Sooner or later your car battery will die. Consumer Reports knew the staggering number of options and compiled a list of the most affordable car batteries. CR testers rated the batteries for charge-discharge cycles, available spare capacity and low temperature performance. These models didn’t receive the highest overall rating from Consumer Reports, but they offer the best value. Let’s take a look at the different battery sizes and CR’s best pick in each category.
Your car model determines the battery type it needs
You may need a 24/24F battery if you drive a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti model. Other Japanese brands may require a size 35 battery. Most Chevy, Volkswagen and Buick cars use a size 47 battery, Consumer Reports explains.
A size 48 battery fits many US and German brands, including Jeep and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, many Audi, BMW and Hyundai models are size 49. 51R batteries are another common size for Nissan and Honda vehicles.
Size 65 batteries fit most large trucks and large SUVs.
To be sure which battery size your vehicle needs, look for one of these numbers on the label of your car’s current battery.
Here are Consumer Reports’ picks for the best car batteries for the money in each group:
1. NAPA Legend Premium 8424F (Group 24/24F)
CR testers have no complaints about the performance of this battery in terms of usage or reserve capacity. It also has an 18 month replacement warranty and is suitable for 725 cold cranking amplifiers (CCA).
In comparison, the average battery only produces up to 500 CCA. NAPA Legend Premium 8424F retails for around $130.
2. Bosch 35-640B (Group 35)
The Bosch 35-640B car battery is slightly cheaper at $125 and comes with a generous 36-month warranty. It also has removable caps so you can add water as needed and an above-average CCA score of 640. However, it doesn’t have the highest reserve capacity among car batteries in this group.
3. Duracell Platinum AGM 47 H5 (Group 47)
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries contain no water inside, requiring less maintenance than standard wet batteries. AGM batteries are often more expensive, but they also last longer.
Fortunately, CR’s top AGM pick for this battery group retails for just $135. The Duracell Platinum AGM 47 H5 achieved high marks in every category and can be replaced free of charge within three years if it fails.
4. Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-48/H6 (Group 48)
This car battery has excellent reserve capacity and can produce 730 CCA. It comes with a 30 month replacement warranty.
All five reviews on the CR page recommend the Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-48/H6, with one driver even claiming it lasts more than four years. The four-year mark is when most batteries need to be replaced on a daily driver. However, at $160, this battery is more expensive than its rivals.
5. Duracell 49 H8 (Group 49)
The Duracell 49 H8 holds up well after frequent charging and is backed by a three-year warranty. Duracell claims this car battery gets 900 CCA, but CR still didn’t give this battery the highest score in that category. While it also doesn’t have the best reserve rating, it’s still a good deal at $145.
6. Duracell 51R (Group 51R)
With a retail price of $105, the Duracell 51R is the most affordable car battery that Consumer Reports recommends. While it achieved excellent scores on the CCA and longevity tests, its spare capacity is not that impressive. Still, a 36-month warranty protects your purchase.
7. ACDelco Professional Gold 65PG (Group 65)
This car battery comes with an above-average 42-month warranty, but is still less expensive than several other models on CR’s list. For $125 you also get 850 CCA and a decent amount of spare power. Although the ACDelco Professional Gold 65PG is not an AGM battery, a satisfied consumer claims it lasts eight years.
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