2009 Honda Civic EX vs. EX-L: What’s the Difference?

The 2009 Honda Civic EX and EX-L are mechanically identical; the EX-L mainly adds comfort and convenience upgrades—most notably leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob—while keeping the same engine, transmission choices, wheels, and overall performance as the EX. In practice, the EX-L is the “luxury” version of the EX, with a modest price premium when new and often a small bump on the used market. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you choose between them.

Core Differences at a Glance

This section highlights what the EX-L adds over the EX in the 2009 model year, focusing on features shoppers are most likely to notice day-to-day.

• Leather-trimmed seating (EX has cloth)
• Heated front seats (EX lacks seat heaters)
• Heated side mirrors (useful in cold climates)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) commonly standard on EX-L in U.S.-spec 2009 models; many EX models did not include VSA—verify by VIN or window sticker
• Same 16-inch alloy wheels and power moonroof as EX (no appearance or performance upgrade)
• Same availability of factory navigation; Bluetooth integration is tied to the optional navigation system on both trims

In short, EX-L prioritizes comfort and cold-weather usability without changing the car’s core driving character or equipment such as wheels, brakes, or engine.

What They Share: Powertrain, Ride, and Space

Beyond interior materials and a few convenience/safety items, the EX and EX-L are the same car. Here are the key commonalities that determine how they drive and how practical they are.

• Engine: 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC inline-4, rated at 140 hp and 128 lb-ft
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (availability may vary by body style and market)
• EPA fuel economy (sedan/coupe, 1.8L): approx. 26/34 mpg (city/highway) with manual; 25/36 mpg with automatic
• Chassis: Same suspension tuning and steering feel on both trims
• Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS
• Wheels/tires: 16-inch alloys with 205/55R16 tires
• Body styles: Both offered as sedan and coupe, with identical passenger and cargo space within each body style
• Power moonroof: Standard on both

Because these fundamentals are shared, performance, fuel economy, and cabin space won’t differ between EX and EX-L.

Interior and Tech: Where You’ll Feel the Difference

Seating and Materials

The EX uses durable cloth upholstery, while the EX-L upgrades to leather-trimmed seats and adds heated front seats. The EX-L also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, giving the cabin a more upscale look and feel.

Infotainment and Connectivity

For 2009, both EX and EX-L include an auxiliary input and a USB audio interface, along with a 6-speaker audio system and steering-wheel audio controls. A factory navigation system with voice control was optional on both; when equipped, it typically adds integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Climate and Convenience

Both trims feature manual climate controls, cruise control, remote entry, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The EX-L’s heated front seats and heated side mirrors make a practical difference in colder regions. Storage, seating layout, and overall ergonomics otherwise remain the same.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety equipment is broadly similar, but there’s an important note on stability control for the 2009 refresh that can affect your decision.

• Standard on both: front, side, and side-curtain airbags; ABS; tire-pressure monitoring system
• Active front head restraints were part of the 2009 update across much of the lineup
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA): Frequently standard on EX-L for 2009 in the U.S.; many EX models did not include VSA that year. Because equipment can vary by market and exact build, check the specific car’s VIN build sheet or original window sticker.

If you value electronic stability control, the EX-L is more likely to have it as standard equipment in 2009, though verification on a specific vehicle is essential.

Pricing and Value Considerations

What you’ll pay depends on condition, mileage, and options, but historical pricing patterns are consistent.

• When new, EX-L typically cost about $1,500–$2,000 more than the EX, mainly for leather, heating features, and additional convenience/safety content
• On today’s used market, the EX-L often commands an extra $500–$1,500 over a comparable EX, depending on mileage, condition of the leather, and whether navigation is fitted
• Maintenance costs are similar; leather upholstery may require more care to keep it in good condition

If you don’t need leather or heated seats, the EX provides nearly the same driving experience for less. If you appreciate the comfort upgrades—or want the greater likelihood of standard VSA—the EX-L can be worth the premium.

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick the EX if you want the Civic’s core virtues—reliability, efficiency, and a moonroof/alloy wheel package—at the lower price point. Choose the EX-L if you prefer a more premium cabin, live in a cold climate (heated seats/mirrors), or want a trim level that more commonly includes VSA in 2009. For any used example, confirm the exact equipment list by VIN, especially for stability control and navigation/Bluetooth.

Summary

The 2009 Civic EX-L is essentially an EX with comfort and convenience upgrades: leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, with stability control more commonly standard on EX-L in the U.S. Both trims share the same 1.8L engine, gearbox options, fuel economy, wheels, brakes, and moonroof. Your choice comes down to whether the added amenities—and potential inclusion of VSA—justify the typical price premium of the EX-L over the EX.

How do I know if my 2009 Honda Civic is an EX or LX?

LX is basic standard trim level. EX is higher trim level, it has power moonroof, with letters EX in the rear trunk. EXL is EX with Leather seats. For LX sometimes, it has letters LX in the rear trunk, sometimes not at all.

What does exl mean on a Honda Civic?

Honda Civic Technology
The Honda Civic EX-L starts at $22,840 and is the most luxurious trim level. The Civic EX-L comes with Leather Trimmed Seats and a Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel. The front seats are heated and heated side mirrors keep your field of vision clear.

What are the models of the 2009 Honda Civic?

2009 Honda Civic Specs, Features & Options

• of 9. Civic VP Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic Hybrid Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic LX Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic LX-S Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic EX-L Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic EX Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic GX Sedan 4D.
• of 9. Civic DX Sedan 4D.

Is Honda EX or EXL better?

EX: This serves as a sweet spot with standard features and enhanced performance capabilities, along with a few exclusive amenities. EX-L: These models offer enhanced interior and exterior features that offer more luxury and accessibility as well additional technology or driver-assist features.