Toyo oil viscosity - 0W16

[MaximaGuy]

I bought a new 2025 RAV4 Premium Hybrid and was wondering do these come broken in or do I need to do a 2K oil& filter change and then 10K/yearly.

Also here in TX 0W16 seems to be too thin, would I void warranty if I went 5W20,

Pl. chime in.

 

[JavierH19]

They all have something of a break in but not like back in the day. I think it's ok to dump at 2k miles but doesn't Toyota give 2 free oil changes? I think Toyota won't let you change early so if they force you to do 10k do one at 5k and let them do the other and keep their filter without changing it and only drain and refill. I would not do 10k intervals on TGMO or any basic synthetic. I'd only do that with something that has euro approvals for long drains and can keep the rings clean.

This is the AU manual. You can use up to 15w-40 but I don't think I would. 3.5 hths oil is enough.

M1 esp 0w-30 is great but I think it'd be ok with a more stout 0w-20 like esp x2, castrol euro 0w-20 and castrol EP 0w-20 which also has euro ratings.

Castrol edge 5w-30 is also pretty good and usually in stock. M1 0w-40 would work as it shears to a 0w-30 anyway. PP euro L 5w-30 can still be ordered but isn't on shelves anymore it seems.

The dealer will never do a UOA and rarely do they ever ask for receipts either. They just check the oil level then pull the VC which they usually charge a little for and see if it's sludged but some deposits are ok. But this is IF it has an issue and I can't recall of a story of a Toyota owner having to go through engine warranty issues involving proof of oil changes and having the VC pulled off, especially since that engine has been made for a long time by now.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Nothing comes broken in - except some exotic engines in exotic cars.
I would not do the 10K. I hear you about the light oil, but the engine runs at 200 deg F and doesnt give hoot about the Texas heat.
That would be more of a concern with mountain towing with near full capacity loads that would push the oil sump temps well above reported coolant temp.
I go by excessive engine racket. If it sounds like its planning on self-destruction I would use an excellent 5W20 or even the VAG 509 20 grade. I ended up adding 3/4 of a litre of 0W40 FS to my VW to keep the racket at bay and not hurt responsiveness.

 

[MaximaGuy]

Thanks for posting this spec sheet. Toyota no longer provides user manuals, its apparently bought online for a nominal fee.

 

[JoelB]

The fact is that early oil changes on a new car are no longer necessary. But some of us still prefer to do the first few shorter than we would long term. Dealers choice.

 

[Danno]

I drive a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, 5k oil changes, 0W-16 is until warranty is up, then I move to 0W-20.
All my own practice of course.

 

[JavierH19]

Thanks for posting this spec sheet. Toyota no longer provides user manuals, its apparently bought online for a nominal fee.

Yeah it's ridiculous. They are in a lot on debt and have to get those coins clinking in the piggy bank somehow.

 

[The Critic]

I would change every 6 months or 5K if you plan to keep long-term (e.g. beyond 100K). Too much history of oil consumption issues with Toyota products from long drains due to piston ring deposit issues.

 

[dubber09]

My daughter is getting new 2025 RAV4 Trail this week, I'm gonna do oil/filter changes myself with M1 ESP X2 0w-20 every 5k miles, first one at 1500 miles, second at 5k and then on every 5k. Gear oil will be changed at 15-20k miles as well as ATF D/F, then every 30k miles.

 

[ATex7239]

On our 2nd A25A hybrid (first one totaled in wreck), so here are my opinions on the questions:

Follow engine break-in procedure recommendations per the manual - Yes.

Early break-in oil change - No. But if it helps you sleep at night, then yes.

10K OCI’s - No. I believe most hybrids tend to fail into the serve service category by design due to frequent stop/start cycles and while under load. See Critic’s comments above as well.

0W16 or 0/5W20 - Yes. Both are acceptable. Pick which one suites your tastes, situation or comfort level the best.

 

[JavierH19]

My daughter is getting new 2025 RAV4 Trail this week, I'm gonna do oil/filter changes myself with M1 ESP X2 0w-20 every 5k miles, first one at 1500 miles, second at 5k and then on every 5k. Gear oil will be changed at 15-20k miles as well as ATF D/F, then every 30k miles.

Not to be souring or anything but isn't the 2025 the last year of this generation. 2026 should be the update year for the next corolla, and rav 4. The prius and camry have just been refreshed but the corolla and rav 4 are next.

 

[factorytuned2012]

I bought a new 2025 RAV4 Premium Hybrid and was wondering do these come broken in or do I need to do a 2K oil& filter change and then 10K/yearly.

Also here in TX 0W16 seems to be too thin, would I void warranty if I went 5W20,

Pl. chime in.

Not necessary for a 2,000 mile oci and 10,000 is too far out 5,000 miles would be more reasonable. 0w16 or 20 is fine

 

[benjy]

the oil geek a PRO recommends 500 miles, check out his great FACTUAL vids!!!

 

[eljefino]

Did my first OCI on my Prius Prime at 10,9xx miles. Of course some of that time was spent on battery power, and it took the dealer 900 miles to get me scheduled for my free change.

100k later and it runs perfect, not burning oil, etc. I'm using ST 0w20 at 5k intervals; this is allowed in the manual if you "can't find" 0w16. Have even run 5w20 in the summer just because I got it real cheap.

Never done a UOA but it comes out the visually cleanest of any car I've ever had.

Toyota uses teflon coating (or similar tech) on their hybrid bearings; they've been making hybrids for 25+ years now and getting great service from them. I wouldn't worry about "severe service" unless you actually literally qualify. My car has a coolant to exhaust heat exchanger at the catalytic converter to warm it up super-fast, maybe yours does too.

 

[dubber09]

Not to be souring or anything but isn't the 2025 the last year of this generation. 2026 should be the update year for the next corolla, and rav 4. The prius and camry have just been refreshed but the corolla and rav 4 are next.

We didn't care re new design/looks etc. Just replacing her 2008 Acura CSX (basically a Honda Civic), she needs room for 2 kids and some trunk space, AWD, towing, good safety and simplicity of a gas vehicle. Looked at Mazda CX-5 too but it had a bit smaller trunk.
Also, imho it's not a good idea to get a redesigned vehicle in their first two years of production, look at Tacoma and Tundra...

 

[Gravedigger]

They all have something of a break in but not like back in the day. I think it's ok to dump at 2k miles but doesn't Toyota give 2 free oil changes? I think Toyota won't let you change early so if they force you to do 10k do one at 5k and let them do the other and keep their filter without changing it and only drain and refill. I would not do 10k intervals on TGMO or any basic synthetic. I'd only do that with something that has euro approvals for long drains and can keep the rings clean.

This is the AU manual. You can use up to 15w-40 but I don't think I would. 3.5 hths oil is enough.

M1 esp 0w-30 is great but I think it'd be ok with a more stout 0w-20 like esp x2, castrol euro 0w-20 and castrol EP 0w-20 which also has euro ratings.

Castrol edge 5w-30 is also pretty good and usually in stock. M1 0w-40 would work as it shears to a 0w-30 anyway. PP euro L 5w-30 can still be ordered but isn't on shelves anymore it seems.

The dealer will never do a UOA and rarely do they ever ask for receipts either. They just check the oil level then pull the VC which they usually charge a little for and see if it's sludged but some deposits are ok. But this is IF it has an issue and I can't recall of a story of a Toyota owner having to go through engine warranty issues involving proof of oil changes and having the VC pulled off, especially since that engine has been made for a long time by now.

The A25A-FXS is a Toyota Dynamic Force engine used in various Toyota and Lexus models. Here are some details about the engine and its applications:

• A25A-FXS in Camry Hybrid: This engine powers the Camry Hybrid and Daihatsu Altis (only available in Japan). It has a power output of 131 kW at 5,700 rpm and a torque of 221 N⋅m at 3,600–5,200 rpm. It was introduced in 2017 and is still in use.
• A25A-FXS in Avalon Hybrid: This engine is used in the Avalon Hybrid, with the same power and torque specifications as in the Camry Hybrid.
• A25A-FXS in Crown Hybrid: Initially used in the Crown Hybrid from 2018 to 2022, it had a power output of 135 kW at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 221 N⋅m at 3,800–5,400 rpm.
• A25A-FXS in RAV4 Hybrid: This engine powers the RAV4 Hybrid, with a power output of 131 kW at 5,700 rpm and a torque of 221 N⋅m at 3,600–5,200 rpm. It was introduced in 2018 and is still in use.
• A25A-FXS in Lexus ES 300h: This engine is used in the Lexus ES 300h, with the same power and torque specifications as in the Camry Hybrid. It was introduced in 2018 and is still in use.
• A25A-FXS in Lexus NX 350h: This engine powers the Lexus NX 350h, with a power output of 140 kW at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 243 N⋅m at 4,300–4,500 rpm. It was introduced in 2021 and is still in use.
• A25A-FXS in Lexus RX 350h: This engine powers the Lexus RX 350h, with a power output of 140 kW at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 243 N⋅m at 4,300–4,500 rpm. It was introduced in 2022 and is still in use.

The engine is known for its high efficiency and low fuel consumption, achieving a thermal efficiency of up to 40% in non-hybrid models and 41% in hybrid models. However, some issues have been reported, such as problems with the vacuum pump vane and vane caps in some engines manufactured before February 2018, which led to a recall campaign in 2021.

 

[JavierH19]

We didn't care re new design/looks etc. Just replacing her 2008 Acura CSX (basically a Honda Civic), she needs room for 2 kids and some trunk space, AWD, towing, good safety and simplicity of a gas vehicle. Looked at Mazda CX-5 too but it had a bit smaller trunk.
Also, imho it's not a good idea to get a redesigned vehicle in their first two years of production, look at Tacoma and Tundra...

I agree with that if it's going to have a new drivetrain but Toyota's likely going to reuse the engine. It's what they did with the new Camry which still has the same 2.5 as the 2018 and that uses the same engine of the RAV4. I'd be surprised if the RAV4 gets the new 1.5T and then the Camry gets something of a refresh just one or two years after and gets the new 1.5T but it's not released yet at least in the US. But if I had to choose between a 2025 with the old 2.5 and a newer one with the new 1.5T I'll happily take the older naturally aspirated engine too. I rarely care for small turbo engines.

 

[cheetah50]

Great cars, been running 0w20 in ours for a long time now with good results of course YMMV. Be on the lookout for the bypass cooling valve going bad. Known issue with the Dynamic force series of engines, Toyota asked for ~$800 to replace it on our Rav4 (2022 ...Not covered under powertrain warranty only 3/36K warranty), but you can change it out yourself for about 30 minutes worth of work and $100 in parts+coolant. Just FYI.

 

[Patman]

In reality the difference between a 0w16 and a 0w20 is so minimal that I wonder why they even bothered to come out with 0w16. At operating temperature the difference is about 0.5 cst. Your engine won’t know the difference.

 

[zyxelenator]

I personally will stick with 0w-16 until warranty is over (10k left, at 50k on odo right now) and then will start going through my 20 and 30 weight stash ( I will still have couple ocis worth of 0w-16, since I snatched a case of 3 5qt jugs of m1 0w-16 for a good price). Those would probably be used during winter times. So far my UOA showed that 0w-16 is doing just fine in TX heat, at least for 5k miles OCIs...