This is the first brand new off the showroom floor vehicle I've bought since 1995. Reading the owners manual it says that Dexos1 0W20 is recommended for this engine and the sump is 4.2 quarts (this is the FWD version). So, when should I change out the factory fill and what's a good oil to use? Manual says use an AC Delco PF64 filter (which are easy to find). Thanks!

If it was my car, I would replace the factory fill at 1,500 miles, replace again at 5,000 miles, and stay on a 5,000 mile interval after that.
Any 0W-20 Dexos1 ver2 oil will be fine for the oil change, and yes, I would use OEM oil filters.

My wifes Malibu has the exact same engine and requires 5w-30 Dexos1 Gen2. Why? Maybe because of the smaller grill causing less cooling airflow thru the radiator. Who knows but I think you could go with 5w-30 as well if you want.

I would be happy with any name brand oil that has Dexos1 Gen2 certifications. (Mobil, Pennzoil, Valvoline ect.). I did notice that there is still some Dexos1 Gen1 oil on the store shelves. I had to sift thru the 5 quart jugs of Mobil1 EP last week to get the new and improved Gen2 stuff.

Mobil and Pennzoil have some pretty good rebates out now. Either would be a no brainer in my mind.

Any major brand of oil that meets specs and is d1G2 will run with no worries in your new GovMo

My approach would be drain it at 2,000 mi. and refill with a quality synthetic that meets the Dexos (gen 2 on that?) spec. More like 1,000-1,500 if it takes a few months to accumulate those miles. Let it warm up and cool down for a few seconds before startup/shutdown, use good grade fuel, and don't beat on it too hard but a few intentional pulls to about 80% of redline before 1,000 mi. will help finish bedding things in. My preference would be Valvoline but it's just that, a preference.

Any rough edges/high points/swarf or other problems are going to present themselves right away.
I would change the oil very early. Maybe 500 miles. Then go by the maintenance schedule.

Heck with all the 5k OCI recommendations, just use the Harvest King full syn 5W30. its D1G2 certified and is only $10.99 for 5 quarts!

Ignore the maintenance minder if it lets you go over 5,000. My sister-in-law followed hers to the letter on her 2013 Equinox and ended up with a timing chain failure that they blamed on the maintenance minder's incorrect programming. The trust is gone.

Change it early. Again at 5,000, and every 5,000 thereafter.

+1

The 2016 Malibu has the LFV 1.5 turbo and the 2018 Equinox has the LYX 1.5 turbo. G.M. Engine Authority.

From the manual:Viscosity Grade For the LYX 1.5L turbo engine, use: . Dexos1 approved ACDelco Full Synthetic 0W20 engine oil. . Dexos1 approved Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 0W20 engine oil. . Or any other 0W20 engine oil meeting dexos1 second generation requirements

Was that the 3.6? The Saturn Aura I traded had the 3.6 and I never went past 5-6K on oil changes. I read a lot of reports of timing chain failures due to lengthy OCI with that engine.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll probably do the first change at around 1500-2000 miles then at 5K. My wife and I really like this vehicle, and since were 'older folks' our hooligan days are over, but we don't putter along either.

Why the push for D1G2 oil when the manual/manu recommends just Dexos-1 oil? Personally, I think this D1G2 thing is way overrated. Nothing wrong with D-1 oil and since it is recommended in a 2018 vehicle, that's what I would run and not give D1G2 oil a second thought.

The manual only states dexos1 and does not specify which generation. Funny thing is right below the oil specs for the LYX 1.5T the LTG 2.0T calls for 5W30 or 0W30 in colder climates.

I would not use anything less than a D1G2 30 weight in any DI turbo engine, especially if you plan on running regular 87 octane gas.