The manufacturer of the 2012 Toyota RAV4 specifies the oil type as SAE 0w-20 but You can also use SAE 5w-20. One thing to remember though is You cannot mix them and the engine should be drained before using a different type of oil. The oil capacity for the car's motor iS4.5 quarts or 4.2 liters for the 2.5 L 4Cyl while the 3.5L v6 can hold up to 6.4 quarts of motor oil. This is indicated by the factory specs for the amount recommended to use when replacing the oil and oil filter for its service interval. When choosing oil for the vehicle make sure it's the correct type but also look for the API certification seal because this is letting You know that the oil is approved for use in all vehicles manufactured by Toyota. WIth Conventional You will have to change the oil every 3500 miles and for full synthetic You will have to do a replacement oil and filter every 5500 to 7000 miles.
Mara D.
January 2, 2020
The approved engine oil type for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 3.5L is the Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent to the 5W-30. The approved engine oil type for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 2.5L is the Toyota Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent to the 0W-20. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. The engine oil capacity for the 2012 Toyota RAV42.5L engine is 4.5 quarts (4.2 liters) and 6.4 quarts (6 liters).
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