What is the difference between a Honda Odyssey LX and EX?
In short, the EX trim adds more safety technology, convenience features, and seating flexibility on top of the base LX, while the core engine and overall minivan layout stay the same. The exact features can vary by model year and market, so check the specific brochure for details.
What the LX offers
The LX is the baseline Odyssey, designed to provide essential family transportation with fewer frills. The following features are commonly associated with the LX in recent years:
- Engine and drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not typically offered on Odyssey.
- Seating and cargo: Configurable three-row layout with seating for up to eight passengers in many years, often with second-row bench seating.
- Infotainment and connectivity: Basic audio system with smartphone integration; screen size and advanced features are typically more limited than on EX.
- Climate control: Dual-zone climate control is common; tri-zone automatic climate control is more frequently found on higher trims like EX.
- Safety features: Honda Sensing safety tech is not always standard on LX and may be optional on some model years.
These LX characteristics reflect its role as the entry point: solid core functionality with fewer convenience and safety frills, leaving room to upgrade to EX for more technology and comfort.
What the EX adds
The EX trim broadens the package with a combination of safety, convenience, and interior upgrades. The items below are commonly included or widely available on EX in recent model years:
- Honda Sensing safety suite: features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation are typically standard on EX.
- Driver’s seat: An 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is often standard on EX, providing greater comfort and customization than LX.
- Infotainment and display: A larger touchscreen with improved capabilities and standard smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) is commonly present on EX.
- Seating options: EX often offers the second-row captain’s chairs configuration (7-passenger layout) in certain builds, providing easier access to the third row compared with some LX configurations.
- Comfort features: Tri-zone automatic climate control and other convenience touches (such as remote start) are more frequently found on EX, depending on year and package.
- Additional upgrades: EX may include features like a power moonroof and upgraded lighting in some years, though availability varies by market and year.
As with any model-year comparison, exact features depend on the year and region, so verify the specific trim details for the Odyssey you’re considering.
What remains similar
Beyond the feature differences, the Odyssey’s core design—engine, transmission, overall dimensions, and family-friendly interior layout—remains consistent across LX and EX. The trims mainly differentiate themselves through equipment levels rather than fundamental driving dynamics.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey LX is the budget-friendly baseline with essential capabilities, while the EX adds a meaningful upgrade in safety tech, comfort, and convenience. If you value features like Honda Sensing, a larger touchscreen, and more flexible seating options, EX stands out as the practical choice. If you prefer a simpler, more cost-conscious package, LX covers the basics. Always check the exact year’s brochure, because feature availability shifts by model year and market.
