The EX-L is the more premium midrange trim, typically adding leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and convenience features such as a sunroof and a power tailgate. The EX focuses on value with cloth seating and fewer luxury touches. Exact equipment can vary by model year and market, so always check the specific brochure for the year you’re considering.
Interior materials and seating
What you’ll notice inside in terms of upholstery and seat configuration often marks the primary split between EX and EX-L.
- EX-L typically includes leather-trim seats, while EX uses cloth upholstery.
- EX-L usually adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat (and may include a more comfortable or higher-end seat design), whereas EX often has manual or less adjustable seating.
- Second-row seating arrangements can differ, with EX-L more commonly offering optional captain’s chairs in some years, versus a standard second-row bench on EX.
In short, leather seating, a power driver’s seat, and potential captain’s chairs distinguish EX-L from EX in many model years.
Comfort, technology, and convenience
Tech and comfort features are a key battleground between the trims, especially around infotainment and driver aids.
- Infotainment: both trims typically share a modern touchscreen with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), but feature depth can vary by year or package. EX-L often includes upgrades tied to the same platform, while EX remains more value-oriented.
- Sunroof and tailgate: EX-L commonly adds a power sunroof (moonroof) and a power-operated tailgate, whereas EX may have a sunroof as an option or not include a power tailgate depending on year.
- Safety and driver assistance: Honda Sensing safety features are standard on most recent EX and EX-L models, with EX-L sometimes bundled with additional convenience options or a higher-quality audio/navigation package, depending on year.
Overall, EX-L broadens comfort and convenience through upgraded seating, roof/tailgate convenience, and potential infotainment enhancements, while EX emphasizes essential features at a lower price point.
Exterior and practicality
Exterior hardware and practical touches can subtly shift between trims, affecting daily usability and perceived luxury.
- Exterior styling: both trims share the Pilot’s core design, but EX-L often includes small upgrades such as chrome accents or upgraded wheels that give a more premium appearance.
- Convenience upgrades: a power-operated tailgate is more commonly standard on EX-L, while EX may offer it as an optional upgrade depending on the year and market.
- Roof rails, lighting, and other visible features are typically similar, though EX-L can carry slightly more premium hardware depending on the build year.
In practice, EX-L tends to look and feel a touch more upscale thanks to shared premium interior touches and convenient hardware, while EX stays focused on value with fewer premium exterior bits.
Summary of how they compare
Core difference: leather seating, a power-adjustable driver seat, and often additional convenience features such as a sunroof and power tailgate on the EX-L. The EX emphasizes value with cloth seating and fewer premium conveniences, though both trims share the same fundamental drivetrain and many safety technologies. Always verify the exact features for the model year you’re considering, as packages and standard equipment shift over time.
Final takeaway
If you want a more premium, comfortable interior and added convenience features, the EX-L is typically the better pick. If you’re prioritizing lower cost and fewer features, the EX delivers solid capability with essential tech and safety. For the most accurate compare, check the official Honda spec sheets for the specific model year you’re shopping.
Summary: The Honda Pilot EX-L adds leather, a power driver’s seat, and usually a sunroof and power tailgate, while the EX remains more value-focused with cloth seating and fewer premium conveniences. Always verify year-specific features, as available equipment can change between generations and markets.