UTV Batteries: How to Choose AGM or Lithium for Your SxS

Match UTV batteries to your side by side's stated machine application, case size, terminal layout, voltage and CCA before choosing AGM or lithium.

Check fitment first. Confirm the battery meets your SxS starting requirements before choosing its chemistry, and remember that a battery isolator kit is wiring hardware for a multi-battery setup, not the replacement battery itself.

Confirm fitment and battery layout for your UTV

UTV and side-by-side batteries only. This guide covers new aftermarket parts rather than used batteries, and you need to check fitment for your exact year, make and model before ordering.

Measure the battery space, then check the length, width and height of the battery you are considering. Leave room for the hold-down and battery cover. A case can sit in the tray yet still be too tall.

Match the positive and negative post positions to the machine's cable layout. Check terminal orientation as well. A different layout can leave a cable too short or route it across the battery case.

Use the applicable make page for Polaris batteries, Arctic Cat batteries, Kawasaki batteries, Can Am batteries, Honda batteries or CF Moto batteries. Most of what PirateMX stocks here fits Polaris.

If the application, case measurement or terminal orientation is not stated, ask PirateMX before ordering.

Compare AGM and lithium battery specifications

Compare battery type, voltage, CCA, case dimensions and terminal positions. CCA is the cold-cranking rating used to compare starting output. It does not show how long a winch, plow or cab accessory can draw power, so do not choose from CCA alone.

The Yuasa Battery GYZ32HL is an AGM, 12 V battery rated at 500 CCA. Its positive post is at the front right, and its negative post is at the front left. Its stated size is 6.5625 by 5 inches, length by width, so verify the height required by your machine.

The Parts Unlimited Lithium Ion Battery is rated at 400 CCA and weighs 2 lb. It has a right positive post, a left negative post and dimensions of 6.5 by 4.875 by 6.4375 inches, length by width by height.

It uses lithium-ion polymer technology. The Fire Power Featherweight Lithium Battery is a 12 V lithium-ion battery rated at 300 CCA, and Fire Power specifies a 3-year warranty for this battery.

Compare Yuasa Battery UTV batteries, Fire Power UTV batteries and Parts Unlimited UTV batteries against the same machine requirements. The Yuasa GYZ32HL gives you a factory-activated AGM option, while the Parts Unlimited battery gives you a lithium option with a stated weight of 2 lb. Choose between them only after the output, dimensions, terminals and charging directions suit your SxS.

Those specifications belong to the individual batteries. Do not apply the Parts Unlimited weight, Fire Power warranty or Yuasa activation details to another AGM or lithium battery.

Check whether the part is a battery or an isolator kit

An isolator kit is not a replacement battery. Check whether the box contains a battery or an isolator module, cables, lugs and mounting pieces before ordering.

It cannot replace your battery. The All Balls Black Battery Isolator Kit includes an isolator module, wiring kit and mounting hardware, and those parts are meant for battery-system wiring in the UTV.

The Open Trail Battery Isolator Kit includes one red 6-gauge cable measuring 24 inches and two 6-gauge cables measuring 12 inches, one red and one black. The cables have 1/4-inch lug connectors, and the kit includes extra lug connectors in sizes of 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 inches.

For cable, connector or related electrical work, check UTV electrical wiring parts separately from the replacement battery.

Review activation and warranty details before riding season

Before trail riding or putting the winch and plow back to work, check the exact battery's activation, charging and setup directions. Do not assume every AGM or lithium battery arrives ready in the same way.

The Yuasa Battery GYZ32HL is factory activated, meaning it is filled, sealed and charged at the factory. It is also specified as non-spillable.

The Antigravity Batteries Restart Lithium Battery has a BMS, the onboard battery management system that provides overvoltage, undervoltage and thermal protection along with real-time lithium-ion cell balancing.

For that Antigravity Restart battery only, the 3-year prorated, nontransferable warranty requires the retail customer to register the battery with the manufacturer within 30 days of purchase. Warranty handling goes through Antigravity.

Keep the activation directions, registration confirmation and warranty requirements with your battery records. If readiness or charging instructions are not stated for the battery you want, ask PirateMX before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

How do I charge a UTV battery?

Charge a UTV battery with a charger approved for its exact chemistry, and follow the battery maker's charging directions. Turn the SxS and its accessories off, confirm polarity, connect positive to positive and negative to negative, then power the charger. Unplug the charger before removing its leads. Do not use an AGM charging setting on lithium unless the battery maker allows it. If the product page does not state charging instructions, ask PirateMX before ordering.

How long do 12V ATV batteries last?

A 12V ATV battery does not have one fixed service life because 12V tells you the voltage, not the number of years or charge cycles. Chemistry, storage, charging and loads from a winch or plow all affect how long it serves. The Parts Unlimited Lithium Ion Battery states more than 1000 cycles under the JISD standard, while Fire Power's cycle-life claim applies only to its Featherweight Lithium Battery. Check the exact battery's specifications rather than applying either claim to another battery.