Chevrolet Equinox oil type and capacity by year
A 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox takes 5W-30 oil: 5.0 quarts with the filter for the 2.4-liter and 6.0 quarts for the V6. A 2018–2026 Equinox with the 1.5-liter turbo takes full synthetic 0W-20 that meets dexos1, 4.2 quarts with front-wheel drive and 5.3 quarts with all-wheel drive. Find your year, engine, and drive in the table.
On this page (9 sections)
Equinox oil type and capacity by year
Each row is one model year and engine. The capacity is what Chevrolet lists for an oil change with a new filter. On 2018 and later models the oil fill differs between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, so the table shows both. Add a little less than the full amount, run the engine, wait, and top up to the full mark on the dipstick.
| Year | Engine | Oil | Oil spec | Capacity | Oil change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2019 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year19 |
| 2026 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2019 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year19 |
| 2025 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2019 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year19 |
| 2025 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2019 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year19 |
| 2024 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2024 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2023 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2023 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2022 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2022 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2021 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2021 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2020 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2020 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 5W-3013 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 5W-3013 | dexos1, full synthetic | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2017 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 5W-3013 | dexos1, full synthetic | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 5W-3013 | dexos1, full synthetic | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 1.6L turbo diesel 4-cylinder (FWD) | 5W-3012 | dexos2 (if unavailable: ACEA C3) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2019 | 1.6L turbo diesel 4-cylinder (AWD) | 5W-3012 | dexos2 (if unavailable: ACEA C3) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 0W-2011 | dexos1 (0W-20 meeting dexos1 second generation requirements) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 0W-2011 | dexos1 (0W-20 meeting dexos1 second generation requirements) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (FWD) | 5W-3011 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (AWD) | 5W-3011 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 1.6L turbo diesel 4-cylinder (FWD) | 5W-3012 | dexos2 (if unavailable: ACEA C3) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2018 | 1.6L turbo diesel 4-cylinder (AWD) | 5W-3012 | dexos2 (if unavailable: ACEA C3) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year17 |
| 2017 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2017 | 3.6L V6 | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2016 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2016 | 3.6L V6 | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2015 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2015 | 3.6L V6 | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2014 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2014 | 3.6L V6 | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2013 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2013 | 3.6L V6 | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2012 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-3010 | dexos1 | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2012 | 3.0L V6 | 5W-305 | dexos1 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2011 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-304 | dexos | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2011 | 3.0L V6 | 5W-304 | dexos | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5W-303 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 5 qt (4.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2010 | 3.0L V6 | 5W-303 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year10 |
| 2009 | 3.4L V6 (FWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2009 | 3.6L V6 Sport (FWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 5.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2009 | 3.4L V6 (AWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2009 | 3.6L V6 Sport (AWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 5.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2008 | 3.4L V6 (FWD) | 5W-301 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 4 qt (3.8 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2008 | 3.6L V6 Sport (FWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 5.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2008 | 3.4L V6 (AWD) | 5W-301 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 4 qt (3.8 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2008 | 3.6L V6 Sport (AWD) | 5W-302 | GM Standard GM6094M (API starburst) | 5.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
2010–2017: the 2.4-liter and V6 years
This is the Equinox most people search for by year. Every engine in this generation takes SAE 5W-30. What changed is the spec printed in the manual:
- 2010: oil meeting GM Standard GM6094M, with the API starburst symbol. This was GM’s spec before dexos.
- 2011: “dexos” oil, the first year the Equinox manual asks for it.
- 2012–2017: “dexos1.”
The 2.4-liter holds 5.0 quarts and the 3.0- and 3.6-liter V6 engines 6.0 quarts, with the filter. For very cold climates, below −20°F, the manuals allow 0W-30.
2018 and later: the turbo years
The 1.5-liter turbo takes 0W-20 in every year from 2018 to 2026. The 2018 manual asks for 0W-20 meeting “dexos1 second generation” requirements; from 2019 the manuals ask for full synthetic oil that meets the dexos1 specification. The 2018–2020 2.0-liter turbo takes 5W-30 dexos1, 5.0 quarts with front-wheel drive and 6.0 with all-wheel drive. The 2018–2019 1.6-liter diesel is different: it needs dexos2 diesel oil, 5W-30, 5.3 quarts. Gasoline-engine dexos1 oil is not a substitute.
2008–2009: before dexos
The first-generation V6 engines take 5W-30 meeting GM6094M. The 3.6-liter Sport holds 5.5 quarts. The 3.4-liter is listed at 4.0 quarts in the 2008 manual and 4.5 quarts in the 2009 manual, which is why the table shows the two years separately.
What dexos1 means
dexos1 is GM’s own approval for gasoline-engine oil. Oil makers test their oil against it and print the dexos1 mark on approved bottles. Your manual names the viscosity (5W-30 or 0W-20) and the approval; match both. A bottle that only says “meets API SP” is not the same thing as a licensed dexos1 oil.
Does the Equinox need synthetic oil?
From 2019, yes: the manuals ask for full synthetic oil that meets dexos1, on both the 1.5-liter and the 2.0-liter turbo. Earlier manuals ask for dexos1 or GM6094M without requiring full synthetic. A synthetic 5W-30 with the right approval is fine in a 2010–2017 Equinox too.
How often to change the oil
Every Equinox uses the GM Oil Life System. When it shows CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON, Chevrolet says to change the oil and filter within the next 600 miles, and at least once a year even if the message never appears. Reset the system afterwards; the steps are in how to reset the oil light. If it was reset by accident, Chevrolet says to change the oil 3,000 miles after the last change.
For a general rule of thumb, see how often to change oil, and the oil change due calculator finds the date and odometer for your next change. The rest of the schedule: Equinox maintenance schedule.
FAQ
What kind of oil does a 2015 Chevy Equinox take?
SAE 5W-30 that meets dexos1. The 2.4-liter holds 5.0 quarts and the 3.6-liter V6 6.0 quarts, with the filter, according to Chevrolet’s manual.
How many quarts of oil does a Chevy Equinox take?
On 2018–2026 models with the 1.5-liter turbo, 4.2 quarts with front-wheel drive and 5.3 quarts with all-wheel drive. On 2010–2017 models, 5.0 quarts with the 2.4-liter and 6.0 quarts with a V6. All figures include the filter.
Does the Equinox need synthetic oil?
The 2019–2026 manuals ask for full synthetic oil that meets dexos1. Older Equinox manuals ask for dexos1 or GM6094M oil, which can be synthetic or not.
How do I reset the oil life on an Equinox?
Through the driver information center: show REMAINING OIL LIFE and reset it to 100%. On 2008–2010 models, turn the ignition on and press the accelerator slowly three times within five seconds. Steps by model: how to reset the oil light.
Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors or Chevrolet. Chevrolet, Chevy, Equinox, and dexos are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles and products.
Sources
- 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2013 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2014 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2015 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2016 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Trailer Towing Supplement (checked November 12, 2026)