US car batteries are sold as a box price. The bill is the box, plus a core charge, plus install if it is not free, plus what they do with the old one. A group 65 flooded and a group 65 EFB are not the same product. Compare the installed total for the type your car actually takes.
These are example ranges only, not surveyed or sourced 2026 prices. A house-brand flooded at a parts chain sits toward the bottom of a band; a named AGM on a stop-start European car sits toward the top.
Example battery-only vs installed, by group size and type. Installed here means the battery plus a typical free-install path at a parts chain, with the old battery returned so the core charge comes back. If you skip the return, add the core. Costco Interstate is DIY — the battery-only column is the bill until you add labor.
Installed assumptions (examples, not a tariff): battery + about $0–$25 labor (AutoZone and O'Reilly typically $0). Core charge example $15–$25 if you do not return the old one. Hybrid/EV high-voltage packs are not this page.
| Group | Type | Common on | Ex. battery only | Ex. installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Flooded | Civic / Corolla / older compact | example $100–150 | example $100–175 |
| 51R | Flooded | Honda / Acura compact class | example $120–180 | example $120–205 |
| 65 | Flooded | F-150 / Silverado / SUV, no stop-start | example $140–210 | example $140–235 |
| 65 | EFB | stop-start midsize / light truck | example $170–250 | example $170–275 |
| 94R (H7) | AGM | stop-start Euro / CUV / heavy electrics | example $200–320 | example $200–345 |
| 49 (H8) | AGM | larger luxury / truck AGM | example $250–400 | example $250–425 |
Example ranges only, not surveyed or sourced 2026 prices. Installed = battery + typical free-install path, with core charge and the old battery on top of the sticker.
Every dollar in that table is an example, not a sourced 2026 street price. Same physical size is the point of the two group 65 rows — flooded for no stop-start, EFB for stop-start midsize / light truck.
Leisure/marine and hybrid/EV traction packs are not this table.
Most US retailers add a core charge — example $15–$25 — at purchase and refund it when you hand over the old battery. Buy online and skip the return and the battery costs more.
AutoZone and O'Reilly typically install free and test the 12V starter battery for free. Costco Interstate is DIY: you take the box home. Walmart EverStart is the house brand; Auto Care Centers often install cheap or free. Amazon is battery-only until you add labor, and you still have an old battery.
A flat battery after lights left on is often discharged, not dead. Warranty is part of the price — a longer free-replacement period is cheaper per year even at a higher sticker.
Example only: group 35 flooded often $100–$175 installed; 51R $120–$205; 65 flooded $140–$235; 65 EFB $170–$275; 94R AGM $200–$345; 49 AGM $250–$425. Example ranges only, not surveyed or sourced 2026 prices.
Only if the quote says so. AutoZone and O'Reilly typically install free. Costco Interstate is DIY. Amazon is battery-only until you add labor.
Yes. EFB can step up to AGM. AGM cannot step down.
A deposit, typically $15–$25, added at purchase and refunded when you return the old battery. Skip the return and the battery costs more.
At AutoZone and O'Reilly, usually yes. Costco Interstate is DIY. Walmart Auto Care Centers often install cheap or free. Amazon and warehouse-club boxes leave the swap to you.
Yes at AutoZone and O'Reilly on 12V starter batteries. A flat battery after lights left on is often discharged, not dead.
On the box, often. On the installed total, only after core charge, install, and the old battery.
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