When you look at the Honda Civic line-up, two trims might catch your eye: the EX and LX. The main difference between the Honda Civic EX and LX is the range of features and price. While both trims offer a dependable and enjoyable ride, the EX comes with more advanced technology and conveniences.
Buying a car is a big decision, so let’s get the facts straight. The Honda Civic LX is the more economical choice, starting at a lower price point. Yet, it still includes great standard features like power-operated side mirrors and adaptive cruise control. On the other hand, the Honda Civic EX, priced a bit higher, justifies its cost with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Plus, it adds Push Button Start and Remote Engine Start, making daily commutes a breeze.
If you’re like us and enjoy those little extras, the EX seems like a smart buy. It’s not just about the extra gadgets, though—they do make life easier. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just love a bit more comfort, the EX trim might be the perfect fit.
JUMP TO TOPIC
Introduction
Looking at the Honda Civic? We’re here to help you decide between the EX and LX trim levels. 🏁
Honda Civic has been a top pick for car buyers thanks to its reliability, performance, and style. Similar in many ways, the Civic EX and LX stand out with unique features and prices.
Civic LX is the base model and most affordable. It’s perfect for those who want a dependable sedan with essential features. Civic EX is a step up, offering more amenities and a bit more luxury.
Both trims share the same platform and body style, so you’re getting the solid Civic foundation either way. 🌡️
Key points to consider:
A quick peek at price differences:
| Trim Level | Starting Price |
| Civic LX | $22,550 |
| Civic EX | $25,550 |
Price isn’t the only factor. We also look at features, engine power, and fuel efficiency. Considering these can make our decision process a bit easier. 💡
Whether you’re inclined toward the affordable LX or leaning to the feature-rich EX, our aim is to help you make an informed decision. 🚗
Performance Differences
Let’s compare engine power, torque, and the type of transmission offered in both the Honda Civic EX and LX models. These factors play a big role in overall performance 🔧.
Engine Specifications
The Honda Civic LX comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This engine is smooth and efficient, making it suitable for everyday driving.
This extra power makes the EX model more responsive, especially during acceleration. Also, the lighter, turbocharged engine offers better fuel economy. In terms of fuel efficiency, the EX shines with excellent EPA ratings.
Transmission Options
The Honda Civic LX features a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This CVT adapts to your driving style, ensuring smooth shifts and optimizing fuel economy. 🛠️ For us who prioritize a steady, fuel-efficient ride, the CVT in the LX is a solid choice.⛽
On the other hand, the EX model offers an upgraded CVT that’s tuned to handle more power from its turbocharged engine. ⚙️ This makes driving more engaging, with quicker and more precise shifts. Some trims of the EX even come with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more spirited driving experience. 🚗
Choosing between these two ultimately depends on whether we prioritize a smooth ride with good fuel efficiency or crave more power and agility.
Interior Features
The Honda Civic EX offers more luxury and tech features compared to the LX. Both trims have comfortable and well-designed interiors, but the EX adds some extras that make a notable difference.
Seating and Upholstery
In the Honda Civic EX, we find heated front seats, making cold mornings more tolerable. The EX also boasts a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury. The LX has standard cloth seats, which are comfortable but lack the plush feel of the EX’s interior.
Both trims have ample headroom and legroom, providing a comfortable ride for front and rear passengers. Power windows and air conditioning come standard in both models. Overall, if you’re after more comfort, the EX trim is the way to go.
Infotainment Systems
Starting with technology, the EX trim shines with a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. This allows us to connect our smartphones easily for navigation, music, and more. The LX features a basic audio system without these smart connectivity options.
The EX also includes HondaLink® and HandsFreeLink for seamless integration with our devices. The audio experience in the EX is enhanced with a more powerful sound system, compared to the LX’s modest four-speaker system. Features like a USB audio interface and Bluetooth® are common to both trims, ensuring connectivity options are covered.
In summary, while both trims provide good tech features, the EX offers a more advanced and luxury-oriented experience.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, both the Honda Civic EX and LX trim levels offer impressive technology and features. It’s crucial to understand the differences that might affect your decision.
Standard Safety Equipment
Both the EX and LX come equipped with essential safety features that can give you peace of mind. They include:
- Rearview camera 🚗: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle.
- Airbags 🛡️: Front, side, and curtain airbags cover vital areas.
- Stability control ⚙️: Helps maintain control during skids.
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS) 🏁: Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking.
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) 🌡️: Alerts you when tire pressure is low.
Additionally, both trims have received strong safety ratings from crash tests. These standard features ensure a basic level of safety for drivers and passengers alike.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Now, let’s talk about what sets the EX apart in terms of advanced safety tech. The EX includes features that add extra layers of protection:
- Adaptive cruise control 🛠️: Adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead.
- Lane-keeping assist 🛣️: Helps steer the car back into its lane if it starts to drift.
- Collision mitigation braking system 🚨: Automatically applies brakes to avoid a collision or reduce its impact.
- Road departure mitigation system ⛔: Detects if you’re about to leave the road without signaling.
These advanced driver assistance systems are designed to help avoid accidents and make your driving experience safer and more relaxed. The additional cost of the EX might be worth it for these extra features.
Pricing and Value
The Honda Civic EX and LX trims have clear price differences and varying costs of ownership. We’ll dive into the base prices of each trim and then look at the long-term costs such as maintenance.
Base Prices
The Honda Civic LX is the base model and starts at approximately $22,550. This trim offers solid value for its price. Meanwhile, the EX trim, which offers more features, starts at about $25,550. That’s a $3,000 increase, but it’s important to note the added benefits.
| Trim | Base Price |
| LX | $22,550 |
| EX | $25,550 |
While the price difference may seem significant, the EX offers more features, such as a better engine and advanced safety options.
Cost of Ownership
Owning a car is more than just the purchase price. We need to think about maintenance, fuel, and resale value. The EX trim usually has a slightly higher maintenance cost due to its advanced features, but it also often retains its value better.
Maintenance costs for the LX are lower, making it an attractive choice if you’re on a budget. However, given the added features and better performance in the EX, many owners find paying the extra money worthwhile.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Best Exhaust Tip for Deep Sound: Top Picks for 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Best Clear Coat for Headlights Reviewed: Top Picks for Enhanced Visibility - May 3, 2025
- Best Car Coffee Table Books for Auto Enthusiasts - May 3, 2025