What Kind of Oil Does a 3.7L V6 Take?

A 3.7L V6 engine typically takes full-synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil that meets the manufacturer’s specification listed in the owner’s manual; the exact grade and spec depend on the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as the climate and usage conditions.

Why “3.7L V6” Isn’t Enough Information

The question “What kind of oil does a 3.7L V6 take?” sounds precise, but it’s missing a key detail: which vehicle and which engine family. Multiple automakers—including Ford, Dodge/Ram, Jeep, Nissan, and Mazda—have used 3.7‑liter V6 engines. Each manufacturer sets its own oil requirements, which can differ by model year and region. That means the same displacement and cylinder count do not guarantee the same oil specification.

Before diving into specific examples, it’s important to understand that the most reliable answer will always come from two places: the owner’s manual and the oil cap or engine-bay labels. Those sources reflect the exact engineering and certification requirements for your engine.

Common 3.7L V6 Engines and Their Typical Oil Requirements

Different brands have used 3.7L V6 engines in a variety of SUVs, pickups, and sedans. Below are common examples and their typical oil recommendations—these are general patterns and may not apply to every model year or market.

Ford 3.7L V6 (Cyclone / Duratec 37)

Ford’s 3.7L V6 has appeared in vehicles such as the Ford Mustang, F‑150, Edge, Explorer, and Lincoln models. Modern Ford gasoline engines are tightly bound to specific oil standards.

The list below summarizes typical oil specs for many Ford 3.7L V6 applications in North America (rough ranges, not model‑specific service bulletins):

• Viscosity grade: 5W-20 is the most common factory fill and recommendation, especially for models from around 2011 onward.
• Oil type: Full-synthetic or synthetic-blend motor oil is usually recommended; many owners and dealers use full synthetic for better protection.
• Specification: Oil must meet Ford WSS-M2C945-A or later (for 5W-20) or related Ford specs, often also labeled as API SN / SP and ILSAC GF-5 / GF-6.
• Climate considerations: In very hot or heavy-towing conditions, some manuals allow 5W-30 as an alternative, but only if explicitly stated by Ford.

In practice, most owners of Ford 3.7L V6 engines are safe using a name-brand full-synthetic 5W-20 oil that lists the correct Ford WSS specification, but verifying the exact spec in the owner’s manual remains essential.

Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram 3.7L V6 (“PowerTech”/EKK)

Chrysler’s 3.7L V6 appeared in vehicles such as the Jeep Liberty, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, and others in the 2000s and early 2010s. These engines typically run a slightly thicker oil compared with many newer Ford units.

The following points outline common guidance for Chrysler-family 3.7L V6 engines (U.S. market, late 2000s–early 2010s as a general pattern):

• Viscosity grade: 5W-30 is generally specified for most 3.7L PowerTech V6 applications.
• Oil type: Conventional oil was originally listed in many manuals, but modern best practice is often a full-synthetic 5W-30 that meets Chrysler requirements.
• Specification: Oil should meet API SM / SN / SP or higher and the ILSAC GF standard current at the vehicle’s model year.
• Service intervals: Severe duty (towing, off-road, short trips) may require shorter oil-change intervals than the standard schedule.

Though many of these engines were designed in the conventional-oil era, using a high-quality synthetic 5W-30 that meets modern API specs generally provides better protection and deposit control without violating typical manufacturer guidelines.

Nissan / Infiniti 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR)

Nissan’s 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) powers performance-oriented models such as the 370Z and several Infiniti G and Q series cars. This high-revving engine has relatively demanding oil requirements compared with work-truck V6s.

Typical themes for the Nissan/Infiniti 3.7L VQ37VHR engine include:

• Viscosity grade: 5W-30 is the standard recommendation for many climates.
• Oil type: Full-synthetic 5W-30 is strongly preferred, especially for spirited driving, track use, or hot climates.
• Specification: Oil should meet Nissan’s recommended API category (often SN or newer) and ILSAC GF standard, and many owners opt for high-performance synthetic options.
• Special use: For track or high-performance use, some manuals and technical bulletins may allow heavier grades (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40) depending on ambient conditions.

Because the VQ37VHR is tuned for higher RPMs and performance driving, following Nissan/Infiniti’s published guidance and using premium synthetic oil is more critical than in a basic commuter engine.

Mazda and Other Less-Common 3.7L V6 Applications

Mazda used a 3.7L V6 closely related to Ford’s unit in models like the Mazda CX-9 (first generation). As with Ford, the base recommendation tends to favor relatively light oil for fuel economy.

In many Mazda 3.7L V6 applications, owners will commonly encounter guidance along these lines:

• Viscosity grade: 5W-20 is often the factory-recommended oil.
• Oil type: Full-synthetic or synthetic-blend 5W-20 is typically recommended; drivers in harsh climates may see alternate grades listed.
• Specification: API SN / SP or higher, ILSAC GF-5 / GF-6; some manuals reference specific Mazda/Ford cross-compatibility.
• Regional variations: In some markets, manuals may allow or recommend different viscosities based on ambient temperatures and fuel quality.

Because these engines share design DNA with Ford’s Duratec/Cyclone family, their oil needs tend to be similar, but subtle differences in calibrations and model-year changes mean checking the exact manual is still necessary.

The Role of Viscosity, Specification, and Driving Conditions

Even within the same displacement and cylinder configuration, oil requirements can change based on engineering updates, emissions standards, and intended vehicle use. Understanding the building blocks of an oil recommendation helps make sense of why 5W-20 or 5W-30 might be specified.

Viscosity: 5W-20 vs 5W-30 and Beyond

In modern 3.7L V6 engines, the most common viscosity grades are 5W-20 and 5W-30. These numbers describe how thick the oil is at cold start (the “5W”) and at operating temperature (the “20” or “30”).

The points below explain how viscosity plays into oil selection for a 3.7L V6:

• 5W-20: Thinner at operating temperature than 5W-30, improving fuel economy and cold-flow characteristics; common in newer Ford and Mazda 3.7L V6 engines.
• 5W-30: Slightly thicker at operating temperature, often preferred or required in many Chrysler, Nissan, and performance applications for extra protection under load or heat.
• Climate influence: Colder climates favor lower “W” numbers for easier starting; extremely hot or high-load use may justify or require a thicker grade if approved by the manufacturer.
• Warranty and design: Manufacturers design clearances and oil passages around a specific viscosity; deviating from that spec without their approval can affect wear and warranty coverage.

For most everyday drivers, staying with the viscosity grade printed on the oil cap or listed in the owner’s manual is the safest and simplest approach.

Specifications: More Than Just the Numbers

Viscosity is only part of the story. Modern engines, including 3.7L V6 units, often require oils that meet specific manufacturer or industry standards to ensure compatibility with components like variable valve timing, emissions systems, and turbochargers (where fitted).

The following specification points commonly apply to 3.7L V6 engines from major brands:

• API rating: Look for API SN, SP, or later. SP is the current U.S. gasoline standard, designed for better protection against low-speed pre-ignition and timing-chain wear.
• ILSAC GF rating: ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 (GF-6A and GF-6B) indicate modern fuel-efficient oils with low volatility and improved deposit control.
• OEM specs:
  

  • Ford: WSS-M2C945-A/B and updates for 5W-20, or similar internal codes.
  • Chrysler: Uses generic API / ILSAC standards for many 3.7L engines without a proprietary spec.
  • Nissan/Infiniti: References API and ILSAC standards and sometimes Nissan-specific notes for performance engines.

• Dexos and others: Some oils carry General Motors’ Dexos approval; while not required for Ford/Chrysler/Nissan 3.7L V6s, these oils usually meet or exceed API/ILSAC standards.

Choosing an oil that meets both the correct viscosity and the specified API/ILSAC and OEM standards ensures the engine receives the detergency, anti-wear protection, and compatibility it was designed for.

Driving Style, Load, and Service Interval

Oil choice is also influenced by how the vehicle is used. A 3.7L V6 in a half-ton pickup towing frequently has different oil stress than the same displacement in a lightly driven crossover.

Key usage-related considerations include:

• Severe service: Frequent towing, off-road driving, repeated short trips, or extreme temperatures may justify shorter oil-change intervals, even with synthetic oil.
• Performance driving: High-RPM or track use, particularly with Nissan’s VQ37VHR, can require heavier grades or more frequent changes, as noted in some performance supplements.
• Oil life monitors: Newer vehicles often use an electronic oil-life monitor. Following that system, paired with the correct oil spec, generally offers safe change intervals.
• Age and mileage: High-mileage engines may benefit more from high-quality synthetic oils and potentially high-mileage formulations, provided viscosity and specs stay within the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Matching oil change frequency and oil type to real-world driving conditions can significantly extend engine life and maintain performance in any 3.7L V6.

How to Find the Exact Oil for Your Specific 3.7L V6

Because “3.7L V6” alone can refer to multiple engines from different automakers, the most precise answer always depends on your individual vehicle—its brand, model, year, and sometimes even market region.

Use the checklist below to identify the correct oil for your particular 3.7L V6 engine:

1. Check the oil filler cap: Many engines have the recommended viscosity (e.g., “SAE 5W-20”) printed directly on the cap.
2. Read the owner’s manual: Look under “Lubrication,” “Engine Oil,” or “Specifications” for viscosity and specification details.
3. Confirm manufacturer specs: Note any OEM codes (e.g., Ford WSS-M2C945-A) or API/ILSAC requirements listed in the manual.
4. Consider climate and usage: Use any alternate viscosity charts the manual provides for hot or cold climates or severe duty.
5. Cross-check with a trusted database: Use reputable oil manufacturers’ online selectors (e.g., Mobil, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline) by entering year/make/model/engine.
6. Keep proof for warranty: If under warranty, save receipts showing the oil met the specified grade and standards.

Following these steps ensures that the oil you choose is not just approximately correct for a generic 3.7L V6, but precisely matched to your engine’s engineering and warranty requirements.

Summary

A 3.7L V6 engine most commonly uses full-synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil, but the correct choice depends entirely on which automaker built the engine and what the owner’s manual specifies. Ford and Mazda 3.7L V6 engines frequently call for 5W-20, while many Chrysler, Nissan/Infiniti, and some performance-oriented 3.7L units favor 5W-30. Beyond viscosity, it is critical that the oil meets the required API/ILSAC and any manufacturer-specific standards. By checking the oil cap, owner’s manual, and a reputable oil guide—and considering climate and driving style—owners can ensure they select the exact oil their particular 3.7L V6 was designed to run on.