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Best Car batteries

Which Car batteries performed best in our tests?

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We tested 41 car batteries to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Car battery based on the following criteria:

  • Reserve capacity
  • CCA
  • Life

Below lists the Car batteries that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Car battery is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Car batteries

ratingsBest Car battery for Reserve capacity
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Reserve capacity estimates how long batteries can run a car if the charging system fails.


This Car battery which tested best for Reserve capacity has the following features: Handle, Claimed CCA and Warranty.

ratingsBest Car battery for CCA
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CCA performance reflects voltage at our load of half the average claimed CCA for each group size after cranking for 15 seconds at 0ยบ F. We charged batteries at the 14.5 volts that vehicles typically supply, rather than the higher voltage that manufacturers use. Batteries charged at the lower voltage met BCI voltage standards for a fully charged battery.


This Car battery which tested best for CCA has the following features: Handle, Claimed CCA and Warranty.

ratingsBest Car battery for Life
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Life test measures how a battery endures repeated charge-and-discharge cycles at hot-climate engine-compartment temperatures. The more cycles endured while maintaining a higher voltage, the higher the score.


This Car battery which tested best for Life has the following features: Handle, Claimed CCA and Warranty.