The Right Hyundai Sonata Oil Type Explained

Photo Source/Copyright: Edmunds

Overview:

• Oil by engine
• Grade requirements
• When to change
• Common questions

The kind of oil you need for your Hyundai Sonata depends on the engine it has, since the three different engines have varying specifications; although two of them have the same displacement, they require different viscosities, and the hybrid needs a third type. 

In all cases, you must use full synthetic oil; it takes about a minute to work out what kind of Hyundai Sonata oil is suitable for your engine, and this helps to protect both your engine and your warranty.

What Oil Your Sonata Takes

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is naturally aspirated, needs SAE 0W-20. The turbocharged 2.5-liter model requires SAE 0W-30, since this has a greater high-temperature viscosity due to the extra heat produced by the turbocharger. 

The hybrid version has a 2.0-liter engine and uses SAE 0W-16, which is the thinnest of the three types. The table below indicates the type of oil and the amount to fill for each Hyundai Sonata model.

Why the Grade and Viscosity Matter

Viscosity isn’t a matter of preference; if oil thicker than the specified grade is used, it will flow slowly through the engine when the engine is cold and thus leave the various components temporarily unprotected. If oil thinner than the specified grade is used, the film strength will be lost under load. 

Hyundai says that using a viscosity other than the one recommended could result in engine damage. The grade also makes a difference in that if less than full synthetic oil is used, then the oil and the filter will have to be replaced according to the severe maintenance schedule rather than the standard one, which means that service will have to be carried out more frequently over the life of the car.

• Viscosity→ set by engine, not by model year
• Grade floor→ API SN PLUS or above, full synthetic
• Additives→ none, per the manufacturer’s instruction

When to Change It

The Sonata will advise you of when maintenance is due since the servicing schedule depends on the way you drive; short journeys, heavy traffic, towing, and extreme temperatures all reduce the useful life of each refueling. 

Instead of using a number that you remember, you should follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and the service reminder shown on the instrument cluster. Matching the correct oil type for your Hyundai Sonata is only half the problem; the other half is getting the timing right.

Common Questions

Q: What viscosity does each Sonata engine employ?

A: The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine takes SAE 0W-20, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine takes SAE 0W-30, and the hybrid model takes SAE 0W-16; all three engines require a full synthetic oil.

Q: What quantity of quarts is required for an oil change?

A: The 2.5-liter engine has a capacity of either 6.13 U.S. quarts or 5.8 liters when you drain and refill it, while the hybrid has a capacity of 4.5 U.S. quarts or 4.3 liters.

Q: Does the hybrid require different oil?

A: Right, the hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter engine instead of a 2.5-liter one and requires SAE 0W-16 full synthetic oil, which is a thinner grade than that used by gasoline engines.

Q: Must it be completely synthetic?

A: Correct. Hyundai recommends the use of full synthetic oil with an API SN PLUS rating or above for all Sonata engines, and if an oil of a lower grade is used, then the maintenance interval will have to follow the severe maintenance schedule.

Schedule Sonata Service

Choosing the right oil for your engine is a simple maintenance job that has a significant impact on the life of the engine, fuel economy, and the resale value of the vehicle. If you’re uncertain about what type of oil your Hyundai Sonata requires or if you’d rather have a technician carry out the task, our service team can check the required specification and carry out the oil change. Book your service appointment now.