2026 Honda CR-V EX vs. EX-L: What’s The Difference?

Choosing the right CR-V trim can be a challenge, especially when deciding between the EX and EX-L, which share many similarities but also key differences that set them apart.

When I was in the market for a Honda CR-V a few years ago, I spent a lot of time comparing the different trims by poring over spec sheets, reading reviews, and watching video comparisons.

Given that my budget wasn’t enough for the higher-end trims, and I didn’t really need all the extra features they offered, I narrowed my search down to the EX and EX-L.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the differences and similarities between these two trims, covering aspects like pricing, design, features, and more.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which trim is the best fit for your needs and preferences.

Key Differences

Before discussing the specifics of each feature, let’s first provide a quick overview of the key differences between the CR-V EX and EX-L.

Features	EX	EX-L
Pricing (as of 2026)	$33,150	$35,400
Seats	Fabric-trimmed Seat	Leather-Trimmed Seat
Power Tail Gate	Traditional	Power Tailgate with Programmable Height
Auto Power Windows	Front Row Windows	Front & 2nd-Row Windows
Steering Wheel	Traditional	Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Shift Knob	Traditional	Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
Audio Systems	240-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers	320-Watt Audio System with 8 Speakers

Exterior

Let’s begin by exploring the exterior similarities between the two trims.

Similarities

Visually, I can confidently say there is no noticeable difference between the EX and EX-L, they are identical from the ground up.

Both trims come with the same 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels, identical headlights, rear privacy glass, and they even share the same paint color options.

For a detailed look at their similarities, check out the list below.

Both the EX and EX-L include these exterior features:

• 18 in Silver-Painted Alloys
• 8 color options: Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Solar Silver Metallic, Meteorite Gray Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, Still Night Pearl
• LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off
• LED Taillights
• Active Shutter Grille
• Hood Damper
• Body-Colored Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna
• Reverse-Linked Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer with Heated Wiper Zone
• Body-Colored Door Handles
• Security System
• Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
• Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• Power Side Mirrors with Integrated LED Turn Indicators
• Rear Privacy Glass

In addition to the features mentioned, both trims share nearly identical dimensions, as detailed below:

• Wheelbase: 106.3 in
• Overall Length/Width: 184.8 in / 73.5 in
• Height (2WD/AWD): 66.2 in / 66.5 in
• Track (Front/Rear) (2WD): 63.4 in / 64.1 in
• Track (Front/Rear) (AWD): 63.3 in / 63.9 in
• Ground Clearance (2WD/AWD): 7.8 in / 8.2 in

Differences

Since the CR-V EX and EX-L are visually identical, it’s challenging to distinguish between them based on appearance alone. However, there are slight differences in features and specifications.

One notable difference is that the EX-L includes a Power Tailgate with Programmable Height, a feature absent in the EX. This programmable function allows for safer tailgate use in tight spaces, such as garages with low ceilings.

In addition, the two trims differ slightly in terms of curb weight and weight distribution. Here are the details:

Specs	EX	EX-L
Curb Weight (2WD/AWD)	3,497 lbs / 3,616 lbs	3,525 lbs / 3,635 lbs
Weight Distribution (front/rear, 2WD)	59% / 41%	58% / 42%

While the EX-L is slightly heavier due to the power tailgate motors and leather upholstery, the difference in fuel efficiency and handling is negligible in real-world driving.

Interior

The interiors of the CR-V EX and EX-L share many similarities.

Similarities

• Exact interior dimensions (Same cargo volume, headroom, legroom, hip room, passenger volume)
• Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors
• Reclining, Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
• Head Restraints at all Seating Positions
• Heated Front Seats
• Multi-Functional Center Console Storage with Armrest
• Sliding Sunvisors
• Beverage Holders (front & rear)
• Lockable Glove Compartment
• Door-Pocket Storage Bins
• LED Map Lights
• Rear-Seat Center Armrest
• Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
• Rear-Window Defroster
• LED Cargo Area Lights
• Push Button Start
• Ambient Lighting
• Illuminated Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Vanity Mirrors

These interior features are fairly standard across the auto industry, so it’s no surprise that both models share them.

Differences

The most noticeable difference between the two trims is the seating material. The CR-V EX-L has leather seats, while the EX features fabric upholstery. Both are available in Black and Grey.

Based on my years of testing SUVs in humid climates, leather in the EX-L is easier to wipe down after a family trip, but the EX’s fabric stays much cooler if you park under the sun.

Additionally, the EX-L includes a 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature not found in the EX trim.

Both models offer a driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment, including 2-way power lumbar support. However, the EX-L stands out with its two-position memory function, allowing drivers to save and easily switch between preferred seating positions.

Beyond these seating differences, there are several other distinctions, which are highlighted in the chart below.

Features	EX	EX-L
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror	NA	standard
Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob	NA	standard
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel	NA	standard
Auto-Up/Down Power Windows	Front Row Windows	Front & 2nd-Row Windows

Safety & Driving Assist

Today’s CR-V model offers a range of technology, safety features, and driver assistance systems to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. When it comes to safety and driver assistance, the EX and EX-L are essentially identical.

Similarities

Both trims come equipped with Honda Sensing® Driver-Assistive features, which include technologies such as:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Driver Attention Monitor

The Honda CR-V Ex and EX-L are also both equipped with Driver-Assistive Technologies such as:

• Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Auto High-Beam Headlights
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR)

Additionally, both trims share the same active and passive safety features, which include:

Active Safety Features

• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Passive Safety Features

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
• Driver’s & Front Passenger’s Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver’s & Front Passenger’s Knee Airbags (SRS)
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Front Side Airbags
• Rear Outboard Passengers’ Side Airbags
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• 3-Point Seat Belts
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts w/ Automatic Tensioning System
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Seat-Belt Reminder
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks

Differences

Only two features set the EX and EX-L apart in terms of safety and driver assistance. The CR-V EX-L includes front and rear parking sensors, as well as low-speed braking control, both of which are absent on the EX trim.

Audio & Connectivity

The 2026 Honda CR-V is one of the best-equipped CR-Vs ever; Honda has been generous in including a wide range of standard features across all trim levels.

This includes the EX and EX-L, which now share many similarities in Audio & Connectivity.

Similarities

Both trims are equipped with today’s standard features, including:

• 9-Inch Color Touch-Screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay®* Compatibility
• Wireless Android Auto™* Compatibility
• HondaLink
• Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
• 2.5-Amp USB Smartphone/Audio Interface
• 12-Volt Power Outlet (front console & cargo area)
• 3.0-Amp USB-C Charging Port
• Wireless Phone Charger

Differences

The differences between the two are so subtle in this 2026 model. There are essentially only two major differences in terms of audio and connectivity.

Features	EX	EX-L
Instrument Cluster	7-Inch TFT Meter Display	10.2-in Digital Instrument Cluster
Audio System	240-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers	320-Watt Audio System with 8 Speakers

As you can see in the chart above, the only difference between the two lies in the speaker configuration and the type of instrument cluster.

The EX still uses an old-school 7-inch speedometer display, while the EX-L features a more modern 10.2-inch digital display.

For music lovers, the EX-L offers a better audio system with 8 speakers, delivering a total output of 320 watts. Meanwhile, the EX only has 6 speakers with 240 watts.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the CR-V EX and EX-L share the exact same specifications. Here are some key specs to familiarize yourself with.

• Engine: In-Line 4-cylinder with Turbocharger
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (Standard) All-wheel Drive Optional (+$1,500)
• Power: 190 Horsepower & 179 lb-ft
• 2WD EPA Mileage (City/Highway/Combined): 28 / 34 / 30
• 4WD EPA Mileage (City/Highway/Combined): 26 / 31 / 28
• Drive Mode: ECON/Normal/Snow
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0 gal
• Required Fuel: Regular Unleaded
• Remote Engine Start with Climate Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer

Price and Value

Next, the price of the 2026 Honda CR-V is a key factor to consider after evaluating the differences between the two trims. Comparing their pricing is the best way to determine if the higher trim is worth the cost.

Here’s what you’re looking at with either model:

• EX MSRP: $33,150
• EX-L MSRP: $35,400

Pro tip: Maintenance & Longevity
From a long-term ownership perspective, the EX-L’s leather is more durable against spills, making it a good choice if you have kids. On the other hand, the EX’s fabric doesn’t suffer from “leather cracking” as the vehicle ages. Additionally, the parking sensors on the EX-L significantly impact resale value, since for some people, these sensors are quite helpful when parking in tight spaces.

Which Should You Buy?

As we can all see, with a price difference of $2,250, the upgrades offered by the EX-L aren’t especially significant.

The updates Honda made to the 2026 model year have further narrowed the gap between the EX and EX-L. What does that mean?

It means the EX is now an even better value than before. For an extra $2,250, all the EX-L offers is leather upholstery and a louder audio system. Other than that, there are virtually no noticeable differences in features.

So, if you really value leather seats, then your only choice is the EX-L, but if cloth seats are sufficient, the Honda CR-V EX is the better value-for-money option.

If I had to choose one, my pick would be the EX, with more than $2,000 left over. I’d use that to have the seats reupholstered with better-quality leather.

So, which one will you choose, the Honda CR-V EX or EX-L? Let me know your decision in the comments!