These are the 7 best car batteries of 2022

If you keep finding that your vehicle won’t start in the morning, or if you can’t get it moving again after you finish shopping for groceries, there’s a good chance that it’s time for a new car battery. Sure, you can go to Wal-Mart and get the cheapest option off the shelf, but experience shows that you’re going to spend more in the long run if you do that.

We don’t want you to find yourself right back in the same situation any time soon, and it’s why we decided to Highlight seven of the most powerful car batteries You will find everything you need in the guide.

Not only that, but we included a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will help you determine If you need a new battery, and it’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get the perfect battery for your vehicle the first time.

A car battery must be purchased with the correct dimensions and specifications to match your engine and car model. Check your owner’s manual or contact your authorized dealer for more information.

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.

These are the Top 7 Car Battery Products of 2022

1. ACDelco Gold – Best Car Battery Overall

• Cold-cranking amps: 760
• Type of connection: Post at the top
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 36 Months
• Weight: 45.5 pounds

If you’re looking for the best overall battery for your car or truck, look no further than the ACDelco Gold. It’s an outstanding mix of price and performance, coming in as one of the more affordable options without any kind of performance drop-off.

This battery is reliable and will last for many years before it needs to be replaced. ACDelco guarantees that this battery will last for at least 36-months with a free replacement if it doesn’t, but it can easily last much longer than that.

For most people, that’s everything you want in a battery for your car. It’s affordable, does a great job, and lasts a long time. However, this battery isn’t completely perfect.

First, it’s a little bit heavier compared to some other options. If you’re all about performance, every pound matters. It only comes with a top-post mounting system.

These are the most common system used in vehicles, though some vehicles have a side mount mounting system. Double-check what kind of system is in your vehicle is in your car so you don’t get this battery only to find out that you can’t install it.

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2. Optima Red Top – Best AGM Battery

• Cold-cranking amps: 720
• Type of connection: Top and side posts
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 36 Months
• Weight: 31.7 pounds

Optima is one of the largest names in the battery industry and there’s a good reason for that. They only make AGM batteries, and they’re all top-notch.

By far their most popular choice is the Optima Red Top, and it’s an outstanding choice for most daily drivers. With 720 cold-cranking amps it can easily handle most environments, and it’s powerful enough to get larger engines started with ease too.

It's even more amazing, because this battery also has Both It works well for almost any vehicle, thanks to its top and side post. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to verify the actual physical size of the battery and the battery compartment to ensure this battery fits in your vehicle.

The Optima Red Top is also a lighter-weight battery, so if you are looking for something for a performance vehicle, it’s a great choice there too.

While it may be slightly more expensive than some of the other types of batteries, their longer life span makes up for this difference. When you look at the cost per year that you get out of an Optima Red Top, it’s really one of the best deals out there.

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3. Optima Yellow Top – Premium AGM Battery

• Cold-cranking amps: 750
• Type of connection: Posts at the top and sides
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 36 Months
• Weight: 43.5 pounds

Although the Optima Yellow Top will suffice for most vehicles, if you have a bigger engine or use a lot of amperage then the Optima Yellow Top might be more useful. The Optima Red Top offers all of the benefits, with a touch more power.

The price is one of the biggest tradeoffs. It’s still a great deal considering how long they last, but there’s no denying it costs a bit more compared to the Red Top.

Another tradeoff is its weight. While it’s not as heavy as the bulkiest options, it’s more than ten pounds heavier than a Red Top.

Optima will not compromise on durability. An Optima Yellow Top will last just as long as a Red Top, and it’s why it comes with a 36-month warranty. But while it’s a 36-month warranty, in many climates a Yellow Top battery can last over ten years.

So sure you’re going to spend a little more upfront for this powerful battery, but if it sits in your vehicle for the next decade you’re getting a phenomenal price per year of use.

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4. Odyssey Extreme Series – Best Off-Road Battery

• Cold-cranking amps: 850
• Type of connection: Posts at the top and sides
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 36 Months
• Weight: 49.5 pounds

It’s fun to get off the pavement and see what the wilderness has to offer. But if that’s something you plan on doing in your vehicle, you need a battery that’s up to the job. The most important thing for your battery when you’re off-roading is that it can handle all the bumps and jumps you throw at it.

The Odyssey Extreme Series can handle the task. A lot of off-road vehicles are equipped with electric accessories. You need a powerful battery to provide the necessary power for these accessories.

The battery's 850 cold cranking amps provide enough power to start many starts in even the harshest of conditions. Even with all these features you get a 36-month warranty on the Odyssey Extreme Series, so you won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon.

Add in the fact that this battery has both top and side posts, so it works in just about any vehicle, and it’s hard to find things not to love about this battery. However, it is a much heavier battery weighing just under 50 pounds, and it’s a much more expensive option.

You can expect that for a battery with all these capabilities, but if you want a battery that can withstand some of the most extreme off-roading trips, it’s well worth the extra upfront cost.

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5. Interstate Batteries – Best for Larger Vehicles

• Cold-cranking amps: 800
• Type of connection: Post at the top
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 48 Months
• Weight: 47 pounds

If you’re driving a much larger vehicle, then you need a battery that has the power to turn it over and get your vehicle started. Keep in mind that we’re not talking about F150s here, it’s more like an F550.

This Interstate Battery battery is perfect for larger vehicles. This battery has 800 cold cranking amps which are more than enough to start your car even in the coldest of mornings.

This will get your vehicle started quickly and will take less effort. You can also rely on it to power all of your car's accessories.

It is a heavier battery option at 47 pounds, but for a larger vehicle, the little added weight isn’t a big deal. Second, it’s a much more expensive option. It does come with the longest warranty, at 48 months, from the date that the battery was purchased.

Just keep in mind that it only has top posts, but that’s what most larger vehicles use anyways. Finally, if you are thinking of using this battery for a smaller vehicle, keep in mind that this is a physically larger battery, meaning it won’t find in many smaller vehicles’ battery boxes.

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6. Optima Blue Top – Best for RV and Marine Use

• Cold-cranking amps: 800
• Type of connection: Post at the top
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 24 Months
• Weight: 38.4 pounds

The following are some of the highlights. Optima Blue Top isn’t something you want to put into a typical automotive application, we wanted to highlight it here for two reasons. First, it’s the last battery option Optima has and it’s the Only one not on our list.

Second, if you need a battery for an RV or some other application, it’s a battery you’ll want. It has tons of cold-cranking amps, but it’s not a battery that can handle full cycling, which is why you shouldn’t install it in a regular vehicle.

Instead, it’s a good choice only You only need to register an RV. It does handle movement extremely well, and that’s key for a battery that goes into RVs that often find their way well off the pavement.

It can also sit a long time between starts, and it’s a lighter-weight option so you don’t have to worry about it weighing down your rig. Still, it doesn’t last quite as long as other Optima batteries, and that’s why Optima offers a shorter warranty of only 24-months.

It’s also a more expensive option, and when you pair that with the shorter service life, it makes no sense to get this battery for a typical automotive application. But for select RV and marine applications, it’s a solid choice that Optima offers.

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7. Deka Intimidator – Notable Mention

• Cold-cranking amps: 600
• Type of connection: Post at the top
• Type of Battery: AGM
• Warranty: 36 Months
• Weight: 40 pounds

While we couldn’t give the Deka Intimidator its own specific accolade, it does enough things right that we didn’t feel right leaving it off our list completely. It’s a battery that offers a good mix of price and durability, allowing you to get a longer-lasting option without breaking the bank.

It comes with a 36-month warranty, but you shouldn’t have any problem getting much longer out of your Deka battery if you live in at least a semi-moderated climate.

It does a great job even in off-road conditions too, although it doesn’t have enough power for systems with tons of accessories.

Of course, you’re getting this battery for a great price, but there are two tradeoffs. First, it only has top posts, so it won’t fit inside post setups. Second, it has a lower cold-cranking rating compared to any other battery on our list, and that’s why it couldn’t earn an accolade past notable mention.

But if you’re on a tighter budget, drive in a temperate climate, and need a great battery, it is worth checking out.

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Car Battery Buyer’s Guide

It can be difficult to pick one of the many excellent batteries available. Not only that but sometimes there’s a lot of confusion out there about whether you actually need a new battery or not.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and that’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to clear the air. Not only will we help you decide if you actually need a new battery, but we’ll walk you through all the different specifications to help you figure out what you need for your vehicle.

What are the signs that you need a new battery?

Before you drop any money on a new battery it’s best to figure out if you actually Not required a new battery. Part stores such as AutoZone can test your battery free of charge, but you will only be able to get 100% accurate results if the battery is fully charged.

That means if you take your battery to AutoZone right after it died, they can’t reliably tell you if it just needs a charge or if you need to replace it. Even worse, since they’re a part store trying to move product, they have a lot of incentive to tell you to replace the battery.

Even worse, the part you were replacing could be defective. The part store won’t refund you anything for the battery, but they’ll happily sell you the part you actually need.

We recommend that you fully charge the battery and test it yourself with a quality battery tester. They’re more affordable than you might think, and they give you an unbiased result you can trust.

RELATED: 8 Steps to check your car's battery health at home (8 steps)

What Battery Life Expectancy?

There are many options. Ton There are many factors that can affect how long a battery lasts, including the environmental conditions, type of battery and the way you drive the vehicle.

A standard lead-acid batteries can be expected to last three to five years in the majority of climates. However, AGM batteries can live up to six to ten more years in similar environments. Furthermore, if you don’t drive the vehicle enough, or if you only drive it in short spurts, it won’t maintain a full charge which can shorten its overall lifespan too.

And while this is the case for most climates, it’s certainly not the case everywhere. For more extreme climates like Alaska or Phoenix, it’s not surprising for a regular lead-acid battery only to last about two years. An AGM battery, however, should last between four and five years.

It’s also important to note that the more a battery dies, the shorter the battery’s overall lifespan. So, if you have a battery that keeps dying because of a faulty alternator, it can dramatically shorten the battery’s overall lifespan.

Recharging your battery properly can reduce damage. Jump starts or rapid charges, however, may result in shorter battery lives.

What length of time should a battery be expected to last? It’s really hard to say, but The majority of the times A lead-acid battery lasts three to five year, while AGM batteries last six to ten years.

RELATED: Car Battery Life Expectancy

Battery Warranty

Every battery on our list comes with a battery warranty, and it’s a great feature to have. While it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need to use it, it does give you some peace of mind that you won’t need to drop any more money on an automotive battery in the near future.

A battery warranty can be a great thing, but there are many misconceptions around how to use it. You don’t need to bother to reach out to the person you bought the battery from, in fact, they probably won’t help you.

Instead, reach out to an authorized service shop for the battery you’re using. If you’re not sure where this is, the battery manufacturer can point you in the right direction. Keep your proof of purchase and the date therein, then bring it with you.

They’ll test and charge the battery for you, and if it doesn’t check out, they’ll replace it for you for free. It’s a pretty simple process, but plenty of people go through loads of frustration because they keep reaching out to the wrong people and can’t figure out how to use the warranty.

Checking for fitment

The last thing you want is to order a battery only to realize that it physically doesn’t fit into your vehicle and you can’t use it. Always double-check fitment before you order and look into these three different specifications to ensure it’ll fit into your vehicle.

Check first if the system uses either a top or side post. These systems Are not interchangeable so don’t think you can just make it work if they don’t line up. The physical dimensions of your battery are second.

There are many sizes of batteries. If you choose the wrong size, you may not be able fit it into your car's battery box. The hold-down is the final thing to consider. There are a few different hold-down styles, and while most of them work with different battery types, they’re not all completely interchangeable.

How many Cold Cranking Amps are you going to need?

The most crucial thing to consider when choosing the best battery for your vehicle is cold-cranking amps. However, how many cold crankingamps is enough?

The general rule is to have at least one cold cranking amplifier for each cubic inch engine displacement of a gasoline engine. With a diesel engine, however, there are two cold cranking amps for every cubic inch engine displacement.

Not everyone knows the cubic displacement of their engine though, but for most engines, it’s well under 400. This means that every one of the batteries on this list is equipped with enough cold cranking amperes to do their job.

For reference, a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 engine that you find in a Ford F350 has 406 cubic inches of engine displacement, and that’s a massive engine for a consumer vehicle.

Of course, this is for general conditions, and the more extreme the climate, the more cold cranking amps you’ll need. A little bit more is always better than a lot, as batteries can lose some capacity.

This is only for stock configurations. If you’re putting an aftermarket sound system or other equipment that draws power, you Not required a larger battery, and potentially an alternator, to account for it.

In short, you likely don’t need You get all of the cold-cranking ampers than our batteries, but that's not a bad thing.

Is it possible to combine and match different batteries?

Some vehicles have multiple batteries, and while it’s usually advisable to replace them together, that doesn’t mean you have to. Do you only need one type of battery?

While you can technically mix and match batteries as long as they’re both the same type (lead-acid vs AGM), we recommend sticking with the same battery.

It’s all about getting equal output from each battery so they’ll both last up to their full potential. The battery's life can be reduced if one battery pulls more load.

AGM vs Lead Acid Batteries

When you’re looking at replacing your battery, you have two options to choose from, a typical lead-acid battery and an AGM battery. While there are some technical differences between how each battery works, from a consumer standpoint it’s clear that AGM batteries have tons of advantages.

They are a little more expensive upfront, but since the last two to three times as long they’re the better cost per year option. AGM batteries are also more resistant to movement and offer more mounting options.

AGM batteries will be the best choice if you plan to get off-road. AGM batteries have a better power output and more voltage than lead-acid. AGM batteries can be used with larger engines or accessories, which means that they have a distinct advantage.

AGM batteries tend to be superior to lead-acid batteries in every way, and it’s why every battery on our list is an AGM battery. AGM batteries are better than lead-acid and can be replaced in a matter of years.

RELATED: AGM vs. GEL Battery: Differences (& Which is Better?)

How to Charge an AGM Battery

If you do get an AGM battery, keep in mind that you can’t use a traditional battery charger on it. AGM batteries require a special charger that is designed for AGMs.

AGM batteries must be charged at all automotive shops where they are being taken. Many automotive shops double-check the battery before dropping it off hoping for the best.

AGM-specific battery chargers tend to make it easier to fully recharge AGM batteries than traditional lead-acid ones.

Replacing the Battery

Some think you have to bring your car in to the shop for the battery to be replaced. The truth is that it’s one of the easiest automotive jobs, and all you need is a crescent wrench to complete the job.

Remove the cover, remove the bolt from the negative terminal and slide it off. Next, do the same with the positive terminal. Then loosen the battery clamp.

Install the new battery by removing the hold-down. Reattach the battery by removing the hold-down and installing the positive, followed by the negative terminal. That’s all you need to do!

There’s a reason part stores like AutoZone will replace the battery for you for free, and those guys don’t have any automotive-specific training. You should be able to complete the entire job in five to ten minutes, so don’t stress out about doing it yourself!

How many batteries do you require for off-roading driving?

All the other batteries in our list are good enough for light off-roading. But the Odyssey Extreme Series is the best choice. It offers higher cold cranking amps, which allows you to use all aftermarket accessories.

But if you don’t have all those accessories, keep in mind that since every battery on our list is an AGM battery, they are all great choices for getting off the pavement.

Which battery do you need for a flashlight?

While you can get any battery for an RV, they don’t have the same demands as a typical automotive battery. If all it does is start an RV, then you don’t want a battery that handles full automotive cycling.

That’s why a battery like the Optima Blue Top excels for RVs. They hold power for a long time, and they don’t need as much charging as a typical automotive battery.

However, you can’t mix the two, so you’ll get less than ideal results with a typical automotive battery in an RV or a RV battery in a car or truck.

Questions about Car Batteries

Final Thoughts

It is not a good idea to worry about whether the vehicle will start after you take it to your destination. It is a good idea to replace the battery as soon as possible.

That way when you swap it out, you can rest easy knowing that every time you go to start your vehicle, it’ll work, no matter how long it’s been between starts or how cold it is in the morning!

And if you’re still trying to figure out what battery is right for you after reading through the reviews and the buyer’s guide, go with ACDelco Gold or the Optima Red Top. They’re great choices for 99.9 percent of automotive applications.

Don’t overthink, those batteries will do a great job for years and years, so you don’t need to worry about replacing the batteries again anytime soon.