Honda Accord LX vs EX: Which Trim is Right for You?

The Honda Accord saw a major redesign for 2023, but which is the right affordable trim: Honda Accord LX or EX?

We’ve been big fans of the big Honda sedan for years, and the 11th-generation model builds on its strengths of a smooth, trouble-free drive and comfy, spacious interior. Honda has wrapped this all up in new sheetmetal, keeping the four-door Accord looking fresh.

There are big changes underneath the skin, too. The 1.5-liter turbo-four continues as the base engine, but the 2.0-liter is gone. Now, the hybrid is the upgrade engine, putting out more horsepower and torque than before. In fact, it’s standard equipment on higher trims. For this trim-on-trim comparison, however, we’ll be sticking with the standard engine as we look at the two most affordable Accord trims available. Read on for the full Accord LX versus EX breakdown.

The 11th-generation Honda Accord debuted for the 2023 model year. It rides on the same, 111.4-inch (2,830-millimeter) wheelbase as before, but grows 2.7 inches (69 mm) in length for a more aero-friendly shape. The styling is an evolution of what came before, blending the last-gen model’s shield-like fascia with the more modest design language of the latest Civic. The front grille is therefore smaller, and the flanks cleaner. Honda’s removed the kink in the rear window line, too. Around back is where we see the biggest departure, with a thick, full-width taillight treatment and tucked-away exhaust tips.

As the two anchors of the Accord trim walk, there isn’t a lot to visually separate the LX and EX. They both run the same 17-inch alloy wheels; the EX’s rolling stock just features a darker paint. The only other tells are the body-colored intakes in the corner of the EX bumper (they’re black on LX), and a moonroof (unavailable on LX).

The latest Accord employs a cabin design that first debuted in the Civic, and has since spread across the entire Honda family. Think strong, simple lines emphasizing the width of the cabin, with a strip of mesh to cleverly hide the air vents. Right in the center lies a trio of knurled-metal rotary dials for climate controls. It’s a good-looking, mature layout that aligns well with where the Accord sits in the market.

Space is just about as good as you can get in a mainstream sedan these days. We’re talking 39.5 inches (1003 millimeters) of front headroom, and 37.3 (947 mm) in the back. Legroom is expansive, at 42.3 and 40.8 inch (1,074 and 1,036 mm), respectively. That’s in the LX; the EX’s moonroof shaves a full 2.0 inches (51 mm) off the front space, and a hair off the rear.

Both of these Accord trims come with Honda’s modern workhorse, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. (In fact, these are the only trims to currently use it.) The four-pot produces 192—both horsepower, and pound-feet of torque. Like the Civic and CR-V which also employ this engine, the Accord pairs it with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike nearly every other sedan in its class, the Accord is front-drive only.

That does allow for some pretty stellar fuel economy figures. Both the LX and EX achieve a healthy 32 mpg combined rating, split between 29 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. Canadian figures are 7.3, 8.1, and 6.4 L/100 km, respectively.

Being a brand-new model for 2023, the Accord features a robust lineup of active and passive safety features across the board. Both of these trims feature automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, full-range adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, auto high beams, traffic sign recognition, and dynamic guidelines for its backup camera.

There is just one difference between these two trims on the safety front. The EX can be had with blind-spot monitoring, whereas the LX cannot.

This is where the Accord LX and EX can feel a little old. Both models ship with Honda’s 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment. It’s a very basic setup, not even featuring the colored grid layout of most modern Hondas. It’s a far cry from the 12.3-inch, Android Auto-based setup that’s in higher trims, too. Say goodbye to HD Radio and Alexa integration. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, at least. Both trims offer up two USB-C ports, but no wireless charger.

On the plus side, the Accord’s 10.2-inch digital instrument panel is standard on all models, and it’s a clean, crisp setup with good customization. The EX also doubles the speaker count, from four to eight.

In America, the Accord LX kicks off the trim walk at $28,390 including destination. That’s a bit more than the Toyota Camry, but the Accord has a smoother ride, more spacious and modern interior, and a better engine. Stepping up to the EX brings that bottom line price to $30,155.

Both models have extra-cost premium paint options ($455), while the EX can include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert for an additional $550.

Canadians don’t have a choice: the LX isn’t available up North, so the $38,830 CAD Accord EX anchors the lineup there.

With less than two grand separating the options in our Honda Accord LX versus EX comparison, it’s a close call.

The LX is the value play, no doubt. But then again, at that price, so are other sedans entirely, which all pack in more features for your buck. The Accord’s drivetrain and ride are super-smooth, encroaching on the premium segment, however.

If you have your heart set on a non-hybrid Accord, however, we’d suggest ponying up the extra scratch for the EX. This goes double if you live in a colder climate, where those heated, powered seats are clutch.

Our preferred flavor of 11th-generation Accord is still the hybrid, though.

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