2020 Chevrolet Suburban Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2020 Chevrolet Suburban requires 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil when replacing both the oil and the oil filter. Whether your Suburban is equipped with the 5.3L V8 or the massive 6.2L V8 engine, keeping up with the correct oil volume, viscosity, and specifications is critical for protecting the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) components in these GM powertrains.

Below, you will find all the technical specifications you need to perform an oil change on your 2020 Suburban, straight from the service manuals.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) with filter change.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Oil Specification: GM dexos1™ Gen 3 (backward compatible with Gen 2) / API SP.
• OEM Oil Filter: AC Delco PF63E (or PF63).
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG10575 (Ultra Synthetic), Mobil 1 M1-212A, Wix WL10255.

Capacity by engine option

For the 2020 model year (the final year of the 11th generation), the Suburban was offered with two different V8 engines. Fortunately, GM standardized the oil pan capacities for these EcoTec3 blocks, so the specs are identical.

Oil change interval

Your 2020 Suburban is equipped with GM's Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, as an ASE-certified master tech, I recommend using the following mileage guidelines to protect the sensitive hydraulic lifters used in the AFM system:

• Normal Duty: Every 7,000 to 7,500 miles, or when the OLS hits 10% (whichever comes first).
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles. Severe duty includes extensive idling, frequent towing (like pulling a boat or travel trailer), dusty conditions, or making short trips in freezing weather where the oil never reaches full operating temperature.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
• Crush Washer Note: The factory GM drain plug utilizes a captive rubber O-ring seal rather than a traditional crush washer. While this seal is reusable, inspect it for cracks or flattening at every oil change. If the rubber is compromised, replace the entire drain plug (GM part # 11562588) to prevent leaks.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the Suburban for 5-10 minutes so the oil reaches operating temperature, allowing it to drain faster and carry away more suspended contaminants.
2. Support the vehicle: Use a sturdy set of ramps or a floor jack with heavy-duty jack stands. Never get under a 5,800+ lb SUV supported only by a hydraulic jack.
3. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm oil drain plug on the rear-facing side of the oil pan. Position a large drain pan (at least 10-quart capacity) and remove the plug. Let it drain completely.
4. Remove the filter: The oil filter is located near the oil pan. Use a filter wrench to loosen it. Be prepared for a small rush of oil when the seal breaks.
5. Install the new filter: Wipe the engine's filter mounting surface clean. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with a dab of fresh oil. Spin it on until the gasket makes contact, then hand-tighten another 3/4 to 1 full turn. Do not over-tighten!
6. Reinstall drain plug: Thread the drain plug back in and torque it to 18 ft-lbs.
7. Refill the engine: Remove the oil cap and pour in exactly 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 oil.
8. Check and reset: Start the engine and let it idle for a minute, checking underneath for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick. Finally, reset the Oil Life System via the steering wheel controls and driver information center.

Common issues / tips

For the 11th-generation (2015-2020) Suburban, the most critical lubrication issue revolves around the Active Fuel Management (AFM) / Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifters. These hydraulic lifters are notoriously sensitive to dirty oil and incorrect viscosity. If oil pressure drops due to sludge or a collapsed filter, the lifters can fail, resulting in a costly camshaft and lifter replacement.

Always use the PF63E (or equivalent) filter, not the older, shorter PF48. GM updated to the larger PF63 style to provide higher bypass valve pressure (22 PSI) and more filter media area. Using an incorrect filter with a lower bypass pressure can starve the top end of the engine of filtered oil under heavy throttle.

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