Which Honda Accord models have leather seats?

Leather seats on the Honda Accord are typically found on the EX-L and Touring trims, while lower trims rely on cloth or leatherette upholstery. This article explains where leather seating appears in the current generation and what buyers should expect when shopping.

Leather seating by trim in the current generation

The following trims in the latest Accord lineup commonly feature genuine leather seating surfaces. Always verify the exact upholstery on the specific vehicle, as options can vary by year and market.

• EX-L — Leather seats (standard)


• Touring — Leather seats (standard, often with perforated texture and heated front seats)

Conclusion: If leather is a priority, target the EX-L or Touring trims. Other trims typically use cloth or leatherette materials.

Notes for shoppers by year and market

Across the US-market 11th-generation Accord (roughly 2018–present), EX-L and Touring are the trims most commonly equipped with genuine leather seating surfaces. Some years or regions may offer leatherette or leather-trim options on other trims, but genuine leather is not standard on LX, Sport, or EX. Always check the window sticker or dealer build sheet to confirm the upholstery for the exact model year and trim you’re considering.

What to look for when shopping

When evaluating a Honda Accord for leather seating, look for clear indicators in the upholstery name: “Leather seats” or “Leather-trimmed seats.” In some listings, you may see terms like “Nappa leather” or “perforated leather” for Touring models, which can signal premium leather surfaces and associated features such as heated seats.

Summary

In the current Honda Accord lineup, leather seating is primarily available on the EX-L and Touring trims. LX, Sport, and EX generally come with cloth or leatherette upholstery. Always confirm the exact upholstery on the vehicle you’re considering, since year-to-year variations and optional packages can alter what’s included.

What year of Honda Accord to stay away from?

You should be wary of Honda Accord model years 1998-2005, 2008-2010, and the 2013, 2014, and 2018 models. These years had more frequent reports of problems, including transmission failures, engine issues like stalling or oil consumption, faulty airbags, and issues with the electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brake (ABS) systems.
 
Model years to avoid

• 1998-2005: These models are known for widespread transmission problems, such as slipping or failing. 
• 2008-2010: These years are associated with premature transmission failure, especially with automatic transmissions, and engines that consume excessive oil. 
• 2013, 2014, and 2018: These years had specific issues, including serious safety concerns like steering malfunctions and faulty airbags, as well as problems with the new turbo engines in the 2018 model. 

Other potential issues

• Brakes: Some models had issues with the rear brakes. 
• Electrical system: Some models had reports of electrical failures. 
• Driver-assist systems: The 2018 model's driver-assist features were reported to sometimes apply the brakes unexpectedly. 

Which Honda model has leather seats?

Several Honda models have leather seats, including the Accord EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid; the CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid; the Civic Sport Touring Hybrid (sedan and hatchback); and the Ridgeline on certain trims. The availability of leather seats typically depends on the specific trim level of the vehicle.
 

• Honda Accord: The 2025 EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid trims come with leather-trimmed seats. 
• Honda CR-V: The CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid are equipped with leather-trimmed seats. 
• Honda Civic: The Sport Touring Hybrid trim, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, comes with leather-trimmed seats. 
• Honda Ridgeline: The RTL trim and higher have leather-trimmed seating available. 

What is the difference between a Honda Accord LX and SE?

The main differences are that the SE trim offers premium comfort, convenience, and safety upgrades over the base LX model, including heated front seats, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. The SE also features more aggressive exterior styling with black accents and 17-inch wheels. Performance and the base infotainment system are the same for both trims.
 
This video compares the features of the 2025 Honda Accord LX and SE trims: 57sC. Harper Auto GroupYouTube · Oct 24, 2024
Comfort and Convenience

• SE: Adds a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.
• LX: Has manual-adjust front seats without heating and lacks a moonroof.
• Both: The SE includes dual-zone automatic climate control, while the LX has single-zone control. 

Exterior Styling

• SE: Features blacked-out exterior accents, a gloss black grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels with a black finish. 
• LX: Comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, but lacks the SE's blacked-out trim. 

Safety and Technology

• SE: Includes the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with rear cross-traffic alert, which is absent on the LX. 
• SE: Features an upgraded eight-speaker audio system. 
• LX: Lacks blind-spot monitoring and has a standard six-speaker audio system. 
• Both: Share the same 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. 

Performance and Powertrain

• Both: Are equipped with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and CVT transmission.
• Both: Achieve the same engine output of 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. 

Is LX or EX accord better?

The main differences between the Honda Accord LX and EX are the EX's upgraded features, including a power moonroof, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 180-watt 8-speaker audio system, and a Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor. The EX costs slightly more than the LX, which is a more budget-friendly option with essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing safety suite.
 
This video compares the 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX, highlighting differences in features like power seats, climate control, and heated seats: 59sCars & MoreYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
Comfort and convenience

• EX: Includes a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. 
• LX: Features a manual-height-adjustable driver's seat and does not have heated front seats or a moonroof. 

Technology and audio

• EX: Comes with a more powerful 180-watt, 8-speaker sound system, and adds features like a one-touch power moonroof, wireless charging, and SMS text message functionality.
• LX: Includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but has a 4-speaker sound system. 

Safety

• EX: Includes all the standard safety features of the LX and adds the Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor. 
• LX: Comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. 

Performance and exterior

• Both trims use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). 
• EX: Features 18-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. 
• LX: Comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the exterior features between the Honda Accord LX and EX: 52sYour Honda ManYouTube · Dec 16, 2013
Which one is right for you?

• Choose the LX if: You want a budget-friendly, practical sedan with essential modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing suite. 
• Choose the EX if: You prefer more premium comfort and technology features like a power moonroof, heated seats, a better sound system, and blind-spot monitoring.