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2013–2018 XA40 (4th generation)

2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

The 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 uses a BCI group 35 battery rated at 490 cold cranking amps. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy.

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The 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 uses a Group 35 battery with 490 CCA.

2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 battery specifications

High confidence
SpecValue
BCI group size35
Cold cranking amps490 CCA
Battery typeFLOODED
AGM requiredNo
LocationEngine bay, driver side

Factory battery is a JIS D23-case Panasonic (~490 CCA); BCI Group 35 is the standard replacement size and what AutoZone/O'Reilly/Advance all list. 500+ CCA replacements are plentiful. NOTE recall 23V-734: some replacement batteries with smaller tops may not be secured properly by the original hold-down, have the recall remedy (improved clamp) performed. Hybrids use a separate cargo-area AGM (see hybrid engine entry).

2.5L Hybrid (2AR-FXE, 2016–2018, AWD-i) battery

High confidence
SpecValue
BCI group sizeS46B24R (JIS; Group 24-size AGM footprint)
Battery typeAGM
LocationCargo area, passenger side, behind an access panel

12V auxiliary battery only, the high-voltage NiMH hybrid pack is separate (under the rear seat). Use an AGM with a vent tube because it is mounted in the cabin. Jump posts are under the hood in the fuse box.

Which Toyota RAV4 model years does this cover?

These battery specifications apply to every Toyota RAV4 built from 2013 through 2018 — the XA40 (4th generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2013 RAV42014 RAV42015 RAV42016 RAV42017 RAV42018 RAV4

What changed during the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4

  • 2013Generation launch: side-hinged door replaced by a liftgate, V6 and spare-on-tailgate dropped, 6-speed automatic replaces the 4-speed
  • 2014Light running update: revised Entune audio system; XLE gains upgraded connectivity, Limited gets standard navigation
  • 2015Blizzard Pearl Premium Package added, with unique 18-in machined-finish alloy wheels
  • 2016Facelift: new fascias and headlights (9005 low beams replaced by 9012/HIR2 or LED), SE trim added, RAV4 Hybrid (2AR-FXE, AWD-i) joins the lineup
  • 2017Toyota Safety Sense P (pre-collision, radar cruise, lane departure) becomes standard; Platinum trim added
  • 2018Final year of the XA40; carryover mechanicals

2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 battery: common questions

What size battery does a 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 take?

BCI group 35, rated at 490 cold cranking amps from the factory. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.

How many CCA does a 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 need?

At least 490 CCA. Going higher is harmless and helps in cold climates; going lower is how a vehicle that started fine in October stops starting in January.

Does the 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 need an AGM battery?

The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.

Where is the battery on a 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4?

Engine bay, driver side.

Does a 2013–2018 Toyota RAV4 need the battery registered after replacement?

Factory battery is a JIS D23-case Panasonic (~490 CCA); BCI Group 35 is the standard replacement size and what AutoZone/O'Reilly/Advance all list. 500+ CCA replacements are plentiful. NOTE recall 23V-734: some replacement batteries with smaller tops may not be secured properly by the original hold-down, have the recall remedy (improved clamp) performed. Hybrids use a separate cargo-area AGM (see hybrid engine entry).

Sources

Other Toyota RAV4 generations

2019–2025 batteryCompare all generations

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