Looking for the best oil for Toyota Corolla? In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to get the best thing for your car.
You’ll learn about which oil is recommended by Toyota, which viscosities are suitable, and under what conditions. This post is very user-centric, so you’ll find out what other Corolla aficionados have been using over the years.
So don’t skim to the products, and read all the sections to help make sense of how those products are chosen.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Good for all temperatures
- 40% better wear protection
- Performance improvement
- Powerful deposit cleaning
- Increases fuel efficiency
- Engine protection
- Manufacturer’s pick
- Full synthetic
- Universal Toyota compatibility
- Great fuel economy
- Improved engine performance
- Can increase intervals
- High-quality oil
- Verified carbon neutral
- Good low-temperature oil flow
- Affordable price
- Good flow in extreme cold
- Reliable engine cleaning
- Improves fuel economy
- Full synthetic formula
- Sludge and wear protection
- Added conditioners and detergents
- Prevents leakage
- Made in the US
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil
The overall number one pick for the Toyota Corolla is Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil, and for all the right reasons:
- Compatibility with most recent Toyota Corolla models
- 40% more wear protection
- Improves fuel economy
SAE 0W-20 is the recommended and frequently used oil viscosity for Toyota Corolla for more than a decade now.
Valvoline is a household name in the US when it comes to engine oils. Their oils are produced in the US and follow strict quality standards.
Toyota Corolla is a reliable car and the kind that people in inner cities and suburbs both prefer. It’s just made to run without a lot of maintenance and lasts longer, but that’s only possible if you use a quality engine oil.
Valvoline Advanced Synthetic is fully synthetic, not even a blend, so you get superior quality. It can prevent wear and deposit, especially in cars that easily do over 1000 miles every month.
The formula is designed for hardworking cars like Toyota Corolla. Regardless of the mileage, you can safely use this oil to keep it running perfectly.
Oil for Toyota Corolla Recommended by Manufacturer
When choosing an engine oil for your vehicle, it’s best to check your car’s manual for the official recommendation. While you’ll definitely find the technical specifications, some manuals also recommend brands, which removes any guesswork.
Since Toyota Corolla has been around for a long time, recommendations may differ from year to year, especially from one generation to another. This is what the Toyota Corolla 2013 user manual recommends:
Viscosity
Toyota recommends using SAE 0W-20 motor oil, which is ideal for cold starting. However, it makes a note that, in the case said viscosity isn’t available, 5W-20 can also work. For the 2.4-liter engine, both 0W-20 and 5W-20 are acceptable. But you should try sticking to 0W-20, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Capacity
According to the owner’s manual, the oil capacity for the 1.8-liter engine is 4.4 quarts, and the 2.4-liter engine is 4.0 quarts with filter. Therefore, a 5-quart bottle should be more than enough to refill.
Specifications
The recommended engine oil for Toyota Corolla as per the manufacturer is Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or approved equivalent, which is basically API-certified. Also, it should be ILSAC multi-grade oil. Most popular brands like Valvoline, Pennzoil, Mobil1, and Castrol meet these requirements set by Toyota.
Oil for Toyota Corolla by Mileage
Mileage should also be an important consideration, especially if you have an older Toyota Corolla, which has had its fair share of mileage on the odometer.
For low mileage Toyota Corolla, you should stick to SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Although Toyota specifically recommends its own proprietary oil (Toyota Genuine Motor Oil), users say it’s not necessary to use Toyota’s own oil. Apparently, it’s way more expensive than other name-brand equivalents.
As for high-mileage Toyota Corolla, you would most likely be using a model older than 2009, in which case, you should use 5W-30 viscosity. The general consensus is that if you’ve been using high-quality synthetic oil, you don’t necessarily need to switch to a high-mileage variant.
If you do want to switch, the best oil for high-mileage Toyota Corolla is Mobil 1 synthetic high-mileage motor oil. It’s very popular with high-mileage Corolla owners.
For older models, conventional oil was more commonly used. It may make more sense to upgrade to a synthetic blend or full-synthetic motor oil, but it’s best to consult an expert who may make a recommendation depending on the mileage, model, and engine’s condition.
| Mileage | Brand |
|---|---|
| Low-Mileage: Below 75,000 miles | 5W-20 or 5W-30 |
| High-Mileage: 75,000 miles or above | 5W-20 |
Best Oil for Toyota Corolla
The top best product [hide]
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Whether you idle a lot on inner-city roads or drive on freeways, this oil will meet your engine’s needs. The formula is specifically designed to bolster hardworking cars.
It’s the best overall engine oil choice for Toyota Corolla on account of its compatibility, extreme conditions tolerance, and value for money. This is API-certified and dexos approved.
Castrol Edge Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Toyota Genuine Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
Castrol GTX Magnatec Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
Valvoline High Mileage with Max Life Technology SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
Oil for Toyota Corolla – Buyer’s Guide
Model Overview
Toyota Corolla is one of the most successful car brands that has gained worldwide fame on its own. It’s a budget-friendly, mainly four-door sedan that’s super reliable and sturdy. This is why it’s still so popular in developed and developing markets alike.
It’s now in its 12th generation and has seen its fair share of changes, especially in terms of body. However, it’s still considered somewhat conservative.
The engine options currently include 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, with the former being the standard since 2003. In terms of motor oil, the recommended viscosity only changed after 2009 when it was revised to 0W-20. For the Corolla models before 2009, the engine oil viscosity was 5W-30.
For earlier models, conventional oil was standard, but for more recent models, both synthetic or synthetic blends can work (although full synthetic is obviously the best choice).
How Much Oil Does a Toyota Corolla Take?
Toyota Corolla typically takes 4.1 to 4.4 quarts depending on the year of manufacture and engine size. Currently, the capacity for both 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines is 4.4 quarts. For older cars, the capacity might vary slightly, so it’s best to check for the specific year.
Just to be safe, buy a 5-quart bottle, as that will easily meet the Toyota Corolla oil capacity. You’ll also save money, rather than buying multiple single quart bottles.
Service Intervals
Toyota recommends changing engine oil in Toyota Corolla after 5000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Typically, your car will require oil changes in the 3000 to 5000 miles range, depending on use. It also depends on Toyota Corolla oil type, if you’re using full synthetic or only a blend.
How to Change Oil in Toyota Corolla?
Changing engine oil in a Toyota Corolla is very simple. Your first go-to option for instructions on how to change should be the owner’s manual.
In case you don’t have the manual or find the instructions difficult, head over to this video and watch the whole process in detail. It’s pretty much the same for most Toyota Corolla models.
Tips
- If buying Toyota Genuine Motor oil, buy it online or from Toyota, as it’s usually expensive at dealerships.
- For older engines, consult a mechanic to find which oil you should be using.
- If you’ve been using full synthetic oil for the lifetime of the Corolla, there is no need switch to high mileage unless advised.
- When using a synthetic blend, change earlier than 5000 miles or six months.
- Buy a quality filter, preferably a genuine Toyota one.
Toyota Corolla Oil Type By Year
2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Oil Type
This generation of Toyota Corolla was known for its sturdy body and sporty features. It came with a hp-130, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with another more powerful engine option as well. With this generation, synthetic oil had started to become more common.
For instance, the 2002 Corolla oil type is synthetic 5W-30.
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
- Valvoline High-Mileage Synthetic Blend 5W-30 Motor Oil
2009-2013 Toyota Corolla Oil Type
Starting with this generation, Toyota officially changed the recommendation to 0W-20 viscosity, with the option of 5W-20. The engines, however, didn’t see much change. Toyota Corolla 2010 oil type was both 0W-20 and 5W-20, whereas Toyota Corolla 2013 oil type is primarily 0W-20, with 5W-20, only recommended if 0W-20 is not available.
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
- Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil
2014-2019 Toyota Corolla Oil Type
As with most manufacturers, Toyota also explicitly recommends using synthetic oils. It’s own Toyota Genuine Motor oil is also synthetic. The oil type for this generation remained 0W-20, with optional 5W-20.
2015 Toyota Corolla oil type is preferable 0W-20 and for more powerful engines, both 0W-20 and 5W-20. Similarly, the 2017 Toyota Corolla oil type is 0W-20 for both engine variants, with 5W-20 also recommended for the 2.0-liter one.
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
- Castrol Edge Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
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