

Pennzoil – 550045202 Full Synthetic 5W-20

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Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20

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Castrol 1598EF Edge Extended Performance 5W-20

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Pennzoil – 550045202 Full Synthetic 5W-20

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 0W-20
  • Brand: Motul
  • Liquid Volume: 5 Quarts
  • Product Weight: ‎9.28 pounds
  • Flash Point: 433 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • API: SN+
  • ILSAC: GF-5

Pennzoil – 550045202 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 can easily outperform conventional oils with its excellent low-temperature performance and advanced volatility control.

This oil is engineered with Pennzoil’s patented PurePlus Technology, which is a patented process of converting natural gas into fully synthetic base oil. The oil also exceeds the stringent manufacturer requirements for cleanliness and protection.

Pros

  • Performs great in extreme temperatures 
  • Offers excellent sludge protection
  • Keeps the pistons nice and clean

Cons

  • Expensive

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 5W-20
  • Brand: Valvoline
  • Liquid Volume: 5 Quarts
  • Product Weight: ‎9.46 pounds
  • API: SP, SN, SN+
  • ILSAC: GF-6A

Valvoline Maxlife High Mileage Oil is an excellent high mileage motor oil. This oil is formulated to fight the causes of a high-mileage engine breakdown, including wear, sludge, leaks, and deposits.

Valvoline Maxlife 5W-20 features Maxlife Technology in order to maximize the life engines. The premium and synthetic blend formulations have been designed to deliver an exceptional even in the most extreme conditions.

Pros

  • Added detergents protect sludge and deposits
  • Superior antioxidants resists oil breakdown in the most extreme conditions
  • Premium seal conditioners prevent leaks

Cons

  • Some users find some noises in the engines after using this

Castrol 1598EF Edge Extended Performance 5W-20

Castrol 1598EF Edge Extended Performance 5W-20

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 5W-20
  • Brand: Castrol
  • Product Weight: ‎9.45 pounds
  • API: SN
  • ILSAC: GF-5

Castrol EDGE Extended Performance 5W-20 is a state-of-the-art full synthetic oil from Castrol. The oil delivers you an extended performance with an extended drain for 20,000 miles or almost a year.

This oil features some of the most unique attributes of fluid titanium technology. It can transform its structure to become even stronger under pressure. It helps to fight power-robbing friction by keeping the metal apart.

Pros

  • Excellent wear protection
  • Stronger against viscosity breakdown
  • Improves fuel economy

Cons

  • Might look thin and tired after months of use

Subaru WRX engine oil 5w-30

For Subaru WRX cars with 100,000 miles or less, we would recommend using engine oils of viscosity 5w-30, ILSAC GF-5, and GF-6 specifications. Some of the best ones from this class have been presented below:

ProductPrice

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30

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Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30

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Royal Purple 51530 High Performance Oil 5W-30

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Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 5W-30
  • Brand: Valvoline
  • Liquid Volume: 5 Quarts
  • Product Weight: ‎9 pounds
  • ILSAC: GF-5

Are you looking for an oil that can provide a top-class performance even in the most extreme weather conditions? Then Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 can be the solution you are looking for.


Valvoline Advanced 5w-30 keeps all parts of the engine running smoothly. The oil delivers exceptional sludge and varnish protection and shows great performance while you are driving at a high speed. As the oil keeps the engine cool, it is highly recommendable for hot weather conditions.

Pros

  • Ensures quick oil flow on start ups
  • Works excellent in hot weathers
  • Fights against sludge and varnish

Cons

  • Not perfect for sub-zero conditions

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 5W-30
  • Brand: Pennzoil
  • Liquid Volume: 160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: ‎9.23 pounds
  • API: SP
  • ILSAC: GF-6
  • ACEA: A1/B1

Pennzoil Full Synthetic 5W-30 is made to provide excellent performance in the most extreme temperatures. Quickly delivering oil flow in low temperatures and protecting the engine in extreme heat, this oil ensures smooth driving in extreme weather conditions.

Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 keeps your engine clean from deposits. Thanks to the improved fuel economy, the oil can help your car to drive an additional 550 miles a year on average. If you are looking for the best oil for 2018 WRX, you can have your trust in it.

Pros

  • Top-of-the-class engine protection
  • Keeps the engine clean from deposits
  • Great performance regardless of the weather

Cons

  • The price might seem a bit expensive

Royal Purple 51530 High-Performance Oil 5W-30

Royal Purple 51530 High Performance Motor Oil 5W-30

Specifications

  • Viscosity: 5W-30
  • Brand: Royal Purple
  • Liquid Volume: 160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: 8 pounds
  • API: SN+
  • ILSAC: GF-5

Royal Purple High-Performance Oil 5W-30 ensures superior corrosion resistance to your engine as it grows old with time. When you are looking for an oil that can offer high mileage, Royal Purple 5W-30 can be the one for you.

The oil is highly compatible with ethanol-containing fuels. Therefore, the engine shows excellent performance when you use it for petrol-based turbo-charged engines. The oil keeps your engine in great condition also by limiting wear and tear.

Pros

  • Compatible with ethanol based fuels
  • Safeguards the catalytic emission system
  • Top class protection against wear and tear

Cons

  • Has a tendency of burning quickly

Subaru WRX Engine oil 10w-30

For Subaru WRX Engine oil 10W-30, we have the following shortlist for you:

ProductPrice

Havoline PRO DS Full Synthetic 10W30 

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Castrol 03110 GTX High Mileage Motor Oil 10W-30

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Royal Purple 51130 API-Licensed SAE 10W-30

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Havoline PRO DS Full Synthetic 10W30 

havoline prods full synthetic 10w30

Specification

  • Viscosity: 10W-30
  • Brand: Havoline
  • Liquid Volume: 160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: 9.37 pounds
  • API: SP
  • ILSAC: GF-6A

Havoline PRO DS Full Synthetic 10W30 is a great solution for supercharged and turbocharged vehicles. The oil comes in deposit shield technology which is specially engineered for the ultimate protection that the high-performance engines demand. The oil exhibits shear stability to control viscosity and keeps on providing a top-of-the-class performance and protection.

Pros

  • Fast lubrication during start-ups
  • Excellent wear protection
  • Reduces engine deposit

Cons

  • Packaging is not up to the mark

Castrol 03110 GTX High Mileage Motor Oil 10W-30

Castrol 03110 GTX High Mileage Motor Oil 10W-30

Specification

  • Viscosity: 10W-30
  • Brand: Castrol
  • Liquid Volume: 160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: 9.42 pounds
  • API: SN
  • ILSAC: GF-5

Castrol GTX High Mileage 10W-30 comes in an advanced technology patented by Castrol. This advanced technology prevents catalytic converters as well as emission system failures. This oil is formulated with less phosphorus compared to other leading oils. If you want to stay safe from wear, sludge, oil burn-offs, you can have your trust on Castrol 03110 GTX High Mileage Motor Oil 10W-30.

Pros

  • Superior protection against oil burn-offs
  • Superior detergency prevents deposits 
  • Advanced additives prevent engine wear

Cons

  • Not fully synthetic

Royal Purple 51130 API-Licensed SAE 10W-30

Royal Purple 51130 API-Licensed SAE 10W-30

Specification

  • Viscosity: 10W-30
  • Brand: Royal Purple 
  • Liquid Volume: 160 Fluid Ounces
  • Product Weight: 8 pounds
  • API: SN+

Royal Purple 51130 10W-30 ensures better engine performance as well as superior protection for the engine. When you upgrade to Royal Purple, you do not need any special procedures for your engine. Ensuring a lower coefficient of friction, Royal Purple 10W-30 provides you with ultimate fuel efficiency. 

Pros

  • Improved protection against LSPI
  • Compatible with fuels containing ethanol
  • Top-notch wear protection

Cons

  • Cost comparing the competitors’ price

FAQ

What kind of oil does a Subaru WRX use?

Since the Subaru WRX has a turbo, its manufacturers recommend using a 5W-30, ILSAC GF-5, and API SN-certified oil for it. You will find a lot of oils in that category in the market, but we have shortlisted the best ones for you in this article. Try going for either Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 or Royal Purple 51530 5W-30, and kick out all your worries regarding the health and performance of your beloved car! These recommendations will also apply to you when you are searching for the best oil for Subaru WRX STI.

What brand of oil does Subaru recommend?

As you might have assumed already, Subaru recommends using genuine Subaru oil for your Subaru WRX. This is not surprising at all, to be honest, who would give up the chance of promoting its own product! We do not doubt the recommendation as genuine Subaru oils is really of great quality. However, there are even better ones available in the market that will please and delight you in terms of price and quality. This is why, we recommend you to go through our brief reviews on the best engine oils available in the market, and choose the best one that you think will suit the demands of you and your car.

What oil should I use for a 2016 WRX?

The first thing that you need to remember while choosing an engine oil for your 2016 WRX, is that you should definitely go for an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil. If you don’t find any of that kind available, you can go for anything nearby. However, consider it a must to replace it with an SAE 5W-30 oil right at the next oil change. The same recommendations can also apply when you are searching for the best oil for 2015 WRX or the best oil for 2018 WRX.

What oil should I use for my 2002 WRX?

For your 2002 Subaru WRX, consider using an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil. This type of oil has the capacity to hold around 4.8 quarts of oil with a filter, which matches the requirement of your Subaru WRX 2002. 

How much oil does a 2002 Subaru WRX take?

A Subaru WRX generally takes 4.8 quarts of oil.

The Final Verdict

Subaru is a brand that stands for quality and elegance, and Subaru WRX does a proper judgment of that tradition. If you have a Subaru WRX, we are sure that you have a great taste. To complement that taste, we could not settle for providing you with anything less than the best.

We know how significant an engine oil can be for the health and performance of your car, and so we tried our best to present you with the best engine oils. However, it was not actually an easy job to find the best ones, among the numerous brands and products available in the market.

We have gone through our own research, and took insights from experts and customers regarding the quality and performance of these oils. Finally, we have compiled a collection of the best Subaru WRX Oils available in the market.

As you have already gone through the article by now, we believe you have your own choice or shortlist for the best Subaru WRX engine oils. If you are still looking for a specific Suggestion from us,
we would recommend you to choose either Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 or Royal Purple 51530 5W-30 engine oil. Ensuring a smooth performance as well as ultimate protection to your Subaru WRX, these engine oils can turn out to be the perfect companion for your car!

We believe our Subaru oil recommendations have made things easy for you. As you are good to go now, take out best wishes for your darling car! We hope that you will be able to get the best oil for Subaru WRX with our assistance, and thus keep your car healthy and happy!