How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 Take?

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.4-liter engine typically takes about 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) of engine oil when changing oil and filter, using standard OEM specifications. However, the exact amount can vary slightly depending on how thoroughly the old oil is drained and the brand of filter used, so the best practice is to start with slightly less and then top off to the correct dipstick level.

Official Capacity and What Hyundai Recommends

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L (Theta II, gasoline, non-turbo) has a manufacturer-specified oil capacity that guides owners and technicians during routine oil changes. Knowing this number helps prevent both underfilling and overfilling, each of which can cause engine problems over time.

The key capacity figures for this engine are:

• Approximate capacity with oil filter change: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters)
• Without changing the filter: very slightly less than 5.1 quarts (typically around 4.8–5.0 quarts, depending on residual oil)
• Recommended viscosity (most climates, gasoline 2.4): 5W-20 or 5W-30 meeting API SM, SN or later

These figures are based on Hyundai’s published specifications for the 2013 Sonata 2.4L, but real-world service can see minor differences due to how long the oil is left to drain, the brand and size of the filter, and whether the car is on a perfectly level surface when checking levels.

Why “About 5.1 Quarts” Matters in Practice

While 5.1 quarts is the reference number, the practical process of filling engine oil is slightly more nuanced. Filling exactly to spec without verifying on the dipstick can lead to marginal overfill or underfill, especially if some oil remains in the engine passages or in the old filter.

How to Safely Fill the Oil

To avoid problems, owners and technicians usually take a staged approach rather than pouring in the full specification amount at once.

The general fill-and-check steps are as follows:

1. Drain the oil completely by removing the drain plug and allowing oil to flow until it has slowed to a drip.
2. Replace the drain plug with a new or inspected washer, torqued to specification.
3. Install a new oil filter (pre-oil the gasket if recommended by the filter manufacturer).
4. Pour in about 4.5 quarts of fresh oil to start, not the full 5.1 quarts.
5. Wait a minute and check the dipstick after wiping and reinserting it to see the initial level.
6. Add oil in small increments (about 0.2–0.3 quarts at a time), checking the dipstick between additions.
7. Once the oil level reaches between the “LOW” and “FULL” (or “MIN” and “MAX”) marks, prefer the upper half of that range while avoiding going past the top line.
8. Start the engine, let it idle for 30–60 seconds, then shut it off and wait a couple of minutes before rechecking the level and topping off if necessary.

This method uses the 5.1-quart figure as a ceiling rather than an absolute target, helping ensure the level is correct for the specific vehicle and conditions.

Checking the Oil Level the Right Way

Even with a precise capacity specification, the dipstick ultimately decides whether you have the correct amount of oil. Temperature, parking angle, and the time since the engine was last run can all affect readings.

Here’s how to check oil level on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 effectively:

• Engine temperature: Check oil on a warm engine that has been shut off for a few minutes, or on a fully cold engine, but be consistent in your method.
• Car position: Park on a level surface so oil sits evenly in the pan.
• Dipstick technique: Pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert fully, then pull again to read.
• Reading the marks: The oil should be between the low and full marks; aiming near the upper mark (without surpassing it) is ideal.
• Top-off practice: If the level is low, add oil in small portions, rechecking each time rather than adding large amounts at once.

Careful level checks ensure that the nominal 5.1-quart spec translates into a correct, safe amount of oil for your particular car and engine condition.

What Happens If You Overfill or Underfill

Because the 2013 Sonata 2.4L uses a relatively tight modern engine design, both too little and too much oil can have consequences. Understanding the risks emphasizes why the dipstick check is as important as knowing the capacity figure.

Risks of Too Little Oil

Running below the recommended oil level can starve engine components of lubrication, particularly during acceleration, cornering, or hard braking when oil sloshes in the pan.

Common issues caused by low oil include:

• Increased wear: Bearings, camshafts, and timing components see more metal-on-metal contact.
• Overheating: Oil helps carry away heat; low levels reduce this effect.
• Oil pressure warnings: The dashboard oil light can illuminate under load or at idle.
• Engine damage: Prolonged low-oil operation can lead to knocking, seizing, or catastrophic failure.

Staying near the full line—based on the approximate 5.1-quart capacity—is a low-cost safeguard against expensive engine repairs.

Risks of Too Much Oil

Overfilling may seem less urgent than a low level, but it can also be harmful. Excess oil can be whipped into foam by moving engine parts, reducing its ability to lubricate.

Potential problems from overfilling include:

• Foaming and aeration: Air bubbles in the oil impair lubrication and oil pressure stability.
• Increased crankcase pressure: Can stress seals and gaskets, causing leaks.
• Catalytic converter and emission issues: Excess oil can reach the intake or exhaust, burning and potentially damaging emission components.
• Smoke from the exhaust: Visible burning oil may occur in more severe overfill situations.

Because the 2013 Sonata 2.4L is designed around that roughly 5.1-quart spec, keeping within the dipstick’s safe range is more important than forcing in the exact book number.

Choosing the Right Oil for a 2013 Sonata 2.4

Knowing the quantity is only part of proper maintenance; using the correct type and viscosity ensures the engine performs properly and lasts longer. Hyundai’s recommendations are shaped by engine design, climate expectations, and modern emission and fuel-economy standards.

Oil Type and Viscosity

For the 2013 Sonata 2.4L gasoline engine sold in North America, the widely accepted specifications are:

Key oil recommendations typically include:

• Viscosity: 5W-20 is often specified; 5W-30 is also commonly approved depending on climate and market.
• Specification: API SM, SN, or newer equivalent (such as SP), and ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5 (or current equivalent).
• Oil type: Full synthetic or synthetic blend is widely preferred for longevity and deposit control, though some manuals allow conventional oil if it meets the required spec.
• Change interval: Often around 3,000–5,000 miles (4,800–8,000 km) under severe service and up to about 7,500–7,800 miles (roughly 12,000–13,000 km) under normal driving, depending on region, driving style, and maintenance schedule.

Because recommendations can vary slightly by region and update over time, cross-referencing your owner’s manual or a current Hyundai service bulletin with the oil’s label is a wise step.

Verifying for Your Specific Vehicle

While 5.1 quarts is the standard capacity for the 2013 Sonata 2.4, Hyundai occasionally publishes running changes or regional variations, and some owners may not be completely sure which engine variant they have if the car has been imported, rebuilt, or modified.

To be absolutely certain of the correct oil quantity and type for your particular car, you can take a few verification steps:

• Check the owner’s manual: Look under “Specifications” or “Lubrication System” for oil capacity and viscosity.
• Confirm engine code: Under the hood or on registration documents, check that you indeed have the 2.4L Theta II gasoline engine, not a 2.0T or a different variant.
• Ask a Hyundai dealer or trusted shop: Provide your VIN so they can pull exact specs from the manufacturer database.
• Use reputable databases: Up-to-date maintenance data tools (used by professional shops) corroborate the 5.1-quart figure for the 2.4L 2013 Sonata.

Combining the 5.1-quart guideline with direct confirmation from vehicle-specific documentation offers the most reliable basis for safe, accurate oil changes.

Summary

For a 2013 Hyundai Sonata equipped with the 2.4-liter gasoline engine, the typical engine oil capacity with a filter change is about 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters). In practice, it is safest to start with slightly less—around 4.5 quarts—then add in small amounts while checking the dipstick until the level sits near the upper safe mark. Using the correct viscosity (commonly 5W-20 or 5W-30 meeting modern API and ILSAC specs) and avoiding both overfill and underfill are key to engine longevity. When in doubt, the owner’s manual and VIN-based dealer information should be treated as the final authority.

How many quarts of oil does a 2.4 Hyundai Sonata take?

The oil capacity for a Hyundai Sonata 2.4L engine is 5.1 quarts for model years 2015-2019 and later, which is the most common capacity. For older models (2011-2018), the capacity is 4.8 quarts, and for very old models (2006-2010), it’s approximately 4.5 quarts. The capacity can vary slightly by model year, so always check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information. 

Model Year Range	Oil Capacity
2006-2010	~4.5 quarts
2011-2018	4.8 quarts
2015-2019 and later	5.1 quarts

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How many quarts of oil does a 2.4 L engine take?

A 2.4L engine typically requires 4.5 to 5.5 quarts of oil, but the exact amount varies by make and model. To find the precise capacity for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual, as it is the most accurate source. 

• Typical range: Many 2.4L engines fall between 4.5 and 5.5 quarts, with some examples being 5.1 quarts for a Hyundai Sonata and 5.5 quarts for a Jeep Cherokee. 
• Specific examples:
  • Hyundai Sonata (2.4L): 5.1 quarts 
  • Jeep Cherokee (2.4L): 5.5 quarts 
  • Dodge Journey (2.4L): 4.5 quarts 
  • Chevrolet Equinox (2.4L): 5 quarts 
• Verification: Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the correct amount of oil for your specific vehicle, as capacity can differ significantly between models. 

How much oil does a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 L take?

Approximately 4.6 quarts
2013 Hyundai SONATA:
Recommended oil type: 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic. Oil capacity: Approximately 4.6 quarts (4.4 liters)

Can I use 5W30 instead of 5W20 in my Hyundai Sonata?

Yes, you can likely use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in your Hyundai Sonata, as many models tolerate both viscosities. While 5W-20 is often recommended for fuel efficiency, 5W-30 is a suitable alternative and can sometimes lead to a smoother, quieter engine, especially in warmer climates or for engines with more miles on them. However, always check your owner’s manual for the most precise recommendation for your specific model year and engine. 
When to use 5W-30

• Warmer climates: 5W-30 is a good option for hot climates, as it can offer better protection in high temperatures. 
• Older engines: If your car has high mileage, the slightly thicker 5W-30 oil can provide better lubrication and help quiet down the engine. 
• For potentially better performance: Some drivers report smoother operation and quieter engine sounds after switching to 5W-30, though this can vary by engine. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle. 
• Fuel economy: 5W-20 is generally recommended for optimal fuel economy due to its thinner viscosity, but 5W-30 will not significantly harm your fuel efficiency. 
• Engine protection: The oil pump will adjust to the thicker oil, ensuring it still circulates to all engine components. It’s the thickness at operating temperature that matters, not just the cold viscosity rating. 
• Certification: Whichever oil you choose, make sure it meets the required American Petroleum Institute (API) or International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) certification standards for your engine.