Premium Guard UPG-63R vs Premium Guard PG2500 vs Premium Guard PG2500EX

[MarvinTheAndroid]

Noticed today that Walmart has cut prices on the Premium Guard PG2500, which is good. I've been following the overall view that PG makes some of the better filters out there these days, but I don't believe I've seen a strict ranking of the three Walmart Premium Guard offerings that cross to the PF63 filter. They carry the PG2500 ($5.06 sale price) as noted before, the extended life PG2500EX ($12.43), and the UPG-63R ($9.80). The relationship of the PG2500 and PG2500EX seems pretty clear, but where does the UPG-63R fit in this? Pricewise it's in the middle (right now), but do we have any published specs for it? When looking at normal list price, the UPG-63R sits right next to the PG2500 ($9.80 vs $10.89).

 

[grasscutter]

They don't stock those on the shelf at your Walmart do they?

 

[DannyM]

Noticed today that Walmart has cut prices on the Premium Guard PG2500, which is good. I've been following the overall view that PG makes some of the better filters out there these days, but I don't believe I've seen a strict ranking of the three Walmart Premium Guard offerings that cross to the PF63 filter. They carry the PG2500 ($5.06 sale price) as noted before, the extended life PG2500EX ($12.43), and the UPG-63R ($9.80). The relationship of the PG2500 and PG2500EX seems pretty clear, but where does the UPG-63R fit in this? Pricewise it's in the middle (right now), but do we have any published specs for it? When looking at normal list price, the UPG-63R sits right next to the PG2500 ($9.80 vs $10.89).

I think the UPG is just offered as an option to the acdelco GM offerings... these have basic filtration https://www.pgfilters.com/product-catalog/product-page/UPG63R/2026-chevrolet-blazer/Oil-Filter/

You can just go down the street to Advance Auto and get the Carquest Premium or Synthetic EP which are Premium Guard products ....If you are buying your oil as well then just go on advance auto website and get the equivalent model for your vehicle which I think is 84502 and choose the Carquest EP Synthetic (P84502) which comes out to $8 as long as you add the oil in your cart there as well.

 

[EvoMan]

The Carquest Premium cross reference for the PG2500EX is 84502. I use those on 2 of my vehicles.

 

[MarvinTheAndroid]

The Carquest Premium cross reference for the PG2500EX is 84502. I use those on 2 of my vehicles.

Does that suggest that we have roughly 4 tiers of quality from Premium Guard? I'm guessing on what offerings might be considered to be fairly equivalent, so tell me if I have something in the wrong tier.

Omitting Carquest basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG
Omitting STP basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG
Omitting Microgard basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG

Tier 1
Premium Guard UPG-63R
Ecogard

Tier 2
Premium Guard PG2500
Ecogard Premium

Tier 3
Premium Guard PG2500EX
Carquest Premium
Microgard Select
STP XL

Tier 4
Carquest EP
STP ML

 

[MarvinTheAndroid]

They don't stock those on the shelf at your Walmart do they?

No, unfortunately. In the Walmart app they are sold by Walmart, not a third-party retailer.

 

[GW.]

Does that suggest that we have roughly 4 tiers of quality from Premium Guard? I'm guessing on what offerings might be considered to be fairly equivalent, so tell me if I have something in the wrong tier.

Omitting Carquest basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG
Omitting STP basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG
Omitting Microgard basic model, since it's not necessarily made by PG

Tier 1
Premium Guard UPG-63R
Ecogard

Tier 2
Premium Guard PG2500
Ecogard Premium

Tier 3
Premium Guard PG2500EX
Carquest Premium
Microgard Select
STP XL

Tier 4
Carquest EP
STP ML

Not really correct. Easier way to think about it.

All 20k filters are equal.(Carquest EP, Premium Guard Ultimate) Synthetic media.

All 10k filters are equal.(Carquest Premium, Premium Guard EX, Micrgard Select, Ecogard Synthetic) Synthetic Blend media.

All 5k filters are equal.(Premium Guard, Ecogard) Cellulose media.

List is not exhaustive but you get the idea.

 

[EvoMan]

Here’s a pic and link to discussion about Carquest and PGI filters.

G

Post in thread 'All about Carquest oil filters'

Dec 28, 2024

There’s some duplicates and some missing but here is the PGI brand portfolio. Some may not be the extended life version.

https://afifilter.com.vn/doi-tac/

• GW.

• 
• 

 

[grasscutter]

No, unfortunately. In the Walmart app they are sold by Walmart, not a third-party retailer.

That's actually better that way. Big box stores with their demanding low prices will ruin a product.

 

[Navi]

The Tier 3 versus the Tier 4...I think for a more complex or more expensive engine like the BMW, Porsche, etc. or more severe applications you are best off with the Tier 4 Carquest EP. So for your Toyota RAV4 or Honda Accord you are best off with the Tier 3 EX line of filters, but lets say its a new Chevrolet Corvette than you should look at the Carquest EP. Something with a high horsepower or high output engine you are better off with the filter with more premium build, materials, etc.

One thing I noted about the EP line is it has a wire backing so its probably better for high performance applications. Most vehicles on the road it wont make a difference between the EP or the EX filter. It certainly wont make a difference in the majority of Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas.

 

[ZeeOSix]

ne thing I noted about the EP line is it has a wire backing ...

The Carquest Extended Performance uses a nylon mesh backing, not wire.