Best Car Batteries for the Money
Consumer Reports' tests highlight the batteries that offer great performance at reasonable prices
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Car batteries are essential—and expensive. The average price in our latest car battery ratings is $170, with one model costing more than $350. (You can read more about the specifics, below.) Taking the time to research the best car battery for the money can pay off.
Best Car Batteries for the Money
Below, we present the best car batteries for the money in seven different sizes: Group 24/24F, Group 35, Group 47 (H5), Group 48 (H6), Group 49 (H8), Group 51R, and Group 65. These numbers indicate size in the same way AA and AAA indicate the size of batteries you’d use to power home electronics.
It’s important to note that batteries are also priced differently based on size. Larger-sized groups 48 and 65, for example, cost more because of the materials needed to make them, averaging $188 and $178, respectively. Smaller batteries like the 24/24F and 51R average $141 and $152, respectively.
In our list of select car batteries, we show ratings for:
• Overall Score
• CCA, or cold-cranking amps: How well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather.
• Life: How the battery performs through repeated draining and recharging.
• Reserve capacity: How long it can supply energy if the car’s charging system fails.
