What type of battery does a Toyota Corolla have?
In brief, the battery type depends on the model: gasoline‑only Corollas use a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid battery, while Corolla Hybrids rely on a high‑voltage hybrid battery (typically nickel‑metal hydride, NiMH) as part of the propulsion system. The car still has a separate 12‑volt battery for accessories.
Battery types by Corolla variant
The two main battery configurations across the Corolla lineup today are summarized here.
- Gasoline-only Corolla: a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid starter battery used to power the electrical system and start the engine. Some markets may equip it with an AGM variant for longer life.
- Corolla Hybrid: a high‑voltage traction battery, typically nickel‑metal hydride (NiMH), used to store energy for the electric motor; a separate 12‑volt battery powers standard electronics.
In short, the Corolla's battery type hinges on whether you have a traditional gasoline model or a hybrid; both share a 12‑volt battery for electronics, but only the Hybrid carries the high‑voltage traction pack.
Where these batteries live and how they work
Gasoline-only Corolla
The 12‑volt battery in most gasoline‑only Corollas sits in the engine bay and powers the starter motor and vehicle electronics. It’s the part you replace if you notice slow cranking or electronic faults; typical replacement intervals are driven by climate, usage, and maintenance. Handle with care and follow the service manual.
Corolla Hybrid
The Hybrid’s high‑voltage traction battery is a sealed NiMH pack that supplies energy to the electric motor. It is generally located in the underbody rear area or beneath the rear seat area depending on model year and trim, and is not user‑serviceable. Toyota vehicles retain a separate 12‑volt battery to run lights, radio, and other accessories. Any maintenance or replacement of the high‑voltage pack should be performed by trained technicians.
Summary
The Toyota Corolla uses two main battery configurations depending on the variant: a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid battery for gasoline‑only models, and a high‑voltage NiMH traction battery for hybrids, with a separate 12‑volt system in both cases. This distinction affects maintenance, replacements, and how the vehicle’s electrical system operates.
What battery does Toyota recommend?
Genuine Toyota TrueStart® Battery with Limited Lifetime Replacement. This premium battery meets or exceeds Toyota specifications for all vehicles and includes 2 complimentary jumpstart assistance calls. Schedule an appointment today at your local Toyota Service Center to test or install your new Toyota battery.
How much is a new Corolla battery?
between $438 and $456
The average cost for a Toyota Corolla Battery Replacement is between $438 and $456. Labor costs are estimated between $38 and $55 while parts are typically priced around $401. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
How do I know my car battery type?
You can identify a car battery type by checking the label on the battery for its group size and type (like AGM), consulting the vehicle's owner's manual for specifications, or using online fitment tools by entering your car's year, make, and model. The most reliable method is to find the battery's label, which usually contains both the physical dimensions and chemistry information.
This video explains how to interpret car battery labels: 52sGS Yuasa UKYouTube · Feb 8, 2023
Methods to identify battery type
You can watch this video to learn how to identify different car battery types and find information on the labels: 1mJeremy FieldingYouTube · Jun 11, 2018
- Check the battery label:
- Look for a BCI (Battery Council International) group number, such as 65 or 24F, which corresponds to the physical dimensions and terminal placement.
- Look for the battery's chemistry type, which will be printed on the label. Common types include standard lead-acid, or more advanced ones like AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or Lithium-ion.
- Consult your owner's manual:
- The owner's manual is the most authoritative source for your vehicle's original battery specifications.
- It will list the correct BCI group size and can also specify the minimum Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) required.
- Use online lookup tools:
- Websites for parts stores or battery manufacturers have online tools where you can enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to find the correct fitment and specifications.
- Examine the battery terminals:
- While less reliable, markings near the battery terminals can sometimes provide additional information or help you confirm the correct polarity.
- Ask a professional:
- If you are unable to find the information, a mechanic or a parts store professional can help you identify the correct battery type for your car.
What kind of battery does a Toyota Corolla use?
A Toyota Corolla takes a 12V lead-acid battery, but the specific group size varies by model year, commonly being H4, H5, or 35. Modern Corollas may benefit from an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery for longer life and better performance, especially those with start-stop technology or many accessories. It is best to check the owner's manual or use a vehicle-specific battery finder tool to confirm the correct size, voltage, and cold cranking amps (CCA) for your specific Corolla.
- Common group sizes: H4, H5, and 35 are frequently used, but this can change depending on the specific year and trim.
- Battery types: A standard 12V lead-acid battery is standard, but many modern vehicles can also use an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, which generally lasts longer and performs better, particularly in vehicles with more electrical accessories or start-stop technology.
- How to find the right battery:
- Check your owner's manual: This will have the most accurate information for your vehicle.
- Use an online battery finder: Many auto parts websites have tools where you can enter your car's year, make, and model to find compatible batteries.
- Look at your old battery: The group size and specifications are printed on the battery's label.
- Consult a mechanic or dealership: They can confirm the exact requirements.
- Important specifications: Besides the group size, also consider the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, which is crucial for starting the engine in cold weather.
