Honda Pilot EX vs LX

1. Overview

- Honda Pilot is produced by Honda since 2002 and its success in winning potential buyers' evaluation brings it into the new edition of Honda Pilot 2011. Although not much has changed from its predecessor, the new improvements and changes made are expected to increase its glory. The new 2011 Honda Pilot is powered by the latest generation of Honda's 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine, which can provide big power of 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. With this powerful engine, the Honda Pilot can more easily reach the required speed. A 5-speed automatic transmission and Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation technology further improve the overall efficiency of the Pilot by using only 3 cylinders when V-6 power is not required, and provide superior acceleration performance compared to a 6-cylinder operation system. - The Honda Pilot's tough and strong SUV appearance is made even stronger with a refreshing update to the front grille and lights. To read more about the latest models, click here. Changes are also made to the front and rear lights, using double wans large. The feature of Daytime Running Lights (DRL), in line with the premium class, makes the vehicle more easily visible in all daylight conditions. To enhance the equipment and add more value, the Honda Pilot is now available in the EX and LX versions. Now, there are more options for those who want to purchase a Pilot. But to select the right one, it can be confusing if we do not know and understand the difference between these two types of Honda Pilot. So, this article may be useful for those who want to choose a Honda Pilot that matches their desires. - The Honda Pilot EX comes with more complete features and advanced capabilities. This is reflected in the tires, which use alloy wheels. The styles and sizes vary and are elegant. In addition to the exterior, fog lights are added to make it easier to see in dark streets or foggy conditions. Stepping into the interior, there is a nice change. The Honda Pilot EX has a power driver seat, making it easier to adjust and set the seat position with just the press of a button. This edition also features Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, so you don't have to bother adjusting the air circulation in the cabin. Another feature that you'll like more and more in this Honda Pilot EX is the audio player. The model is richer with a 2GB CD Library, which is an internal memory to store sound files. In addition, it is more complete with Bluetooth audio streaming, so you can play songs from your mobile phone. Moving to the back, you'll find a Rear Entertainment System with DVD and a 115 Volt Power Outlet. Integrated Rear-Seat Audio Controls help pamper your passengers, and passengers also get the luxury of a power passenger seat.

1.1. Honda Pilot EX

Another reason to choose the EX over the LX is that the EX is available with a RES (rear seat entertainment) system and Navi. A RES system is the ultimate solution to long road trips. With a 9-inch display and integrated DVD player located in the overhead console, movies or video games can be played with wireless or wired headphones. The Navi system will provide a comprehensive map database to help you find your way to your desired location. Both of these systems can be very useful and are available at a reasonable price. (Zhang et al.2020)(Zhang et al.2023)

"Grade Logic Control" is an innovative feature that benefits Pilot drivers no matter what type of driving they do. Whether climbing hills, going up the driveway at home, or accelerating on the freeway, Grade Logic always chooses the best gear, making the Pilot driving experience that much more comfortable and safe. This feature is standard in all Pilot models. Box-in-Frame design is another innovative safety feature for the Pilot. In the event of a collision, this design directs impact energy around the passenger compartment, rather than through it. Although the end result is similar to a unit body design, the Pilot's frame design offers the strength and safety necessary for towing and off-road needs. Box-In-Frame increases Pilot's structure-borne road noise and vibration by 20%.

Honda Pilot EX offers a forward-thinking approach to the modern SUV. It is built with numerous innovative features such as Box-In-Frame design, VCM, and a Grade Logic Control that the LX trim doesn't offer. EX is also available with RES and Navi, which could be very useful for larger families. With these offered features, it is safe to say that the EX is more advanced than the LX trim.

1.2. Honda Pilot LX

Notable optional upgrades on the LX include a 7-speaker 6-disc audio system that has XM Satellite Radio and MP3/WMA playback capabilities, and a rearview camera that displays to the right of the vehicle in the interior rearview mirror. The rearview camera's display is engaged when the vehicle is in Reverse, and has a better field of vision than the 2010 models. While the audio system upgrade is standard on an EX trim, the LX receives it as an optional upgrade and its base model audio system is identical to the EX. (Nicoletti et al.2021)(Stolle et al., 2021)

Other integrated base model features in the Pilot LX include power windows with a front auto-up/down feature, power door and tailgate locks, remote entry, an 8-way power driver's seat, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. Dual front airbags as well as head and front side airbags are also standard across all trims.

Honda Pilot LX is the lower trim level of Honda Pilot EX. The powertrain comes standard with Honda's Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The LX includes an integrated trailer hitch, upgraded steel wheels, and a hardwired socket to the vehicle's ignition. Another notable improvement across trims was an improvement on the transmission with a 5-speed automatic that condenses the computer's reaction time to be "only 17 milliseconds."

2. Differences

The interior differences have been a large selling point for the Pilot from the LX to the EX. The LX keeps the standard features with remote entry, an 8-passenger 4 speaker configuration, and air conditioning with air filtration. Simple things like steering wheel mounted audio controls, and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat have made the EX a desirable choice. More so, the EX has a tri-zone automatic climate control system and an integrated second-row sunshades. As an owner of an EX model, I have seen these little things make long road trips more enjoyable without kids, and is a good way to get you to move up from the LX.

The different features that are found in the LX and the EX of the Honda Pilot will be determined. The two models are built on the same functional platform, so the differences come in the form of features and added technology. The subjective judgment of whether the improvements are worth the money are up to the buyer, so we will lay out the differences. Starting with the exterior, the LX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels while the EX has 18-inch alloy wheels. A potential big difference maker will be for those in colder climates or those that occasionally venture off road. The LX only comes equipped with 2WD, while the EX has the option for 4WD.

2.1. Exterior Features

Roof Rails For those who frequently use roof racks, the EX model comes with standard roof rails. This is a pretty essential feature since it gives the owner of the car the ability to easily attach roof racks for storage or a cargo tray to increase carrying capacity. One downside to this is that the roof rails create more wind noise when driving at high speeds. Overall, the biggest aesthetic change comes from the wheels on the EX model since it's a pretty significant change from 16-inch alloy wheels to 18-inch alloy wheels. The other changes are only small but still make a difference to the overall appearance of the car.

Wheels The EX model comes with larger, 10-spoke alloy wheels as opposed to the LX model's 5-spoke 16-inch steel wheels. The alloy wheels should provide better grip and handling, but the downside is they are lighter and more prone to damage.

Front grille The Pilot LX comes with a standard 3-bar chrome-plated grille. The EX model comes with a 6-bar front grille painted the same color as the body of the car, which adds quite a bit of style to the car.

2.2. Interior Features

Unquestionably, when we are discussing the differences the car has, we should be able to take a deeper look into their interior features. The cargo area in the EX is slightly wider than the LX. The LX model has a removable package shelf which is not available in the EX model. The EX and EX-L models come with a standard six-disc audio system with six speakers, compared to the LX's four-speaker CD player. All models are equipped with air conditioning and rear seat heating ducts. EX and EX-L models have an automatic system with tri-zone climate controls where the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers each have their own settings. The LX has manual air conditioning with air filtration. The LX and EX have standard power windows and locks and a tilt and telescoping steering column. This is where the features start to differ between the LX, EX, and EX-L models. The LX and EX have standard cloth seats, where the EX-L has leather seats. The LX has a standard 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, where the EX has a 10-way adjustable driver's seat. Both the LX and EX have standard 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat. The LX has a black wood grain decorative on the front doors and the center console. The LX has a standard overhead console with storage compartments and conversation mirror. The EX adds a security system with remote entry and a HomeLink transmitter while the EX-L adds a retractable front tray. All models offer a 60/40 split folding second-row bench and a flat folding third-row bench. The LX comes with a standard integrated class II towing hitch and the EX has a rearview mirror-mounted camera with display integrated into the mirror. The EX-L also comes with an automatic dimming rearview mirror. Both EX and LX are offering comfortable seating and spacious cargo. But the EX and LX pretty much have similar reasons to buy. The only reason to get an EX instead of an LX is that you need an 8-passenger capacity and it can only be achieved by purchasing the EX. If you only need a 7-passenger capacity, the reason to buy an LX far outweighs the EX. The EX-L model has several standard features the LX and EX do not have and is good for someone who does not necessarily need all the features of the EX-L RES or EX-L Navi and is looking for a good value. The only reason to choose an EX-L RES over an EX-L Navi is a $1500 price difference and the standard features are relatively the same. This should provide sound information for anyone torn between which model they should purchase.

2.3. Performance

Where Honda Pilot LX separates itself from the EX is in the available drivelines. By upgrading to the Pilot EX, you will be able to get power to all four wheels by adding either the VTM-4 AWD system. The VTM-4 system is unique in that it has the ability to lock the rear differential, maximizing the torque sent to the rear wheels. This comes in handy in adverse driving conditions or when stuck in particularly nasty terrain where even a 4WD would slip. The VTM-4 system is activated by a switch on the dashboard and when engaged, will transfer more power to the rear and engage the rear differential lock. In the event that the Pilot EX is used for especially tough conditions, Honda offers a fully active AWD system which can transfer different levels of power to any wheel at any given time and is a big advantage in hard cornering. Both the EX and the LX have the same powerful 250-HP V-6 engine. With this engine, the Pilot can provide a towing capacity of 4500 pounds and still maintain above-average fuel efficiency in its class. All Pilots come with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic. Grade Logic is a feature that can sense the gradient of a hill whether you are accelerating or decelerating and will hold the transmission in a lower gear if necessary to provide better climbing power or engine braking. The EX and LX also share the same fully independent suspension. The independent suspension paired with the unibody frame construction gives the Pilot one of the car-like rides in its class and also provides more precise handling and a wider cargo area.

2.4. Technology

The LX and EX have various capabilities in terms of navigation and entertainment. The LX has provision for an aftermarket GPS unit to be located on the console, which can be plugged into the 12-volt power outlet. Or, for a more expensive price, built-in GPS can be installed. However, this is already built into the EX's 8-inch display. The voice recognition and rearview camera that the LX has available in its "RES" model is integrated into the EX's 8-inch display. All models are equipped with a compass and tri-zone climate control, available as rear entertainment sources. The EX again has the advantage with its ability for intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with rearview camera and guidelines. This is certainly easier to navigate than the LX's i-MID.

The audio systems between the two models are quite different. The LX has a 229-watt audio system with seven speakers, which isn't bad, but the EX has a 250-watt audio system with seven speakers and a subwoofer. While both systems have AM/FM radio, CD player, and MP3/WMA playback, all audio sources, the EX's audio touch screen is easier to use and has higher audio sound quality.

The 2015 Honda Pilot LX and EX are similar in appearance and features, but when it comes to technology, the EX has quite a bit more. The EX has an 8-inch color multi-information display, which makes items such as your music selection easier to find and change, with it being higher on the dash than the LX's 2-inch information screen. Both models are equipped with Bluetooth audio, but the LX only has the hands-free capability, while the EX has more features for the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink with streaming audio. The LX does not have an HDMI port, which comes in all EX models. This port can be used to plug in any compatible media device to show up on the display screen (certain apps and web browsing not supported).

3. Pricing and Options

$27,465. LX: $24,440. An EX Pilot costs $3025 more than the LX. On average, dealer mark up is about 6% and dealer profit about 20%. If we assume that neither the buyer nor the dealer is stupid, Honda will price the models such that in the long run, with depreciation and resale value taken into consideration, they still make more money off of the EX than the LX. Combining this information with the fact that the gross profit of every car decreases with options (since Honda sells factory options at dealer cost, meaning that the gross profit of a car with $1000 in factory options is about $100 less than the same car with $2000 in options), it is reasonable to assume that Honda is undervaluing the EX and overvaluing the LX, to entice customers to buy the cheaper LX, and hopefully purchase more options. This fact should be taken into consideration when buyers decide which model to purchase. High demand added to the fact that a customer can simply purchase leather aftermarket (Edmunds lists the cost of installing leather at $1100-$1300), makes leather a better investment for an EX buyer, who will lose out less on depreciation than if he bought leather from Honda. Due to the fact that Honda has too many reasons to make the LX worth owning, an EX is really only worth buying for someone who would prefer a base model. Finally, it should be noted that Honda's pricing of the 2WD EX and the 4WD EX is the same. This is important in that it creates a smaller price difference between the 2WD and 4WD models, making it more likely that someone would just go ahead and purchase the 4WD, even if he might have otherwise just bought the 2WD model.

3.1. Price Comparison

The EX features a security system and body-colored side mirrors and door handles that add both style and long-term resale value to the vehicle. Both features are lacking on the LX model. The most significant difference in standard equipment comes with the EX's inclusion of the Honda Lanewatch and the 8" intelligent Multi-Information Display. Lanewatch is a valuable new safety feature that is not offered on the LX model. The i-MID replaces the LX's standard 5" LCD screen and has the capability to display much more information to the driver and is also a control center for the vehicle's audio and phone systems. Many other standard equipment items are consistent across both models. However, the features stated above mean that the EX is a compelling choice considering the relatively small price premium over the LX.

At base level, the EX is equipped with 18" alloy wheels compared to the LX's 17" steel wheels with covers. EX wheels can be seen as both aesthetically more pleasing and beneficial to handling performance due to the wider tires that can be fitted onto them. The LX has projector beam headlights compared to the EX's auto on/off headlights. Again, the EX headlights are more an advancement in convenience and ease of use rather than an outright performance enhancement. The LX's front seats are 6-way adjustable compared to the EX's 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. This is a big advantage in terms of driver comfort and the ability to adjust seating position for an optimal driving experience. Both models have 60/40 split second and third-row seats; however, the EX's seats are superior in terms of functionality and ease of use due to the one-touch fold-down levers in comparison to the LX's seat folding process.

The LX and EX differ in terms of standard equipment, with the LX being the more price-oriented model. At the time this review was written, the LX was priced at $27,095 and the EX at $29,345. This $2,250 price increase is compensated for by the larger standard equipment included on the EX model. Both models are available in 2WD and 4WD, and the price difference is consistent across both drivetrain options.

3.2. Available Options

The 2022 Honda Pilot available options show a clear understanding of the demographic that Honda expects to see purchase their vehicle. By offering enhanced safety features in the VSA, Honda has warranted that the millions of individuals concerned with safety for their family need not compromise on a vehicle safety feature for a child's college safety fund. The EX-L RES and Honda Pilot Touring models are aimed at adults and parents who wish to continue an outdoor or health-conscious lifestyle. With an increased personal purchase threshold, individuals in this category seek a comfortable and functional outdoor vacation vehicle for camping trips, cycling events, triathlons, and little league sports teams. Throughout the history of Honda, senior management has been regarded as a group of intelligent individuals who maintain a deep understanding of market activity, and the Honda Pilot available options are a pure reflection of that.

Automatic climate controls are significantly safer with the current world situation and can greatly affect the health of a child or adult with increased susceptibility to allergens alike. With many individuals desiring a new SUV for the purpose it serves as a people mover, stepping stone to increased outdoor activities, and the safety and health of a growing family, the ability to block out the harsh cold of winter and sweltering heat of summer with their vehicle's interior provides a comprehensive difference.

With the reconfiguration of available options on the new Honda Pilot, customers will no longer need to weigh their desire for safety features against the top-level luxury they seek in a vehicle. The crossover SUV market has changed drastically over the years, but the Honda Pilot maintains its role as a vehicle that caters perfectly to the growing families that make up this automobile segment.

Options available on the new Honda Pilot LX include the rear cargo tray, roof rails, running boards, painted body side molding, fog lights, trailer hitch, and choice of a 2WD or 4WD drivetrain. The popular EX model includes a standard power driver seat with 8-way adjustment, security system, body-color painted side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, home link system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. By opting for the EX-L RES, the customer receives the top-end safety feature VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), comfortable leather seating surfaces, and a fully functional tri-zone automatic climate control.

4. Conclusion

The choice between the Honda LX and the EX still depends on your personal wants and needs. Both come with very good amenities but the EX offers a little more in several key areas – safety, entertainment, and overall usability. The increase in price to own the EX from the LX is not too substantial, and offers a great deal for the differences involved in return. This is not to say that the LX is not a good buy because it is, but if you do have the extra money to spend on the EX, it is definitely worth it. Not much can be said in the way of the safety comparison between the two because almost all the safety features the EX offers are beneficial and carry a good deal of value. Price of the models can often be a determining factor, but overall, dependant on the available funds, purchasing the EX would be better in the long run. The choice between the two comes down to how much money you plan on spending and what you expect to get from what you spend. Both the Pilot EX and the LX are safe, reliable, and good looking family SUVs but the EX just offers a little more in every aspect. In this case, the LX is a great value for those who do not need as much from their vehicle, and from what it lacks the EX picks up the slack.

References:

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