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Timothy Boyer    April 2, 2025 - 11:35PM

In reply to by Brister (not verified)

Hi,

Well...I did some searching online, and I can see why someone might have a difficult time finding the EXACT battery shown on Consumer Reports. 

If you go by the labels on the batteries, you will see some slight and some not-so-slight variations, which can be confusing.

This label differences may be due to at least two reasons:

  • Updated Designs – Manufacturers periodically update their product casings, labels, or terminal configurations, and the images used by Consumer Reports may not reflect the latest design. Like many magazines, articles are often published months after they are researched and written.
  • Generic vs. Retail-Specific Photos – Consumer Reports might use stock images or older photos from when they originally tested the battery, while Walmart, Costco, Batteries Plus, etc., will display the most current version they are selling.

Your best bet is to follow the brand specs of the recommended battery that interests you and price shop from there looking for the better deal on the battery that shares those same specs. The odds are good it is the same battery with just a newer label on it. 

You could also print an image off of Consumer Reports and take it to places like NAPA, Auto Zone, Walmart, Firestone, etc., and ask for that battery and they should be able to tell you which one is the same battery or what should be its equivalent---as long as it is an equivalent within the same brand. Avoid "equivalent" batteries under a different brand name because it could be anything (good or bad) with a seller's preferred label slapped on.

After searching the different batteries CR reported, my suspicion is that their prices are on the low side of what you will find. Perhaps the retailer gives them a deal to get readers to notice them? Your guess is as good as mine. 

In any case, the best practice is to start shopping around before your battery dies. Invest in a battery tester with a built-in load and make it a habit to test the battery every few months. You will see a decline in charge and cranking amp numbers as a battery ages, giving you time to plan ahead and price shop.

Good luck and thanks for asking.

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