How do I know if my Honda CR-V is an EX or LX?
The quickest way to know is to check the exterior badge, the window sticker or VIN, and compare the car’s features (like a sunroof and safety tech). In most cases, EX models carry more amenities than LX, but year-by-year variations mean you should verify with official documentation.
Trim naming and equipment change across model years, so the most reliable method is to confirm using the VIN or the original window sticker. This article walks through practical ways to identify your CR-V’s trim, what features typically distinguish EX from LX, and how to verify it for your specific year and market.
Visual cues you can check on the car
Before pulling up technical data, look for on-car indicators that commonly separate EX from LX. These cues can help you decide quickly, though they are not foolproof across all years and regions.
- Exterior badge: Look for an “EX” or “LX” badge on the tailgate or sometimes on a rear corner. Some model years may not display a badge prominently, so don’t rely on this alone.
- Sunroof or moonroof: A visible sunroof/moonroof is a strong hint toward EX or higher trims in many generations.
- Wheel design: EX models are more likely to have alloy wheels, whereas LX may use simpler alloy or wheel covers depending on year and market.
- Fog lights and chrome accents: In several years, EX or higher trims include fog lights or additional exterior accents that LX models lack.
These quick cues can point you in the right direction, but they do not replace an official confirmation from documentation or a VIN check.
Confirm with the VIN or window sticker
The most reliable way to determine your trim is through official documentation or a VIN-based lookup. Here’s how to proceed.
- Find the VIN: Locate the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number on the lower corner of the windshield (driver’s side) or on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney label): For a new or recent CR-V, the sticker lists the exact trim and standard/optional equipment included with that vehicle.
- Use a VIN decoder or dealer rebuild sheet: Enter the VIN on Honda’s official resources or reputable third-party decoders to reveal the build sheet and trim package.
If you don’t have easy access to the sticker, or you’re buying used, a dealer can pull up the build sheet from Honda’s database using the VIN to confirm whether you have EX or LX.
Feature expectations by year range
Model-year changes mean the exact feature set that differentiates EX from LX can shift. The following notes reflect common patterns seen in recent generations, but always verify against your specific year and market.
- Sunroof: A sunroof or moonroof is commonly included with EX or higher trims, while LX may omit it depending on year and region.
- Safety technology: Honda Sensing is often standard on EX and higher, with LX sometimes lacking it or offering it as an option in earlier years.
- Infotainment and interior: EX typically offers a larger touchscreen and additional interior features (like upgraded seating materials) compared with LX in many years.
- Wheels and styling: EX tends toward larger or more premium alloy wheels and subtle exterior enhancements; LX may use smaller wheels or simpler finishes in some years.
Because Honda updated trims and standard equipment across generations, use these as a general guide and verify with the official documentation for your exact year and market.
What to do if you still aren’t sure
If you can’t access the window sticker or VIN details, contact a Honda dealer with your VIN. They can pull the official build sheet and confirm the trim level and installed option package. You can also use reputable VIN-check services to cross-reference trim data.
Summary
To determine whether your Honda CR-V is EX or LX, start with visible badges and obvious features (like a sunroof and wheels), then verify with the VIN or window sticker for an authoritative answer. Remember that year-to-year changes mean the exact differences between EX and LX can vary; when in doubt, rely on the official documentation or a dealer’s build sheet to confirm your trim accurately.
