The best car batteries for your money, according to Consumer Reports

A reliable car battery is crucial for your vehicle's performance, but prices have risen sharply, with some models now costing over $360. So which one should you buy?

To answer that, Consumer Reports tested batteries by simulating the toughest conditions, including extreme cold starts and high-heat durability. It also discharged and recharged units for weeks to measure lifespan, reserve capacity, and failure rates.

"The best value may be in choosing a strong performer that can be had for much less than the cost of the top battery," says Paolo Fu, who runs battery testing for Consumer Reports.

Continue reading to see the top value picks by size.

Priced at $160, this battery is a strong value choice for many popular vehicles from Toyota $TM, Honda $HMC, and Nissan.

At $170, this is a dependable option that offers good performance for Subaru, Mazda, and other Japanese brands.

The EverStart costs $189 and delivers top-tier performance for vehicles like Volkswagens and Chevys.

Fitting many European and GM cars, this battery offers excellent test results for a reasonable price of $170.

While pricier at around $246, this model provides premium reliability for luxury vehicles like Audis and BMWs.

This is the most affordable pick on the list at just $105, making it a budget-friendly option for compatible smaller vehicles.

This $220 battery is built for large Ford $F trucks and SUVs, offering solid performance for heavy-duty needs.

Priced at $200, this AGM battery is highlighted as a smart value purchase for various trucks and sports cars.