Honda Accord EX vs. LX: Which Trim Is Better in 2025?

For most buyers, the Accord EX is the better choice: it adds meaningful everyday comfort and safety features—like blind-spot monitoring, heated seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof—for a relatively modest price premium over the base LX. The LX remains the best pick if you simply want the lowest purchase price and can live without those upgrades. Here’s how the two trims compare in the current (2024–2025) Accord lineup, which carries over from the 2023 redesign.

How the EX and LX Compare at a Glance

The following points outline the most noticeable differences shoppers will encounter when moving from the entry-level LX to the mid-tier EX in the 2024–2025 Honda Accord range.

• Safety and driver assists: Both trims include the Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, collision mitigation, traffic jam assist). The EX typically adds Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Monitor, which the LX lacks.
• Comfort: EX adds heated front seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; LX has cloth seats with manual adjustments and no heat.
• Climate and convenience: EX includes dual-zone automatic climate control and a one-touch power moonroof; LX has single-zone automatic climate and no moonroof.
• Infotainment and audio: Both use a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. EX upgrades the sound system (8 speakers vs. 4 on LX) and usually adds more USB ports.
• Keyless access: EX commonly includes Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock; LX has basic keyless entry and push-button start.
• Wheels and trim: Both ride on 17-inch alloy wheels; EX typically gets a more premium finish and a few nicer cabin touches.
• Availability: Dealers often stock more EX models than LX, and incentives can narrow the price gap depending on region and timing.

In daily use, the EX’s added safety awareness, warmth, and adjustability tend to make the cabin feel more upscale, which is why many shoppers view it as the stronger value despite the higher MSRP.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy: No Difference Between EX and LX

Under the hood, the Accord EX and LX are the same. Both use Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a CVT, rated around 192 hp and 192 lb-ft. EPA fuel economy for gas-only LX and EX models generally lands near 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. If you want stronger acceleration and significantly higher mpg, consider the Accord’s hybrid trims (Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, Touring Hybrid), which deliver roughly mid-40s mpg combined and more responsive power.

Pricing and Value

Exact pricing varies by destination charges and dealer market, but the EX typically costs about $2,000–$3,000 more than the LX. For that difference, buyers gain features that meaningfully improve winter comfort, daily convenience, and situational awareness. Insurance costs are usually similar, and EX models can hold value slightly better thanks to broader demand for their feature set. If the budget allows, the EX tends to be the smarter long-term buy.

Who Should Choose Which Trim

Use the following guide to align each trim with typical ownership priorities.

• Choose the LX if you prioritize the lowest initial price, plan to keep options simple, or are outfitting a fleet where cost control and standard safety tech are the main goals.
• Choose the EX if you want blind-spot monitoring, heated seats, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate, and a moonroof—features that make the Accord feel closer to a near-premium sedan without a major cost jump.
• Consider a Hybrid (instead of EX or LX) if you value higher fuel economy and a more energetic driving feel; many shoppers cross-shop EX against EX-L Hybrid for this reason.

Matching the trim to your daily needs is key: the LX is a value play, while the EX hits a sweet spot for comfort and safety without moving into hybrid pricing.

What’s Current for 2024–2025

Honda’s 11th-generation Accord, introduced for 2023, carries into 2024 and 2025 with the LX and EX as the two gas-only trims. Both use a 7-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone integration; the larger 12.3-inch screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is reserved for hybrid trims. Honda Sensing is standard range-wide; blind-spot monitoring remains an EX-and-up feature. No major mechanical changes separate the 2024 and 2025 model years for these trims.

Alternatives and Cross-Shopping Tips

If you’re undecided between EX and LX, it’s worth considering adjacent trims and competitors that may align with your budget or feature priorities.

• Accord EX-L Hybrid: Costs more than EX but brings much better mpg, a larger screen, leather, and additional amenities.
• Toyota Camry LE/SE: Strong reliability reputation and competitive hybrid options; equipment and pricing can land close to Accord EX.
• Hyundai Sonata SEL: Often packs in features for the price and may offer aggressive incentives.

Comparing transaction prices, not just MSRPs, can change the equation—especially if a nearby dealer has stronger inventory in one trim or brand.

Summary

The Accord EX is the better fit for most shoppers, thanks to meaningful comfort and safety upgrades over the LX at a reasonable premium. The LX remains a solid, well-equipped base car if price is the top priority. If fuel economy and punchier performance matter most, step past both to an Accord hybrid trim.

Is a Honda EX better than an LX?

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. 

Is Honda EX or LX more expensive?

2022 Honda CR-V LX vs.
One of the primary differences between the Honda CR-V EX and LX is the starting price. If you’re keeping a close eye on your Fitchburg budget, note that the LX is more affordable, with a starting price of $26,800, while the CR-V EX has a starting price of $29,310*.

What does LX mean on a Honda Accord?

On a Honda Accord, the “LX” designation typically signifies the base trim level. It’s the entry-level model, offering essential features and functionality. While it’s the most basic trim, it still includes features like automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing safety features, according to AutoNation USA. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Base Trim: The LX is the starting point for the Honda Accord lineup. 
• Essential Features: It provides the core functionality and features expected in a modern car, including: 
  • Automatic headlights. 
  • Rearview camera. 
  • Honda Sensing suite of safety features (e.g., collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control). 
• Cloth Interior: Typically, the LX trim comes with cloth seats. 
• Basic Sound System: The sound system is usually a basic setup. 
• Key Fob Access: Entry is typically via a key fob rather than a smart key system. 
• Not Completely Stripped Down: Even the base LX trim includes features like power windows, a color LCD screen, and a multi-angle rearview camera. 

Is the Honda Accord LX or EX better?

The main differences between a Honda Accord LX and an EX are the EX’s more premium features, such as a power moonroof, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a more advanced sound system, and expanded driver-assistance technologies compared to the LX trim. While both models offer the same base turbocharged engine and CVT transmission, the EX provides enhanced comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a higher-tier, more luxurious option.
 
Comfort & Convenience

• Seating: The LX has manual adjustable front seats, while the EX features a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. 
• Heated Seats: The EX comes standard with heated front seats, which are not available on the LX. 
• Moonroof: The EX trim includes a one-touch power moonroof for an open-air experience, while the LX does not. 
• Wireless Charging: The EX offers a wireless phone charger, a feature absent on the LX. 

Technology & Infotainment

• Display: . Opens in new tabWhile both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the EX has a larger infotainment touchscreen compared to the LX. 
• Audio System: . Opens in new tabThe EX boasts a more powerful 180-watt, 8-speaker sound system, whereas the LX has a 160-watt, 4-speaker system. 

Safety & Driver Assist

• Honda Sensing: . Opens in new tabThe EX adds more advanced features to the standard Honda Sensing suite found on the LX, including systems like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 
• Blind Spot Monitoring: . Opens in new tabThe EX includes the Blind Spot Information System with a Cross-Traffic Monitor, which is not on the LX. 

Appearance 

• Wheels: The EX features larger, more premium alloy wheels for a sportier stance.
• Exterior Accents: The EX may include additional chrome or other design elements for a more sophisticated appearance.

Performance 

• Engine: . Opens in new tabBoth models typically share the same 1.5L turbocharged engine producing 192 horsepower.
• Hybrid Option: . Opens in new tabThe EX is the trim that makes an available 2-motor hybrid powertrain with increased horsepower (212 hp) and fuel efficiency accessible.

Summary
The LX is a well-equipped, practical base model, while the EX adds key comfort, convenience, and technology features that enhance the driving experience. Your choice depends on your budget and how many of these premium upgrades are important to you.