What Kind of Battery Does a Hyundai Sonata Take?

A Hyundai Sonata typically uses a 12‑volt Group 124R or 47/H5 AGM or flooded lead‑acid battery for the gasoline models and a high‑voltage lithium‑ion polymer pack for hybrid and plug‑in hybrid versions, with exact specifications depending on model year, engine, and trim. Owners should confirm fitment using the vehicle’s manual, the label on the existing battery, or an online parts database by VIN for the most accurate match.

Understanding the Hyundai Sonata’s Battery Types

The Hyundai Sonata nameplate spans multiple generations, powertrains, and regional variations, which means there is no single universal battery that fits every Sonata. Instead, Hyundai pairs different physical “group sizes” and technologies with each model year and configuration. Gas-only Sonatas primarily rely on a conventional 12‑volt battery in the engine bay, while hybrid and plug‑in hybrid Sonatas use both a conventional 12‑volt unit and a high‑voltage lithium‑ion polymer pack to power the electric drive system.

Battery Types in Recent Hyundai Sonata Models (2015–2025)

Modern Sonatas sold in North America from roughly the mid‑2010s onward share similar battery families, though the exact group size can change by engine (2.4L, 1.6T, 2.5L, 2.0T), trim level, and climate package. This section outlines typical configurations seen at major parts retailers and in dealer catalogs.

Gasoline-Only Hyundai Sonata (Non-Hybrid)

Most gasoline-only Sonata models use a standard 12‑volt automotive battery with specific physical dimensions and terminal layouts defined by the Battery Council International (BCI) group size system. The most common group sizes are 124R and 47/H5, with variations in cold‑cranking amps (CCA) and whether the battery is AGM or traditional flooded lead‑acid.

The following list outlines common battery group sizes and characteristics for late-model gasoline Sonatas (rough approximation for 2015–2024 North American models; always verify by year/VIN):

• BCI Group 124R – Common in many 2015–2019 Sonatas with 2.4L or 2.0T engines; reverse terminal layout (R) and a compact footprint that fits Hyundai’s tray and hold-downs.
• BCI Group 47 (H5) – Increasingly common in 2020–2024 Sonatas with 2.5L or 1.6T engines; slightly different dimensions and often available as AGM for start‑stop equipped trims.
• AGM vs. Flooded – Higher trims or start‑stop systems may specify an AGM battery in the same group size, while lower trims may use a conventional flooded lead‑acid battery.
• Typical CCA range – Often between about 550 and 760 CCA depending on climate package (cold-weather regions tend toward higher CCA offerings).

While these sizes cover a large share of late-model gas Sonatas, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets may use DIN/EN sizes (such as 60Ah or 70Ah batteries) and slightly different dimensions, making it critical to match the battery to the battery tray, hold-down, and cable reach on your specific vehicle.

Hybrid and Plug‑In Hybrid Sonata Models

Hybrid (HEV) and plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) Sonatas use a dual-battery system: a standard 12‑volt battery responsible for accessories and system boot-up, and a high‑voltage battery pack that drives the electric motor and stores regenerative braking energy. These systems are tightly integrated with Hyundai’s power electronics and must be replaced with correct, compatible components.

The following list summarizes the two major battery types in Sonata Hybrid and Plug‑In Hybrid models (approximately 2016–2024):

• 12‑volt auxiliary battery
  

  • Often a smaller 12‑volt lead‑acid or AGM unit (group sizes vary, frequently H5/47 or a compact AGM).
  • Typically located in the trunk or rear area rather than the engine bay in some hybrid generations.
  • Responsible for powering ECUs, locks, lights, and enabling the car to “Ready” the hybrid system.

• High‑voltage hybrid battery pack
  

  • Lithium‑ion polymer chemistry, with voltage typically in the 200–270+ volt range depending on generation.
  • Capacity for hybrid (HEV) models typically around 1.6–2.0 kWh; plug‑in hybrids can exceed 8–9 kWh.
  • Pack is located under the rear seats or trunk floor and is serviceable only by trained technicians due to high‑voltage safety requirements.

Because hybrid and plug‑in hybrid Sonatas rely on this high‑voltage system for propulsion, using the wrong type or attempting DIY replacement of the main traction battery is both dangerous and likely to void warranties; Hyundai and certified shops use VIN‑matched parts and follow strict safety protocols.

How to Identify the Correct Battery for Your Sonata

Finding the exact battery for a Hyundai Sonata requires more than just knowing the model name. Variations in engine size, trim, model year, and region can change the group size and technology required. Fortunately, Hyundai and parts suppliers provide multiple ways to confirm compatibility.

The following ordered list details the most reliable methods for determining the correct battery for a specific Sonata:

1. Check the existing battery label
   

   • Look for BCI group size (e.g., 124R, 47/H5), CCA rating, and reserve capacity.
   • Note whether the label says AGM, EFB, or conventional flooded.

2. Consult the owner’s manual
   

   • Hyundai manuals typically specify the capacity (Ah), minimum CCA, and sometimes the recommended type.
   • Some manuals list more than one acceptable battery spec depending on market or climate.

3. Use your VIN with an online parts catalog
   

   • Input the 17‑digit VIN into Hyundai’s parts site or reputable retailer databases (e.g., major auto parts chains).
   • The system will return batteries specifically cataloged for that exact production run.

4. Check under‑hood labels or service stickers
   

   • Some Sonatas have a sticker specifying battery size or part number near the battery tray or on the radiator support.
   • Dealer‑installed batteries may have a label indicating the Hyundai part number they replaced.

5. Confirm fitment at the parts counter
   

   • Provide year, make, model, engine size, and whether the vehicle is hybrid or non-hybrid.
   • Ask specifically if the car has idle stop‑start, which often requires AGM or EFB batteries.

Using multiple confirmation methods—especially the VIN and existing battery label—helps avoid common mistakes such as buying a battery with reversed terminals, incompatible hold‑downs, or insufficient cold‑cranking capacity.

AGM vs. Conventional Lead‑Acid in the Sonata

Many newer Sonatas, particularly those with stop‑start systems or high electrical loads, benefit from or explicitly require absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries. While costlier than conventional flooded lead‑acid batteries, AGM designs offer better cycling performance and resistance to deep discharge—important traits in modern vehicles with heavy electronic demands.

The following list highlights the practical differences between AGM and conventional batteries in the context of Hyundai Sonata ownership:

• AGM batteries
  

  • Better suited to start‑stop systems that repeatedly cycle the battery in city driving.
  • More resistant to vibration and leakage, generally maintenance‑free.
  • Higher price but longer typical service life in demanding conditions.

• Conventional flooded batteries
  

  • Lower upfront cost and widely available in group sizes used by Sonatas.
  • Can be adequate in trims without stop‑start or heavy accessory loads.
  • More sensitive to deep discharges and may have a shorter lifespan if repeatedly drained.

• Warranty and spec compliance
  

  • Installing a cheaper flooded battery in a Sonata calibrated for AGM can reduce performance and longevity.
  • Dealers and many independent shops will match the original equipment type (AGM vs flooded) to avoid conflicts with warranty or system behavior.

Matching the original battery technology is usually the safest approach: if your Sonata came with AGM from the factory, replacing it with another AGM of the same group size and equal or higher CCA is generally recommended.

Key Differences by Generation and Powertrain

Although part numbers and suppliers change over time, there are clear patterns in how Hyundai equips the Sonata across generations. Understanding which category your car falls into makes it easier to interpret catalog information and service advice.

The following ordered list provides a broad overview of battery expectations by type of Sonata, acknowledging that exact specifications vary by year and market:

1. Conventional gasoline Sonatas (approx. 2011–2019, various engines)
   

   • Commonly use BCI Group 124R or similar compact batteries.
   • Typically conventional flooded lead‑acid on lower trims; some later years/regions may support AGM.

2. Newer gasoline Sonatas (approx. 2020–2025, 1.6T/2.5L engines)
   

   • In North America, often shift toward Group 47/H5 with higher CCA options.
   • Trims with stop‑start or heavy electronics are more likely to specify AGM or enhanced flooded battery (EFB).

3. Sonata Hybrid (HEV)
   

   • Use a standard 12‑volt battery (size varies; sometimes in trunk) plus a lithium‑ion polymer high‑voltage pack.
   • The high‑voltage battery is model‑specific and not interchangeable with generic packs.

4. Sonata Plug‑In Hybrid (PHEV)
   

   • Similar dual‑battery system to HEV models but with a larger-capacity lithium‑ion polymer pack for EV‑range driving.
   • 12‑volt battery generally follows hybrid pattern, while traction battery is VIN‑specific and dealer-managed.

5. Regional variants (Europe, Asia, Middle East)
   

   • May use DIN/EN battery sizing rather than BCI (e.g., 60Ah, 70Ah units) with different casing dimensions.
   • Climate and equipment packages (heated seats, heavy audio, etc.) can drive higher CCA requirements.

This generational overview serves as a guide, but owners should still treat it as a starting point rather than a definitive parts list; production changes and mid-cycle updates can alter the specified battery type within a single model generation.

Practical Tips for Replacing a Sonata Battery

Because modern vehicles integrate the battery with sophisticated electronics, replacing the battery in a Hyundai Sonata is more than a simple swap. Preserving memory settings, avoiding electrical surges, and ensuring system recalibration can save time and prevent minor glitches.

The following list covers practical considerations when changing a battery in a Hyundai Sonata:

• Use memory saver tools when possible
  

  • A 12‑volt memory saver plugged into the OBD‑II port or accessory outlet can help preserve radio presets and window/seat positions.
  • Some Sonatas will relearn many settings automatically, but a memory saver reduces nuisance resets.

• Follow proper disconnection order
  

  • Always disconnect the negative (–) terminal first, then the positive (+) to reduce the risk of shorts.
  • When reconnecting, attach positive first, then negative.

• Inspect terminals and cables
  

  • Check for corrosion, damaged clamps, or frayed cables, and clean or replace as needed.
  • Ensure the new battery’s posts match the orientation and style (top‑post vs side‑terminal) of the old unit.

• Secure the battery properly
  

  • Use the factory hold‑down hardware; a loose battery can vibrate, causing internal damage and intermittent electrical issues.
  • Confirm the hood or trunk closes without contacting the battery or terminals.

• Hybrid/PHEV caution
  

  • Owners of hybrid and plug‑in hybrid Sonatas should not attempt to service the high‑voltage pack themselves.
  • Stick to the 12‑volt battery and allow trained technicians to handle anything involving orange‑coded high‑voltage components.

Treating battery replacement as a small but technical service procedure, rather than a purely mechanical task, helps ensure the Sonata’s electronics remain stable and reliable after the swap.

Summary

A Hyundai Sonata does not use a one‑size‑fits‑all battery: most gasoline models take a 12‑volt BCI Group 124R or 47/H5 battery—often in AGM or conventional flooded form—while hybrid and plug‑in hybrid versions rely on both a conventional 12‑volt unit and a dedicated high‑voltage lithium‑ion polymer pack. Differences in model year, engine, trim, region, and equipment (such as stop‑start systems) all influence the exact specification. The safest way to identify the correct battery is to combine information from the existing battery label, the owner’s manual, and a VIN‑based parts lookup, and to match the original technology (AGM vs flooded) and at least the minimum recommended CCA. For hybrid traction batteries, service should be left to Hyundai dealers or qualified high‑voltage technicians.

What group size is the Hyundai Sonata battery?

DieHard Silver – Battery: 24 Group Size, 2 Year Warranty, 600 CCA, 750 CA, 110 Minute Reserve Capacity (Part No. 24FT-5)

What type of battery is used in Hyundai?

A 12V lead-acid battery is the most common type used in Hyundai vehicles to start the engine and power electrical systems.

What kind of battery does a 2017 Hyundai Sonata take?

A 2017 Hyundai Sonata requires a Group H6 or H7 battery, but the specific group size can depend on the engine type and trim. The H6 battery is common for the 1.6L and 2.4L engines, while the H7 is often recommended for the 2.0L engine, though both may work depending on your car’s needs and battery type.
 
Battery options for a 2017 Hyundai Sonata

• Group Size H6: This is a common option, especially for the 1.6L and 2.4L engines. It is an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery that may be a direct replacement for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part. 
• Group Size H7: This is another option, often recommended for the 2.0L engine. Many modern H7 batteries are AGM, designed to handle the power needs of vehicles with more electrical accessories. 

What to consider when choosing a battery

• Engine size: The engine size is a key factor in determining the correct battery group size. 
• Battery type: AGM batteries are a good choice for vehicles with a lot of electrical accessories, like heated seats, navigation, and cameras. They are also designed for vehicles with start-stop technology, which puts a heavier load on the battery. 
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): This rating indicates how well the battery will start the engine in cold weather. A higher CCA rating is better for colder climates. 

How to get the right battery

• Check your owner’s manual for the recommended battery group size.
• Use an online battery finder tool on an auto parts store’s website, which can filter results by your car’s year, make, and model. 
• Visit a local auto parts store to have an expert help you find the correct battery for your vehicle. 

How much is a new battery for a Hyundai Sonata?

The average cost for a Hyundai Sonata Battery Replacement is between $301 and $323. Labor costs are estimated between $46 and $68 while parts are typically priced around $255. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.