Engine oil is a critical component in smooth and efficient operation of your Toyota Camry. In this article, we discuss the most important aspects of choosing engine oil and ultimately settle on the best oil to use in your Camry!

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Which oil to use in a Toyota Camry

The following is a quick summary of the best oils to use in a Toyota Camry. All the details follow after this list including the part numbers for the recommended oil filter, engine air filter, and cabin air filter.

Read on for more details, but here is a summary:

Camry (4-Cyl) 2.5L made in 2018 or later (0W-16):

This includes the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Toyota Camry (2.5L – 4-cyl).

Camry (4-Cyl) 2.5L made in 2017 or before (0W-20):

This includes the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2015, and 2017 Toyota Camry (2.5L – 4-cyl).

Camry (6-Cyl) 3.5L made in 2012 or later (0W-20):

This includes the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Toyota Camry (3.5L – 6-cyl).

Camry (6-Cyl) 3.5L made in 2011 or before (5W-30):

This includes the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Toyota Camry (3.5L – 6-cyl).

Choosing the Right Engine Oil

I don’t think it is a huge stretch to say that from an overall view, considering reliability, price, and market success, the Toyota Camry is one of the best vehicles ever built! So, it is great you are taking care of it by changing the oil regularly (I recommend every 5000 miles).

The best type of oil to put in your engine depends on a number of factors, and as a result, people will be arguing about this until the end of time. It makes sense, your vehicle is a significant expense and the oil you put into it is its lifeblood… you don’t want to screw this up!

When considering which oil to use, there are mainly 3 things you need to think about when choosing the best oil for your vehicle: mileage, climate, and driving habits. Even though there are a host of other things to consider, such as where you drive, what your daily drive is like, or whether your vehicle has any known problems, I am basing the results of this article on the driving habits of the vast majority of vehicle owners. 

How to Change Oil in a Toyota Camry?

Changing the oil in a Toyota Camry is easy and can be done by anyone with even a moderate mechanical sense. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes, and most of the time is spent waiting for the used oil to drain out of the car! All you’ll need is a 14mm socket, funnel, the oil, a drain pan, and an oil filter.

Oil Change Toyota Corolla Drain Plug 14mm Socket Wrench
Changing Oil in a Toyota Camry.

What Viscosity is Right for Me?

When you see the numbers on the bottle like “5W-30”, very simply, the first number corresponds to the viscosity when the oil is cold (think “W” for “winter”). The number before the “W” refers to the viscosity rating at 0°C.

A lower number means there is less thickening of the oil at lower temperatures. The number after the dash (-) refers to the viscosity of the oil measured at 100°C and is an indication of the oil’s rate of thinning at higher temperatures. Visit this post on “Bob Is the Oil Guy” for a more detailed explanation of the SAE numbers. For more information on the API rating, visit Oil Categories (American Petroleum Institute).

Why should I use Synthetic Oil?

You will notice that all of the most recommended oils in the list are full synthetic oils. Why is that? For one thing, some of the newer lighter oils, such as 0W-16 oils only come in synthetic! But overall, synthetic oil is better for your engine for the following reasons:

  1. Synthetic oil allows your vehicle to get better gas mileage. Since synthetic oil can be manufactured down to higher viscosity ratings than conventional oils, the oil flows more freely, allowing the engine to not have to work as hard.
  2. Synthetic oils can also go longer between oil changes. This not only saves you money, but also reduces waste.
  3. Synthetic oils increase engine longevity. If everything else is the same, an engine will last longer if synthetic oil is used because synthetic oil does not break down as rapidly as mineral oils.

Toyota Camry Recommended Oil by Year

The following table provides the recommended oil viscosity for Toyota Camry’s broken down by year and model from 2007-2021.

Camry   Oil Viscosity  
Year 2.4L (4-Cyl) 2.5L (4-Cyl) 3.5L (6-Cyl)
2021   0W-16 0W-20
2020   0W-16 0W-20
2019   0W-16 0W-20
2018   0W-16 0W-20
2017   0W-20 0W-20
2016   0W-20 0W-20
2015   0W-20 0W-20
2014   0W-20 0W-20
2013   0W-20 0W-20
2012   0W-20 0W-20
2011 0W-20 0W-20 5W-30
2010 0W-20 0W-20 5W-30
2009 0W-20   5W-30
2008 0W-20   5W-30
2007 0W-20   5W-30

Toyota Camry Oil Capacity by Year

The following table lists the Oil Capacity for Toyota Camry’s from 2007-2021 with engine displacements of 2.4L (4-Cyl), 2.5L (4-Cyl), and 3.5L (6-Cyl). 

Camry  
Oil
Capacity (qts)
  
Year 2.4L (4-Cyl) 2.5L (4-Cyl) 3.5L (6-Cyl)
2021   4.8 5.7
2020   4.8 5.7
2019   4.8 5.7
2018   4.8 5.7
2017   4.6 6.4
2016   4.6 6.4
2015   4.6 6.4
2014   4.6 6.4
2013   4.6 6.4
2012   4.6 6.4
2011 4.5 4.6 6.4
2010 4.5 4.6 6.4
2009 4.5   6.4
2008 4.5   6.4
2007 4.5   6.4

Toyota Camry Recommended Oil Filter by Year

The following table lists the part numbers for the correct Oil Filters for Toyota Camry’s from 2007-2021 with engine displacements of 2.4L (4-Cyl), 2.5L (4-Cyl), and 3.5L (6-Cyl). Click the part numbers to see price, availability and more information.

Camry  
Oil Filter Type
  
Year 2.4L (4-Cyl) 2.5L (4-Cyl) 3.5L (6-Cyl)
2021   XG4967 XG9972
2020   XG4967 XG9972
2019   XG4967 XG9972
2018   XG4967 XG9972
2017   XG9972 XG9972
2016   XG9972 XG9972
2015   XG9972 XG9972
2014   XG9972 XG9972
2013   XG9972 XG9972
2012   XG9972 XG9972
2011 XG4386 XG9972 XG9972
2010 XG4386 XG9972 XG9972
2009 XG4386   XG9972
2008 XG4386   XG9972
2007 XG4386   XG9972

Toyota Camry Recommended Engine Filter by Year

When was the last time you changed your engine air filter? Toyota recommends changing the engine air filter every 15000 – 30,000 miles! This is cleaning the air your engine breathes!

The following table lists the part numbers for the correct Engine Air Filters for Toyota Camry’s from 2007-2021 with engine displacements of 2.4L (4-Cyl), 2.5L (4-Cyl), and 3.5L (6-Cyl). Click the part numbers to see price, availability and more information.

Camry  
Engine Air Filter
  
Year 2.4L (4-Cyl) 2.5L (4-Cyl) 3.5L (6-Cyl)
2021   CA12377 CA12377
2020   CA12377 CA12377
2019   CA12377 CA12377
2018   CA12377 CA12377
2017   CA10171 CA10755
2016   CA10171 CA10755
2015   CA10171 CA10755
2014   CA10171 CA10755
2013   CA10171 CA10755
2012   CA10171 CA10755
2011 CA9360 CA10171 CA10169
2010 CA9360 CA10171 CA10169
2009 CA10171   CA10169
2008 CA10171   CA10169
2007 CA10171   CA10169

Check out this post for instructions on how to change the engine air filter in a Camry.

Toyota Camry Recommended Cabin Filter by Year

When was the last time you changed your cabin air filter? Similar to the engine air filter, Toyota recommends changing the cabin air filter every 15000 – 30,000 miles! This is the air you breathe, take care of it!

The following table lists the part numbers for the correct Cabin Air Filters for Toyota Camry’s from 2007-2021 with engine displacements of 2.4L (4-Cyl), 2.5L (4-Cyl), and 3.5L (6-Cyl). Click the part numbers to see price, availability and more information.

Camry  
Cabin Air Filter
  
Year 2.4L (4-Cyl) 2.5L (4-Cyl) 3.5L (6-Cyl)
2021   CF12157 CF12157
2020   CF12157 CF12157
2019   CF12157 CF12157
2018   CF12157 CF12157
2017   CF10285 CF10285
2016   CF10285 CF10285
2015   CF10285 CF10285
2014   CF10285 CF10285
2013   CF10285 CF10285
2012   CF10285 CF10285
2011 CF10285 CF10285 CF10285
2010 CF10285 CF10285 CF10285
2009 CF10285   CF10285
2008 CF10285   CF10285
2007 CF10285   CF10285

Why use these oils?

Read the following specifications for more information on the motor oils recommended in this article.

0W-16 Full Synthetic Oil

Genuine Toyota Motor Oil Full Synthetic SAE 0W-16 meets or exceeds the following specifications:

  • API SN
  • Resource Conserving (RC) multigrade engine oil
  • Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) is made by Mobil 1 to Toyota Specifications.
  • Why not just buy Mobil 1? While Mobil 1 is also a very good oil, the additive package in TGMO is very different from Mobil 1. For example, the Viscosity index is significantly higher on TGMO than on the corresponding Mobil 1 oil.

Resource Conserving (RC) is a specification that requires further properties, namely:
– Protection of the emission system 
– Protection of turbocharger
– Ethanol-containing fuel compatibility, up to E-85

From the Spec Sheet for Genuine Toyota Motor Oil Full Synthetic 0W-16:

Toyota Genuine 0W-16 Method Result
Viscosity @ 100C, cSt ASTM D455 7.1 cSt
Viscosity @ 40C, cSt ASTM D455 32.5 cSt
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 191
HT/HS viscosity, cP min ASTM D4683 2.3 cP, min
Pour Point (C), max ASTM D97 -27 C, max
Flash Point PMCC C, min ASTM D92 200 C, min
Density ASTM D4052 0.846
Vapor Pressure @20C ASTM D323 0.013 kPa

Valvoline Advanced 0W-16 Full Synthetic meets the following specifications:

  • API SN
  • API Resource Conserving (RC)
  • Premium Additive Chemistry
  • High Fuel Efficiency and Deposit Protection

From the Spec Sheet for Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil:

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-16 ASTM Method Result
Viscosity @ 100C, cSt ASTM D455 6.8 cSt
Viscosity @ 40C, cSt ASTM D455 34.4 cSt
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 163
Low Temp. Cranking Viscosity (-35C) ASTM D5293 6600 cP, max
     
HT/HS viscosity, cP min ASTM D4683 2.4 cP, min
Pour Point (C), max ASTM D97 -39 C, max
     
Density ASTM D4052 7.0 lbs/gal

0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil

Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 Full Synthetic meets the following specifications:

  • API SN Plus
  • Resource Conserving
  • SN Plus
  • SN
  • GF-5
  • ILSAC GF-6A
  • GM’s dexos 1:GEN2 Licensed
  • Wss-M2C947-A, WSS-M2C947-B1

From the Spec Sheet for Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20:

Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Syn ASTM Method Result
Viscosity @ 100C, cSt ASTM D455 8.6 cSt
Viscosity @ 40C, cSt ASTM D455  cSt
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270  
Low Temp. Cranking Viscosity ASTM D5293  cP, max
Low Temp. Pumping Viscosity ASTM D4684  cP, max
HT/HS viscosity, cP min ASTM D4683 cP, min
Pour Point (C), max ASTM D97 -54 C, max
Flash Point PMCC C, min ASTM D93 235 C, min
Density ASTM D4052 0.839 g/cc

Comparing to Castrol GTX 0W-20:

Castrol 03060 GTX 0W-20 Full Synthetic meets the following specifications:

  • API SN
  • ILSAC GF-5
    • Improved protection against oil ‘sludge’
    • Formulated to improve fuel efficiency
    • Satisfies ILSAC GF-4 standards
    • Low low HTHS ((≤ 3.5cP)
  • GM dexos1

From the spec sheet for Castrol GTX Magnatec 0W-20:

Castrol GTX Magnatec 0W-20 ASTM Method Result
Viscosity @ 100C, cSt ASTM D455 9.1 cSt
Viscosity @ 40C, cSt ASTM D455 44.4 cSt
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 192
Low Temp. Cranking Viscosity ASTM D5293 6200 cP, max
Low Temp. Pumping Viscosity ASTM D4684 42000 cP, max
HT/HS viscosity, cP min ASTM D4683 2.6 cP, min
Pour Point (C), max ASTM D97 -39 C, max
Flash Point PMCC C, min ASTM D93 200 C, min
Density ASTM D4052 0.848 g/cc

The following are other good alternative 0W-20 oils to consider:

5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil

Castrol 03057 GTX 5W-30 Full Synthetic meets the following specifications:

  • API SN Plus (Approved by the American Petroleum Institute)
  • ILSAC GF-5 (International Lubricant’s Standardization and Approval Committee)
    • Improved protection against oil ‘sludge’
    • Formulated to improve fuel efficiency
    • Satisfies ILSAC GF-4 standards
    • Low low HTHS ((≤ 3.5cP)
  • GM dexos1 Gen 2 (GM Specification)
  • Ford WSS-M2C929-A and WSS-M2C946-B1 (Ford Specifications)

From the Spec Sheet for Castrol GTX Magnatec 5W-30:

Castrol GTX Magnatec 5W-30 ASTM Method Result
Viscosity @ 100C, cSt ASTM D455 11.20 cSt
Viscosity @ 40C, cSt ASTM D455 68.6 cSt
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 156
Low Temp. Cranking Viscosity ASTM D5293 6600 cP, max
Low Temp. Pumping Viscosity ASTM D4684 40000 cP, max
HT/HS viscosity, cP min ASTM D4683 2.9 cP, min
Pour Point (C), max ASTM D97 -36 C, max
Flash Point PMCC C, min ASTM D93 200 C, min
Density ASTM D4052 0.86 g/cc

The following are other good alternative 5W-30 oils to consider:

Summary

Camry (4-Cyl) 2.5L made in 2018 or later (0W-16):

This includes the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Toyota Camry (2.5L – 4-cyl).

Camry (4-Cyl) 2.5L made in 2017 or before (0W-20):

This includes the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2015, and 2017 Toyota Camry (2.5L – 4-cyl).

Camry (6-Cyl) 3.5L made in 2012 or later (0W-20):

This includes the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Toyota Camry (3.5L – 6-cyl).

Camry (6-Cyl) 3.5L made in 2011 or before (5W-30):

This includes the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Toyota Camry (3.5L – 6-cyl).

Thanks for reading this post and thanks for visiting PracticalMechanic.com!

By the way, is your car ready for winter? Checkout the Ultimate Winter Car Preparedness Checklist!