Ensuring you are maintaining your car and using quality products is essential to keeping your vehicle in good working order. Using a 5W20 synthetic oil is recommended for engine protection and lubrication.
Knowing which 5W20 synthetic oil to get is not always easy for non-vehicle experts. 5W20 synthetic oil is made out of refined crude oil and several additives and each brand has their own blend for their own claim to performance.
We have compiled the best 5W20 synthetic oils to show you what options are available and review them to assist you in deciding which oil will suit your vehicle best.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
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2. Pennzoil 550040863 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
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3. Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart
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4. Castrol 6140 GTX ULTRACLEAN 5W-20 Motor Oil
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5. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
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1. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
Specification
| Brand | Valvoline |
| Viscosity | 5w-20 |
| Vehicle Service Type | Car |
| Liquid Volume | 5 Quarts |
Features
- 40% better wear protection
- Keeps critical engine components safe
- Prevents metal surfaces from making contact
- Exceptional temperature protection
- Weatherproof
- Enhanced friction performance
- Reduces sludge, deposits, corrosion, and rust
- Prevents higher emissions
- Refreshes aging seals
- Prevent leaks both inside and outside your engine
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a great 5W20 synthetic oil that offers 40% better wear protection than the industry standard. It keeps critical engine parts safe by preventing metal surfaces from making contact.
This oil coats more completely, and resists thermal breakdown even in the fiercest driving conditions. The advanced friction-fighting agents in the 5W20 oil properly lubricate moving parts and help your older engine maintain its horsepower to perform its best for longer.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The main downside is the packaging of the 5W20 oil. The jug tends to be on the flimsy side resulting in leaks in transit. The sealing of the jug is also not optimal once again leading to some leakage which is not ideal for transporting of the oil.
PROS
- Better than average wear protection
- Prevents metal surfaces making contact
- Resists thermal breakdown in all conditions
- Helps older engines perform better
CONS
- Poor packaging
- Weak jug seams
- Sealing of jug not ideal
2. Pennzoil 550040863 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
Specification
| Brand | Pennzoil |
| Viscosity | 5w-20 |
| Vehicle Service Type | Car |
| Liquid Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Features
- Full synthetic 5W-20 engine oil made from natural gas
- Helps protect engines from loss of power and provides better fuel economy
- Keeps pistons dramatically cleaner
- Delivers unsurpassed sludge protection
- Formulated to provide faster low-temperature oil flow
- Protection in extreme heat
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 motor oil is made from natural gas because it is made from natural gas, the high-quality base oil contains fewer impurities than base oils made from crude oil. It helps with low-temperature performance and volatility control.
WHAT WE LIKE
The fact that this 5W20 synthetic oil is made from natural gas with a patented process and beneficial additives makes it a high performer.
It helps protect the engine and provides an overall better fuel economy. It results in cleaner pistons, better than the industry standard. This oil also handles extreme temperature performance with ease.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
There is every possibility that you could receive old or expired oil which is not ideal as there is no guarantee on old oil performance. Some indications of silt in the bottom of the oil have been found as well which is also not promising. No seal under cap results in the oil leaking everywhere which makes for messy transport.
PROS
- Made from natural gas
- Protects engine with better fuel economy
- Cleaner pistons
- Extreme temperature performance
CONS
- Expired oil received
- Silt or sediment of additive separating
- Poor sealing of container
3. Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20, 5 Quart
Specification
| Brand | Mobil 1 |
| Viscosity | 5w-20 |
| Vehicle Service Type | Car |
| Liquid Volume | 160 Fluid Ounces |
Features
- Excellent overall lubrication and wear protection
- Helps protect critical engine parts in high mileage engines
- Helps to reduce the sludge and deposits that conventional oils can leave behind
- Helps prevent leaks
- Outperforms the Mobil conventional high mileage oils
Mobil 1 High Mileage full synthetic motor oil 5W-20 is designed to help extend engine life for high mileage engines of all ages with over 75,000 miles and contains a proprietary blend that protects 10,000 miles between oil changes.
WHAT WE LIKE
This full synthetic motor oil 5W-20 helps to extend engine life for high mileage engines of all ages with over 75,000 miles and contains a proprietary blend that protects 10,000 miles between oil changes. It has a seal conditioner to help reduce oil leaks in higher mileage vehicles. Its uniform synthetic oil molecules reduce friction, helping to prevent deposits and sludge buildup. Helps internal engine heat protection and low-temperature capabilities supporting quick cold-weather starting and ultra-fast protection.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Poor packaging means that this oil does not hold well and leaks. After removing the seal the lid does not close well again meaning the rest of the oil will be exposed to the elements. Despite being advertised as a higher performer it performs as well as the other average products of the brand.
PROS
- Protects 10000 miles between oil changes
- Reduces oil leaks
- Helps reduce friction and sludge build up
- Manages extreme temperature protection in engines
CONS
- Poor packaging
- Does not reseal well
- Very average performance
4. Castrol 6140 GTX ULTRACLEAN 5W-20 Motor Oil
Specification
| Brand | Castrol |
| Viscosity | 5w-20 |
| Liquid Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Features
- Unique TriShield technology provides superior deposit protection
- Maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown
- Ultra-low friction to improve gas mileage
Castrol GTX is a premium conventional motor oil re-engineered with TriShield technology to actively prevent deposit build-up and provide maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown.
WHAT WE LIKE
The unique TriShield technology of this 5W20 synthetic oil allows for superior deposit protection in your engine. It allows for maximum protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown. It’s ultra low friction allows for improved gas mileage. The sludge protection is unmatched even in extreme conditions.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The packaging for this 5w20 synthetic oil leaves a lot to be desired. Leaks are sadly commonplace which are not great for transport or storage of the oil. Overall the oil is an average performer compared to oils of the same type. The spout is on the smaller side meaning it is prone to spillage.
PROS
- Superior deposit protection
- Maximum protection against viscosity or thermal breakdown
- Improved gas mileage
- Manages in extreme conditions
CONS
- Bad packaging causes leaks
- Average performing oil overall
- Small spout causes spillage
5. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
Specification
| Brand | Pennzoil |
| Viscosity | 5w-20 |
| Vehicle Service Type | Car |
| Liquid Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Features
- Full synthetic 5W-20 engine oil made from made from natural gas
- Provides better fuel economy—drive on average an extra 550 miles per year
- Keeps pistons up to 45% cleaner than industry standard
- Better wear protection from friction
- Formulated to provide faster low-temperature oil flow and protection in extreme heat
- Helps protect engines from loss of power
Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic SAE 5W-20 motor oil is made from natural gas, formulated for modern turbocharged engines. It keeps pistons up to 45% cleaner than industry standard and provides better fuel economy.
WHAT WE LIKE
This 5W20 synthetic oil helps protect engines from loss of power and provides unsurpassed wear protection. It also provides excellent performance in extreme temperatures. It is uniquely engineered with a patented process that converts pure natural gas into a high quality, full synthetic base oil which contains fewer impurities than base oils made from crude oil.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Leaks due to poor packaging of the oil. No seal under the cap means the oil is not completely sealed and risks of leaks are high from this area as well. Dark material at the bottom of the bottle does not inspire confidence in a synthetic oil option.
PROS
- Protects engines from loss of power
- Good wear protection
- Performs in extreme temperatures
- Fewer impurities
CONS
- Poor packaging causes leaks
- No seal cap
- Dark material at bottom of bottle
Conclusion
Knowing which synthetic 5W20 oil is best for you is now much easier and our number one recommendation is the “Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend”.
The overall better performer of the 5W20 synthetic oils you will find this oil has a 40% wear protection compared to the industry standard. The great temperature protection means it performs in all weather conditions.
The advanced friction fighting agents mean even older engines will perform better for longer. The added detergents and anti-corrosion additives, sustain your engine’s performance and lower emissions and the premium seal conditioners prevent leaks. This is a top 5W20 synthetic oil that will leave your vehicle operating at its best.
