The Toyota Tacoma is a mighty truck. Hundreds of thousands of people use it as their main daily driving vehicle. With a beefy engine and excellent ride quality, its users have praised the truck a lot.
There is one thing that they don’t focus on, and that is the battery. Whenever the battery on the Tacoma runs out, they get anyone without looking into which one they are getting.
There is certainly a whole market here, and I will be crowning one of them the title of the best battery for Toyota Tacoma. I have included a buying guide for those who have some questions and confusion at the end of this article.
1. Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
As expected with any battery compilation, it is led by a product from Optima batteries. The company has been topping almost all of my battery comparison articles. Its products are rock solid, and there are very few competitors that can put up a challenge.
Don’t believe me? After you read this Optima 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery’s Feature Set, your mind will be changed. The brand claims that the battery has the strongest starting burst in the market. That is a pretty bold claim. Well, the 720 CCA is certainly impressive.
I can assure you that you will never have to crank your vehicle twice, even in the coldest weather. The list is just getting started. The company claims that this battery has a three times longer life than what the competition offers.
This is possible due to Optima choosing an AGM design and the fact that the manufacturer uses 99.99% pure lead in its batteries. This allows the battery to not only be extremely durable but perform way better than a traditional lead-acid battery. The overall build of the battery is also extremely solid.
You are getting a battery that is 15x more vibration-resistant than all other batteries on the market. So, even if you are an off-roader, this battery is perfect for you. As the battery has an AGM design, it is completely maintenance-free. You don’t need to clean the terminals or pour water in the battery, ever.
This is certainly good news for many of you. Because the battery does not need anything, it has been completely sealed too, making it completely spill-proof. It can also be installed in any position without the risk of it leaking.
- Can output 720 CCA
- Three times longer battery life
- Excellent vibration resistance
- AGM design
- Maintenance-free
- May fail earlier than expected
Although it is rare to hear such complaints about the company, the manufacturer should look into them and resolve them accordingly. Chances are you will be part of the majority that received a faultless battery, and this product should be on your consideration list.
2. ODYSSEY Batteries 34R-PC1500-A Group 34 Automotive/Light Truck Battery
Arriving in second place is Another Battery from a Fantastic Manufacturer. Much like Optima, Odyssey is a brand that has been on my articles several times before. It makes stellar batteries, which are loved by thousands of people around the globe. The PC1500 is an example of the quality of the company’s products.
Let’s see what features it brings to the table. Being similar to Optima in several features, Odyssey is also utilizing an AGM design for the battery.
For those who don’t know, the battery uses thin glass mats, in which the acid is stored. This is better than the traditional free-flowing design because the conductivity and durability is improved.
The manufacturer promises that the plates used in this battery are made from pure lead. Many companies on the market use lead alloys to reduce their costs. Well, Odyssey is not one of them. Pure lead means more free electrons for a better flow of charge. The thing with this battery is that it is also extremely long-lasting.
Furthermore, the company claims that it will last for up to 400 cycles at an 80% discharge. That is truly incredible. It does not end there. The company is also providing more features, such as excellent starting power. It can output 850 CCA, which is significantly more than the 8020 battery from Optima.
Whether you live in a cold area or a hot one, you won’t have any issues regarding the battery not starting up your vehicle. While I am talking about numbers, this battery has a reserve capacity of 135 minutes. This is certainly on the high-end of the spectrum of all of the batteries I have checked out.
- AGM design
- Pure lead used
- Can output 850 CCA
- 135 minutes reserve capacity
- May die prematurely
Although Odyssey makes some stunning batteries, it should focus on its quality control. What is the point of designing such a battery when users don’t even get to use it properly? But, if you do get a proper unit, then you will certainly have a memorable experience with it.
3. Optima Batteries 8040-218 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Wow, that name is a mouthful. Coming in third place is yet another battery from the company Optima. As I said before, the company makes extremely high-quality batteries. The fact that it was able to take up two spots on this highly curated list means that it knows what it is doing.
This second Optima product is from its YellowTop line-up. It has been designed for heavy-duty usage. Let’s see what it has to offer.
If you are looking for a deep cycling battery, then the Optima 8040-218 YellowTop is the one you should get. If you are not sure if you need one, you should refer to the buying guide at the end of this article. This battery has been built to last through thick and thin.
You thought the RedTop had good durability? Wait till you check out what this one can do. From extreme vibrations to the entire load you want to put on it, this battery will be able to handle everything easily. The battery uses Optima’s iconic spiral cell AGM design and it is extremely good at producing power.
Plus, the spiral cell design increases the safety of traditional lead-acid batteries. The list just keeps ongoing. The thing with most batteries on the market is that they have to be used for the whole year. If they fully discharge, then there is a high chance of them not charging back up.
Well, Optima have changed the game with the YellowTop. It is perfect for seasonal use. You won’t feel the need to keep it on a trickle charge because of its extremely low discharge rate.
This is only possible because the company is not using cheap materials. The battery uses pure lead, which is the main reason the battery is so good.
- Spiral cell AGM design
- Extremely durable
- Deep cycle battery
- Uses pure lead
- May die earlier
If you are one of those unfortunate customers, then you have the option to get the battery exchanged under warranty. So, there is no risk in buying it for your Tacoma.
4. XS Power D1200 XS Series High Output AGM Battery
Coming up next on this article is a product from the company XS Power. The manufacturer makes some amazing batteries, and one of its line-ups also won the award for the best battery for winching on my website.
The company makes heavy-duty batteries, perfect for people who like to load their Tacoma with many aftermarket electronics.
Just like the previous three offerings, the XS Power D1200 XS Series also is an AGM battery. It is better than traditional battery designs in all regards.
Better conductivity, durability, and overall performance is much better in AGM batteries. Instead of the electrolyte free-floating, it is stored inside thin glass mats.
It is based on a lead-acid design but takes on a whole new way of implementing it. The battery is completely spill-proof.
This means that it can be installed in any position you want, without you having to worry about the battery leaking or spilling. This becomes very convenient for trucks that have less space in their battery.
The battery does not require any maintenance at all too, and you don’t need to keep the water levels in check or clean the terminals. The best thing about the battery is its extremely low resistance. This allows it to be placed on the shelf for months without having to worry about it draining completely.
So, if you are looking for a battery that needs to be used on a seasonal basis, then this is definitely one you should get. It has been tested extensively in various types of vehicles.
So, you will have to worry less about it malfunctioning and enjoy your daily rides more. It has even been tested on vehicles that were driving at speeds more than 300 mph. And guess what, the battery easily passed all the tests with flying colors.
- AGM design
- Spill-proof
- Maintenance-free
- It can be used on a seasonal basis
- Leaking on arrival
Although the manufacturer has made a decent battery, it should make sure that the product shipped is properly packed. The battery is excellent and will definitely make your trips more memorable as you will be able to focus on them more.
5. Delphi BU9034R MaxStart AGM Battery
Taking up the fifth spot is another battery from a company I have checked out before. It looks like this list consists of only popular manufacturers. Regardless, this Delphi BU9034R AGM Battery is the first one on this list that has gotten a four-star rating. The rest had better feedbacks. Four stars are very respectable.
Let’s take a look at what it can do. Let’s start with the numbers. The battery is able to produce a very impressive 775 cold-cranking amps. This is even higher than the first Optima battery.
So, the company is competing directly with the veterans. It does not end there. The battery can also provide a reserve capacity of 120 minutes.
For those who don’t know, it is the measure of how much time a battery can discharge at maximum voltage. 2 hours is plenty for most people and is comparable to the 135 minutes provided by the Odyssey battery.
Although the manufacturer claims that the MaxStart battery has 20 times better vibration resistance than conventional batteries, I don’t think that it is true. In its true essence, it is a standard AGM battery.
Regardless, what I can assure you of is that this AGM battery will not fail on you under intense conditions. Whether the temperature is too cold or too hot, it will not cause any issues.
As many Tacoma users like to take their vehicle out into the desert or high in the mountains, the battery must be able to handle all sorts of shocks and impacts.
Well, thanks to the manufacturer’s inclusion of fortified posts and excellent corrosion resistance, the battery will easily be able to last through thick and thin.
Finally, the battery will have an OEM fitment. This means that there will be no need to make modifications to get the battery under the hood. The install will be simple, easy, and will take less time.
- AGM design
- Excellent vibration resistance
- 120 minutes reserve capacity
- Corrosion-resistant
- Dead on arrival
- May fail prematurely
Delphi is a reliable brand. I honestly have no idea why the company dropped its quality control with this battery. If you search for this product, the majority of the ratings are positive. It is a decent product as long as you get one that does not die on you.
6. NORTHSTAR Pure Lead Automotive Group 24F Battery NSB-AGM24F
This article has finally reached the final product. I must clarify one misconception that many readers make.
This NorthStar Pure Lead Automotive Group 24F Battery has been awarded the last place, but it is definitely not the least. It must not be forgotten that it was chosen from hundreds of available options. So, to me, all of these six batteries are clear winners.
Regardless, let’s see what this NorthStar battery has to offer. The model number for this battery is NSB-AGM24F. As is evident by this model number, this is indeed an AGM battery. This means that you will be getting exceptional performance from it. It will also be able to last longer.
When you compare this with the company’s claim that it will cross over 900 cycles at a 50% discharge, then you can get an idea of how long it will last. If you want numbers, you can expect it to cross the four-year mark without any issues.
There are some other features that are also common in all NorthStar batteries. The company claims that the recharge of the battery is faster than conventional batteries.
Well, this is true because it is indeed an AGM battery. This means that it will not run out on you during long rides. Even if it has a low charge, you will be able to charge it quicker and save some precious minutes during the process too.
One thing that many of you will like about NorthStar batteries are that they are manufactured in the USA. This means that they have to follow strict quality control protocols.
So, you can rest assured that the battery you receive will be of the highest quality. They have used high-quality plastics, which allow the battery to operate flawlessly at high temperatures.
- AGM design
- Can last for 900 cycles at a 50% rate of discharge
- Quicker recharge
- Made in the USA
- Fewer ratings
NorthStar makes some amazing batteries. Although this battery has fewer ratings, the feedback is mostly positive. So, if you are gathering options, this battery should definitely be on your consideration list. It has all the features of a good battery.
FAQs
Choosing the correct battery for your Toyota Tacoma is not an easy task. You need to make sure you are getting one that will work with your use scenario.
If you are still unable to make the decision of which one to get, then this FAQs is for you. It is recommended to read this section of the article in its entirety.
Which Size Battery Should I Get For My Toyota Tacoma?
If you were unaware, batteries have different sizes. You cannot just order anyone and expect it to fit. It must be of the right size because there are designated locations for the placement of these batteries.
Well, in the case of Tacoma, it can take a Group 35 or a Group 34R battery. The 34R of Optima will fit in the Tacoma only. If you buy from other brands, then it should be of Group 35. Larger batteries don’t fit, and you really don’t want a smaller battery moving around under the hood.
Which One Should I Get The RedTop Or The YellowTop For My Tacoma?
Both are meant for different purposes. The RedTop is a starting battery, whereas the YellowTop is a high-performance one. If you are not using any extra electronics, then the RedTop will be perfect for you.
If you are one that is using a heavy-duty audio system and aftermarket lights, which require a lot of juice, then the YellowTop is the one that you should be getting. Both of them are excellent in their own ways. The YellowTop is also a deep cycle battery, which means that it has been designed for heavy-duty usage.
For more information, you can read my review on Optima Batteries.
How Long Does A Tacoma Battery Last?
You can expect the battery to last anywhere from three to five years. You can push it further with very light usage, but this is the normal range for the battery. This does not depend on the company you buy from.
Whether it is an AGM battery or a conventional one, the minimum they will last is three years. But, if they are faulty, then they could stop working much sooner.
It is recommended to get batteries that are under warranty. If on a rare occasion, one does become faulty in the warranty period, then you can get a replacement without paying a single dollar more.
Conclusion
The article has finally reached its conclusion. I know that this listing was quite long, but I assure you that it was definitely worth it.
From pros and cons to all of the features of each battery, you will be easily able to decide which one is suitable for you. If you ask me, then I would recommend the Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery for Toyota Tacoma.
It checks all the right boxes of a superb battery. Regardless of my recommendation, any one of the above six batteries will provide you with a memorable experience. They are all from known brands, and all of them have an AGM design too. So, you are risking very little.
