The CR-V EX-L package is Honda’s leather-upholstery, mid-to-upper trim for the CR-V that adds a more premium interior and extra comfort and safety features compared with the EX, while typically sitting below the Touring in the lineup. Exact contents can vary by model year and market.
Overview of the EX-L trim
What buyers typically get when selecting the EX-L trim is a shift toward a more upscale interior, along with convenience and safety upgrades that enhance daily driving. The specifics can differ by year, but the core aim is to provide a premium feel without moving to the top-tier Touring package.
- Leather-trimmed seating (often with heated front seats)
- Power-adjustable driver's seat (commonly 8-way) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Sunroof and dual-zone automatic climate control
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen infotainment system
- Honda Sensing safety suite, including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking
- 18-inch alloy wheels and other exterior styling cues
- Additional conveniences such as a hands-free or power tailgate and, in some years, navigation options as part of a Navi package
In practice, EX-L tends to deliver a more refined interior and added comfort compared with EX, while the Touring trim offers even more technology and luxury features.
How EX-L differs from other CR-V trims
Understanding how EX-L fits into the wider CR-V lineup helps shoppers decide where it stands on price, luxury, and tech. The EX-L generally sits above EX but below the Touring in most model years.
- EX vs EX-L: EX-L adds leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, and often heated front seats, creating a more premium feel than EX. Both trims typically include Honda Sensing and a similar turbocharged engine, though features can vary by year.
- EX-L vs Touring: Touring usually builds on EX-L with features such as a navigation system or larger touchscreen, a more advanced multimedia setup, enhanced wheels or lighting, and sometimes additional driver-assistance tech. Pricing climbs accordingly.
Viewed together, the EX-L package is designed for buyers who want a more comfortable, well-appointed CR-V interior without stepping up to the fully loaded Touring model. Year-to-year changes and regional variations, however, mean features can shift slightly.
Frequently asked questions about the EX-L package
Here are common points buyers ask about the EX-L: whether leather seats are standard, if heated seats are included, what infotainment and safety features you can expect, and how the EX-L compares to the Touring and EX. Always check the specific model year window sticker or dealer brochure for exact contents.
- Are leather seats standard on EX-L? Leather upholstery is a defining feature of EX-L, with heated front seats commonly paired with the leather seats in many years, though exact content varies by year and market.
- Is a navigation system included with EX-L? A navigation option can appear on EX-L in some model years as part of a Navi package or on Navi-equipped trims; other years may rely on smartphone integration.
- What safety tech does EX-L include? Most EX-Ls include the Honda Sensing safety suite, which covers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation, though feature details can vary by year.
For the most accurate picture, verify the exact feature set on the model year you’re considering with the dealer or by checking the official Honda brochure for that year.
Summary
The CR-V EX-L is Honda’s leather-equipped, mid-to-upper trim that adds a more luxurious interior, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a solid set of tech and safety features. It sits above the EX but below the Touring, offering a balanced mix of comfort and value. Given yearly updates and regional differences, prospective buyers should review the specific year’s equipment list to confirm exact features.