What Size NOCO Jump Starter Do I Need? A Complete Guide for Every Vehicle

The right NOCO jump starter size depends on your engine displacement. The GB20 (500A) covers gas engines up to 4.0L. The GB40 (1000A) handles up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel. The GB70 (2000A) covers up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel. The GB150 (3000A) handles up to 9.0L gas and 7.0L diesel. When in doubt, go one size up — it’s always better to have more power than you need.

You’re standing in a parking lot. Dead battery. No jumper cables in sight. That moment is exactly why a portable jump starter matters. But here’s the problem — most people buy the wrong size. Either too small to actually start the engine, or too big and they overspend for power they’ll never use.

I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve spent years testing automotive gear including portable jump starters. In this guide, I’ll break down every NOCO Boost model by engine size so you can pick the right one the first time. Let’s get into it.

Why Engine Size Determines the Jump Starter You Need

Here’s the thing — jump starters don’t just supply any amount of power they feel like. They deliver a fixed peak amperage. And your engine needs a minimum amount of current to actually crank and start.

Bigger engines have more cylinders and higher compression ratios. That means more resistance to overcome when the starter motor turns the engine. A 1.5L four-cylinder is much easier to start than a 6.2L V8. The gap is massive.

NOCO designs every model with a specific engine size in mind. Their ratings are based on the liters of engine displacement — the total swept volume of all pistons. You’ll find this number in your owner’s manual or on a sticker under your hood.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) also play a role here. CCA measures how many amps a battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds. According to battery industry standards, most passenger cars need between 250 and 600 CCA to start reliably. Trucks and SUVs often need 600 to 1,000+ CCA. A jump starter has to match or exceed that demand to work.

Now let’s look at each NOCO model and who it’s built for.

NOCO Boost Model Lineup: Size, Amps, and Engine Compatibility

NOCO makes several jump starter lines. The classic Boost series and the newer Boost X series are the main ones you’ll find on Amazon. Here’s a full breakdown of what each model handles.

Model	Peak Amps	Gas Engine (Max)	Diesel Engine (Max)	Best For
GB20	500A	4.0L	Not recommended	Small cars, motorcycles, ATVs
GB40	1000A	6.0L	3.0L	Most sedans, SUVs, light trucks
GB50	1500A	7.0L	4.5L	Larger trucks, performance cars, smaller diesel trucks
GB70	2000A	8.0L	6.0L	Heavy-duty trucks, diesel pickups, RVs
GB150	3000A	9.0L	7.0L	Large diesel trucks, farm equipment, boats
GBX45	1250A	6.5L	4.0L	Step-up from GB40 for bigger gas engines
GBX55	1750A	7.5L	5.0L	Mid-size diesel trucks, larger gas pickups
GBX75	2500A	8.5L	6.5L	Heavy diesel trucks, large vehicles
GBX155	4250A	10.0L+	8.0L+	Semi-trucks, heavy equipment, commercial vehicles

NOCO GB20 (500A) — Is It Right for Your Vehicle?

The GB20 is NOCO’s entry-level model. It delivers 500 amps of peak current and handles gas engines up to 4.0 liters. NOCO does not recommend it for diesel engines at all.

Who should buy the GB20? It’s a great fit for compact cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda3. Motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs also fall within its range. It weighs very little and fits in a glove compartment easily.

Who should skip it? If you drive anything with a V6 or V8 engine, skip the GB20. It won’t have enough grunt to crank larger gas engines reliably, especially in cold weather. Even some four-cylinder engines over 2.0L will struggle if the battery is deeply discharged.

NOCO GB40 (1000A) — The Best All-Around Pick for Most Drivers

The GB40 is NOCO’s most popular jump starter, and it deserves that reputation. It delivers 1,000 amps of peak current and handles gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters.

That covers a huge range of vehicles. Most family sedans, crossovers, minivans, and even many V8 muscle cars fall within the GB40’s power range. It’s compact at under 8 inches long and weighs just 2.4 pounds. It fits in your center console or glove box without any issue.

The GB40 also gives you up to 20 jump starts per charge. It has a built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes including SOS. And it doubles as a USB power bank for charging phones and tablets in an emergency.

Real-world experience confirms this — users have successfully started completely dead batteries on vehicles with 4- and 6-cylinder engines using the GB40 alone. It works well as long as the engine isn’t physically larger than the rating allows.

NOCO GB50 (1500A) — When You Need a Little More Power

The GB50 sits between the GB40 and GB70. It delivers 1,500 amps and covers gas engines up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines up to 4.5 liters.

This model makes sense for drivers with larger V8 trucks, performance vehicles, or light diesel trucks. Think Ford F-150 with a 5.0L V8, a Dodge Challenger with a 6.4L Hemi, or a smaller diesel like a 3.0L or 4.5L turbo diesel SUV.

It’s a smart step-up if you feel the GB40 is right on the edge for your engine size. The GB50 gives you a meaningful power buffer without jumping to the much bigger GB70.

NOCO GB70 (2000A) — Built for Trucks, Diesel, and Heavy Use

The GB70 delivers 2,000 amps peak and handles gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters. This is the right pick for full-size diesel pickup trucks like the Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins, Ford Super Duty with a 6.7L Power Stroke, or GM Duramax trucks.

It also works for gas-powered V8 trucks and large RVs with big engines. The GB70 is heavier than the GB40 — roughly twice the size — but still very portable compared to old lead-acid battery jump boxes.

One important bonus: the GB70 and GB150 are the only classic Boost models with a 12V output port. That means you can power 12V accessories like tire inflators and air compressors directly from the unit. It’s a genuine multi-tool for roadside emergencies.

The GB70 can also perform up to 40 jump starts per charge — double the GB40. And it recharges faster using the 12V input port, taking about 3 hours instead of the 14+ hours needed via USB on the GB40.

NOCO GB150 (3000A) — For the Biggest Gas and Diesel Engines

The GB150 is NOCO’s top consumer-grade jump starter. It puts out 3,000 amps of peak current and handles gas engines up to 9.0 liters and diesel engines up to 7.0 liters.

This is the tool for serious work trucks, large diesel equipment, buses, big boats, or farm tractors. If you regularly work around 7.3L diesel Power Strokes, older Duramax engines, large marine diesels, or industrial equipment — the GB150 is your unit.

The GB150 is significantly larger than the other models at over 12 inches long and weighing 7.5 pounds. It also adds a built-in voltmeter, which lets you check your vehicle battery’s voltage with the clamps connected, even when the unit is off. That’s a valuable diagnostic feature most mechanics appreciate.

It can deliver up to 80 jump starts per charge and has the highest-power LED flashlight in the lineup at 500 lumens.

Boost X Series vs Classic Boost: Which Line Should You Choose?

NOCO introduced the Boost X series (GBX45, GBX55, GBX75, GBX155) as a higher-power upgrade over the classic Boost lineup. Here’s how they compare.

The Boost X models use newer PX Lithium Technology. They deliver more peak amps in a similar-sized package compared to the classic GB models. The GBX45 (1,250A) fits between the GB40 and GB50. The GBX75 (2,500A) bridges the gap between the GB70 and GB150.

If you want more starting power without jumping to the next full tier, the Boost X series gives you that option. The trade-off is a slightly higher price point. For most everyday drivers, the classic GB40 or GB70 is still excellent value. If you want the best current technology available, the Boost X line is the better long-term pick.

Does Cold Weather Affect Which Size NOCO You Need?

Yes — and this is something most buyers completely overlook. Cold weather hits battery performance hard from two directions at once.

First, the jump starter’s own lithium battery loses some of its output capacity in freezing temperatures. Second, your vehicle’s engine needs more cranking power in the cold because engine oil thickens and internal friction increases. At 0°F, a standard car battery can lose up to 60% of its effective power, and the engine simultaneously demands roughly twice the normal cranking effort.

If you live where winters regularly drop below freezing, go one model size up from what your engine technically needs at minimum. So if your 5.0L V8 points to the GB40, buy the GB50 or GB70 instead. That buffer matters in January.

NOCO’s jump starters do have a Cold LED indicator that flashes blue when the unit is approaching its lower temperature limit. If it’s flashing, the unit will still function for charging and flashlight use — but it may not have enough power to jump start. This is another reason why sizing up protects you in winter.

What Vehicle Type Do You Drive? Here’s the Right NOCO Size

Let’s cut straight to it. Here’s a simple breakdown by vehicle type to help you choose fast.

• Motorcycle / Scooter / ATV: GB20 (500A) is fine for most. Engines are typically under 1.5L.
• Small car (Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla): GB20 works. GB40 gives more confidence and covers bigger four-cylinders.
• Mid-size sedan / crossover (Camry, Accord, RAV4, CR-V): GB40 (1000A) is the sweet spot. Engines are typically 2.0L–2.5L gas.
• SUV or minivan (Pilot, Explorer, Sienna, Durango): GB40 covers most. If yours has a 3.5L V6 or larger, the GB50 gives you more headroom.
• Muscle car / performance V8 (Mustang GT, Camaro SS, Charger R/T): GB50 or GB70 depending on engine size. 5.0L V8 → GB50. 6.2L V8 → GB70.
• Half-ton gas pickup (F-150 5.0L, Silverado 5.3L, Ram 1500 5.7L): GB50 or GB70.
• Diesel pickup (Ram 2500 6.7L, F-250 6.7L, Silverado HD 6.6L): GB70 (2000A) minimum. GB150 is even better for very cold climates.
• Large diesel truck / RV / boat: GB150 (3000A) or GBX155 (4250A).
• Commercial vehicle / semi-truck: NOCO Boost Max series or GBX155 — designed for 24V systems and extreme engine sizes.

How to Use a NOCO Jump Starter Safely

NOCO builds UltraSafe technology into every Boost model. This gives you spark-proof clamp connections and reverse polarity protection — meaning you won’t damage your vehicle or the jump starter if you connect the clamps in the wrong order.

Here’s the basic process:

How Long Does a NOCO Jump Starter Stay Charged?

NOCO states that their Boost jump starters hold a charge for a long time when stored. Real-world users report the GB40 maintaining close to a full charge for several months without use. That said, NOCO recommends recharging every three to six months during storage to keep the lithium battery in good health.

The GB40 offers up to 20 jump starts per charge. The GB70 doubles that with 40 starts. The GB150 delivers up to 80 starts on a single charge. Those numbers assume a normally discharged battery — a deeply dead battery may take more energy from the unit per start.

You can also use NOCO Boost units as a USB power bank between jump starts. The built-in USB-A port charges phones and tablets. Just know that charging devices will draw down the internal battery faster. Keep your unit topped off — it’s useless when you need it if the battery is flat.

For authoritative information on vehicle battery maintenance and safety, the Batteries Plus guide on Cold Cranking Amps offers a solid technical breakdown of how battery ratings relate to engine size. For a deeper look at how NOCO rates their lineup, you can also browse NOCO’s official Boost product page for the full specifications on every model.

Should You Buy One Size Up From What You Need?

Yes — almost always. Here’s why this makes sense in practice.

Jump starters perform best when the battery has some remaining charge. A deeply dead battery demands much more from the unit. NOCO’s published engine ratings assume a reasonably discharged battery, not one that’s been sitting dead for a week. If your battery is truly flat, you’ll need more starting power.

Temperature also factors in, as covered earlier. Cold weather reduces the available output from your jump starter by a meaningful amount. Going one model up builds in the safety margin you need on a cold January morning.

The price difference between models isn’t dramatic. The GB40 costs around $99. The GB70 is around $199. Spending that extra $100 for a vehicle where the GB40 is borderline is absolutely worth it. Getting stranded because your jump starter couldn’t finish the job is far more expensive — in time, frustration, and towing fees.

The rule most experienced users follow: match your engine’s displacement to the minimum-rated model, then buy one level above that if you’re near the top of the range, live in a cold climate, or drive a diesel.

Conclusion

Choosing the right NOCO jump starter comes down to knowing your engine size. Match the displacement in liters to the model’s rating, add a buffer for diesel engines and cold climates, and you’ll have a unit that actually works when you need it most.

For most drivers, the GB40 is the right choice. Truck owners and diesel drivers should be looking at the GB70 or higher. Don’t cut corners here — a jump starter that falls short is the same as not having one.

Stay prepared. Charge your unit regularly. And as I always say — the best emergency gear is the gear you already tested before the emergency. — Alex Rahman

Frequently Asked Questions

What size NOCO jump starter do I need for a V8 truck?

A V8 truck with a 5.0L to 6.2L engine needs the NOCO GB70 (2000A) for reliable starts. The GB40 (1000A) covers engines up to 6.0L gas, but a V8 truck in cold weather or with a deeply discharged battery will perform better with the GB70’s extra headroom.

Can the NOCO GB40 jump start a diesel engine?

Yes, but only diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. Anything larger requires the GB50 (4.5L diesel) or GB70 (6.0L diesel). Diesel engines have higher compression ratios and demand significantly more cranking power than gasoline engines of the same displacement.

How long does a NOCO jump starter hold its charge in storage?

NOCO Boost units hold a charge for several months under normal storage conditions. NOCO recommends recharging every 3 to 6 months during long-term storage to maintain the lithium battery’s health and ensure it’s ready when you need it.

Is the NOCO GB70 worth the extra cost over the GB40?

Yes, if you drive a larger vehicle, live in a cold climate, or want a unit that handles multiple vehicle types. The GB70 delivers double the peak amps (2000A vs 1000A), twice as many jump starts per charge (40 vs 20), and adds a 12V output port for powering accessories like tire inflators.

What happens if I use a NOCO jump starter that’s too small for my engine?

The unit will attempt to start the engine but may fail if the battery is deeply discharged or the temperature is cold. Repeated failed attempts can also drain the jump starter’s internal battery quickly. Using a correctly sized or oversized unit is always safer and more reliable.