The 2022 Subaru Impreza with the 2.0L FB20D3 engine is a compact car known for its reliability and all-weather capability, but it demands specific lubricants to maintain its precision and longevity. Using the correct fluid types is not just about meeting a manufacturer’s checklist; it is about providing the necessary protection against the unique stresses of this engine, including potential turbocharger wear and carbon buildup in direct injection systems. Proper maintenance ensures that your vehicle operates smoothly, maximizes fuel efficiency, and protects critical components from premature failure.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, offering guaranteed service intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and offers 20,000 miles of protection between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Fights sludge and deposits while protecting turbochargers 72% better than the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification requires.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Designed for vehicles over 75,000 miles with boosted detergents to reduce sludge and enhance anti-wear performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns with reduced restriction to keep engine parts lubricated and extends service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – Offers premium media improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable protection.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid – Provides exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties to protect your CVT transmission from wear.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for rear differential applications, this fluid controls thermal runaway and protects against rust and corrosion.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation compatible with all cooling system metals, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Filtration Specifications
The heart of the 2022 Subaru Impreza 2.0L is the FB20D3 engine, a horizontally opposed four-cylinder unit designed for efficiency and durability. For this engine, AMSOIL recommends using a synthetic motor oil with a 0W-20 viscosity grade. This specific viscosity is crucial for ensuring proper lubrication during cold starts and maintaining stable film strength under high operating temperatures. The fluid specification is strictly SN, which meets the latest API service standards for gasoline engines. If 0W-20 synthetic oil is unavailable, the source notes that 5W-30 conventional oil may be used for replenishment only, but the system should be returned to the recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next scheduled change to ensure full performance.
The engine oil capacity is precise. When changing the oil and replacing the filter, the system requires 4.6 quarts. It is important to note that after the refill, you must check the oil level to ensure it is within the safe operating range. The oil drain plug torque specification is 31 ft/lbs. When performing the change, always install a new washer on the drain bolt to prevent leaks and ensure a secure seal.
Matching the oil with the correct filtration system is equally vital. The recommended AMSOIL Oil Filter, with product code EA15K13-EA, is engineered to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. This high level of filtration captures small, wear-causing contaminants that might otherwise pass through lesser filters. The filter also allows for lower restriction, which keeps engine parts properly lubricated even under heavy load. For those looking for an OEM-equivalent option, the WIX Oil Filter (code 57055-EA) is a strong choice, offering premium media that improves upon standard equipment filters.
Transmission and Differential Protection
The transmission system in the 2022 Impreza varies depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a manual gearbox. For the automatic CVT model, which uses the TR580 or similar transmission type, a dedicated CVT fluid is required. The total fill capacity for this transmission is 11.3 quarts. Standard fluids may not handle the extreme frictional demands of a CVT belt system. AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid is designed specifically to provide exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties, ensuring smooth power delivery and extended component life.
For the manual transmission variant, identified as the TY758 model, the fluid specification is GLSB4. The total capacity for a manual transmission is 7.4 pints. This fluid must be capable of operating in all temperatures. The drain plug torque specification for the manual transmission is 52 ft/lbs, and like the engine, a new washer should be installed on the drain bolt during service. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is an excellent choice for manual transmissions as well as differentials. It contains friction modifiers beneficial for limited-slip applications, controls thermal runaway, and helps reduce operating temperatures, leading to longer life for oil, seals, and equipment.
The differential lubricant is another critical area. The rear differential requires 1.7 pints of gear lube with a GL-5 rating. For the 2022 Impreza 2.0L, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 is the primary recommendation. If the vehicle is subject to severe service or heavy towing, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 is also available as a high-viscosity alternative that offers advanced protection against wear and rust. Additionally, the 80W-90 variant is compatible and provides similar protective benefits for gear systems requiring that specific viscosity.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid Maintenance
Maintaining the cooling system is essential for the longevity of the Subaru’s engine. The coolant capacity varies slightly based on the transmission type, with the system requiring approximately 8.2 quarts for CVT models and a slightly different volume for manual versions. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 pre-mix formulation. This fluid is engineered to exceed OEM requirements and is compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors. It is free from phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, silicates, borates, and amines, making it safe for a wide variety of cooling system components. For a concentrated solution, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Brake fluid is another critical safety component. The 2022 Impreza requires fluid meeting FMVSS116 DOT-3 or DOT-4 standards. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Its synthetic formulation ensures a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, which is vital for consistent braking performance in both hot and cold conditions.
Vehicle Background and Performance
The 2022 Subaru Impreza is a cornerstone of the Subaru lineup, serving as a compact sedan and hatchback that appeals to drivers who value safety, versatility, and all-weather performance. Built on Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive platform, this vehicle is designed to deliver traction and stability in a wide variety of driving conditions, from city streets to winding mountain passes. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine produces enough power for daily commuting while maintaining respectable fuel economy, and the vehicle’s suspension tuning strikes a balance between a comfortable ride and precise handling.
Owners of the 2022 Impreza appreciate its interior practicality, offering a decent amount of cargo space for its class, especially in the hatchback variant. The vehicle’s reputation is further bolstered by its safety credentials, which typically include advanced driver-assistance systems as standard equipment. The flat-four engine design, known as the “boxer” engine, lowers the center of gravity, contributing to better handling dynamics compared to many of its competitors in the compact segment.
Despite its robust design, there are common maintenance issues that can affect the 2022 Impreza, particularly regarding its engine and fluid systems. One known issue is the potential for carbon buildup on intake valves, a problem common in modern direct injection engines that can lead to rough idling and reduced fuel efficiency. Using a high-quality synthetic motor oil like the AMSOIL Signature Series helps mitigate carbon formation by providing superior thermal stability and cleaning properties. Another common concern is the longevity of the CVT transmission under severe driving conditions, where the fluid can break down over time, leading to shuddering or slipping. Regular changes with AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid can help maintain the fluid’s frictional properties and protect the transmission belt. Additionally, some owners report oil consumption issues or sludge buildup in the engine if the oil is not changed frequently enough; synthetic oils resist oxidation and thermal breakdown much better than conventional oils, preventing these problems. Finally, brake fluid contamination can occur over time, leading to a spongy pedal feel; the use of a high-quality synthetic brake fluid helps prevent moisture absorption and maintains consistent braking performance throughout the fluid’s service interval.
Additional Products for Performance and Care
To further enhance the performance of your 2022 Subaru Impreza, AMSOIL offers several additives and maintenance products. The AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can restore up to 14% horsepower and cleans fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, which is particularly beneficial for GDI engines prone to carbon deposits. For vehicle storage, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup, while the Engine Fogging Oil provides rust prevention for internal components during long periods of inactivity. For general maintenance and cleaning, the AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner effectively removes grease and brake dust without leaving residue, and the Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease offers outstanding resistance to thermal and oxidation degradation for chassis lubrication points.
Regular maintenance with these premium synthetic fluids and additives ensures that your Subaru Impreza continues to perform at its best. Whether you are driving on icy roads or cruising on the highway, the right lubricants provide the protection and peace of mind every owner deserves.