Mazda3 oil type and capacity
The Mazda3 takes 0W-20 oil on every 2011 and later engine except the 2.5 Turbo, which takes 5W-30. The 2008–2009 cars take 5W-20. With a new filter, capacity is 4.4 quarts on the SKYACTIV 2.0, 4.8 quarts on the SKYACTIV 2.5, and 5.1 quarts on the turbo; the older MZR engines hold 4.5 quarts (2.0) and 5.3 quarts (2.5).
On this page (7 sections)
Mazda3 oil by year and engine
Values are from Mazda’s manuals, with the filter changed. The 2010 manual was not on Mazda’s site, so 2010 cells are blank; check the oil filler cap or your owner’s manual for that year.
| Year | Engine | Oil | Oil spec | Capacity | Oil change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2026 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2025 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2024 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2023 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2022 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2021 | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | 5W-3010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, FWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cylinder, AWD | 0W-2010 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC GF-5 or later) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use11 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 0W-206 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter | 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, at most 10,000 miles or 12 months; 2017–2018: at most 7,500 miles or 12 months; severe use (Schedule 2) every 5,000 miles or 4 months through 2016, 6 months from 20177 |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 0W-204 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 0W-204 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (MZR) | 0W-203 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cylinder (MZR) | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (MZR) | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)4 |
| 2009 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 5W-202 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)2 |
| 2009 | 2.3L 4-cylinder | 5W-202 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)2 |
| 2008 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 5W-202 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)2 |
| 2008 | 2.3L 4-cylinder | 5W-202 | API “Certified For Gasoline Engines” (ILSAC) | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) with filter | every 7,500 miles or 6 months (Schedule 1); every 5,000 miles or 4 months in severe use (Schedule 2)2 |
Which engine do I have?
The oil depends on the engine more than the year, so this matters most for 2012–2013 cars, when the MZR 2.0, the MZR 2.5, and the new SKYACTIV-G 2.0 were sold side by side. The EPA lists the SKYACTIV cars as the “3 DI”, and they hold 4.4 quarts, not 4.5. On 2021 and later cars, the 2.5 Turbo and the non-turbo 2.5 also take different oil. If in doubt, the window sticker or a Mazda dealer with your VIN will tell you which engine you have.
Viscosity and spec
0W-20 flows fast on a cold start and stays thin when hot, which helps the SKYACTIV engines’ fuel economy. Mazda asks for oil certified by API for gasoline engines, the ILSAC “starburst” mark on the front of the bottle. The 2021 manual names ILSAC GF-5 or a later version for the non-turbo engines; any oil sold today meets that. The 2.5 Turbo’s 5W-30 is thicker because the turbocharger runs on engine oil at high temperature.
Synthetic or conventional?
Mazda doesn’t require full synthetic. Nearly all 0W-20 oil is synthetic or a synthetic blend, because that is how a 0W rating is reached. On the turbo, synthetic 5W-30 is the better buy for heat protection.
How often to change it
- 2008–2013: every 7,500 miles or 6 months on Schedule 1; every 5,000 miles or 4 months on Schedule 2 (severe use).
- 2014–2016: when the wrench light comes on, up to 10,000 miles or 12 months.
- 2017–2018: when the wrench light comes on, up to 7,500 miles or 12 months.
- 2019–2026: when the wrench light comes on, up to 10,000 miles or 12 months; every 5,000 miles or 6 months in severe use.
Reset the oil data after each change so the wrench light counts from zero: how to reset the oil light. Background: how often to change oil and oil change due. The rest of the service list is on the Mazda3 maintenance schedule.
FAQ
What oil does a Mazda3 take?
0W-20 for 2011 and later non-turbo engines, 5W-30 for the 2.5 Turbo, and 5W-20 for 2008–2009, according to Mazda’s manuals.
How many quarts of oil does a Mazda3 hold?
With a new filter: 4.4 quarts (SKYACTIV 2.0), 4.8 quarts (2.5), 5.1 quarts (2.5 Turbo), 4.5 quarts (MZR 2.0 and 2008–2009 engines), or 5.3 quarts (2011–2013 MZR 2.5).
How often should I change the oil in a Mazda3?
Every 7,500 miles on 2008–2013 cars. On 2014 and later cars, when the wrench light comes on, at most every 7,500 or 10,000 miles depending on the year, and at least once a year.
Does the Mazda3 Turbo take different oil?
Yes: 5W-30, and 5.1 quarts with the filter.
Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations. Mazda, Mazda3, and SKYACTIV are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.
Sources
- Mazda, 2008 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual (built before Jan. 1, 2008) (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2009 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual: specifications, Scheduled Maintenance, towing (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2011 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual: capacities, tires (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2013 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual: capacities, tires, Scheduled Maintenance, towing (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2014 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual (VIN starting with JM1) (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2016 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual: capacities (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2015 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual: tires, Scheduled Maintenance (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2018 Mazda3 online owner’s manual: Schedule 1 (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2017 Mazda3 Owner’s Manual (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2021 Mazda3 online owner’s manual: Capacities and Recommended Oil (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2021 Mazda3 online owner’s manual: Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A. and Puerto Rico) (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2024 Mazda3 online owner’s manual: Capacities and Tires (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Mazda, 2023 Mazda3 online owner’s manual: Trailer Towing (mazdausa.com) (checked November 12, 2026)