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You can’t hit the dirt on your ATV unless you’ve got power — and that power comes from your 12-volt power sports battery. A crucial component of any vehicle, your battery is what gets your ATV up and running, delivering the burst of power needed to rev the engine and run your accessories. With a weak or decaying battery, you’ll likely find getting a smooth start more difficult, and reliability can wane. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your existing battery to one that’s brand new, with better performance, you’ll want an option that’s a good fit, nicely long-lasting, and quick-starting. From AGM to gel to lithium-ion, you’ve got a lot of choices to check out. Fortunately, finding the right match for your particular ATV is a breeze.
Best Overall
![](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/product-images/m.media-amazon.com/71--H8mK7kL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=507)
Odyssey Extreme AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery
Best Value
![](https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/product-images/m.media-amazon.com/71thHfRIvqL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=411)
Weize YTX14 High-Performance ATV Battery
Honorable Mention
Interstate Battery AGM Power Series 12V ATV Battery
Summary List
- Best Overall: Odyssey Extreme AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery
- Best Value: Weize YTX14 High-Performance ATV Battery
- Honorable Mention: Interstate Battery AGM Power Series 12V ATV Battery
- Best Long Cycle Life: Odyssey PC545 Powersports Battery
- Best Low Discharge Rate: DieHard Powersports Battery BTX30L
- Best Eco-Friendly: Duralast AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery
Our Methodology
To choose the best ATV batteries, I sought out batteries made by the best-known and most-renowned brands in the sports performance space. I looked only at vehicles made for ATVs and similar vehicles, considering those with performance and off-roading durability above more versatile options meant for any 12-volt vehicle. While considering and comparing, I took details like cold cranking amps, battery size and fitment in ATVs, maintenance required, and shock and vibration resistance as key identifying features of the best batteries. I also looked at users’ reviews and ratings to assess how these batteries performed when used in ATVs in real-life settings.
Best ATV Battery Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Odyssey Extreme AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery
See ItBest Value
Weize YTX14 High-Performance ATV Battery
See ItHonorable Mention
Interstate Battery AGM Power Series 12V ATV Battery
See ItBest Long Cycle Life
Odyssey PC545 Powersports Battery
See ItBest Low Discharge Rate
DieHard Powersports Battery BTX30L
See ItBest Eco-Friendly
Duralast AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery
See ItOur Verdict
When it comes to a blend of performance, reliability, and off-road readiness, the Odyssey Extreme AGM Ready-to-Ride Power Sport Battery is hard to beat. This all-around excellent ATV battery lasts longer than your typical option, and it can handle even the most unpredictable shocks and vibrations. If value is your biggest priority, the affordably priced Weize YTX14 High-Performance ATV Battery offers good return on investment with a low-maintenance design and the ability to perform in all weather or temperatures.
Things to Consider Before Buying an ATV Battery
Before you grab just any new ATV battery that carries a decent amount of CCAs and meets your 12-volt needs, do your research. You’ll want to keep the following details in mind as you shop for a reliable, long-lasting, and performance-ready battery that starts with ease.
Types of ATV Batteries
Conventional Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Considered the standard in ATV batteries, conventional flooded lead acid batteries — or FLA batteries — are readily available and come standard in many vehicles. With over 150 years of history, they’re definitely a reliable, staple pick. One of the biggest draws? FLA batteries are affordable and can be easily recharged. They aren’t easy to damage by overcharging, and their performance is decently reliable in most ATV riding conditions. However, FLA batteries do require maintenance (and forgoing that maintenance can dramatically shorten the battery’s lifespan), and they can only be installed upright.
Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries
Absorbed glass mat batteries, or AGM batteries, are one of the most popular ATV picks. They balance performance and durability with little maintenance and generally reasonable prices. You can install an AGM battery in any orientation or location, and they’re maintenance-free, have a low self-discharge rate, and are energy-dense. Additionally, with reliable performance and decently long lifespans, these ATV batteries are also shock- and vibration-resistant. They’re a nicely cost-effective pick. However, they can be damaged with overcharging, and they’re somewhat heavy.
Gel-Cell Batteries
Gel-cell ATV batteries, which are also called gel batteries, are pretty similar to AGM batteries. However, they do offer some unique features. A gel battery can be installed in any orientation or location, but installing upside-down isn’t recommended. They’re smaller and more lightweight, and they won’t spill unless they’re damaged. But it’s important to note that gel batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan, a higher price, and can be irreversibly damaged if overcharged.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
You’re probably familiar with lithium-ion batteries already — they’re pretty common in everything from smartphones to rechargeable power banks. But they aren’t super common as ATV batteries, at least not yet. These batteries have high energy density and are maintenance-free, and they’re smaller and lighter in weight than other, more traditional options. But they do tend to be extra expensive, and you’ll need a special lithium-specific charger to recharge.
Key Features of ATV Batteries
Cold Cranking Amps
Every ATV battery will tell you its CCA, or cold cranking amps rating. This is determined from a standardized test meant to measure how many amps that battery can generate in a cold environment (0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder) for about 30 seconds. With this test — and the number of CCA a battery can generate — you’ll know how easy it is to get your ATV up and running in a cold climate. It can take extra time to start up in extra-cold temperatures, and a higher CCA rating can ensure you never run into issues, no matter how freezing the temp is outdoors.
Cycle Life
A battery’s cycle life is essentially its lifespan. It tells you how many times a battery can be recharged until it begins to degrade. Remember, every battery — whether for your ATV or your car or your cell phone — will lose its power and ability to hold a charge over time. Take a look at the details of the batteries you’re considering and see if you can find mention of the cycle life. On average, you can expect to get about two to three years out of any ATV battery, but depending on cycle life your results may vary.
Size and Vehicle Fit
Finding a battery that fits seamlessly into your ATV’s dedicated spot or harness can be a little tricky. Look for batteries recommended by the manufacturer, or take a look at your owner’s manual, to find the perfect fit. You can also measure your existing battery. The goal is to choose a new one that doesn’t slide around or struggle to stay put, as that can cause connection issues (and potentially mess with your starts).
ATV Battery Pricing
On average, you can expect to spend between $75 and $125 on a new battery for your ATV. Battery prices fall into three distinct ranges. Budget batteries, which may not offer a high CCA and may be from lesser-known brands, can cost as little as $45 or as much as $70. The middle price range of between $75 and $125 is where most ATV batteries fall, and it’s where you’ll find a wide range of well-known brands and solid CCAs. If you’re looking for a premium battery, you can spend $125 to $175 or, depending on the CCAs you’re looking for, potentially as much as $200.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Lithium-ion batteries tend to be lighter in weight and hold a charge longer, and these are two pretty noticeable benefits. They can also provide more cranking power than a lead-acid battery, which is key for ATVs.
A: Well, if you choose the wrong battery, you could find yourself with power issues. You’ll need to choose a 12-volt battery, and by choosing a specific power sports battery, your ATV will have the high output it needs to get started.
A: With normal use, you can expect to get about three to four years out of your ATV battery. Some, however, may last as long as five years.
A: Check with local automotive retailers or specialty recycling centers in your city. Interstate Batteries, for example, will take your old battery and recycle or dispose of it for you. Many cities also have special drop-off sites where batteries can be recycled or safely disposed of.