The Best Group 65 Battery - Buyer’s Guide, Expert Reviews and FAQ (2024)

BCI Group 65 is a standard battery size for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and heavy equipment. It has excellent cold starting ability and is reliable when powering the heavy electronic loads of modern cars. Choosing the right Group 65 battery can be tricky because there are so many available on the market, and all of them have different advantages and disadvantages. We have compiled a list of some of the best Group 65 batteries using both specifications and real user experiences. If you need a Group 65 battery replacement, this guide will help you choose from some of the top picks.

Group 65 Battery Quick Comparison

Here is a quick table to help you compare the batteries on this list before we get into the reviews.

Image	Product
Best Choice	ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T Automotive and LTV Battery Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 950, Reserve Capacity (RC): 145, Amp-Hours (AH): 74 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 48 Best for Cold Starts Check Price	Check Price
Best Value	Delphi BU9065 MaxStart AGM Premium Automotive Battery, Group Size 65 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750, Reserve Capacity (RC): 150, Amp-Hours (AH): 75 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 36 Best for Vibration Resistance Check Price	Check Price
Best Choice	Deka 9A65 AGM Intimidator Battery Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750, Reserve Capacity (RC): 150, Amp-Hours (AH): 75 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 24 Best Left Top Post Battery Check Price	Check Price
Best Choice	Full Throttle FT930-65 (Group 65) Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 930, Reserve Capacity (RC): 150, Amp-Hours (AH): 75 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 24 Best for Heavy Electronics Check Price	Check Price
Best Value	XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp AGM High Output Battery with M6 Terminal Bolt Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750, Reserve Capacity (RC): 150, Amp-Hours (AH): 75 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 36 Best for Powerful Car Audio Check Price	Check Price
Best Choice	Bosch S6551B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750, Reserve Capacity (RC): 140, Amp-Hours (AH): 70 Battery Group: 65 Type: AGM Warranty: 48 Best for Long Life Check Price	Check Price

Note: N/A means that the manufacturer did not provide a value for this specification, and the information is not currently available.

Product Reviews

Let’s get into a little more detail about our top six Group 65 battery picks.

1. Odyssey 651750T — Best for Cold Starts

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The Optima RedTop is known for its superior starting performance in cold weather. It can produce 950 cold-cranking amps, and it is the battery that professionals rely on when they need to know the vehicle will start in any weather. This battery is a favorite for emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, and situations where starting ability is essential. The Optima RedTop has 145 minutes of reserve capacity and a 74 amp-hour capacity. It comes with a 48-month warranty, and when properly cared for, users report that it can last much longer than that.

One of the main reasons why we recommend this battery is the technology used by this brand. It uses pure virgin lead plates rather than a lead alloy. Its design also allows it to pack more plates into a smaller area. The advanced AGM design allows for 15% more lead to acid contact than standard flooded batteries. It is recommended for high-performance cars, 4 x 4s, off-road vehicles, antique cars, emergency vehicles, and your everyday driver.

• Excellent cold-cranking capability

• Long reserve capacity

• Superior AGM design

• Reliable enough for emergency vehicle use

• Best as a starting battery than for deep-cycle use

2. Delphi BU9065 MaxStart — Best for Vibration Resistance

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The Delphi MaxStart has excellent cold-cranking amps, but not as many as some of the batteries on this list. It delivers 750 cold-cranking amps, but the way it delivers them is what makes this battery unique. It has a long initial burst, which means that you get maximum power for a more extended period. This is a perfect choice for an older vehicle or one that is more difficult to start. It has a reserve capacity of 150 minutes and can hold 75 amp-hours. It has plenty of power for almost anything that you could need.

The best feature of this battery is its vibration resistance. It has heavy-duty welds and is constructed in a way that allows it to take a few shocks. This makes it perfect for off-roading. Vibration will not harm its performance, making this battery perfect for powering your weekend adventures in the backcountry.

• Long starting cycle

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• Durable design

• Heavy carry straps

• Vibration and shock resistant

• Some users report rapid self-discharge when the battery has been sitting a week uncharged.

3. Deka 9A65 Intimidator- Best Left Top Post Battery

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If your vehicle calls for a battery that has the positive terminal on the left, this is the one that we recommend. The Deka Intimidator strikes a balance between starting and deep-cycle use. It has 750 cold-cranking amps, a 75 amp-hour capacity, and a 150-minute reserve capacity. The battery uses an enhanced electrolyte suspension system, which allows for better conductivity and makes for a more reliable battery.

This battery provides reliable starts in cold weather. It can also handle the demands of today’s electronic-laden vehicles. For those who need both SLI and deep-cycle capability, this is an excellent choice. If your car has a powerful stereo and luxuries like heated seats, you need a battery that can handle the load and still be able to start reliably in the cold weather. It is the recommended battery for many Lincolns, Dodge, and Ford brands. It is used in many full-size SUVs, trucks, and vans.

• Good balance between starting ability and deep-cycle use

• Excellent vibration resistance

• Durable case

• Long reserve capacity

• Positive terminal on left, fits limited vehicles

4. Full Throttle FT930-65 — Best for Heavy Electronics

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This Full Throttle battery is a heavy-duty option that provides reliable power, even under the most demanding conditions. It can deliver 930 cold-cranking amps and has a capacity of 75 amp-hours. Its 150 minutes of reserve capacity make it able to handle vehicles with a few more creature comforts and electronic devices.

This battery has a tough case. It uses high-compression cells and pure lead plates to deliver reliable power.

Full Throttle is a brand that is not as common to find on the consumer end of the market, but it is well-known in the world of competition vehicles and business fleet vehicles. It is the choice for off-road vehicles, racing, and cars that have powerful stereo systems. Many people use them in RVs, and they are a popular choice among Emergency Services.

• Professional-grade battery

• Durable case

• Vibration-resistant

• Excellent cold-cranking amps

• Known for its long life

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• Trickle charger recommended by manufacturer for best results

5. XS Power D6500 Series — Best for Powerful Car Audio

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If you are a car audio enthusiast, this is the battery we recommend. Users report no voltage drop, even when using a 3000-watt subwoofer. It can deliver 750 cold-cranking amps and has a reserve capacity of 150 minutes. This battery uses a superior AGM design and can hold up to 75 amp-hours. It has an output of up to 1,070 cranking amps for normal starting conditions.

The XS Power is a deep-cycle battery made for extended electronics use. It is well-engineered and still has plenty of power for starting on cold mornings. They are a popular choice as an auxiliary battery for boats and RVs. It uses a sealed absorbed glass mat design that is spill-proof and shock-resistant.

• The Best battery for high-output audio systems

• Excellent cranking amps

• Reliable cold starting ability

• Best for deep-cycle use

• One of the pricier alternatives on the list

6. Bosch S6551B S6 Flat-Plate AGM Battery — Best for Long Life

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Bosch is best known for their spark plugs, and they put the same attention to quality into the batteries they make. This one is maintenance-free and has a spill-proof design. One thing that stands out about this battery is its fast recharge, even under harsh conditions. Bosch uses exclusive Energy Life technology that makes it last two times longer than most conventional batteries. This battery has 750 cranking amps, a 140-minute reserve capacity, and it can hold a 70 amp-hours. It’s a deep-cycle battery, but it also provides reliable cold starts.

Bosch stands behind its products. It is one of the few that offers a 4-year warranty and free roadside assistance. It has an extended shelf-life and excellent acceptance of the charge. The battery design is vibration-resistant, and it is designed so that it will not freeze. It is the perfect battery for deep-cycle use and for vehicles that have stop/start technology. Bosch is a high-performance battery with excellent reliability, even in extreme hot and cold conditions. Bosch batteries are often chosen to power military vehicles and vehicles used for emergency services because of their reliability and long life.

• Known as a reliable brand

• Dependable in extreme hot and cold weather

• Fast recharge

• Long cold storage with low self-discharge

• Designed to not freeze

• Higher-priced option

Group 65 batteries are a common size that fits types of vehicles. They are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and construction vehicles and equipment, but they are also found in performance vehicles, Dodge, Mercury, Ford, and Lincoln brands. This 12-volt battery typically has between 700 and 930 cold-cranking amps. They have a reserve capacity of between 120 and 150-minutes and between 59 and 69 amp-hours.

Group 65 batteries come in two varieties. They come as SLI, or deep-cycle stop/start batteries. An SLI battery uses thin plate technology to allow the battery to discharge quickly to deliver the amps necessary to start the engine. A deep-cycle battery uses thick-plate technology. This allows the battery to discharge more slowly over time, making it more suitable for applications that include electronics that place a continuous load on the battery. Some Group 65 batteries are dual-purpose and have a combination of thick and thin-plate technology to balance starting and constant use.

The type that you choose depends on your driving habits and the type of vehicle that you have. It also depends on whether you have the latest electronics or need to operate equipment like winches and other heavy electronic equipment. You should always replace your battery with the one that is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

What are the dimensions and weight of a Group 65 car battery?

A BCI Group 65 car battery is 11.85-inches long x 7.30-inches wide X 7.40-inches high. They weigh between around 50 to 60 lbs. Battery weights differ depending on the type of technology, thickness, and the number of plates used.

What’s the difference between a Group 24F, 65N, and Group 65 battery?

One of the most common questions people have about batteries is whether they can exchange one size for another. Sometimes people want to do this because the recommended battery is no longer available or is not available in their area. Some have other reasons, such as switching to a deep-cycle battery instead of an SLI battery or switching to a battery with more power.

If your reason for asking this question is the latter, it is important to understand not to put an oversized battery into your car because it can damage your alternator. When choosing to switch batteries to a different size, you may find one that fits in the tray, or you can change the tray to make it fit. You want to make sure that it is safe to do so first. Another issue you might find is that the battery fits and is safe to use on your vehicle, but the terminal cables might not reach if you choose a different battery.

When it comes to BCI groups, as the numbers go up, the battery’s size and the power go up, too. A Group 24 battery is much smaller than a Group 65 battery. Group 24 batteries come in N, F, FN, and FS configurations. Group 24 batteries with an F designation have more plates that are thinner. They tend to be better for cold climates but have a shorter life span in hotter ones. The 24FS batteries have fewer plates, but they are thicker. They are not as well-suited to cold climates, but they will have a longer life in hot ones. The F designation on the Group 24 battery usually refers to a battery where the positive and negative terminals are reversed. Group 24 batteries are typically used in smaller cars: Honda, Acura, Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, and Infiniti.

A Group 24F battery is 10.75-inches L X 6.81-inches W x 9.00-inches H. A Group 65 battery is much larger and is 11.85-inches L inches X 7.30-inches W X 7.40-inches H. A Group 24D battery will fit in a Group 65 holder, but there will be too much room for the battery to move around. A Group 65 battery will not fit in a 24F battery holder, and you would have to replace it to make this swap. A Group 65N battery has the same dimensions as a regular Group 65 battery. The only difference is that the positive terminal is on the top left of the battery on the 65N, and it is on the top right of a standard Group 65.

A Group 65N and 65 battery have more cold-cranking amps than a 24F. This makes them more suitable for starting big diesel engines and for cold weather starts. You will also find Group 65 batteries that are designated with the letter S. A Group 65N battery not only has the terminals in opposite positions from the standard Group 65, it also has a higher concentration of battery acid. This gives it more cold-cranking amps than a Group 65 or 65S.

Some people claim that the N and S designations stand for the plates’ thickness, but it actually stands for the specific gravity (concentration) of the acid. The Group 65S battery has a lower acid concentration than a 65N. This lower concentration reduces the cold-cranking amps that are possible, but it also reduces plate corrosion, which occurs quicker in hotter temperatures. Some people like to remember that an N battery is more suitable for colder northern climates and that the S is more suited to southern regions where it is hotter. If the Group 65 battery has no N or S designation, the battery concentration is in the middle of those two extremes.

How to replace a Group 65 battery?

You can use this video instruction to replace this battery in your garage:

How long does a Group 65 battery last?

How long your battery lasts depends on how well you take care of it and other factors, for example, storage temperatures. The batteries on this list have warranties between 24 and 48 months. If you take care of your battery, you can expect it to last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Some can last even longer if you take care of it. Continually leaving your lights on, draining the battery to a low-level, and exposing it to temperatures that are too hot or too cold can significantly reduce your battery’s expected life. Keeping your alternator repaired and in good condition will also help preserve your battery’s life and make sure that your car will start on cold mornings.

What is a battery warmer blanket, and what size fits a Group 65 battery?

Cold weather reduces the ability of the battery to discharge electricity. A battery blanket can keep your battery at the right temperature and assure that it will start on cold mornings. Now, you have many different choices ranging from thermal reflective blankets to USB models and electric ones. A battery blanket keeps your battery at the right temperature to ensure optimal conductivity and assured starting capability. They come in different sizes, and the intended BCI Group is listed on the packaging. It is recommended that you only use a battery blanket recommended for Group 65 batteries.

How long does it take to recharge a 65 car battery?

How long it takes to recharge a Group 65 battery depends on how far down it has drained and the charger type. If you use a higher amperage charger, it will take less time than a trickle charger. While the time saved may seem like a significant Advantage, many batteries last longer if you try to avoid fast charging and charge them more slowly over a longer time. The following chart gives you some examples of how long it will take to charge your Group 65 battery using different charger types.

Final Word

All of the batteries on this list are a good choice, but if we had to pick our favorites, it would be either the Full Throttle or Bosch. While these are a higher-priced option, they are made for professional use and high-performance vehicles. Both of these companies have an excellent reputation for quality and for standing behind their products. Of course, you should always consult your Owner’s Manual and install the battery that is recommended by the manufacturer. Now, you have a few options and an idea of where to begin your search for your next Group 65 battery replacement.