What is the difference between Honda trims LX and EX?
In short, the EX trim usually adds more features and, in many model years, a more powerful or turbocharged engine option compared with the LX base trim. The exact gaps between LX and EX depend on the specific model (Civic, Accord, CR-V, etc.) and the year.
How the LX and EX trims differ in practice
The following highlights capture the typical upgrades EX offers over LX across many Honda models. Note that exact features can vary by model year and country, so always verify with the official brochure for your specific car.
- Engines and performance: EX often provides a more powerful engine option (such as a turbocharged variant) or a tuned performance upgrade compared with LX. Transmission remains the same type (usually CVT or a conventional automatic) but pairing may differ by year/model.
- Infotainment and connectivity: EX generally includes a larger or upgraded touchscreen, along with enhanced smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as standard in more years compared with LX.
- Comfort and convenience: EX typically adds features such as a sunroof, and may include upgraded interior accents or heated front seats in certain years and models.
- Safety and driver-assistance: EX usually expands safety tech (often including a broader Honda Sensing suite) either as standard or as part of a package, whereas LX may offer fewer safety features by default.
- Wheels and styling: EX commonly comes with larger or more premium alloy wheels and styling tweaks to differentiate it from the LX.
Because Honda updates trims with each model year, the exact mix of features can vary. Always check the specific brochure or Honda’s official site for your year and model.
Model-by-model snapshots
Civic
The Civic LX is typically the entry-level model with basic powertrain and standard equipment, while the EX adds enhancements that are common across many years, such as a turbocharged engine option in many generations, a larger infotainment system, a sunroof, and additional safety features.
Typical differences (model-year dependent):
- Engine: LX often uses a naturally aspirated engine; EX commonly offers a turbocharged option in several generations for more horsepower and torque.
- Infotainment: EX usually includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a larger display.
- Comfort and convenience: EX frequently adds a sunroof and may include upgraded seating or trim touches; leather seating is usually reserved for higher trims.
- Safety: EX generally includes more comprehensive driver-assistance features as standard or widely available; LX may offer fewer features on some years.
Check your exact year’s brochure for precise specifications.
Accord
In the Accord lineup, LX and EX represent different equipment levels. EX typically adds convenience, tech upgrades, and sometimes a more powerful engine option depending on the generation, but exact configurations vary by year.
Common differences (year/model dependent):
- Performance: EX may offer a more powerful engine option in some years, while LX uses the base engine available for that generation.
- Technology: EX features a larger infotainment system and enhanced connectivity in many years.
- Comfort and safety: EX adds features like a sunroof and a broader set of safety features; Honda Sensing may be standard on EX in more years.
Use the year-specific brochure to confirm exact specs.
CR-V
The CR-V LX and EX differ in the amount of technology, comfort, and safety equipment offered, with EX generally providing more features and sometimes a more powerful option depending on the generation.
Typical differences (model-year dependent):
- Powertrain and performance: Some years place EX on a more capable engine option; others share the same engine with different tuning.
- Convenience: EX often includes features like a power sunroof, larger or more advanced infotainment displays, and upgraded cabin conveniences.
- Safety: EX usually includes a broader or more advanced driver-assistance package as standard.
Verify the exact configuration for your year in the official Honda materials.
HR-V
For the HR-V, EX generally brings additional premium features and technology beyond the LX, with higher-trim iterations offering more comfort and safety content.
Common enhancements (year/model dependent):
- Infotainment: EX tends to include a more capable display and standard smartphone integration.
- Comfort: EX may offer features like a sunroof or heated seats in certain years.
- Safety: EX usually expands the available safety features or makes them standard.
As with other models, check the exact year’s documentation for precise differences.
How to verify the exact differences for your car
Because trim packages shift with each model year and region, the most reliable way to confirm the LX vs EX content for your vehicle is to review the official Honda brochure or the model’s specification page for your year. You can also compare trims on Honda’s official site or contact a local dealer for a precise feature-by-feature breakdown.
Summary
Across Honda’s lineup, the LX trim represents the entry point with essential features and a standard engine, while the EX trim adds a mix of performance upgrades, enhanced infotainment, additional comfort features, and expanded safety equipment. The exact features and engine options vary by model year, so always verify the specifics for your exact year and model to understand the precise differences.
