Dexos Approved Oil Lists [Dexos 1, Dexos 2, Dexos 3, Dexos D, Dexos R]

Do you own a vehicle from General Motors? Then you must have come across Dexos oil as it is the one recommended for all their engines. 

You may be wondering why it has to be Dexos oil and not any other. After all, engine oils are all the same, right? Well, there are numerous reasons why GM uses and recommends this particular oil for their vehicles. 

This article provides a detailed analysis of Dexos oils, comparing Dexos 1 Gen 3, Dexos 2, Dexos D, and Dexos R, along with their approved oil lists. With recent GM updates, it’s crucial to use the right licensed oil to ensure optimal performance and prevent engine damage.

Dexos 1 Gen 3 Approved Oil List

Dexos 1 Gen 3: 5W30 Approved Oil List

Dexos 1 Gen 3: 5W20 Approved Oil List

Dexos 1 Gen 3: 0W20 Approved Oil List

Dexos 1 Gen 3: 0W30 Approved Oil List

Dexos 2 Approved Oil List

Dexos 2 5W40 Approved Oil List

Dexos 2 5W30 Approved Oil List

Dexos 2 0W40 Approved Oil List

Dexos D Approved Oil List

Dexos R Approved Oil List

What Is Dexos Oil

Using substandard oil can damage your engine. Only licensed Dexos® products meet GM’s specifications and rigorous testing. Unlicensed oils lack certification and quality control, risking performance issues and potential engine damage not covered by warranty.

Genuine Dexos® products are easy to identify with the Dexos® icon on the front label and an 11-digit license number on the back. Avoid oils without these markings to ensure compatibility with GM vehicles.

Dexos 1

GM engineered Dexos D for light diesel engines, making it ideal for 0W-20 viscosity oil in models from 2020 onwards. It meets high standards and enhances efficiency, effectively replacing Dexos 2 for diesel engines. Note: Dexos 1 has been updated to Dexos 1 Gen 3.

Dexos 1 Gen 2

Introduced in 2015, Dexos 1 Gen 2 upgraded the original Dexos 1, offering improved protection from low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and oxidation. This version also featured better deposit control and additional tests, including oil separation. Dexos 1 Gen 2 was designed for gasoline engines.

Dexos 1 Gen 3

Dexos 1 Gen 2 is now discontinued and replaced by Dexos 1 Gen 3. Vehicles previously using Dexos 1 or Dexos 1 Gen 2 now need Dexos 1 Gen 3 of the appropriate viscosity grade. Dexos 1 Gen 3 surpasses previous generations and is backward compatible.

Dexos 2

Introduced to meet the needs of diesel and gas engines in Europe from 2010, Dexos 2 is known for keeping engines clean, reducing wear, and improving fuel economy. Note: Dexos 2 will be discontinued in 2025 and replaced by Dexos D for diesel engines and Dexos R for gasoline engines.

Dexos D

Dexos D is engineered for light diesel engines requiring 0W-20 viscosity oil, suitable for models from 2020 onwards. It meets high standards and enhances efficiency, effectively replacing Dexos 2 for diesel engines.

Dexos R

Dexos R engine oils exceed the performance of Dexos 2 and Dexos 1 Gen 2 and Gen 3. They are backward compatible, allowing vehicles previously using Dexos 2 or Dexos 1 Gen 2/3 to use Dexos R in the correct viscosity grade.

Dexos 1 Gen 3 vs Dexos 2 vs Dexos D vs Dexos R: What Are The Differences?

Here are the significant comparisons of the different Dexos generations to further understand the oil.

	Dexos 1 Gen 3	Dexos 2	Dexos D	Dexos R
Application	– Gasoline engines – Focuses on Asian and North American Region	– Diesel engines, and a few gasoline engines  in Euro – Focuses on European Region	– Light-duty diesel engines – Used for late model GM vehicles with diesel engines that require 0W-20 engine oil	– Gasoline engines – Meets or exceeds the performance of Dexos 1 Gen 2 and Gen 3 oils
Model Year	– Apply for 2011 model year vehicles	– Apply for 2010 model year vehicle	– Apply for 2020 model year diesel vehicles	– Backward compatible with vehicles using Dexos 2, Dexos 1 Gen 2, or Gen 3
Specifications	– Meets ILSAC GF-5 & API SN Service Classification	– Meets API SN and ACEA C2/A5/B5 Service Classification	– Meets API SN and ACEA C5	– Meets or exceeds the performance of Dexos 2 and Dexos 1 Gen 2 and Gen 3 oils

Application

GM specifically formulated Dexos 1 for gasoline engines in North America and Asia. Dexos 2 is designed for both diesel and gasoline engines in Europe, while Dexos D is ideal for light-duty diesel engines needing 0W-20 viscosity oil globally.

Dexos 1 suits models from 2011 onwards, Dexos 2 is for 2010 model year engines, and Dexos D targets modern engines from 2020 onwards.

Specifications

Before releasing Dexos oils to the market, GM conducts numerous tests and certifications to ensure they meet all requirements and are safe for use both at home and on the road.

Dexos 1 meets ILSAC GF-5 & API SN Service Classification; Dexos 2 meets API SN and ACEA C2/A5/B5 Service Classification, while Dexos D meets API SN and ACEA C5 certifications.

Key Features

All Dexos oils share some common features, including being full synthetic or synthetic blend, longer change intervals compared to conventional counterparts, and outstanding temperature control. However, each type of Dexos oil also has unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific applications.

• Dexos 1 Gen 3: Withstands high temperatures, keeping engines well-lubricated and running smoothly even in extreme heat.
• Dexos 2: Offers enhanced cleaning and wear protection, extending engine life for diesel and some gasoline engines in Europe.
• Dexos D: Provides low viscosity and friction, protecting against wear, improving fuel economy, and suited for light-duty diesel engines and 0W-20 GM vehicles.
• Dexos R: Outperforms Dexos 1 Gen 2 and Gen 3, offering exceptional protection and performance for gasoline engines, with reduced oil consumption and stable lubrication across temperatures.

Conclusion

No matter your engine type, choosing a Dexos oil ensures optimal performance. General Motors invested heavily in developing these oils, so following the recommended guidelines for oil changes is crucial to keep your engine running smoothly and maintain safety.

It’s also important to note that deviating from the recommended oils could void your warranty.

Related Reads

1. Valvoline vs. Pennzoil Face-off: Narrowing Down the Best Engine Oil Compare Valvoline and Pennzoil to find the best Dexos approved oils for your vehicle – Learn more.
2. Liqui Moly vs. Mobil 1 – Which is the Better Option? Explore Liqui Moly and Mobil 1’s Dexos approved oils to determine which brand offers superior performance – Read more.
3. List of Motor Oils with Chrysler MS-6395 Certification Discover oils that meet both Dexos and Chrysler MS-6395 standards for versatile engine protection – Find out more.
4. Pennzoil Vs Mobil 1: Head-To-Head Comparison Compare Pennzoil and Mobil 1’s Dexos approved oils to find the best option for your engine’s needs – Explore here.
5. Understanding ILSAC GF-6: The Best Engine Oils for Modern Vehicles Learn how Dexos approved oils fit into the ILSAC GF-6 standard for modern vehicle engines – Discover now.