Honda Accord LX vs EX – Which Is Better?

The Honda Accord is an affordable, mid-size sedan that has a small body but a spacious interior. It has several variants, including the LX and EX models. The difference between the Honda Accord LX vs EX is important to consider when buying a new Honda.

There’s one primary difference between the Honda Accord LX and EX: the LX is the standard base model, whereas the EX is a trim option that offers improved performance, added features, and added touches in style.

The Honda Accord LX offers style and comfort features such as cruise control, a nicer radio, and body-colored mirrors. Meanwhile, the Honda Accord EX offers most of the features of the LX and improves its performance and luxury features.

Read on to learn more about the Honda Accord EX and LX, their many differences, and which of the two is better.

Honda Accord LX vs EX

honda accord lx vs ex

The primary difference between Honda Accord LX and EX is that the LX is the base model, and the EX is a trim option. Since the LX is the base model, it comes with lesser features, less styling, and less performance than the EX variant.

In other words, the Honda Accord EX has more features, more stylistic touches, and improved performance than the base LX model. It also adds more comfort features such as cruise control, a nicer radio, and body-colored mirrors.

The EX is also equipped with added performance features that are not found in the LX. They include four-wheel disc brakes. The EX also has more speakers inside the cabin and a moon roof.

Overview of the Differences Between the Honda Accord LX and the Honda Accord EX

To give you an overview of the differences between the Honda Accord EX vs LX, consider the following key features offered by both variants:

Honda Accord LX Key Features

  • Classic Key Ignition
  • 17-inch Alloy Wheels
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • 7-inch Color LCD Screen
  • Honda Sensing
  • Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
  • USB Audio Interface
  • Bluetooth HandsFreeLink audio
  • 16 inches wheel height

Honda Accord EX Key Features

  • Push Button Start
  • Remote Engine Start Option
  • Heated Power Side Mirrors
  • One-Touch Power Moonroof
  • Heated Power Side Mirrors
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Integration
  • Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
  • Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ Integration
  • Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor

In Honda’s jargon, LX means luxury. So, the Honda Accord LX is already a luxury car model. It offers high-end features and premium comforts like leather seats. The EX option of the Honda Accord is also a luxury model, only it is more luxurious and has more features than the LX variant.

Actually, the EX is the highest trim level of Honda. That means everything in the lower variant comes as standard in the EX, plus more features, increased performance, and added comfort.

Differences in Engine and Fuel Efficiency Between the Honda LX and the EX

We will now consider the differences in the engine and fuel efficiency of Honda Accord EX vs LX:

1. Engine

Both the LX and the EX have the same 2.0 liter, in-line four-cylinder engine. But the EX engine gives out more power than the LX engine. This engine produces 174 horsepower in the EX while it only cranks 158 hp. on the LX.

2. Transmission

Regarding the transmission, the CVT is only an option in the LX, while it is standard with the EX. But the most significant difference between the two is their ignition systems. The LX Accord has a standard ignition system that needs a key to start, while the EX comes with a push-button start.

3. Fuel Efficiency

In terms of fuel efficiency, the rating of the Honda Accord EX is better than that of the LX. The EX can get 32 miles per gallon in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the LX can only achieve 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Honda LX vs EX – Comparing Other Features

accord lx vs ex
Honda Accord EX

As these two Honda cars are classified as luxury vehicles, you can expect them to come with stylish, comfortable, and luxurious features. They do, but since one is a base model, and the other is upper trim, there should be some differences in their features:

1. Infotainment Features

Both the LX and the EX Accords come with the latest infotainment features. But there are still some differences between the two.

Here are some of the things included in the Accord LX:

  • Four speaker audio system
  • 7-inch touch screen allows easy access to several features of the car
  • Bluetooth connectivity that allows hands-free phone calls and music playback
  • USB port
  • Hands-free texting
  • Pandora

All the above features are standard with the EX trim. But here are some of the features of the Accord EX that are not included in the LX variant:

  • 180 watts audio system with eight speakers which is more powerful than that of the LX
  • 8-inch touch screen which is bigger than the LX
  • Satellite and HD radio
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

2. Safety Features

There are also some differences in the safety features of the LX and the EX. Some of these safety features are not available in the LX. Some of the safety features of the EX that are not found in the LX are the following:

Lane Watch

This allows the changing of lanes on the highway to be easier and safer. The LX, though, has a Honda Sensing feature that prevents road accidents.

Blind Spot Information System

This BSI system comes with Cross Traffic Monitor.

Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock

Provides additional security level to the car

Mazda vs Honda Safety

3. Interior Features

The size of the interior, the interior design, and the appearance of the LX and the EX are basically the same. But drivers who want more bells and whistles will find the EX more attractive. The base model LX already has many comfort and convenience features such as:

  • Power locks
  • Power windows
  • Automatic dual-zone climate control
  • Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
  • Plenty of cup holders
  • Armrest console at the center of the front seats

The Honda Accord EX has all the above conveniences, plus the following additional features:

  • Heated seats
  • Heated power side mirrors
  • Moonroof

4. Exterior Features

In this Honda Accord EX vs LX issue, the primary difference in the exteriors of the LX and the EX is in their window features. There is a moonroof in the Honda Accord EX, none in the LX. Additionally, the power side mirrors of the Accord EX are heated while those of the LX is not.

Moonroofs are always welcome to drivers who are fond of taking long drives with their families and friends.

Other exterior features that the Honda Accord LX has, which are also found in the Accord EX, are the following:

  • LED head lamps
  • LED tail lamps
  • Daytime running lights
  • Power-adjustable mirrors
  • LED fog lamps
  • Aluminum hood
  • Shark fin antenna

5. Driver Assistance Features

The things that ensure drivers’ safety on the road are the safety features of the vehicle. As a base model, the Honda Accord LX is already equipped with safety features that will make every road trip accident-free.

Of course, the driver also has their part to play to ensure accidents won’t happen. The Honda Accord LX comes with the following driver safety features, which are also found in the Honda Accord EX:

Adaptive Cruise Control System

This system adjusts the car’s speed to keep a present distance between itself and the car in front.

Lane-Keep Assistance

This feature utilizes sensors to enable the vehicle to remain at the center of its lane.

Auto-High Beams

These beams keep out the worry of blinding oncoming drivers or seeing the road in dark stretches. They automatically turn on when there is low light condition and turn off when there is oncoming traffic.

Lane Departure Mitigation

Somewhat similar to the Lane-Keep-Assistance, this feature prevents the vehicle from departing from its lane.

Sign Recognition

This feature utilizes cameras and sensors to distinguish common traffic signs. The information from the traffic signs is displayed on the infotainment screen.

Rear Camera

This camera enables the driver to see what’s behind the vehicle when in reverse gear and when the car is backing up. Images caught by the rear camera are fed into the infotainment screen.

Forward Collision-Avoidance

This feature enables drivers to avoid accidents. It pumps the brakes automatically when a forward collision cannot be avoided.

All these safety features come standard with the Honda Accord EX. But aside from these features, the EX also comes with Blind-Zone Monitoring. This feature alerts the driver if there are vehicles in their blind spots to make lane changes safer.

The EX also has a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert that monitors the car’s rear to prevent collisions when backing up.

Again, Honda Accord LX vs Ex – which one is better? One major difference between the Honda Accord LX and EX is that the former is a standard base model. Meanwhile, the Honda Accord EX provides better performance, additional features, and style.

Price Difference Between the Honda Accord LX and the Honda Accord EX

You also need to consider the price difference between Honda Accord LX and EX. For its price, the Honda Accord is really an attractive vehicle. Since the EX is an upgrade of the LX, it is obvious that its price will be higher.

The Honda Accord LX Model 2020’s price starts at $24,270, while that of the Honda Accord EX begins at $28,070. As you can see, all the additional comfort, convenience, and safety features of the EX come with a price. It is several thousand dollars more expensive than the LX.

Honda Accord LX or Honda Accord EX – Which Is Better?

accord ex vs lx

There are several things that you need to consider to determine which of the two is better. For instance, if you know that the Honda Accord LX is the base model, it would be inferior to the EX since it is an LX upgrade:

1. Price

The price point of the two will also give you a clue as to which one is better. The EX is several thousands of dollars more expensive than the LX, so it should be better in terms of performance, comfort, and convenience.

2. Seat

You can also look at the details in certain areas to see which of the two is better. For instance, in the seat department, the EX offers rear seats that can be set up in a 60/40 split-folding bench. The LX does not have that capability.

In addition, the EX comes with heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors, which are very convenient during cold days and if you are always driving in cold weather conditions.

3. Comfort, Convenience, and Safety Features

However, if you are looking for a luxurious vehicle that has all the comfort, convenience, and safety features that you need without all the bells and whistles, then the Honda Accord LX will be more than enough to fit your bill.

4. High-tech Features

The Honda Accord already has some high-tech features that can satisfy the tastes of luxurious-oriented drivers. But if you want more, then there is the Honda Accord EX for you. For that matter, if you want an even more luxurious Honda car, you can go for the Honda Accord EX-L.

But with the Honda EX, you already get a moonroof, a luxury car item, and a LaneWatch that gives you a better view at the wheel.

Conclusion: Honda Accord EX vs LX

One basic difference between the Honda Accord LX and the Honda Accord EX is that the LX is the base model. At the same time, EX is a trim option that offers more features, improved performance, and added stylistic touches.

By comparing their features, performance, and styling, it appears that the Honda Accord EX is better than the Honda Accord LX. That is very obvious since the LX is the base model, while the EX is the luxury model. But when it comes to pricing, the LX is better than the EX, obviously because it is cheaper.

Now, which of the two is best really depends on you. What are you after? Are you Ok with just the standard features, or do you want more? Can you afford the EX or just the LX? Only you can answer that.

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