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How do I know if my Honda is an EX or LX?

EX is Honda’s mid-range trim, typically positioned above LX; to know for sure, check the window sticker or build sheet or the VIN, and look for features commonly associated with EX such as a sunroof, alloy wheels, and upgraded infotainment or safety tech.

Different Honda models (Civic, Accord, CR-V, and others) use slightly different feature combinations across generations, so this guide covers general steps plus model-specific cues to help you verify your trim quickly.

Start with the basics: confirm the model name and year

Knowing the exact model and year helps because EX versus LX features can change across generations. Start by locating the model name on the rear badge and confirm the year from the dashboard, door sticker, or vehicle documents.

Where to find the year and model

A quick glance at the trunk/rear badge or the driver's door jamb sticker can reveal the model year and the trim family. For many Hondas, the trim is not obvious from the outside badge, so rely on the VIN or window sticker for precise identification.

In short, pairing the model/year with the car’s documented information is the most reliable way to identify EX versus LX.

Observable features that distinguish LX from EX

Below are cues commonly used by owners and dealers to separate LX and EX at a glance. They are not universal across every year and model, so use them as a guide and verify with official records.

Exterior wheel appearance: EX often features alloy wheels, while LX may show steel wheels with covers in some generations.

Sunroof or moonroof: EX more frequently includes a sunroof option, whereas LX may not.

Lighting and exterior details: EX is more likely to have fog lights and upgraded daytime running lights in recent models.

Interior and comfort: EX tends to include upgrades such as a larger or touch-enabled infotainment screen, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat in many generations.

Safety and tech: EX commonly carries more advanced or additional safety/driver-assist features as standard or available, depending on the year and model.

Because feature availability shifts by model year and region, verify with the official documentation for your exact car to avoid misidentifying trim.

How to verify using official documents and the car itself

To confirm the trim with certainty, use the car’s official records and identifiers. The steps below help you cross-check quickly.

Check the driver’s door jamb label for the trim and model year. This sticker often lists the trim family alongside the VIN.

Review the Monroney (window) sticker from the original sale, or obtain a digital copy from the dealer or a reputable vehicle history service. The sticker usually states the exact trim.

Use the VIN to pull a build sheet or dealer records. Honda’s official dealer tools or reputable third-party VIN decoders can indicate the trim level for that specific vehicle.

If in doubt, contact a Honda dealer or the previous owner with the exact VIN to confirm the trim level.

Verification through documentation is the most reliable method, especially for used vehicles where features may have changed over time through packages or dealer adds.

Model-specific cues

Feature combinations vary by model and year. If you can share your exact Honda model and year, I can provide precise indicators for that generation. In the meantime, the following rough guides apply to popular models in recent years.

Civic

For recent Civics, EX usually includes more equipment than LX, such as a larger infotainment display and added comfort or safety features. Look for an upgraded wheel design, possible sunroof, and enhanced Honda Sensing availability in EX models of the generation you own.

EX tends to have bigger wheels and occasionally a sunroof; LX often has simpler wheel designs and no sunroof in earlier trims.

Infotainment and interior upgrades (when present) are typical EX differentiators.

Always verify with the official build data for the exact year and trim.

Accord

In recent Accords, EX typically adds features like enhanced infotainment and advanced driver aids compared with LX. Exterior and interior upgrades (wheels, upholstery, comfort options) often accompany EX.

Look for a larger screen and more features inside, plus any sunroof or upgraded wheels that may come with EX.

Honda Sensing availability can vary by year; confirm via documentation.

Model-year specifics matter, so check the dealer records or a VIN decode for accuracy.

CR-V

For CR-V, EX generally sits above LX with improvements in tech and convenience, such as a larger touchscreen and sometimes a panoramic roof or other premium touches depending on the generation.

EX often includes more tech options than LX, such as a better infotainment system and possibly fog lights or advanced safety tech.

Exterior wheel design and available features vary by year; verify against the build sheet.

Cross-check against the vehicle’s official documentation for the exact trim level.

Bottom line and quick tips

The quickest way to determine if your Honda is EX or LX is to cross-check the VIN with the official window sticker or a dealer-built sheet, and compare the observed features with the model-year guide. If you’re unsure, a quick call to a Honda dealer with the VIN can resolve any ambiguity.

Summary

EX is generally the mid-range trim above LX, with additional features that vary by model year. Confirm trim by checking the door jamb sticker, the original window sticker, and using the VIN to pull a build sheet from Honda or a trusted service. While there are common cues—such as alloy wheels, sunroof availability, and upgraded infotainment or safety tech—these indicators are not universal across all generations. For absolute accuracy, identify your exact model and year, then verify with official documentation or a dealership.

How do I find out what trim my Honda is?

You can find your Honda's trim level by checking for a badge on the rear or sides of the vehicle, looking on the sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb, or finding the VIN to use with an online VIN decoder. Other methods include checking the owner's manual or contacting a professional at a dealership.

On the vehicle

Check for badges: Look for a nameplate or decal on the exterior of the car, usually on the trunk or tailgate.
Examine the doorjamb: Find the sticker on the inside of the driver's side doorjamb, which may list the trim.

With documents or online

Use the VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is often located on the dashboard on the driver's side or on the doorjamb sticker. You can input the VIN into an online decoder to get details about your car's trim.
Check the owner's manual: The owner's manual should contain information about the vehicle's features and trim level.

With expert help

Consult a dealership: A professional at a Honda dealership can identify your car's trim level based on its features and VIN.

How to tell if your Honda is an EX or LX?

To tell if your Honda is an LX or EX, check for key features like push-button start and moonroof, which are common on the EX, while the LX typically has a key start and lacks a moonroof. Visually, the LX often has steel wheels with covers, while the EX has alloy wheels.
Key differences between EX and LX trims
This video shows the key differences between the LX and EX trims of the 2023-2024 Honda Accord: 58sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Jul 3, 2023

Feature	LX (Base)	EX (Upgraded)
Engine start	Key start	Push-button start
Sunroof	No moonroof	Usually includes a power moonroof
Wheels	16 or 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers	17 or 18-inch alloy wheels
Audio system	4-speaker sound system	8-speaker sound system
Infotainment	Smaller touchscreen (e.g., 5-inch), may lack some advanced features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto	Larger touchscreen (e.g., 7-inch), often includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Other features	Standard power windows and locks	May include blind-spot monitoring, remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and HomeLink system

How do you know if you have an ex or lx?

Let's take Honda for example an LX is usually the base trim while EX will be an upgrade. And Touring will be the top trim. So the LX will have fewer features while the Touring. Will be fully loaded.

How do I know if my Honda CRV is LX or EX?

You can tell if your Honda CR-V is an LX or EX by looking for key features: LX models are the base trim, while EX models add features like a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, heated front seats, and remote start. Other differentiating features include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on the EX, compared to the LX's 5-inch screen and wired-only connectivity.

Key differences by feature

Feature	LX	EX
Moonroof	No	Yes, a one-touch power moonroof
Wheels	17-inch alloy wheels with covers	18-inch alloy wheels
Key	Standard key	Key fob for hands-free entry
Remote Start	No	Yes
Heated Seats	No	Yes, heated front seats
Blind Spot Information	No	Yes, including blind spot monitoring
Climate Control	Standard	Dual-zone automatic climate control
Infotainment	5-inch LCD screen, USB port, Bluetooth	7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, HondaLink, and satellite radio
Mirrors	Standard, body-colored	Heated side-view mirrors with turn signals

Look for a sunroof: If you have a moonroof, it's an EX.
Inspect the wheels: Check the size and style. 18-inch alloy wheels point to an EX, while 17-inch steel wheels with covers are standard on the LX.
Check your features: See if you have a key fob for hands-free entry, remote start, and heated front seats, which are all EX features.
Look at the touchscreen: If you have a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you have an EX. A smaller screen is on the LX.
Check the side mirrors: Look for integrated turn signals (present on both), but also check if they are heated and have blind spot indicators (on the EX).

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.