What is the difference between Honda HR-V EX and EX-L?
The EX-L trim is typically the more upscale option, delivering leather seating and extra comfort features that the EX does not include. The EX prioritizes value with solid technology and safety, while EX-L focuses on a more premium interior. Specific features can vary by model year and market.
Below is a detailed look at how the two trims diverge in interior comfort, technology, and overall value, so buyers can weigh what matters most to them when shopping for a Honda HR-V.
Interior comfort and materials
Here are the interior upgrades you’ll generally see with EX-L versus EX, highlighting where you’ll feel the premium difference most.
- Leather-trim seats standard on EX-L (EX uses fabric seats).
- Power-adjustable driver's seat on EX-L, vs. manual adjustment on many EX configurations.
- Heated front seats commonly available on EX-L (available on some years/markets for EX but typically standard on EX-L).
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob commonly found on EX-L, providing a more upscale feel.
- Overall interior materials and cabin refinements lean toward premium on EX-L.
In daily use, the EX-L’s interior is designed to feel more refined and comfortable, with a noticeable boost in seat materials and adjustable comfort features compared with the EX.
Technology, safety, and convenience
This section covers how the two trims differ in tech and driver-assist features, along with infotainment accessibility and usability.
- Infotainment: both trims typically support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but EX-L can be paired with a larger or upgraded audio/display setup in certain model years.
- Safety tech: Honda Sensing is commonly standard on both EX and EX-L, including systems such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Additional convenience or premium features on EX-L may include refined controls and interior ambiance options, depending on the year.
Overall, EX-L favors a more premium driving environment without dramatically altering the core driving technology shared with the EX.
How to choose between EX and EX-L
Choose the EX if you prioritize a lower price and solid tech with Honda’s safety suite, while still getting a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. Opt for the EX-L if leather seating, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a more premium interior are important to you—and you’re willing to pay a premium for them. Always verify the exact equipment for the model year you’re considering, as features can shift between releases and regions.
Summary
In the Honda HR-V lineup, the EX-L stands out for interior luxury features such as leather seating and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the EX emphasizes value with robust tech and safety offerings. Mechanical performance and core drivetrain remain consistent across these trims, with differences mainly centered on interior materials and comfort, plus select upgrades in tech and convenience. Prospective buyers should weigh how much they value premium seating and interior touches against the savings of the EX, keeping in mind year-to-year variations.
Which HR-V trim is best?
The best Honda HR-V trim depends on your priorities: the Sport trim is the best value, offering a good balance of features and a modest price increase over the base model. For a more premium experience with luxury features, the EX-L is the top-tier choice, including leather seats, a moonroof, and a larger touchscreen. The base LX is suitable for budget-conscious buyers who want essential technology and safety features.
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 HR-V trims: 53sClassic HondaYouTube · Oct 31, 2025
Sport trim
- Best for: Value and sporty styling
- Key features: Heated front seats, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, a unique grille, and larger wheels
- Why choose it: It adds key comfort and safety upgrades without a large price jump over the LX
EX-L trim
- Best for: Premium features and luxury
- Key features: Leather-trimmed seats, a one-touch power moonroof, a larger 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and parking sensors
- Why choose it: It provides a significant upgrade in materials, technology, and convenience for those who want the most luxurious experience
LX trim
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers
- Key features: Includes essential technology and standard safety features
- Why choose it: It's the most affordable way to get into an HR-V, and still provides a capable and modern driving experience
Which Honda HRV model is best?
The best Honda HR-V models are generally considered to be the 2020-2022 model years due to their improved reliability and refined features, including modern smartphone integration. If you have a larger budget, the second-generation 2023-2024 models offer more power and a more up-to-date interior. For budget-conscious buyers, 2017-2019 models are still a reliable option, especially post-2019 which saw a mid-cycle refresh with updated styling and technology.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2026 Honda HR-V LX, a base model that offers a good value for its price: 50sVehicle VisionaryYouTube · Nov 14, 2025
Top recommended model years
- 2020-2022: Widely regarded as the best years to purchase, offering a good balance of value, features, and reliability. These models have refined 2.0-liter engines and the inclusion of modern technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- 2023-2024: The second-generation models offer more power, better handling, and a more modern interior and infotainment system, making them a good choice if the budget allows.
- 2017-2019: A solid and more affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers, particularly the 2019 model year which introduced a mid-cycle refresh with updated styling and technology. These years are generally reliable, though it's best to avoid the 2016 debut year due to potential issues.
Recommended trim levels
- EX-L: A top-tier option for those seeking the most premium features and a more luxurious experience.
- Sport: A mid-tier option with distinctive styling, featuring things like 18-inch alloy wheels and a sportier aesthetic.
- LX: A capable base model that includes essential features like standard smartphone integration.
This video reviews the 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L, the top-of-the-line trim with premium features: 59sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Oct 13, 2025
What's the difference between Honda EX and EX-L?
The main differences are that the EX-L trim level adds luxury features to the EX, including leather-trimmed seats, a power tailgate, and a larger touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The EX-L often includes other premium features such as a power driver's seat with memory, a wireless charging pad, parking sensors, and an upgraded sound system, while the EX has cloth seats and more basic features.
You can watch this video to see a side-by-side comparison of the Honda CR-V EX and EX-L interiors: 53sHonda InsiderYouTube · May 21, 2025
| Feature | EX | EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Cloth | Leather-trimmed |
| Power Driver's Seat | No | Yes |
| Driver's Seat Memory | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Smaller (e.g., 7-inch) | Larger (e.g., 9-inch) |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Pad | No | Yes |
| Power Tailgate | No | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | No | Yes (front and rear) |
| Sound System | Standard | Upgraded (e.g., 8 speakers) |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | No | Yes |
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This video highlights the interior differences, including the seats and trim: 58sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Sep 21, 2024
What is the difference between HR-V EX-L and LX?
The main differences between the Honda HR-V LX and EX-L trims are interior features and appearance, with the EX-L offering more luxury and technology. The EX-L includes premium features like leather seats, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a higher-end audio system, while the LX provides essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Honda Sensing, and a 9-inch touchscreen. Both trims share the same 158-horsepower engine and come with standard all-wheel drive available as an option.
Key differences
| Feature | Honda HR-V LX | Honda HR-V EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | - 7-inch touchscreen - 4-speaker audio system - Cloth seats - Illuminated vanity mirrors | - 9-inch touchscreen - 6-speaker audio system (or 8 on some models) - Leather-trimmed seats - Power-adjustable front seats - Heated front seats - Illuminated vanity mirrors |
| Convenience | - Standard automatic climate control - USB ports | - Dual-zone automatic climate control - One-touch power moonroof - Wireless phone charger - Automatic-dimming rearview mirror - Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob |
| Technology | - Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto - Standard 9-inch touchscreen - 180-watt audio system with 4 speakers - 2 USB charging ports | - Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto - 9-inch touchscreen - 180-watt audio system with 6 speakers - 3 USB ports |
| Exterior | - 17-inch alloy wheels - LED headlights | - 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels |
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What they have in common
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
- Safety: Both come with the Honda Sensing® safety suite and other driver-assist features.
- Connectivity: Both include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
