Honda Accord LX vs. EX: Which Trim is Right for You?
The Honda Accord is a long-time favorite in the midsize sedan category. It’s known for being dependable, getting good gas mileage, and delivering solid value for the money. But choosing the right trim level can be tricky.
This article breaks down the differences between the LX and EX versions of the Honda Accord. The LX is the base model, offering a great starting point. The EX, on the other hand, comes with more bells and whistles, but at a higher price.
We’ll compare the two trims in key areas like price, interior features, exterior styling, safety technology, driver-assistance systems, and overall performance. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of which Honda Accord—the EX vs LX—best fits your needs and budget.
Price and Value Proposition
The Honda Accord LX, the base model, starts at $27,295. The EX trim bumps the price up to $29,060. That’s a difference of $1,765. The big question is: what does that extra money get you, and is it worth it?
The LX offers a great value for its price, giving you a well-equipped and reliable car at an affordable cost. It covers the basics and does them well.
The EX, on the other hand, aims to provide more comfort, convenience, and a touch of modern tech. It’s designed for drivers who want a few more bells and whistles.
Of course, the LX and EX aren’t the only Accord options. You can also consider the EX-L Hybrid, which starts at $32,990. We’ll stick to the LX and EX for now, but keep in mind that there are more choices if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Interior Features and Comfort
When you’re buying a car, the interior features and overall comfort level can make a big difference in your daily driving experience. Let’s take a look at how the LX and EX trims stack up in this area.
LX Interior
The LX trim offers a solid, functional interior that covers all the basics. You’ll find comfortable cloth seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 4-speaker audio system. The climate control is manual, which means you’ll be adjusting the temperature yourself.
The LX interior is designed to be straightforward and easy to use. It provides everything you need for a comfortable ride without any extra frills.
EX Interior
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort and convenience, the EX trim is definitely worth considering. The EX builds on the LX’s features with some significant upgrades, including heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. This means you and your passenger can set your preferred temperatures independently.
The EX also adds a power moonroof, letting in natural light and fresh air, and an upgraded 8-speaker audio system for a richer sound experience. These added features enhance the overall driving experience, making your daily commute or long road trips more enjoyable.
Exterior Design
From the outside, the LX and EX trims are pretty similar. You’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart at a glance.
The biggest difference is that the EX has heated side mirrors. This can be a nice feature in colder climates to help clear off ice and fog.
You might notice a slight difference in the wheel design, depending on the model year. But overall, both trims share the same body style and dimensions.
Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technology
Safety is paramount, and Honda takes it seriously. Both the LX and EX trims of the Honda Accord come packed with a suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers.
Standard Safety Features (LX and EX)
Both trims include Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to enhance occupant protection in a crash. You’ll also find standard front seatbelts and a comprehensive airbag system.
Honda’s commitment to safety is clear. The company has set an ambitious goal of zero collision fatalities involving Honda vehicles by 2050. The 2023 Accord earned an IIHS TOP Safety Pick + award, a testament to its crashworthiness and safety technology.
Driver-Assistance Technology
The LX comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, a collection of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance awareness and prevent accidents. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a collision mitigation braking system.
The EX trim takes it a step further, adding a Blind-Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitoring. This feature alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot and warns you of approaching traffic when you’re backing up, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
These technologies are designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents, making the Accord a safe and reliable choice for families and commuters alike.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Honda Accord LX and EX both have the same engine: a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD).
The engine provides more than enough power for everyday driving. It’s appropriately powerful for the car, offering good acceleration and smooth cruising.
Fuel economy is also identical between the two trims, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.
In short, when choosing between the LX and EX, you can safely ignore performance and fuel economy since they are essentially the same.
Can you get a “luxury” interior on a budget?
If you really want a luxury feel without paying for the LX trim, you can always upgrade the interior yourself. For example, Katzkin makes aftermarket leather interiors that can be installed in place of the factory cloth.
This lets you get the premium experience without the premium price tag. The total cost really depends on the installer you choose, but you can usually get it done for less than $2000 including parts and labor. Plus, you can customize the colors and stitching to your exact preferences.
It’s a great way to get exactly what you want without being stuck with the features that come standard on a higher trim level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is more expensive, LX or EX?
Generally, the Honda Accord EX is more expensive than the LX. The EX trim level builds upon the features of the LX and adds more premium amenities, so the price reflects that increase in standard equipment.
Which is better, the Honda Accord EX or the EX-L?
That really depends on your needs! The EX-L is a step up from the EX, offering leather upholstery and other luxury features. If you prioritize comfort and are willing to pay a bit more, the EX-L might be a better fit. If you’re happy with cloth seats and don’t need those extra bells and whistles, the EX is a solid choice.
What is the difference between EX and LX Honda Accord?
The LX is the base model, offering essential features. The EX builds upon that with upgrades like a sunroof, alloy wheels, upgraded audio system, blind spot monitoring, and often a more powerful engine option. The specific differences can vary slightly depending on the model year.
Is a Honda EX better than an LX?
In terms of features and amenities, yes, the Honda EX is generally considered “better” than the LX. It offers more equipment and a more premium experience. However, “better” is subjective. If you’re on a tight budget and just need a reliable car with basic features, the LX is an excellent value. If you want more features and are willing to pay for them, the EX is the way to go.
Wrapping Up
The key differences between the LX and EX trims of the Honda Accord come down to price, interior features, and driver-assistance technology. The LX is the value-oriented choice, a well-equipped base model that gives you a lot for your money. The EX steps things up with enhanced comfort, convenience, and safety features.
Which one is right for you? That depends on your individual needs and priorities.
The final takeaway is this: Both the LX and the EX are excellent choices, offering a compelling blend of value, reliability, and performance that has made the Honda Accord a perennial favorite.