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Most Mazda 3 model years (2004-2013 BK/BL and many 2014+ BM/BN trims) take a Group 35 battery, though i-Stop-equipped models need an EFB or AGM battery to keep stop-start working correctly rather than a downgrade to plain flooded lead-acid. Check your current battery’s label or your owner’s manual for the exact group size and chemistry before buying – these are real, currently-listed Group 35 options spanning budget flooded batteries through premium AGM.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optima RedTop 35 AGM | $220-$260 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | DieHard Platinum AGM Group 35 | $200-$240 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Duralast Gold 35-DLG | $130-$170 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Duralast Platinum AGM 35-AGM | $190-$230 | Amazon |
| 5 | Interstate MTP-35 Mega-Tron Plus | $150-$190 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | ACDelco Gold Group 35 (35S) | $120-$160 | Amazon |
| 7 | EverStart Maxx-35N | $100-$140 | Amazon |
| 8 | NAPA Legend Premium Group 35 | $150-$220 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Optima RedTop 35 AGM
The AGM benchmark for Group 35 – 720 CCA and Optima’s spill-proof, vibration-resistant construction.
- 720 CCA, 910 CA
- 90-minute reserve capacity
- AGM (spill-proof, mountable in most positions)
- Group 35
- Strongest cranking amps of any battery on this list
- AGM design handles vibration and short trips better than flooded
- Priced well above the flooded options
DieHard Platinum AGM Group 35
DieHard’s AGM option for Group 35, rated at 650 CCA with a 36-month warranty.
- 650 CCA
- AGM construction
- 36-month free-replacement warranty
- Group 35
- Strong warranty coverage for an AGM battery
- Slightly lower CCA than the Optima RedTop
Duralast Gold 35-DLG
AutoZone’s mid-tier flooded battery for Group 35, a common budget-to-mid recommendation.
- 640 CCA
- Flooded lead-acid
- 3-year free-replacement warranty
- BCI Group 35
- Good CCA for a flooded (non-AGM) battery
- Widely available with in-store replacement
- Not AGM – skip this one if your Mazda 3 came with i-Stop/AGM from the factory
Duralast Platinum AGM 35-AGM
AutoZone’s AGM step-up, for i-Stop Mazda 3s that need AGM to keep stop-start working correctly.
- AGM construction
- Sized for i-Stop-equipped applications
- Group 35
- Correct chemistry for i-Stop-equipped trims
- Higher price than the flooded Duralast Gold
Interstate MTP-35 Mega-Tron Plus
Interstate’s flooded Group 35 battery, a long-running standard recommendation across import sedans.
- 640 CCA
- Flooded lead-acid
- Group 35
- Interstate’s reputation for consistent quality control
- Flooded only – not the right pick for i-Stop trims
ACDelco Gold Group 35 (35S)
ACDelco’s mainstream flooded Group 35 battery, rated 540 CCA.
- 540 CCA, 650 CA
- 85-minute reserve capacity
- Flooded lead-acid
- Group 35
- Budget-friendly, widely stocked
- Lowest CCA of the flooded options here
EverStart Maxx-35N
Walmart’s house-brand Group 35 battery, the budget pick if you just need a reliable replacement fast.
- Flooded lead-acid
- Group 35 (North Reserve rating)
- Nationwide Walmart availability
- Lowest price of any battery here
- Easy to find and swap same-day
- Shorter track record and warranty than the name-brand options
NAPA Legend Premium Group 35
NAPA’s top-tier Group 35 battery, sold through NAPA Auto Parts stores with professional installation available.
- Premium flooded or AGM options by trim
- Group 35
- NAPA’s extended-warranty Legend line
- In-store professional install and testing at NAPA locations
- Price and exact spec vary more by store than online-only brands
Buying tips
- Check your current battery’s label (or the sticker under the hood) for the exact group size before ordering – Mazda 3 model years split between Group 35 and other sizes depending on trim and market.
- If your Mazda 3 has i-Stop (automatic stop-start), it needs an EFB or AGM battery – downgrading to a plain flooded battery can disable i-Stop and shortens the battery’s life under the extra cranking cycles.
- CCA matters more in cold climates; reserve capacity matters more for accessory load with the engine off. Optima RedTop and DieHard Platinum lead on CCA, NAPA and Interstate on balanced overall spec.
- Most auto parts chains will test your old battery and alternator for free before you buy – worth doing if you’re not sure the battery is actually the problem.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.