Choosing between the mid-tier trims can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when analyzing the mechanical and technological value of the honda crv ex vs exl. Here at Vroomdan, we break down these complex details so you do not waste thousands of dollars at the dealership on features you do not need. Before we dissect every single bolt, premium audio feature, and mechanical specification, you must understand that your key fob holds a massive secret that could save you from being stranded in an emergency.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Deep analytical breakdown of standard specifications, pricing structures, and cabin upgrades.
- Detailed comparisons of high-tech features and safety suites across both trims.
- Expert mechanical advice on engines, transmissions, and used vehicle viability.
- DIY guides and diagnostic strategies to avoid expensive dealership fees.
Honda CRV EX vs EXL Trim Comparison Specs and Pricing
The battle between the EX and EXL trims has defined the crossover market for generations.
When you step onto the dealership lot, sales representatives will try to pressure you into the more expensive model.
However, understanding the actual mechanical and electronic difference between ex and exl crv models will save you from spending hard-earned money on upgrades you might never use.
Let us start with the core pricing differences and specifications.
The EX serves as the well-equipped baseline for mid-tier buyers, whereas the EX-L stands for luxury and commands a retail premium of roughly $3,000 depending on the model year.
Historically, both models run on the same robust 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
This powertrain is mated to a highly efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels via Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Whether you are comparing the entry levels via our honda crv lx vs ex guide, comparing upmarket trims with our honda crv exl vs touring guide, or exploring the general honda crv trim comparison, analyzing the specific model years is critical.
You can find precise yearly breakdowns in our 2025 honda crv ex vs exl specs, 2024 honda crv ex vs exl specs, 2023 honda crv ex vs exl specs, 2022 honda crv ex vs exl specs, and 2021 honda crv ex vs exl specs manuals.
To help you visual these differences quickly, we compiled a standard comparison table below:
| Feature / Spec | EX Trim | EXL Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Material | Premium Cloth Seating | Leather-Trimmed Upholstery |
| Infotainment Screen | 7-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Smartphone Integration | Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Power Tailgate | Manual Liftgate | Power Tailgate with Height Control |
| Audio System | 240-Watt (6 Speakers) | 320-Watt (8 Speakers) |
| Parking Sensors | Rear Camera Only | Body-Colored Front/Rear Sensors |
| Wireless Charging | Not Available | Standard 15W Qi-Compatible |
Many buyers get caught up in dealership marketing and overlook what makes their daily commute actually comfortable.
The EX trim offers exceptional value if you prefer physical physical knobs and easily replaceable cloth seats.
Cloth material remains highly resilient in freezing winters and scorching summers compared to leather.
However, if you struggle with annoying, tangled USB cables dangling from your dashboard, the EXL resolves this headache instantly with its wireless phone charging pad and wireless software integration.
Unlocking Key Differences: EX and EXL CRV Specs and Audio Diagnostics
When you closely examine the ex and exl crv specs, the audio and infotainment upgrades on the EXL become a major talking point.
The EXL’s upgraded 9-inch screen is not just larger; it features an entirely different physical hardware platform with double the processing speed of the EX’s 7-inch display.
This upgrade includes a dedicated physical volume knob but removes standard physical tuning buttons, which some owners find mildly frustrating.
A common complaint among CR-V owners is the sudden freezing of the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface during navigation.
Instead of suffering through a stressful, chaotic drive or paying a dealer a diagnostic fee, you can execute a quick DIY hard reset on your display.
According to the Honda service manual, you can reboot the 9-inch system by pressing and holding the audio system Power button for roughly ten seconds until the system prompts you to reboot.
Another massive physical difference is the programmable power tailgate on the EXL.
This system utilizes a motor-driven spindle assembly located inside the rear liftgate struts.
If your tailgate ever stops responding or closes halfway, it is often a simple electronic calibration issue rather than a mechanical failure.
You can manually calibrate the maximum opening height by pulling the tailgate to your preferred height, then holding the tailgate button on the inner lid until you hear two distinct system beeps.
This simple trick prevents the tailgate from hitting low garage ceilings and preserves the electronic motor from premature wear.
When looking at the overall cabin experience of the honda crv exl compared to ex, the extra insulation and auto-dimming rearview mirror also make a subtle difference on long night drives.
Used Honda CRV EX vs EXL: Which Generations Hold Value Better?
If you are browsing the pre-owned market, evaluating a used honda crv ex vs exl requires a completely different analytical approach.
Older model years from the fifth generation (2017–2022) are highly sought after by family SUV owners.
However, the 1.5L Earth Dreams turbo engine (engine code L15B7) in these model years is prone to oil dilution issues in cold climates.
This occurs when unburnt fuel seeps past the piston rings into the engine oil crankcase.
When buying a used vehicle, pull the dipstick and smell the oil for a strong fuel aroma.
If you detect fuel, the previous owner likely ignored routine oil changes, which leads to severe premature engine wear.
The EXL trim typically commands a premium of $1,500 to $2,500 on the used market.
While the leather seats in a used EXL look premium, they require consistent leather conditioning to avoid cracking.
If you neglect this basic maintenance, the driver’s side bolster will tear, destroying the resale value of the SUV.
Furthermore, the EXL contains extra electronic modules like memory seat controllers and power mirror tilt motors.
These extra modules represent more potential failure points as the vehicle ages past 100,000 miles.
Conversely, the simpler cloth interior of a used EX remains incredibly easy to clean and maintain using basic carpet extraction tools.
Evaluating a standard crv ex vs exl on the secondary market comes down to verifying the service history rather than just chasing luxury features.
Preventative Maintenance and Cost-Saving DIY Strategies for EX and EXL Trims
Maintaining either trim does not require deep pockets if you are willing to spend thirty minutes in your driveway.
Both the EX and EXL utilize identical engine air filters and cabin dust filters.
Dealerships routinely charge outrageous diagnostic and service fees just to swap these simple filters during your scheduled maintenance visits.
You can purchase high-quality Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket filters online for less than $20 and replace them yourself in under five minutes.
The cabin filter is conveniently located directly behind the glovebox assembly.
Simply lower the glovebox damper arm, squeeze the outer tabs of the glovebox inwards, and slide the old filter tray out.
Be sure to note the airflow direction arrow on the side of the filter before inserting the fresh unit.
For the key fobs, both trims utilize standard CR2032 button cell batteries.
When your key fob battery begins to fail, the instrument cluster will display a low key power warning message.
You can slide the physical metal key out of the fob body, insert it into the center slot of the transmitter, and gently twist to split the plastic casing.
Pop the old battery out, install the new CR2032 with the positive side facing up, and snap the casing back together.
By doing these simple tasks at home, you keep your maintenance costs extremely low while getting to know your vehicle’s mechanical components.
Avoiding Costly DIY Mistakes During CR-V Upgrades
Many enthusiastic owners make expensive mistakes when attempting to upgrade their vehicles.
A very common mistake when working on the EX or EXL is hardwiring a dashcam directly into the fuse box.
If you tap into the wrong fuse slot, you can easily drain your vehicle battery overnight or trigger a dynamic sensor error in the safety suite.
Always use a dedicated fuse tap and reference the cabin fuse diagram to find an accessory-switched power source.
Another frequent mistake occurs during interior cleaning or modification.
Using harsh solvent-based cleaners on the EXL’s leather-trimmed seats will strip away the protective clear coating.
This causes the leather to dry out and split prematurely.
Instead, always use a dedicated, pH-neutral leather cleaner and a soft microfiber towel.
Lastly, never attempt to service your CVT transmission fluid with generic automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Honda CVT systems require highly specialized Honda HCF-2 fluid to maintain proper belt friction.
Using the wrong fluid will result in catastrophic transmission slipping and void your factory warranty instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the cloth seats in an EX to leather later?
Yes, you can install aftermarket leather covers from reputable brands like Katzkin.
This process typically costs around $1,500 to $2,000, which is often cheaper than upgrading to the EXL trim from the factory.
Is the AWD system different between the EX and EXL?
No, both trims share the exact same Honda Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.
The mechanical rear differential and electronic hydraulic pump work identically on both trims.
How do I reset my Walk Away Auto Lock feature?
You can access this setting through your infotainment screen under Vehicle Settings.
Go to Keyless Access Setup, select Walk Away Auto Lock, and switch the toggle to ON.
Does the EXL trim have a better resale value?
While the EXL retains slightly more absolute dollar value, both trims depreciate at very similar percentage rates.
The EX actually offers a slightly better return on investment because you pay less upfront depreciation costs.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Selecting between these popular trims ultimately depends on your lifestyle and desire for daily cabin conveniences.
Whether you choose the value-packed EX or the premium tech of the EXL, Team Vroomdan is here to help you protect your investment.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV?
Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.
Disclaimer: Always consult your official Honda Owner’s Manual before performing any DIY modifications. Information provided is for educational purposes and depends on specific vehicle model years, trim levels, and individual modifications.