Ensuring your 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.5L FB25D1 engine receives the correct lubricants is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s reliability and performance. The Crosstrek’s horizontally opposed “boxer” engine design places specific demands on its fluid systems, requiring oil that can flow quickly in cold weather and maintain film strength under the heat of combustion. Subaru manufacturers specify synthetic oil for this engine code, making the choice of fluid a critical component of routine maintenance. Beyond the engine, the Crosstrek’s all-wheel-drive system, CVT transmission, and brake system all rely on precise fluid formulations to operate safely and efficiently.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
AMSOIL offers a comprehensive range of 100% synthetic fluids designed to exceed original equipment manufacturer requirements for this specific vehicle. Select the motor oil that best fits your driving conditions, or consider the extended life options for maximum service intervals.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice offering up to 25,000 miles of protection, 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss, and exceptional performance in extreme temperatures.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides up to 20,000 miles of service with 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother and protect against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI).
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective yet high-performance synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits, offering reliability for drivers who stick to standard maintenance intervals.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and restore performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered with 99% efficiency at 20 microns to capture small contaminants that cause wear, offering greater capacity than many competing filters for extended service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket alternative that offers improved filtration media over many OEM-branded filters, ensuring consistent flow and protection when paired with AMSOIL OE motor oil.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A ready-to-use 50/50 pre-mix ethylene glycol formulation that exceeds OEM requirements, protecting cooling system metals and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, non-toxic option that can be mixed with distilled water for superior environmental safety while delivering protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid – Formulated for the Subaru transmission to provide exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties, ensuring smooth shifting and reducing wear in the Continuously Variable Transmission system.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – An excellent choice for rear differentials, offering advanced protection against thermal runaway, rust, and corrosion, ideal for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides robust protection for GL-5 differentials across all temperatures, helping to lower operating temperatures and extending seal and equipment life.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A heavy-duty gear lube designed for severe service conditions, offering superior extreme pressure protection for differentials requiring thicker viscosity grades.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Offers stable viscosity over a wide temperature range and excellent ABS responsiveness, outperforming conventional glycol ethers to prevent boiling during hard braking.
The engine oil capacity for the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with the 2.5L FB25D1 engine is 4.4 quarts when the filter is replaced. It is important to note that synthetic oil is required for this engine. If the specified 0W-20 synthetic is unavailable for a top-off, 5W-30 conventional oil may be used temporarily, but should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic at the next scheduled service. The drain plug torque specification is 31 ft-lbs, and a new washer should always be installed on the drain bolt to prevent leaks. The transmission fluid capacity for the automatic TR580 transmission is 12.2 quarts for a total fill. Additionally, the rear differential requires 1.7 pints of fluid. The cooling system capacity is 8.8 quarts, requiring a compatible antifreeze formulation.
Using the correct fluids is vital for the longevity of the Crosstrek’s components. The CVT transmission, in particular, benefits significantly from a dedicated synthetic fluid like AMSOIL CVT fluid, which is designed to handle the metal-to-metal friction inherent in these systems. Standard transmission fluids may not offer the necessary frictional properties, potentially leading to shuddering or premature wear. Similarly, the Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive system places constant stress on the front and rear differentials. Synthetic gear lubricants like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® help control operating temperatures and prevent the thermal runaway that can degrade traditional oils under heavy load.
About the Vehicle
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek represents the fourth generation of Subaru’s compact crossover, a model that has consistently appealed to drivers seeking a blend of practicality, safety, and off-road capability. Based on the Subaru Impreza platform, the Crosstrek utilizes Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides constant traction to all four wheels for enhanced stability in varied weather conditions. The vehicle’s elevated ground clearance, combined with standard all-wheel drive, gives it a reputation for capability that belies its compact footprint.
The 2.5L FB25D1 engine featured in this analysis is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine. This “flat-four” layout offers a lower center of gravity compared to inline engines, which improves handling characteristics. The FB25D1 is a direct-injection engine, a technology that can sometimes lead to carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, making fuel additives like AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver a valuable consideration for high-mileage owners looking to maintain peak fuel economy and power. While Subaru often markets this model as a rugged outdoor companion, it is equally at home in urban environments, serving as a versatile daily driver for commuters and families alike.
Owners of the Crosstrek frequently praise its reliability and the confidence-inspiring nature of its AWD system. The vehicle is built in Japan, where Subaru’s reputation for durability is well-established. The 2022 model year continues the legacy of the previous generations, offering a practical interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a safety suite that typically includes EyeSight driver assist technology. The platform’s inherent strength provides a solid foundation for a wide range of accessories, from roof racks for skiing to underbody protection for off-road adventures.
Like many modern direct-injection engines, the FB25D1 can experience specific issues that AMSOIL lubricants are well-suited to mitigate. One common area of concern is sludge accumulation, particularly if the vehicle is used primarily for short trips or stop-and-go driving. Synthetic oils provide superior detergent packages that keep internal components cleaner for longer, preventing the oil from breaking down and forming sludge that can restrict oil flow to critical engine parts. Another potential issue is oil consumption, which can occur in high-mileage engines where seals and gaskets may have hardened or worn slightly. The high-mileage AMSOIL formulations include seal conditioners designed to restore flexibility to aging seals, helping to reduce or prevent oil loss.
Cooling system integrity is also paramount in a Subaru boxer engine, which is sensitive to overheating. The use of high-quality antifreeze is crucial to prevent corrosion in the cooling passages, which can lead to leaks or blockages over the long term. AMSOIL’s antifreeze formulations are phosphate-free and designed to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, extending the service life of the cooling system. Furthermore, the direct injection system in the FB25D1 can be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves, a condition that can degrade performance and fuel efficiency. While engine oils cannot directly clean the intake valves, maintaining clean engine internals and using fuel additives that clean the injectors helps mitigate the root causes of performance loss associated with this specific engine design.
Finally, the CVT transmission in the Crosstrek requires precise fluid properties to prevent shuddering and ensure smooth power delivery. Over time, the friction modifiers in the factory fill can degrade, leading to hesitation or noise. Switching to a dedicated synthetic CVT fluid ensures that the transmission retains its optimal friction characteristics, protecting the pulleys and belts from premature wear and maintaining the smooth driving experience the vehicle is known for.