What is the difference between Honda Accord LX and SE?
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan that comes in various trim levels, each with its own set of features and specifications. Two of the most common trims are the Accord LX and Accord SE. While they share the same underlying platform, there are several key differences between these two models that buyers should consider.
Exterior and Interior Features
The Accord LX is the base model, featuring a more basic exterior design with 17-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, and body-colored door handles and mirrors. The Accord SE, on the other hand, has a slightly more premium look with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and chrome exterior accents.
Inside the cabin, the LX comes with cloth upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a basic audio setup. The SE upgrades to leatherette-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a premium audio system with more speakers.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Both the Accord LX and SE are powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The key difference is the transmission: the LX comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the SE offers the choice between the CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission.
Fuel economy ratings are similar, with the LX CVT achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, and the SE CVT getting 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The SE manual transmission model has slightly lower ratings at 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Safety and Technology Features
In terms of safety, both the Accord LX and SE come standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the SE adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as additional safety features.
The infotainment systems also differ, with the SE offering more connectivity options, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Pricing and Value
The Accord LX has a starting MSRP of around $25,000, while the Accord SE starts at approximately $27,000. The SE's additional features and more premium interior materials justify the higher price tag, but the LX still offers excellent value for those on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Accord LX and SE will depend on your specific needs and preferences. The LX provides a solid, well-equipped base model, while the SE offers more luxury and technology features for a slightly higher price.
What does Honda SE stand for?
For Honda, "SE" typically stands for Special Edition or Sports Edition, indicating a trim level that adds extra features or a sportier design to a base model. These models are often positioned between the standard and higher-end trims, offering a blend of premium features and value.
- Special Edition: Adds value through a package of upgraded interior and exterior features, such as heated seats, a power moonroof, and a more advanced audio system.
- Sports Edition: Focuses on enhanced performance and aesthetics, which may include a more powerful engine or sporty design elements like a rear spoiler. The specific features included in an SE trim can vary by model and year.
Is LX or SE better?
The SE trim introduces blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels and complementary black exterior accents, giving the vehicle a sportier and more premium appearance. The LX, while still equipped with stylish 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, lacks these distinctive exterior touches and offers fewer color options.
What is the difference between Accord LX and SE?
The LX is the base trim on the 2025 Honda Accord, while the SE trim is one level up, offering additional upgrades such as heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, an 8-speaker audio system, and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats.
What does SE mean on Accord?
A Honda Accord SE is a mid-level trim of the 2025 Honda Accord that slots between the LX and Sport hybrid models, featuring a more aggressive, sporty appearance with black exterior accents and upgraded comfort features over the base LX. Key features include a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-speaker audio system.
You can watch this video for a review of the 2025 Honda Accord SE trim: 1mYOURFAVORITE BALDGUYYouTube · Jul 22, 2025
Exterior and style
- Black accents: Features black 17-inch alloy wheels, black window trim, black door mirrors, a black shark fin antenna, and gloss-black B-pillar trim.
- Sporty look: The blacked-out features give it a distinct, "street-ready" look compared to the LX.
- Other features: Includes LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Interior and comfort
- Heated front seats: Adds comfort for both the driver and front passenger.
- 10-way power driver's seat: Provides a more customizable and comfortable driving position.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control: Allows the driver and front passenger to set their own temperature.
- One-touch power moonroof: Offers an easy way to open and close the sunroof.
- 8-speaker audio system: Provides better sound quality than the standard 8-speaker system in the LX model.
- Blind Spot Information System: Included for added safety.
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seats: Allows for carrying longer items.
- Cloth interior: Comes with the same cloth seats as the LX model, but adds power adjustment and heating for the front seats.
This video demonstrates the features of the 2025 Honda Accord SE, including the 60/40 split rear seats: 1mC. Harper Auto GroupYouTube · Oct 24, 2024
Performance
- Engine: Equipped with a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.
- Fuel economy: Achieves an estimated 29 MPG city and 37 MPG highway.
