Is My Honda CRV An EX or LX? – What’s the Difference?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The LX is the base trim level and comes with features such as a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a five-speed manual transmission, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, keyless entry, and a CD player. The EX adds more features such as an upgraded audio system with satellite radio capability, 17” alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and dual zone climate control. The EX-L adds leather upholstery as well as a power moonroof and heated front seats. The top of the line Touring trim adds navigation and a rearview camera. To determine which trim level your Honda CR-V is equipped with you can check the vehicle identification number (VIN) or look for the trim designation badge located on the rear of the vehicle.

Automobile

The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV that has been in production since 1995. It has evolved over time, offering more features and better performance with each new model. But which model do you have – the LX or the EX? Let’s explore the history, features, and models of the Honda CR-V to help you decide if your Honda CR-V is an EX or LX.

History

The Honda CR-V was first introduced to the North American market in 1995 as a four-door compact SUV. It was designed to be a practical and affordable family vehicle with plenty of cargo space. The original model was only available in two trim levels – the LX and EX – with each level offering different features and performance options. Over the years, Honda has continued to update the CR-V, adding more powerful engines, improved safety features, and modern technology such as Bluetooth connectivity and touch screen infotainment systems.

Features

The LX trim level of the Honda CR-V offers basic features such as power windows and locks, air conditioning, cruise control, and a CD player. The EX trim level adds additional features such as alloy wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, heated seats, leather upholstery, an upgraded audio system with satellite radio capability, navigation system with voice commands, and advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Models

The LX model of the Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft of torque. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway for models equipped with the CVT transmission.

The EX model of the Honda CR-V is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft of torque. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway for models equipped with the CVT transmission.

So if you’re wondering whether your Honda CR-V is an LX or an EX model, consider its features and performance specs to determine which one you have!

Engine and Performance

The Honda CR-V is available in either an EX or LX trim level. The EX is powered by a 2.4 liter I4 engine that produces 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the LX is equipped with a 1.5 liter turbocharged I4 that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and feature front wheel drive as standard, with all wheel drive available as an option on both trims. In terms of performance, the EX has better fuel economy ratings, with 26 MPG city/32 MPG highway/28 MPG combined compared to the LX’s 25 MPG city/31 MPG highway/27 MPG combined.

Towing Capacity

The Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs for both the EX and LX trims. This makes it more than capable of handling small camping trailers, boats or recreational vehicles. Additionally, both trims offer a wide variety of other features that make towing easier such as trailer sway control, hill start assist and trailer brake control.

Safety Ratings

The Honda CR-V has earned high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of five stars out of five stars, while the IIHS gave it an overall rating of Good+. Both trims come standard with a full suite of safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation braking system and adaptive cruise control.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Honda CR-V offers excellent handling thanks to its well-balanced suspension system which provides great grip even in challenging conditions. Additionally, its ride quality is very smooth even when driving over rough terrain or bumpy roads due to its well-tuned dampers which absorb much of the shock from bumps. Furthermore, both trims come standard with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) which helps reduce skidding during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.

Honda CR-V Interior Features

The interior of the Honda CR-V is well appointed for comfort and convenience regardless of trim level chosen. The EX has seating for up to five passengers in its two rows while the LX offers seating for up to seven passengers in its three rows configuration; both offer plenty of headroom and legroom for all occupants regardless of size. When it comes to entertainment technology, both models come standard with Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ connectivity as well as Bluetooth® streaming audio; they also offer available features such as navigation systems, satellite radio and more depending on trim level chosen.

FAQ & Answers

Q: Is my Honda CR-V an EX or LX model?
A: The Honda CR-V is available in both EX and LX models. The EX model offers more advanced features, including a power panoramic moonroof, leather-trimmed seating, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. The LX model offers a more basic package with features such as a 5-inch color LCD screen, 17” alloy wheels, and an adjustable cargo shelf.

Q: What is the engine performance of the Honda CR-V?
A: The Honda CR-V comes standard with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual transmission, depending on the trim level.

Q: What is the fuel efficiency of the Honda CR-V?
A: The Honda CR-V has an EPA rating of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for models equipped with a CVT transmission. For models equipped with manual transmissions, the rating drops to 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

Q: What is the towing capacity of the Honda CR-V?
A: The Honda CR-V is not rated for towing and should not be used for hauling heavy loads.

Q: What are some of the safety features available on the Honda CR-V?
A: The Honda CR-V comes standard with several advanced safety features such as a rearview camera system, vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Optional safety features include lane departure warning (LDW), forward collision warning (FCW), road departure mitigation system (RDMS), and adaptive cruise control (ACC).

In conclusion, the Honda CR-V is available in both LX and EX trims, so the model you have depends on which trim you purchased. The EX trim offers more features, such as a sunroof, heated seats, and a power liftgate, while the LX trim is more basic. Both trims offer great value and excellent reliability for any driver.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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