[MattJB]

The OEM Panasonic battery from our HL manufactured in 03/01 was finally put to rest just last weekend. I replaced it with a Sears Platinum battery. The new battery came with only two top posts and looked similar to the DieHard next to it. It has more than adequate CCA and reserve, a you-can't-beat-it 4 year warantee, and it fit. Did I mention it was expensive? I'll keep it for a long time.

I enjoy evidence-based science founded on solid research. My peers and I try to do and report the same. We applaud and financially support those people and firms who go to the expense to perform good quality research and publish statistically valid research conclusions. That said, here's a list of auto battery ratings from that nationally recognized consumer advocacy group, ranked from overall top score to lowest overall score considering all of the following variables: price, life expectancy, reserve capacity, claimed vs. measured CCA, warranty, etc. Note that all of these batteries are on sale today, and that this data is dated 11/2007.

Group 34/78 & 78 (HLs use these)

DieHard Platinum 50090 <---- highest rating, best warrantee (4 yr)
Optima RedTop SC34U
Deka Intimidator 9A78DT
DieHard SUV, Truck & Van 39990 (South)
NAPA Select 8434/78
AutoCraft Titanium 34/78-4
DieHard SUV, Truck & Van 39890 (North)
Orbital Exide Select ORB78DT-84
Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-78DT
Duralast Gold 34DT-DLG <---bottom 1/3 of the pack
EverStart Maxx-78N (North) starts here
EverStart Maxx-78S (South)
Interstate Mega-Tron II MT-78DT

Group 65 batteries

NAPA Performance Select 8465
Autocraft Titanium 65-2
EverStart Maxx-65S (South)
Interstate Mega-Tron Plus MTP-65
Sears DieHard Gold 33165
Duralast 65-DL
DieHard Gold 33065 (North)
Interstate Mega-Tron II MT-65
DieHard 30065 (North)
DieHard 30365 (South)

This information is just a tiny portion of what is available. Much more detailed data is available to paid subscribers of that nationally recognized consumer advocacy group. Visit your local public library for a gander at the car battery test issue for free. That's where I first read it in 2006. Alternatively, use the online search function and enter "car battery review" for the November 2007 data. You can get the 2006 review with a few more keystrokes.

I thoroughly understand the concept of brand loyalty. This brings up an interesting conundrum that we revisit regularly within various online forums. We all fall into it from time-to-time (e.g., just ask me about my engine oil preference!). So let's look at just this tiny chunk of data together. My father and my brothers are Interstate battery fans, as I was. Interstate batteries rank in the 63rd percentile or less (that's the bottom third of the pack) among the Group 34/78 & 78 batteries that Highlander owners utilize. Moreover, the MSRP for Interstate batteries is up to 20% more than those batteries that outperform the Interstate batteries. I had to let my own brand loyalty go with this purchase. I'm very happy with the results and I hope this helps our readers make choices they will be happy with.