What is the difference between the Honda CR-V EX and EXL?
The CR-V EX-L is the more upscale version of the CR-V EX, primarily adding leather seating and a power-adjustable driver’s seat on top of EX’s equipment. Exact features can vary by year and market, so always verify the year-specific specs.
Key differences between EX and EX-L
The following highlights the most common distinctions you’ll see across multiple model years. Keep in mind that exact equipment can vary by year and region.
- Interior materials and seating: EX-L typically comes with leather-trim seats, while EX uses cloth upholstery.
- Driver’s seat adjustability: EX-L usually includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat (often 8- to 10-way), whereas EX commonly offers a manual or less adjustable seat.
- Steering wheel and trim: EX-L often features a leather-wrapped steering wheel (and sometimes a higher-grade interior trim) that is not always present on EX.
- Heated front seats: Heated front seats are commonly included on EX-L and may be optional or unavailable on EX depending on the year and market.
- Automated mirrors and other premium touches: EX-L frequently includes extras such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and, in some years, a driver-seat memory function; these are not typically standard on EX.
Summary of this list: EX-L is the more luxurious option, emphasizing interior refinement (leather, power seat, additional comfort touches) over the EX’s more basic but still well-equipped setup.
Technology, features and convenience
Beyond interior materials, there are additional differences in tech and comfort options, again varying by year. The EX-L trims tend to offer more premium interior details and, depending on the generation and market, may provide upgrades to displays or audio, alongside the shared tech that both trims usually receive.
- Display and audio: EX-L often carries a higher-grade interior feel and, in some years, a larger touchscreen or upgraded audio system compared with EX. The exact screen size and audio hardware depend on the model year.
- Safety and driver aids: Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features, is standard on both EX and EX-L in most recent years; the level of standard equipment is generally similar but can change by year.
- Remote features and extras: EX-L can include optional extras such as remote start or additional packages depending on the year and market, whereas EX may have fewer standard upgrade paths.
- Pricing: EX-L is typically priced higher than EX because of the premium interior and extra conveniences.
In short, the EX-L’s advantage lies in interior ambiance, driver comfort, and potential premium tech touches, while EX provides strong value with most of the core features you’d expect from a mid-trim CR-V.
Year-to-year caveats
Feature availability and exact equipment can shift between model years and regions. For example, leather seating and a power driver's seat have been staple characteristics of EX-L across many generations, but the presence of heated seats, mirror features, or display upgrades can vary. Always check the spec sheet for the exact year you’re considering to confirm which features are included.
What remains the same
Shared foundations of EX and EX-L
- Engine and transmission: Most CR-V EX and EX-L models share the same turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in recent generations, plus available AWD.
- Safety suite: Honda Sensing driver-assistance features are standard on both trims in many model years.
- Overall practicality: Both trims offer similar cargo space, seating layout, and daily usability, with the EX-L’s interior refinements being the primary differentiator.
Bottom line: If you value interior luxury and a more comfortable driving experience, EX-L is typically the better pick; if you want strong features at a lower price with fewer premium touches, EX remains a solid choice. Always verify the exact year’s specification sheet for precise inclusions.
Summary
The Honda CR-V EX-L is the more upscale version of the EX, distinguished mainly by leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and other interior refinements. The EX focuses on solid, value-driven features with cloth seating and fewer luxuries. Across recent years, safety tech like Honda Sensing has become standard on both, while year-to-year variations mean you should check the specific model year for exact equipment. In the end, your choice depends on how much you value interior comfort and premium touches versus upfront cost and value.
