Choosing the right oil type for your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity. The appropriate oil will depend on the engine variant of your vehicle. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.
Recommended Oil Types
Engine Specifications
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
- Oil Type: 0W-20.
- Oil Capacity: 4.6 quarts (with oil filter.)
- 2.5L 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
- Oil Type: 0W-20.
- Oil Capacity: 4.4 quarts (with oil filter.)
Summary of Options
| Engine Type | Recommended Oil Type | Oil Capacity (Quarts) |
| 2.0L 4-Cyl Boxer Engine | 0W-20 | 4.6 |
| 2.5L 4-Cyl Boxer Engine | 0W-20 | 4.4 |
For tips on better maintaining your Subaru Crosstrek, check out this maintenance guide.
The Oil Showdown: Can Synthetic Outrun Conventional?
Conquering the Cold Start
- Cold Weather Performance: On a frosty morning, conventional oil can struggle, becoming sluggish and slow to circulate.
- Rapid Lubrication: Synthetic oils remain fluid in cold conditions, ensuring your Crosstrek starts smoothly and minimizing wear.
Longevity in a Bottle
- Robust Protection: Synthetic oils create a shield around your engine’s vital components, protecting against friction and heat.
- Enhanced Durability: This protection is especially important for modern engines, extending their life and maintaining performance.
Fuel Efficiency
- Reduced Friction: Synthetic oils allow for smoother engine operation, leading to better gas mileage.
- Cost Savings: Improved efficiency translates to savings at the pump and a lower carbon footprint.
The Verdict
- Long-term Benefits: While synthetic oils may have a higher initial cost, their advantages—such as improved cold-start performance, enhanced engine protection, and longer intervals between changes—offer significant value for your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
Key Considerations
- Engine Health: Superior protection against wear helps your Crosstrek’s engine maintain optimal performance.
- Fuel Economy: Reduced friction improves fuel efficiency, saving you money.
- Environmental Impact: Synthetic oils help reduce oil consumption and your environmental footprint.
Recommended Oil Brands
- Pennzoil Platinum® High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Key Features:
- Formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles.
- May help reduce oil consumption and leaks.
- Provides protection against wear and tear in higher-mileage engines.
- Designed for performance in extreme temperatures.
- Suitable for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, as well as the Crosstrek Sport and Limited variants.
- Key Features:
- Quaker State® High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Key Features:
- Formulated specifically for high-mileage vehicles (over 75,000 miles.)
- Designed to help protect against wear and tear in higher-mileage engines.
- May help reduce oil consumption and leaks.
- Contains synthetic base oils for enhanced performance.
- May help reduce friction and contribute to improved fuel economy.
- Protects against the formation of sludge and harmful deposits, making it a good option for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and its various trims.
- Key Features:
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil
- Key Features:
- Formulated with 100% synthetic base oils.
- Demonstrated 75% greater protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to the industry standard in independent testing (ASTM D6891.)
- Offers 50% more cleaning power than AMSOIL OE Motor Oil.
- Provides 72% better turbocharger protection than the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification requirement (based on independent testing.)
- Offers 28% more acid-neutralizing power than Mobil 1 in independent testing (ASTM D2896.)
- Ideal for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and compatible with other Subaru models like the Forester and Outback.
- Key Features:
FAQs
Q: Can I use 0W-20 in both engine variants of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
A: Yes, 0W-20 is the recommended oil type for both the 2.0L and 2.5L engines.
Q: How often should I change the engine oil?
A: It is generally recommended to change the engine oil every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, but it’s best to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations.
Q: What are the benefits of synthetic oil over conventional oil?
A: Synthetic oil provides better engine protection in extreme temperatures, improved fuel efficiency, and longer intervals between oil changes.
By selecting the correct oil and adhering to your vehicle’s specifications, you can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
For more details on the discussed engine oils visit: Quaker State (Quaker State Oil), Pennzoil (Pennzoil Oil) , AMSOIL Signature Series (AMSOIL Oil.)