Honda HR-V EX vs. LX: Which Trim Is Better?

If you’re shopping in the U.S. for a new Honda HR-V, the better choice for most buyers is the EX-L (which replaces the old EX) over the base LX thanks to added safety, tech, and comfort features; if you’re looking strictly to minimize price and don’t need extras, the LX is the value pick. For used HR-Vs (2019–2022), the EX generally beats the LX on features like driver assists and infotainment, making it the smarter buy for many shoppers.

First, check your model year and market

The “EX vs. LX” decision hinges on which HR-V generation you’re considering. In the current U.S. lineup (2023–2025), Honda sells LX, Sport, and EX-L trims—there is no EX. In the prior generation (2019–2022), trims included LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. Other markets may label trims differently, so confirm naming for your region and model year.

2023–2025 HR-V: LX vs. EX-L (what most shoppers mean by “EX” today)

Feature and tech differences that matter day-to-day

The core hardware (engine, CVT, and available AWD) is the same, so your decision comes down to comfort, safety tech, and infotainment. Here’s how LX and EX-L typically compare in the U.S. for 2023–2025 models.

• Interior and comfort: LX has cloth upholstery; EX-L upgrades to leather-trimmed seats and more soft-touch surfaces. Heated front seats are common on upper trims; base LX generally lacks seat heaters.
• Infotainment: LX uses a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; EX-L steps up to a 9-inch screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and typically adds a wireless phone charger and a better audio setup.
• Convenience: EX-L often includes features like proximity key with push-button start and remote start (availability can vary by package), while LX is more basic.
• Driver assistance: Honda Sensing active safety is standard across the lineup in this generation. However, Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor is commonly included on upper trims (Sport/EX-L) and typically absent on LX. EX-L may also add parking sensors and low-speed braking aids, depending on model year and package.
• Wheels and styling: LX rides on smaller wheels with simpler trim; Sport adds 18-inch wheels and dark accents; EX-L skews toward a premium look rather than “sporty.”
• Fuel economy: EPA ratings are essentially the same across trims—roughly 26/32/28 mpg (city/highway/combined) for FWD and about 25/30/27 mpg for AWD, subject to minor year-to-year adjustments.
• Price: Expect the EX-L to run roughly $2,500–$3,500 more than the LX, depending on year and incentives. As a ballpark, recent MSRPs have hovered around the mid-$20Ks for LX and upper-$20Ks for EX-L before destination.

In practice, the EX-L feels appreciably more modern thanks to its bigger screen, wireless phone tech, additional driver-assist conveniences, and upscale cabin touches. The LX keeps costs down and covers the basics.

Pros and cons

To frame the decision, consider how each trim’s strengths align with your priorities.

• HR-V LX pros: Lowest price, same engine and fuel economy, straightforward feature set, good for budget-conscious buyers or fleet use.
• HR-V LX cons: Smaller screen, fewer convenience features, typically no blind-spot monitoring or heated seats.
• HR-V EX-L pros: Bigger and better infotainment with wireless smartphone integration, leather-trimmed interior, more convenience and driver-assist features, stronger resale appeal.
• HR-V EX-L cons: Higher upfront cost; some features still not “luxury-level” (e.g., no panoramic roof or premium audio brand in most configurations).

If you’ll keep the car several years, the EX-L’s comfort and tech upgrades usually justify the price premium; if you plan a shorter ownership or are maximizing affordability, the LX remains sensible.

2019–2022 HR-V: EX vs. LX (used market)

On the previous-generation HR-V, the EX brought meaningful upgrades over the LX that many shoppers find worth the extra money on the used market.

• Active safety: EX and above commonly include the Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking), while LX often lacks these features in this generation.
• Infotainment: EX typically upgrades to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto versus the LX’s smaller, simpler display.
• Comfort and convenience: EX adds amenities like heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and, on many models, a one-touch power moonroof.
• Pricing: In the used market, EX models often cost $1,000–$2,000 more than comparable LXs, varying with mileage and condition.

For most used shoppers, the EX is the sweeter spot because it adds modern safety and daily-comfort features that the base LX often lacks in those years.

Which should you buy?

Match the trim to how you’ll use the HR-V and what you value most.

• Choose LX if: You want the lowest purchase price, plan to add your own phone mount/charging solutions, don’t need heated seats or blind-spot monitoring, and prioritize basic, reliable transportation.
• Choose EX-L (or EX on 2019–2022) if: You value a larger and easier-to-use infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration (new-gen), added driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, and a more premium interior you’ll appreciate every day.
• Consider Sport (2023–2025) if: You want a middle ground—heated seats, 18-inch wheels, and blind-spot monitoring—without stepping all the way up to EX-L.

For most buyers who keep their cars a while, the feature upgrades in EX/EX-L improve daily usability and resale, offering better long-term value than LX.

How to decide on a specific car

Before you sign, verify equipment on the exact vehicle you’re buying—features can vary by year and package.

• Confirm safety tech: Ensure the presence of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors if those matter to you.
• Check infotainment: Test the screen size, responsiveness, and whether CarPlay/Android Auto are wired or wireless.
• Assess comfort: Try the seats (material, heating), climate controls (single vs. dual-zone), and cabin noise on a test drive.
• Compare pricing: Weigh the monthly payment difference between trims against the features you’ll use daily.
• Review availability: Inventory can tilt deals—sometimes a well-priced EX-L is closer to an LX than you’d expect.

A brief, focused test drive and feature check can quickly reveal whether the EX/EX-L’s upgrades are must-haves for you or whether the LX’s simplicity suffices.

Bottom line

If you’re buying new in the U.S., there’s no current HR-V EX; the choice is effectively LX versus EX-L. For most shoppers, the EX-L is “better” thanks to its larger, more modern infotainment, additional driver assists, and nicer cabin. The LX remains the budget-friendly pick with the same core powertrain and fuel economy. Shopping used (2019–2022), the EX generally offers a stronger blend of safety and comfort than the LX at a modest price bump.

Summary

New HR-V: EX-L over LX for features and convenience; LX for lowest cost. Used HR-V (2019–2022): EX usually outshines LX with added safety and tech. Verify features by model year and trim, then choose the one that best fits your daily needs and budget.

What is the difference between Honda HR-V LX and EX?

The main difference is that the Honda HR-V LX is the base model providing core features like the Honda Sensing safety suite, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and push-button start, while the EX adds more comfort, convenience, and tech features, including heated front seats, a power moonroof, satellite radio, and heated mirrors. The EX also often features a slightly more premium appearance with different wheel designs and options like Milano Red paint. 
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences for models like the 2022 and 2024 Honda HR-V:
Honda HR-V LX

• Features: Base trim with essential technology like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and push-button start. 
• Safety: Includes the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety features. 
• Price: The most affordable option. 

Honda HR-V EX (not an available trim in the US for 2024/2025, may refer to the 2022 EX trim or a similar model from another market) 

• Features: Adds premium comfort and convenience features to the LX base. 
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, and heated side mirrors. 
• Audio: Adds satellite radio and an HD radio for a better sound experience. 
• Convenience: Keyless entry with push-button start and variable intermittent windshield wipers. 
• Appearance: Often features 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels for a more refined look. 
• Note: In the 2024 and 2025 model years for the US market, the EX trim is replaced by the Sport and EX-L trims, with the EX-L being the higher-end option. If you are looking at a 2024 or 2025 model, you may want to compare the LX vs. Sport or LX vs. EX-L. 

What does HR-V LX mean?

Generally, if you’re asking, “What does LX mean on a Honda?” you’re looking at a base trim model. However, even a standard Honda is still loaded with tons of advanced features and amenities that require expensive upgrades on competing models.

Which model of HR-V is best?

The 2026 Honda HR-V EX-L trim is generally considered the best overall choice due to its premium features, comfort, and technology, while still offering a good value. It builds on the features of the lower trims (LX and Sport) with enhancements like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a one-touch power moonroof. 
This video provides a detailed review of the 2026 Honda HR-V, highlighting its new features and design changes: 57sDownshiftYouTube · Jun 26, 2025
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Why the EX-L is the best choice:

• Premium Features: The EX-L adds features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a one-touch power moonroof, enhancing comfort and convenience. 
• Enhanced Technology: It also includes features like a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a larger 9-inch infotainment screen. 
• Value: While it’s the top trim, the EX-L still offers a good balance of features and price, especially when compared to other similar vehicles. 
• Safety Features: The EX-L includes standard safety features like LED headlights with automatic high beams and rear privacy glass. 
• Style: It features unique 18-inch alloy wheels and other stylish touches that set it apart from the lower trims. 

Other trims to consider:

• Sport: . Opens in new tabThe Sport trim is a good option if you’re looking for a sporty aesthetic and some additional features like heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring, at a lower price point. 
• LX: . Opens in new tabThe LX is the base trim and offers a solid, affordable entry point into the HR-V lineup, but it lacks some of the premium features of the higher trims. 

Things to consider when choosing a Honda HR-V:

• Used vs. New: . Opens in new tabIf you’re looking at used models, focus on reliability and consider models from the last five years, with 2020, 2021, and 2022 being particularly reliable. 
• All-wheel drive: . Opens in new tabIf you live in an area with snow or frequent inclement weather, consider opting for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. 
• Cargo space: . Opens in new tabThe HR-V offers good cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down, but if you need more space, the larger Honda CR-V might be a better fit. 
• Fuel economy: . Opens in new tabWhile the HR-V’s fuel economy is decent, it’s not exceptional, especially with AWD, so consider your needs and compare it to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross or Kia Seltos. 

What is better, LX or EX on Honda?

Neither the Honda EX nor LX is inherently “better”; the choice depends on your budget and desired features, as the LX is the more affordable base model offering essential features, while the EX provides a significant upgrade with more technology, comfort, and performance features for added value. The EX typically adds things like enhanced safety, better infotainment, heated seats, and a power moonroof, which are not standard on the LX. 
Choose the LX if:

• Your budget is a priority . 
• You want a reliable vehicle with essential features like Honda Sensing, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 
• You prefer a simpler driving experience and don’t need a long list of premium amenities. 

Choose the EX if:

• You want more advanced features for comfort and convenience. 
• You desire additional technology, such as larger touchscreens, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. 
• You want enhanced performance and fuel economy, as some EX models offer a turbocharged engine with better power. 
• You want features like heated front seats, a power moonroof, and advanced safety features such as a blind-spot monitor.