BCI Group 65 is a battery group size standardized by the Battery Council International. Batteries in this size are used in passenger, commercial, and heavy-duty vehicles. Group 65 batteries have exceptional cold starting ability, making them suitable for modern cars.
Choosing the right battery for your car is vital. The wrong battery can cause starting and charging problems and can shorten the lifespan of your car’s electrical system. With so many different battery types, it can be hard to know which one is right for your vehicle.
AT A GLANCE: 3 BEST GROUP 65 BATTERIES
 XS Power D6500 |  ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T |  Deka 9A65 Intimidator |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price |  | | |
| CCA rating | 850 | 950 | 750 |
| Battery Capacity | 86Ah | 74Ah | 75Ah |
| Weight | 53.8 pounds | 58 pounds | 47.5 pounds |
| Our Recommendation | Best group 65 battery to run accessories for a long time | Best group 65 battery for starting in cold weather | Best price for group 65 battery |
| Score | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 |
What To Notice When Purchasing A Group 65 Battery
Dimensions
Group 65 batteries are usually 12.1 X 7.5 X 7.6 inches ( 306 X 190 X 192 mm). However, there may be some slight variations in size depending on the manufacturer. The terminal position on group 65 batteries is left side positive (LSP).
We recommend that you measure the space in your car where the battery will be placed to make sure the dimensions of the battery you choose will fit.
CCA Rating
The cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating is a measure of a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold weather. The higher the CCA rating, the better the battery will perform in cold weather. When looking for a group 65 battery, make sure it has 750 CCA or more.
For cars driven mainly in warm weather, a battery with a lower CCA rating may be sufficient. However, if you live in an area with cold winters, we recommend choosing a battery with as high of a CCA rating as you can find. In both cases, you should choose a battery of equal or higher power than the one you currently have.
Buy batteries with the high CCA rating here:
ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T
ODYSSEY ODX-AGM65
XS Power D6500
Ah Rating
A high Ah rating means that a battery can power your car’s electrical accessories for a longer period of time before needing to be recharged.
Therefore, it is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a group 65 battery. We recommend choosing a group 65 battery with at least 70-75 Ah.
Best Group 65 Batteries For Cold Weather
ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T 950 CCA
The ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T is a top-of-the-line battery that offers 950 CCA. It comes with a 4-year warranty and can withstand extreme temperatures. The battery is vibration resistant and has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance.
It is extremely temperature tolerant with operating temperatures between -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) and 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). They are typically installed in trucks, but they work just as well in cars.
What we like most about this battery is its value, power, and ability to start their car in cold weather. However, we found their customer service experience to be unsatisfactory.
Customer’s feedback
I bought the Odyssey as well, Part Number: ODY65-PC1750T. At the time 4wheelparts had a promo price for $230. Direct swap in. I have been very happy with it and would recommend.
03Cobraraptor – Fordraptor Forum
Odessey is hands down the best battery. Downsides are it is the heaviest sucker you have ever seen (super dense lead??) And they are expensive. But in this case, you get what you pay for. I expect it to last 10+ years. I own 2 other odesseys. One in my yamaha super jet that i purchased in 2008 (9 years) and one in my track car (6 years old)
ogdobber – Fordraptor Forum
Pros
- With 950 CCA, it’s a great cranking power battery
- Competitive warranty
- Vibration resistant
- Tolerant to extreme temperatures (-40F-113F)
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Heavy
Verdict
The ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T is the best group 65 battery for cold weather. It offers 950 CCA and has a longer warranty period than most batteries. The battery is also vibration resistant and has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes. However, its poor customer service experience may be a turnoff for some people.
ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T
ODYSSEY ODX-AGM65 930 CCA
The ODYSSEY Battery ODX-AGM65 is a high-end battery, offering just as much CCA as its predecessor. Its terminal is tin-plated with brass SAE automotive parts. Thanks to its great manufacturing, it is one of the most trustworthy group 65 batteries.
It is best for diesel trucks. While it does not carry the same warranty as to the ODYSSEY 65-PC1750T, it is still a reliable battery from the same brand. We love the power and dependability of the battery, but some get shocked when starting it up.
With an Ah rating of 74, If you drive a truck, passenger car, or SUV, this battery will suffice. If you need to power an RV or other large vehicle, you should find a group 65 battery that is more powerful.
Customer’s feedback
Always had great life with Odyssey AGM Batteries, starting high HP race cars. Oldest one is from 2002, starts every time.
FlyBry – Expedition Forum
I ran odyssey in my qx and it was a beast! highly recommend that based on my excellent experience with it over the years.
There is no one “best” battery, but there are several POOR batteries. my preferred choice is the Odyssey. Built like a tank and I can honestly say it was worth every penny.
marctronixx – Club Armada
Pros
- Tin-plated with brass SAE automotive parts
- Reliable brand
- Powerful battery
- Works well in extreme cold
Cons
- Shocked us when starting up
Verdict
The ODYSSEY ODX-AGM65 offers 930 CCA and comes from a reliable brand. However, its lackluster customer service and the fact that it shocked us during startup are things you should be cautious of when making a purchase.
ODYSSEY ODX-AGM65
XS Power D6500 850 CCA
The XS Power D6500 is a 12-volt group 65 battery that offers 850 CCA. With an Ah rating of 86, it is one of the most powerful lead-acid batteries on the market. Additionally, thanks to its versatility, you will be able to mount it in just about any position.
You can use this battery for everything from powering a diesel truck to improving sound quality through an amplifier. However, some batteries come leaking acid, which can be a risk when it comes to installation.
Customer’s feedback
Just saying but the D6500 and this battery have the same amount of Amp Hours. Of course the D6500 is the better battery, but they are close in ratings and a big diff in price. why dont you just a 2nd batt in back by the amp to help instead of just running 1 batts?
bgowdy – Car Audio
I’ve have zero issues with XS in personal and customer vehicles.
denim – Car Audio
I guess am still searching for a good battery for a better price, if I cant find one then ill go with the XS 6500.
big_way32 – Car Audio
Pros
- High CCA
- Has a ton of power, no more headlights dimming
- Easy to install
Cons
- Leaked acid in some situations
- Not fit in the battery holder of some vehicle types
Verdict
The XS Power D6500 is a versatile and powerful battery. It offers 850 CCA and has an Ah rating of 75. However, we recommend that you exercise caution as it has a propensity to leak acid.
XS Power D6500
Best Group 65 Batteries For The Money
Deka 9A65 AGM Intimidator
The DEKA 9A65 AGM Intimidator is a good all-around battery. The lowest-priced option on our list, the 47.5-pound battery offers 750 CCA. Since it is lightweight, it is best suited for passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Since it is lightweight and usable for most applications, we really love the DEKA group 65 battery. However, we were among several customers who were shipped batteries that didn’t last as long as advertised.
Customer’s feedback
Deka Batteries are very good. Not to mention that they are priced very well. I have a friend with a battery bank of 12 dekas. He has had them for 5ish years now with no failures.
diablo_331 – Jeep Forum
I think I might pick up one of those Dekas. The price is definitely right.
02gixxersix – Jeep Forum
Pros
- Low price
- Lightweight
- Usable in most common applications
- Made in USA
Cons
- Lower CCA rating than other options
Verdict
The DEKA 9A65 Intimidator is the lowest-priced battery, but sometimes you get what you pay for. It offers 750 CCA, but beware that you may receive a battery that is unusable.
DEKA 9A65 AGM Intimidator
Bosch S6551B S6 AGM Battery
The Bosch S6551B S6 is a high-quality AGM battery for those on a budget. Priced at $100 under the average price of a group 65 battery, it still offers 760 CCA. Thanks to Energy Life technology, this Bosch Automotive product also has a 2X longer life than conventional batteries.
We highly appreciate the low price and high quality of this battery. We also love the free roadside assistance that the company offers. However, we noticed that the battery died sooner than expected, so it may be less reliable.
Customer’s feedback
The Bosch is $50 cheaper, is AGM as opposed to wet, and has a 4 year warranty as opposed to 3 year for the Interstate you linked.
A Guy – Challenger Talk
I bought the Bosch AGM S6 a year ago, from Euro Car Parts, to replace my original OEM battery (2007 car) and registered/coded it myself using the BMTechnic cable and software. Not had any problems with it, car starts first time, every time, and no IDrive battery discharge messages, even after I have left the car for longer periods without it being driven in cold weather (> 4 weeks). Would have no concerns with buying another in future, if needed.
ss19777 – M5BOARD.com
Bosch makes good stuff so I don’t see why their batteries wouldn’t be good. They are probably made by one of the major battery manufacturers that make them for Sears, AutoZone, Advance and most of the other name brands.
rmorin1249 – Corvette Forum
Pros
- Affordable price
- Using Energy Life technology
- Free roadside assistance
Cons
- CCA rating of 760
Verdict
The Bosch S6551B S6 is a high-quality AGM battery that is priced at $100 below the average price of a group 65 battery. It offers 760 CCA and has a 2X longer life than conventional batteries. However, the battery died soon after we installed it.
Bosch S6551B S6
What Is The Best Group 65 Battery?
The best group 65 battery depends on your needs and budget. If you need a powerful battery, the XS Power D6500 is a good option. It offers 850 CCA and has an Ah rating of 86. However, it is also one of the most expensive options on our list.
XS Power D6500
If you’re looking for a low-cost option to install in your car, the DEKA 9A65 AGM Intimidator is a good choice. It’s the lowest-priced option on our list, but it still offers 750 CCA. However, keep in mind that there are risks associated with spending so little on a group 65 battery.
DEKA 9A65 AGM Intimidator
No matter what your budget is, there is a group 65 battery on this list that will fit your needs. When making your decision, consider your budget and need to find the perfect battery for you.
