Changing oil is often a tedious task!
But it has to be done. The real problem arises when you don’t know which oil you can put in your RAV4.
In this article, find out exactly which oil and at which viscosity you can put in your engine. Besides that, find out what are the best ones out there for your dearest RAV4.
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Toyota RAV4 Oil Type: Which is Recommend by Toyota?
For the Toyota RAV4, you should use SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20 synthetic oil for optimum performance.
Toyota suggests synthetic oil in all its vehicles and mandates it on select model years.
Also, if you wondered if Toyota RAV4s use synthetic oil, now you know that they do.
Below you will find more differences between conventional and synthetic oil.
While this should apply to most new and current RAV4 vehicles, check your owner’s handbook before making any decisions because it could specify a different kind of oil.
And when it comes to a brand name, you can use any, but in general, the Mobil 1 is the top-tier for Toyota RAV4s.
Toyota RAV4 Oil Type For Each Model Year
Model Year | Recommended Engine Oil for Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|
2010 | 5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on climate) |
2011 | 5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on climate) |
2012 | 5W-30 or 5W-20 (depending on climate) |
2013 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2014 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2015 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2016 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2017 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2018 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2019 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2020 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2021 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
2022 | 0W-20 (for all climates) |
Top 3: Best Oil for Toyota RAV4
In here you will find info about the top 4 oils you can find online for your favorite RAV4!
Last update on 2024-11-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Keep reading to find out which ones are the best.
Just for the information, each oil will be in the recommended grade, which is SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20 synthetic oil.
#1 Oil for Toyota RAV4: Mobil 1 – Synthetic 0W-20
Not only does Mobil 1 0W-20 adhere to manufacturer specifications, but it also offers outstanding low-temperature protection and synthetic motor oil exceptional performance.
It is a cheap, superior synthetic oil that is thin enough to offer TRUE “cold start-up” protection!
Fully synthetic Mobil 1 0W-20 offers the highest fuel efficiency within the Mobil 1 family. It is also assisting in reducing wear and extending engine life.
This oil flows quickly to safeguard important engine components during the numerous starts that occur in gasoline/electric hybrids.
Opt for this oil for complete engine protection and outstanding fuel efficiency!
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Last update on 2024-11-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2 Oil for Toyota RAV4: Castrol – Synthetic 5W-20
Due to the increasing need for performance and fuel economy over the past three decades, the pressures in modern engines have roughly doubled.
Therefore, potent oil is required to lower friction, boost horsepower, and improve fuel efficiency.
Castrol EDGE is equipped with fluid titanium technology, which physically alters how the oil behaves under pressure to resist the higher pressures in modern engines.
Castrol’s unique titanium technology offers proven deposit prevention, anti-wear, and friction reduction results.
The titanium-based technology ensures performance and strength on this oil, so we are super-amazed with it!
Opt for this one if you want a fully synthetic, quality 5W-20 oil.
- Advanced premium full synthetic motor oil to offer strength under extreme pressure
- Titanium strong for maximum engine performance
- Reduces metal-to-metal contact across a range of different driving speeds
- Protects the engine for the entire drain interval even under extreme pressure
- Decreases engine deposit formation to help maximize engine response
Last update on 2024-11-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3 Oil for Toyota RAV4: Valvoline – Synthetic 0W-20
Your trusty engine may wear out over time and may finally fail if it is not well protected.
That is why you need Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic oil!
Valvoline scientists and engineers have refined the motor oil recipe to better guard against the four main factors contributing to engine failure:
- wear,
- friction,
- heat, and
- deposits.
Consequently, engine longevity is increased, and performance is at its best.
Deteriorating oil can lead to a serious protection gap in newer engines.
However, Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic has 40% more anti-wear compounds than industry norms.
Additionally, the solution includes antioxidants that are 10-times more efficient than standard antioxidants at preventing oil degradation.
- Advanced protection against the four main causes of engine breakdown: wear friction heat and deposits
- 40% better wear protection vs. industry standards as tested in the Sequence IVB engine test
- 25% better deposit protection with superior engine cleaning detergents as tested in the GMOD engine test
- Full synthetic formula offers 24X stronger protection against engine-killing contaminants than the leading full synthetic motor oil
- Meets or exceeds all requirements of ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, API SN with SN Plus, API SN, GM dexos 1 Gen 3
Last update on 2024-11-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Often Should I Replace Oil in My Toyota RAV4?
For conventional oil, Toyota recommends replacing your Toyota RAV4’s oil and filter every 3,000–5,000 miles.
On the other hand, generally speaking, synthetic oil has to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
But, some factors can increase the frequency of the oil change.
You will have to change your oil sooner if:
- Your driving is eccentric,
- the location where you drive your RAV4 is dirty and contaminated,
- you often have irregular high-load driving (off-road, with a trailer, etc.),
- you use gasoline of poor grade in your RAV4,
- you did a prior oil change of inadequate quality,
- you are using the incorrect engine oil,
- the speed limit is exceeded often, etc.
Which Viscosity of an Oil Should I Choose for My RAV4?
Generally, the oil which you will put in your car depends on the region you live in. That’s why you must put the oil that is just the proper viscosity for your RAV4.
The viscosity is the oil’s “thickness,” frequently noted prominently on the package.
A low-viscosity oil is thinner and more free-flowing, whereas a high-viscosity oil will have a more treacle-like consistency.
Low-viscosity oils are typically used in modern Toyota engines to minimize friction within the engine, reduce wear and tear, and improve fuel efficiency.
Consult your manual to see which viscosity is recommended for your region.
Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oils
Synthetic oil is the most acceptable for your Toyota RAV4, but what does that actually mean?
Although conventional (or “normal”) oil and synthetic oil initially have a similar appearance and sound, there are several significant differences between the two.
Both are derived from petroleum, but synthetic oil has undergone additional chemical treatment in a lab to increase its effectiveness and durability.
Synthetic oil is generally more costly due to this refining, but it usually balances out because you’re taking your car in for an oil change less regularly.
Synthetic oil is excellent for robust, high-performance cars like the RAV4 since it works better at greater temperatures.
FAQ
Does Toyota recommend synthetic oil?
Yes, Toyota advises using synthetic oil for all their vehicles, with certain model years requiring it.
What Oil Does a 2022 RAV4 Take?
You should use 0W-16 synthetic engine oil for a 2022 Toyota RAV4. This one is the best for your brand-new Toyota RAV4.
However, if you are in a hurry, you can add a bit of 0W-20 so your RAV4 can run until you add the 0W-16 Synthetic one.
Luna Meschiari is a full-blooded car nut who is well known to local garages, as each article is meticulously researched and peppered with the latest piece of information. Guess what car she’s driving right now? A RAV4 2021 Hybrid. But her heart also sleeps for pickups like the F-150. Get to know Luna better on the about us page.
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