Find The Best Car Battery for Any Subaru Model

Subaru Car Battery Finder

Please select a Subaru model to find a suitable battery:

The first step is figuring out the battery type and size your car needs. Please choose your Subaru model, and we will show you the most suitable group size and replacement battery type.

Car batteries for Subaru come in different shapes, sizes, voltages, and terminal locations because different models of Subaru require different specifications for their batteries. So what should you consider before buying one that will fit your needs? You might be looking for something with more power or size, but this can affect the price too. This article will give you the knowledge to understand what size and type of battery are required by your specific Subaru model and help you select a suitable one. We’ll guide you through some of the most critical factors to make an informed decision about which one is right for your car.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Car Battery for Subaru

Battery Group Number

To find the right battery for your car, you should first look at the size. You need to make sure it fits in the tray and is securely fastened. Most brands come with different-sized batteries, so no matter what type of vehicle that may be – whether it’s a sedan, SUV or pickup truck, there will always be an option available.

To make it easier to distinguish between battery sizes and parameters, a BCI association assigns them to the specific battery groups. The battery group number is the alpha-numerical designation given to a battery and is used to indicate the battery’s physical dimensions and electrical specifications. Batteries with larger sizes will have greater power ratings and will be heavier than batteries with smaller sizes.

The most commonly used battery group for Subaru is the group 35 battery, depending on the car production year. For example, the following models use this battery group: Ascent, Baja, BRZ, XV / Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, WRX, WRX STI. Subaru Legacy and Outback can use 25, 47, or 85 battery groups depending on the production year.

Verify that the battery brand you choose has the appropriate size for your car. Your Subaru’s battery size can be found in this table below:

Subaru Models and Battery Group Sizes

ModelProduction
Years
Battery
Group Number
Subaru Ascent2019 – 202135
Subaru Baja2003 – 200535
Subaru BRZ2013 – 202135
Subaru XV / Crosstrek2016 – 202135
Subaru Forester1998 – 202135
Subaru Impreza1993 – 202135
Subaru Legacy2010 – 201925
Subaru Legacy1990 – 200935
Subaru Legacy2020 – 202147
Subaru Legacy1995 – 200885
Subaru Outback2010 – 201925
Subaru Outback2000 – 200935
Subaru Outback2020 – 202147
Subaru Tribeca2008 – 201335
Subaru WRX2013 – 202135
Subaru WRX STI2013 – 202135

Source: batterycouncil.org

Types of Subaru Car Batteries Available on the Market

AGM Batteries

This type of sealed lead-acid battery holds the liquid electrolyte in the internal plates. AGM batteries use a glass mat to contain the acid electrolyte, and in this way, they can handle more charging and discharging cycles than a flooded battery. It is best for both marine and automobile applications.

AGM batteries are ideal for vehicles that require high power, such as SUVs, or cars that need extra-deep cycling, such as RVs, boats, electric cars, because of their superior low internal resistance and vibration resistance. However, not all manufacturers use an AGM battery; some prefer to use a standard lead-acid battery because it is cheaper, but it has higher self-discharge rates and lower cycle life when compared with an AGM battery.

Standard Flooded Batteries

This type of battery is the most common and economical. It’s flooded with an acid electrolyte, and it usually has removable cell caps, which you can fill up by adding distilled water as required. The good thing about this battery is that it is typically maintenance-free, non-spillable, and truly sealed. On the other hand, its specific gravity varies from one cell to another, leading to an unbalanced charge if not properly monitored.

Flooded batteries are cheaper than AGM batteries and more affordable for consumers who use their car infrequently or on short trips. Still, they require more care and attention because they need to be checked on regularly, especially during the first three months after installation, to determine whether there is a need to add water or not.

SLI or Starting Lighting Ignition Batteries

This type is a standard automotive battery used by most common cars like Subaru. It offers an average amount of power required for starting your engine anytime you need it. It comes with lead plates that contain dense paste electrolytes, which provide enough power to start your car.

Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep Cycle Batteries are perfect for powering electric equipment like trolling motors, cameras, radar detectors, and more. This type of battery does not offer power peaks as SLI batteries do; instead, they supply steady amounts of energy at lower voltages for longer durations. You can expect them to last longer than standard lead-acid batteries. If you love to use high-performance accessories in your Subaru, then this type should be your choice because unlike SLI batteries which cannot handle a large amount of discharge rate over time, Deep cycle batteries are made exactly for this purpose.

What’s Better for Subaru Battery: Maintenance-free or Maintainable?

The main advantage of using maintenance-free batteries in your Subaru is that it eliminates the need for checking the water levels all the time. This helps you save a lot of time and money because sometimes, water levels are low, but it is not visible at first sight. Maintenance-free batteries are sealed units filled with electrolytes solution during production time, which means they can be mounted in different positions, unlike other types where you have to mount them only in a specific position or else they won’t work correctly.

Some batteries come with free and low maintenance features, such as cell cups on top that allow you to add water if needed – this type of construction is more suitable for hot climate regions since it’s not affected by extreme temperatures like other types would be.

Maintenance-free batteries are the best choice for people who do not like having their car battery die on them in the middle of nowhere. Maintenance-free means you don’t have to worry about changing the water or adding vast amounts of electrolytes. These types of batteries work best in cars because they’re sealed completely, so there’s no chance at leakage ever happening while on road trips.

Reserve Capacity Keeps Onboard Electronic Devices Powered When the Engine is Off

This is the number of minutes your battery can power your car’s accessories like lights, horn, and other electrical components at a constant voltage (above 10.5 Volts) while the engine is turned off. The bigger the reserve capacity rating for your Subaru, the more energy it will store. It’s an important measure because vehicles equipped with electronic accessories such as power locks, headlights, and stereo systems require much energy.

The reserve capacity refers to the battery’s ability to keep operating even If your alternator goes down. Batteries from reputable manufacturers have a good reserve capacity so that if the alternator malfunctions, the car can still run on battery power alone.

Importance of Cold-Cranking Amp Rating or CCA

Before buying a Subaru car battery, check its cold cranking amps or CCA amount. Generally speaking, CCA determines the ability of your battery to start the engine in extreme weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, and cold winter days if you live somewhere very cold. Engine oil can get thick in cold weather and make it harder for a vehicle to start.

Some car battery manufacturers produce batteries designed for extremely hot climates. Other manufacturers make batteries that are suitable for all conditions. If you live in a region where it gets really cold, you should go for a battery with high cold-cranking amps.

Warranty

Batteries don’t always live up to the manufacturer’s claims. As a result, most reputable manufacturers offer a warranty to their customers as proof of quality. Consider the lifetime of your battery when selecting a brand. The warranty period varies depending on the company and battery type.

The best warranties will provide free replacement if you have any problems with your battery within 3-5 years of purchase. Car batteries lose their charge over time – so make sure the company has some replacement plan before buying a new one.

The warranty period will help you decide how long you want the battery to last before it needs to be replaced again.

Types and Positions of Terminals

Battery terminals are positioned differently by various battery manufacturers. The terminal location on a battery is critical since it affects polarity. Close contact with the car’s metal shell might create a short circuit, damaging the electronics components. When buying a new car battery for your Subaru, make sure to check out if the model comes with traditional top posts. Nowadays, most models come with top posts, while some come with side ones. Top posts are best for high performance vehicles because they are easy to access in case you need to jump-start the battery. Side mounted battery terminals can become a problem when you need to jump-start your vehicle.

Car Battery Handle

A built-in handle or a detachable strap is available on some 12-volt car batteries. The value of a handle shouldn’t be overlooked, even if it isn’t the main reason for our purchase. It’s difficult to raise a car battery over a fender and into its place because its typical weights range from 25 to 60 pounds.

Car Battery Handle

Car Battery Price and the Core Charge

Car batteries can cost on average from $100 to $300. The core charge is often included in the final price of a 12-volt automobile battery. The core fee is sometimes added to the retail price at checkout, but it’s more likely to be factored in. Core fees are legal in 50 US states and required in 30 of them. They range from $5 to about $25, depending on the state and store. When you recycle your old battery, you will get the core charge back. The charge is meant to encourage recycling. Almost all Lead-Acid batteries are recycled, with a recycling rate of more than 99% in the US. East Penn Manufacturing, one of the big three 12-volt battery makers in North America, recycles more than 30,000 old batteries each day. Nearly 100% of a battery’s contents can be recycled. The recycling industry for 12-volt batteries is very successful and sets the example for recycling in many other industries, such as plastics and wastewater treatment.

Which Battery Brand is Better?

Car batteries might provide a fascinating case study in brand development. Everyone has their own brands based on personal experience, performance, and appearance. However, most lead-acid battery brands like Duracell, Duralast, Deka, AC Delco, Diehard, Interstate, Mopar, Motorcraft, Odyssey, Optima Batteries, and many others are made to certain engineering and produced by one of the three major factories: East Penn, Exide or Clarios.

Battery performance and life vary from one model line to the next from the same brand, according to laboratory testing. Because test results differ across model lines and from year to year, Consumer Reports will not make a recommendation based on specific brands or model lines. There is no one perfect battery. For example, DieHard and Duracell can perform better in one battery group but worse in another. The test results can also change over time. Buying the same battery, you’re replacing may not always give you the same results.

The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Car Battery

You may think that the more expensive car battery can give you better performance than a cheap one. However, this is not true all of the time; sometimes, more expensive batteries provide worse performance than cheaper ones. The cost of a good 12-volt battery usually ranges from $100 to $300 USD. Expensive auto batteries are quite often built with thicker plates, but if they are not made of thicker material, they will not last long. As a result, the more expensive battery may have lower performance over cheap ones.

Some car batteries can last 7 years, even with 300-400 cycles per year. If you drive your vehicle every day and you need to replace the battery after 5 or 6 years, it is quite normal for you to pay $100 to $200. Expensive batteries made of thicker material will give you lower performance than cheap ones.

The difference between a cheap and a high-priced battery is not always due to the cost of the chemicals. The majority of costly batteries are high-quality, although this does not imply that all low-cost batteries are bad. Cheap batteries use PVC or other materials to impede ion flow between plates, while expensive ones use rubber instead.

Another significant distinction between cheap and premium batteries is the wiring. In most situations, low-quality wiring on inexpensive automobile batteries causes rapid wear and leakage. Compared to low-cost batteries, expensive ones tend to last a lot longer. AGM batteries are more costly than other battery types.

AGM batteries have a fiberglass barrier between the plates, which prevents them from touching each other and helps to keep them safe. This makes AGM batteries resistant to impact and suitable for use. It also improves output and lowers charging time. As a result of this, be sure you’re getting a dependable battery before settling on a low-cost.

Manufacturing Date

Batteries have different lifespans depending on age. The newer the battery, the longer it will last. Before you choose a battery brand, check how old their batteries are. Vehicle batteries are considered fresh if they’re less than six months old.

You can tell how old it is by looking at a sticker on the top or side of the battery case. The code on the sticker will tell you when it was made. Some manufacturers use numbers to show the month and year. The number for November 2020 is 11/20. Other manufacturers use letters for the month. January is A, February is B, and so on. The number for December 2021 would be m-1.

Do not buy a battery that is more than six months old because it has not been used and discharged for a long time and will not work as well as a new battery.

Subaru Battery Lifespan

Batteries don’t last forever, regardless of how well they’re maintained. Understanding what to look for when it’s time to change your battery can assist you in making the best selection.

The battery in your car starts the engine. It also runs the electrical system. The battery loses its ability to hold a charge over time. But some batteries last much longer than others. Cranking amps, cold-cranking amps, and reserve capacity are useful to know, but they don’t tell you anything about how long the battery will last.

The battery lifespan is typically 4 to 6 years, but it can vary depending on how you care for your batteries. However, if a battery is not taken care of properly, it might not last as long. I have had a good battery last for 14 years. The difference between a good and bad battery comes down to how the owner takes care of it and the construction of the battery itself. Repeatedly discharging a battery too far or leaving it discharged for too long will significantly reduce its lifespan.

Another factor that influences how long the battery lasts is how it’s constructed. High-quality batteries are designed to withstand vibration better. As a result, they are less likely to move the interior plates and cause damage.

Another danger to batteries is sediment buildup between the plates. It can cause a battery to self-discharge as a result of an internal short, significantly decreasing its lifespan. Higher-end batteries have a location where sediment may accumulate as it forms, keeping it away from the plates and allowing them to run longer.

How Does a Subaru Car Battery Work?

The battery of a Subaru is a part that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. This conversion enables the engine to work and provide power, especially when starting. There are different kinds of batteries available for your car, but the most common one installed in a Subaru is the lead-acid battery which consists of thin sheets or plates of lead submerged in sulfuric acid to produce the chemical reaction. Electricity flows from one terminal to another. In other words, a lead-acid battery is an electrical storage device that offers you a burst of energy that can be used for starting or running the engine and auxiliary equipment in your Subaru.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last on Average?

The longer you drive in extreme temperatures, the more it will affect your car battery. If you take a lot of long trips in your car, that will also have an impact on the battery. Other things that can shorten the battery’s life span are a broken alternator belt or drive belt.

With no problems, you may have reached the five-year mark. Because many of the newest batteries are made to work right up until they fail, this is the case. This indicates that you’re unlikely to get many warning signals before your battery fails. If you’re not near assistance, this might be particularly harmful.

Batteries last between 3 and 5 years on average. Your Subaru battery is at risk if it is 4-5 years old or older. If you’re concerned, many shops offer free battery testing and charging to check out your current battery. They also can take care of the previous one with battery recycling for you.

Signs of a Failing Battery

Is your car battery really dying? Or is it just doing its job? It’s not always easy to tell the difference. Here are signs that you may need a new one:

  • Your engine cranks very slow while starting, or you can’t start your car more than once, especially in freezing weather. This is an indication that the battery has less power than it should. Cold weather naturally reduces the flow of electricity, so if your car doesn’t start, the battery may be to blame. You should test the battery as soon as possible. This should include other parts of the charging system.
  • The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. If the problem persists after recharging the battery, maybe there is a parasitic draws. A parasitic draw is when your car is not completely shut off and draws power from the battery. This can be caused by several things such as an alarm system, clock, or any other electrical accessories you may have in the vehicle.
  • Your headlights dim or flicker when you try to start your car. When batteries are weak, they don’t hold enough power for high-load activities like starting an engine or running lights and appliances in a vehicle. That means dimming headlights are often one sign that it may be time for a new battery.
  • The terminals on your battery are corroded or dirty. Corrosion buildup or dirt on the tops of the battery terminals is usually not caused for concern if the rest of the battery is in good shape. However, if the terminals are corroding or dirty on a battery that is new or just hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, this could indicate a failing battery. Acid leakage is often a sign that something is wrong with the structure of your battery or that it was overcharged.
  • Your car struggles to start after being parked for a few days. If it seems like your car can’t hold a charge as well as it once did, one problem may be that the battery has simply gotten older and lost part of its capacity.
  • The battery is more than four years old. Most batteries have a life expectancy of about five to seven years, so if your car is that age or older, you might be due for a new one.
  • Battery light on the dashboard is on or flashing. If you notice that your battery light is on and the engine seems like it’s laboring to turn over, the battery may be either failing or already completely dead.
  • Your car engine stops for no reason while driving. This can happen because your alternator isn’t charging enough power to keep up with the electrical demands of both the starter and lights and other appliances in the vehicle. When this happens often, it might be time to replace the alternator too.
  • A decrease in the car audio system’s performance.
  • A horrible stench. A sulfuric acid tell-tale signal is a putrid-egg odor. If you detect this, your battery is very likely to be severely damaged and almost certainly either overcharged or suffering from an internal structural problem.

How to Keep your Car Battery Healthy

Car batteries are designed to provide power for a relatively short period of time. To prolong their lives and keep up your Subaru’s performance, it’s crucial that you charge them up if they run low or are idle for some time. If your battery begins to show premature signs of wear, you should check it with professionals. They can also check the electrical system for problems that might be draining power from the car’s battery faster than it can recharge itself. In some cases, this can cause a dead or weak battery that won’t start the car unless you jump-start it from another source.

Even with ideal treatment, all batteries eventually wear down and fail. Testing your car battery regularly will help you know when to replace it. As your battery gets older, it will start to die sooner. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to make your battery last longer:

  • If you don’t start your car very often, you should use a battery maintainer. A battery maintainer is a device that keeps your battery charged, even when it’s not being used. This prevents the battery from slowly losing power and dying. You can learn more about different types of battery chargers here.
  • Keep your battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. This will help the battery work better. You can use corrosion washers and dielectric grease to help keep the corrosion away.
  • Don’t run appliances for long periods of time: Your car battery is designed to start the car, not accessories. If you like to listen to the football game over the weekend while camping in your car, consider investing in an auxiliary battery or a deep cycle-starting combination battery that you can use for discharge and recharge.
  • Don’t take off the heat or protective covers. Many cars have heat shields or blankets around the battery. These gadgets wear down or are removed over time, leaving the battery exposed. They’re intended to keep the battery cool from underneath the hood’s hot components, so keep them on.
  • You should test your battery regularly. It’s not a good idea to find out your battery is bad when you’re in a frozen, empty parking lot at night. Keep track of your car’s condition to know when you need to test or replace the battery. You may not notice any warning signals, but monitoring your battery’s performance and ability to maintain a charge is critical for avoiding a sudden breakdown. Whether you replace your battery every three years or extend its life to five years or more, be carefully maintaining its charging capacity and power. This will help you avoid being stranded on the road and ensure that your automobile stays powered as you drive down it.