Which is better, the Honda Accord EX or the EX L?
The EX-L is typically the more luxurious option, offering leather seating and extra comfort features at a higher price. The EX provides strong technology and safety features at a lower cost. Your choice depends on budget and how much you value interior luxury versus value.
Across recent Honda Accord models, EX and EX-L share core engineering and safety technology, but they diverge in interior materials, comfort amenities, and sometimes equipment levels. This article compares the two trims to help you decide which is the better fit for your needs, noting that exact contents can vary by model year and market.
What distinguishes EX from EX-L
Here are the major differences you’ll typically see between the EX and EX-L trims in recent Honda Accord models:
- Upholstery: EX-L usually uses leather-trimmed seating, while EX generally uses fabric or leatherette materials depending on the year.
- Seating comfort: EX-L commonly includes a power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats; EX may offer fewer power adjustments and no heated seats in some years.
- Interior finishes: EX-L tends to feature more upscale interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with some years offering a more premium cabin feel overall.
- Convenience features: EX-L often includes additional comfort items such as a larger or more premium audio system and, in some years, a power passenger seat; EX emphasizes technology and safety features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a modern touchscreen.
- Sunroof: A sunroof is common on both trims in many years, but EX-L sometimes includes a larger or more upscale sunroof setup as standard.
- Safety and driver-assist: In recent model years, Honda Sensing safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking) are standard on both trims, though feature sets can vary by year and package.
In short, the EX-L’s leather interior and extra comfort touches justify the higher price for buyers who prioritize luxury and convenience, while the EX delivers strong tech, safety, and overall value at a lower cost.
Which trim is better for you?
Use these guidelines to decide which trim aligns with your priorities:
- Choose EX if you want strong value with modern tech and safety features, and you’re comfortable with cloth or leatherette seating depending on year.
- Choose EX-L if interior luxury matters to you—leather seats, heated fronts, and a more premium feel are typical benefits.
- Consider your budget and how often you’ll use comfort features: more time in the car and more passengers may justify the premium for EX-L.
- Check the exact model-year contents: feature availability can change year to year, so verify the specific trims on the car you’re considering.
Bottom line: the EX-L is usually the better pick for those who want a premium interior and additional comfort features, while the EX offers a compelling mix of technology, safety, and value.
Summary
For most shoppers, the Honda Accord EX-L is the better choice if interior luxury and comfort are a priority and you're willing to pay more. The EX remains a strong value option with robust technology and safety features. Always verify the exact feature list for the model year you’re considering, as contents can vary by year and market.
