Hello, I am new to this forum. I went to Optima's battery selector web page looking for a compatible battery for our 2013 MDX. The latest year I could use on their page is 2012, and with that it told me that I could only have the RedTop 35. Optima's web engine further told me that the YellowTop D35 will not fit the 2012 (essentially 2013 as well) MDX. I called Optima's tech support phone line and they confirmed this information. Now, aren't the RedTop 35 and the YellowTop D35 both BCI group size 35? So if the RedTop 35 officially fits the 2013 MDX, why can't the YellowTop D35 fit as well? (The Optima tech support person told me that they could not answer that question because their lawyers would not allow them to.) The reason I ask is because I would like to get a YellowTop if it's possible. For that matter, has anyone ever installed a YellowTop D35 in a 2013 MDX? Much thanks in advance for any help on this.

 

bump, same question here

 

I'm in the same boat looking to replace my 5 year old OEM battery soon. I put a dashcam on my MDX that can run 24/7 if there is activity until the power gets below a certain voltage. When I check my battery % sometimes, it is around 50%-70% on average. I'm worried that isn't enough power if the takes a few tries to start and/or temps are extremely cold. Having a battery with more reserve capacity and CCA would give me more record time and plenty of start power in extreme cold weather.

Comparing red optima apples to yellow optima apples; it looks like the red top is about $40 cheaper, has more cranking amps, lighter, and volt range is within the MDX normal (12.8v red compared to 13.1 yellow). The MDX does have a ton of electronics; which, the yellow top might handle better with its deep cycling capabilities. I would lean towards the red unless there was something else about the yellow not on the website?

YellowTop: OPTIMA® Batteries 8040-218 D35 YELLOWTOP® Starting & Deep-Cycle Battery | OPTIMABATTERIES
(620 CCA, 770 CA, 98 mins Reserve capacity)


RedTop: OPTIMA® Batteries 8020-164 35 REDTOP® Starting Battery | OPTIMABATTERIES
(720 CCA, 910 CA, 100 mins Reserve capacity)


I really like the specs on the Interstate MT7-34R AGM battery for around $250 (about the same $$$ as the yellowtop). It seems to have more of everything and it is a 100% fit for the MDX.

Car and Truck Automotive Batteries - Buy a Vehicle Battery for Cars or Trucks | Interstate Batteries -
(800 CCA, 1000 CA, 125 mins Reserve capacity)

I know, just goto Costco and get 2 batteries for the price of one of these.

 

screw either optima battery and get a AGM battery from any maker. I got my Bosch one on sale at pepboys online with a 35% discount code, picked it up for free in-store.

The AGM batteries last WAY longer (6 years in my 760) vs the traditional batteries getting killed every 2 years in FL.

AGM batteries use glass mats to help hold charges longer and go through cycling better.

 

don't know if the source is reliable, but i've read lately that Optima moved their production to Mexico a while ago and use materials of a lower quality.

other companies make good ones too, Odyssey for example.

My battery is still good even through -30°C cold starts, but i almost would like it to die to justify buying an AGM battery for my mdx.

 

Not to thread jack, since the OP may have gotten his answer. I have a 2012 MDX and was wondering what's the biggest batteries I can fit into mine.
I always like Sears Die Hard Platinum. they are expensive and I was also wondering if I'm wasting my $$$ on the Platinums.
Thanks

 

hell no! you arent wasting your money. The die hard platinum is one of the BEST in the biz!!

like the previous poster above you stated, the Optima branded batteries have declined in reliability in recent years

 

I've always been a fan of the DieHards

 

Thanks. Very true about the optimas. Not what they used to be. Years ago I had and used to be an interstate battery fan. I think their quality are not what it used to be also. I typically run 3 amplifiers in my cars and once I switched to the DieHard Platinum, all my dimming lights went away and the warrantee is amazing.

 

I believe Johnson Controls manufactures the Diehard batteries.
I believe Johnson Controls ALSO manufactures Costco batteries, so that would be another option over the Optimas.