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Whats the difference between a CR-V LX and a CR-V EX?

The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that comes in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Two of the most common trims are the CR-V LX and CR-V EX. While they share a lot of similarities, there are some key differences between the two that buyers should consider when making their purchase decision.


Engine and Performance


The CR-V LX and CR-V EX both come equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The main difference is that the CR-V EX has a slightly more advanced engine with a dual-pinion electric power steering system, which can provide a more responsive and engaging driving experience.


Interior and Technology Features


The CR-V LX comes with a basic set of interior features, including a 5-inch infotainment display, a 4-speaker audio system, and manual climate control. The CR-V EX, on the other hand, has a larger 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 6-speaker audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The EX also includes additional convenience features like remote start, a power driver's seat, and a moonroof.p>

Safety and Driver Assistance


Both the CR-V LX and CR-V EX come equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including:


  • Collision Mitigation Braking System

  • Road Departure Mitigation System

  • Adaptive Cruise Control

  • Lane Keeping Assist System


However, the CR-V EX adds additional driver assistance features, such as Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor, which can provide an extra layer of safety and awareness on the road.p>

In summary, the CR-V EX offers a more premium and feature-rich experience compared to the CR-V LX, with a more advanced engine, a larger infotainment system, and additional safety and convenience features. Buyers who prioritize these upgrades may find the CR-V EX to be the better choice, while those looking for a more basic and affordable option may be satisfied with the CR-V LX.

What does LX mean on a Honda CR-V?


The Honda CR-V LX is the base trim level for the Honda CR-V compact SUV, offering essential features and standard safety technology through the Honda Sensing® suite. While it includes a modern engine, LED headlights, and driver-assist systems, it lacks many premium features found on higher trims like the EX or EX-L, such as a power moonroof, heated seats, and a larger touchscreen.
 
You can watch this video for a walkthrough of the Honda CR-V LX's standard features: 1mCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Jul 11, 2025
Key features of the CR-V LX

  • Engine: A 1.5L turbocharged I4 engine with 190 horsepower. 
  • Safety: Standard Honda Sensing® suite includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Traffic Jam Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. 
  • Lighting: LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. 
  • Wheels: 17-inch steel wheels with covers. 
  • Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. 
  • Climate Control: Single-zone automatic climate control. 
  • Other features: Power side mirrors, a rearview camera, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and a reclining, fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback. 

This video provides a detailed comparison between the Honda CR-V LX and other trim levels: 56sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
What you won't find on the CR-V LX
  • A power moonroof
  • Heated front seats or a heated steering wheel
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery
  • Heated side mirrors or a blind spot information system
  • A premium audio system with more speakers
  • Remote start or a smart entry system
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control 



Is the Honda EX better than the LX?


The "better" trim depends on your priorities: the LX is a more affordable option with essential features, while the EX is better if you want more technology, comfort, and performance upgrades for a higher price. The EX typically adds features like a sunroof, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, larger touchscreen with smartphone integration, and more powerful engines in some models.
 
Choose the LX if:

  • Budget is a primary concern: The LX has a lower starting price. 
  • You need the basics: It provides essential tech and safety features like Honda Sensing. 
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency: It often has similar or slightly better fuel economy than the EX on some models. 

Choose the EX if:
  • You want more comfort and convenience: It includes features like heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control. 
  • You prioritize technology: The EX typically comes with a larger touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 
  • You want enhanced performance: In some models, the EX engine offers more horsepower and torque. 
  • You want extra safety features: The EX often adds a blind spot information system and cross-traffic alert. 



What is the difference between CR-V LX and EX?


The main difference is that the Honda CR-V EX includes more premium features over the base LX model for a higher price, such as a moonroof, blind spot monitoring, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The LX is the more affordable, entry-level option, while the EX offers significant upgrades in convenience, technology, and safety. 
Key differences

Feature LX Trim EX Trim
Audio/Infotainment 5-inch LCD screen, 4-speaker sound system 7-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM®
Climate Control Single-zone climate control Dual-zone automatic climate control
Convenience Basic cruise control, manual seats Heated front seats, remote engine start, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock®, and a one-touch power moonroof
Wheels 17-inch alloy wheels 18-inch alloy wheels
Safety & Driver Assist Rearview camera, basic safety tech Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Monitor, and auto high-beam headlights
Charging One front USB port Two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear
Price More affordable starting price Higher starting price
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Which trim is right for you?
  • Choose the LX if you're looking for a budget-friendly and reliable base model with essential features like a rearview camera and cruise control. 
  • Choose the EX if you want added comfort and technology, such as heated seats, a sunroof, and the convenience of keyless entry and remote start. The enhanced safety features are also a key advantage of the EX trim. 



What's the difference between a LX and an EX?


LX vs. EX is a comparison between trim levels of Honda vehicles, where LX is the base model and EX is a higher trim with more features. The EX typically adds comfort and technology upgrades like a power moonroof, heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a larger infotainment screen, while the LX includes standard features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a rearview camera.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between Honda Civic LX and EX trims: 49sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jan 19, 2024
Key differences

  • Price: LX is the more affordable base model, while the EX costs more due to its additional features. 
  • Comfort and convenience: The EX usually includes upgrades like heated front seats, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, which are not on the LX. 
  • Technology: While both trims share some technology, the EX typically adds more premium features. These can include a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging, a higher-wattage sound system with more speakers, and HD Radio. 
  • Safety: The EX often includes advanced safety features that are not standard on the LX, such as a blind-spot monitoring system and cross-traffic monitor. 
  • Wheels: The wheels often differ, with the EX having alloy wheels and the LX having steel wheels with a hubcap. 

This video compares the features of Honda Accord LX and EX trims: 58sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Jul 3, 2023


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.