Difference Between the 2006 Honda Pilot EX and LX

The 2006 Honda Pilot EX primarily adds comfort and convenience features—such as alloy wheels, roof rails, an upgraded audio system, and a power driver’s seat—over the more basic LX, while both trims share the same V6 engine, transmission, available 2WD or 4WD, and core safety equipment. In practice, the EX feels better equipped inside and out, but performance, capacity, and core safety are essentially the same.

What Both Trims Share

Despite their feature differences, the LX and EX are built on the same platform and deliver the same fundamental driving and ownership experience. Below are the major elements that are identical or effectively equivalent across both trims.

• Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
• Drive options: Front-wheel drive (2WD) or Honda’s VTM-4 on-demand 4WD (with a low-speed lock function).
• Seating and space: Three rows with seating for up to eight; split-folding second and third rows for cargo flexibility.
• Safety: Front-seat side airbags; side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor; anti-lock brakes (ABS); Vehicle Stability Assist (stability and traction control) standard by 2006.
• Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 lbs (4WD) or 3,500 lbs (2WD) when properly equipped.
• Fuel economy (EPA estimates at the time): Typically around 17/22 mpg (city/highway) for 4WD; 2WD models rated higher—up to about 18/24 mpg—thanks in part to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on most 2006 2WD Pilots.
• Everyday basics: Air conditioning, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, and remote keyless entry.

In short, whether you choose LX or EX, you’re getting the same underlying SUV capability, including the Pilot’s family-friendly layout, proven V6, and standard safety tech for the 2006 model year.

Where the EX Differs From the LX

The EX trim builds on the LX by layering in appearance upgrades and convenience features that make daily driving and long trips more pleasant. Here’s what typically separates the EX from the LX on the 2006 Pilot.

• Wheels and exterior trim: EX models come with alloy wheels (LX uses steel wheels with covers) and more body-colored exterior accents (LX typically has more black trim).
• Roof rails: Standard on EX, often absent on LX from the factory.
• Driver’s seat: EX includes an 8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar; LX is manually adjustable.
• Audio system: EX upgrades to an in-dash 6-disc CD changer with more speakers (including a subwoofer) and steering-wheel audio controls; LX has a simpler, fewer-speaker setup with a single-disc CD.
• Instrumentation/convenience touches: The EX commonly adds niceties like an outside temperature display and additional interior trim upgrades.

These differences don’t affect acceleration or towing, but they do change how the Pilot looks and feels. If you value nicer finishes and convenience tech, the EX is the step up.

Drivetrain and Fuel-Economy Nuances in 2006

For 2006, Honda introduced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on most 2WD Pilots to improve fuel economy by deactivating cylinders under light load; 4WD models did not use VCM. This was not an EX-vs-LX distinction so much as a drivetrain one. Expect 2WD models to post better EPA ratings than 4WD, regardless of trim.

Pricing—Then and Now

When new, the LX undercut the EX by a notable margin; the EX’s added equipment typically added a few thousand dollars to MSRP, with final figures varying by destination charge and options. In today’s used market, condition, mileage, maintenance history, and rust exposure matter far more than trim. As a rough guide, a well-kept 2006 Pilot can vary widely in price depending on region and condition, with the EX often commanding a modest premium over an equivalent LX.

Quick Ways to Tell an EX from an LX in Person

If you’re looking at a 2006 Pilot and want to identify the trim without paperwork, these visual and interior cues usually help.

• Wheels: Alloys (EX) vs steel wheels with covers (LX).
• Roof rails: Present on most EX models; often missing on LX.
• Driver’s seat controls: Power adjustments with lumbar (EX) vs manual (LX).
• Audio and controls: In-dash 6-disc changer and steering-wheel audio buttons (EX) vs simpler head unit without wheel controls (LX).
• Exterior trim: More body-color matching on EX; more black plastic on LX.

For absolute certainty, check the VIN build sheet or original window sticker, since regional packages or dealer-installed accessories can blur the visual cues.

Summary

The 2006 Honda Pilot LX and EX share the same engine, transmission, seating capacity, core safety features, and available 2WD/4WD systems. The EX differentiates itself with comfort and convenience upgrades—most notably alloy wheels, roof rails, a power driver’s seat, and a stronger audio system with steering-wheel controls. Choose the LX for straightforward value and the EX for a nicer daily experience, knowing capability remains essentially the same.

What is the difference between a Honda Pilot EX and EX L?

The major differences between the new 2021 Honda Pilot EX and EX-L models are the leather-trimmed seats, Drivers Seat with Two-Position Memory, Three USB ChargingPorts and Side Mirrors with Memory and Integrated LED Turn Indicators.

How to tell if Honda is EX or LX?

The only real difference between the Honda Accord LX vs EX is the side mirror.

Which Honda Pilot years to stay away from?

Years to Avoid: Identifying Problematic Models
The 2003, 2005, and 2016 models, in particular, have garnered numerous complaints regarding transmission issues and other mechanical problems. The 2003 model year, being the first year of production, experienced a range of issues typical of a new vehicle introduction.

What does LX mean on a Honda Pilot?

base trim model
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.