At Consumer Reports, we test 150 individual car batteries each year in our lab to help you make informed decisions when it's time to replace your battery. We test five examples of each model we evaluate.
The tests are difficult by design. We charge and discharge the batteries thousands of times to see how long they will last. We also put them in a freezer to see how they will perform at 0° F, and we track how long they will last if you leave your car lights on or if the charging system fails.
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| Best Car Batteries of 2022 |
Many factors impact the life of a car battery, with weather being one of the most important. (Hot temperatures are harder on batteries than cold.) This is where our extreme tests can separate the promising ones from the ones that fall short.
Many of the best performing batteries are expensive absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. They are known to have a long life and be able to tolerate deep discharges, when the battery has been significantly discharged to 10.5 volts or less, such as when lights are left on overnight. But some premium lead-acid batteries cost less than many of their competitors, says John Banta, battery test engineer at CR.
"Price doesn't necessarily mean better performance," Banta says. "We have relatively inexpensive batteries that perform very well."
Below is the top performing battery in each category we test - Group 24 and 24F, Group 35, Group 47 (H5), Group 48 (H6), Group 49 (H8), Group 51R and Group 65.
Below you'll also find information on how to know what type of battery your car needs and tips for buying a replacement battery.
Car Battery Groups
Size 24/24F (top terminal): fits many Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.
Size 35 (top terminal): fits most Japanese nameplates, including many late model Honda vehicles, most Subaru vehicles, and most Mazda, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.
Size 47 (H5) (top terminal): fits many Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat and Volkswagen models.
Size 48 (H6) (top terminal): fits many Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volkswagen and Volvo vehicles.
Size 49 (H8) (top terminal): fits many Audi, BMW, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Size 51R (top terminal): fits many Honda and Nissan vehicles
Size 65 (top terminal): Fits large cars, trucks and SUVs from Ford or Mercury.
Size 35 (top terminal): fits most Japanese nameplates, including many late model Honda vehicles, most Subaru vehicles, and most Mazda, Nissan and Toyota vehicles.
Size 47 (H5) (top terminal): fits many Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat and Volkswagen models.
Size 48 (H6) (top terminal): fits many Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volkswagen and Volvo vehicles.
Size 49 (H8) (top terminal): fits many Audi, BMW, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Size 51R (top terminal): fits many Honda and Nissan vehicles
Size 65 (top terminal): Fits large cars, trucks and SUVs from Ford or Mercury.
How to find the right replacement
Before you buy a new car battery, know the correct group number for your vehicle, which varies by make, model, year and engine size.
Batteries are defined by physical size, type and location of terminals, and mounting style. Be sure to replace your battery with one from the same group so that it fits in its tray and the cables connect properly.
The basic specifications of a replacement battery can be read on the battery that is currently in your car.
There are other sources to help you choose the right battery, including your owner's manual, battery manufacturer websites, an in-store guide or your local mechanic. If you bought a used car, don't assume it has the right battery. Be sure to check with one of these other sources to identify the correct type.
Tips for Buying a Replacement Battery
This year's results continue to show that buying a battery from a car dealer or mechanic may not be your best bet. For example, three EverStart batteries earn a Best Buy designation from a CR and they are only sold at Walmart. Compared to batteries sold at dealerships or by mechanics, "EverStart's warranties are just as good.
Regardless of where you buy them and what brands they belong to, the majority of batteries are made by a handful of manufacturers.
CR experts caution against buying a battery online. There may be shipping restrictions. And while it can save you money over paying a local dealer - up to $40, Allwood says - it may not be a good idea for those who don't have experience installing a car battery.
With most cars, it's a fairly straightforward job, but for some cars, the installation is more complicated." For example, some cars hide the battery under a seat, in the trunk or behind a wheel well, which may require removing parts before installation.
In addition, even older vehicles may require some level of reprogramming by a mechanic when a battery is changed to allow all systems to work.
The good news is that many auto parts stores, including Advance Auto Parts and O'Reilly, offer free installation of most of the batteries they sell, as do Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Some auto parts chains may allow you to order a battery they don't stock and install it. Confirm before ordering.
When purchasing a car battery, it is common to incur a "base" charge. This is essentially a deposit that is refunded when you turn in the battery for recycling. The other tip is to look for a battery with the latest (most recent) date code.