The car industry bid a fond farewell to the boxy minivans of the 1990s and early 2000s to make room for more elegant and innovative options like the Honda Odyssey. Designed with adventure for the entire family in mind, the Odyssey is packed with features that make it one of the most dynamic and spacious vehicles on the road. If you visit the Honda dealer near you, you’ll also discover that the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX and EX are two of the most popular options, but there are a few key differences between the two.
The biggest differences between the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX and the EX are the available passenger seating, safety, and technology features that come with the $4,000 price increase between the trims. The Odyssey LX, which starts at $30,790, offers seating for seven while the EX, which starts at $34,790, offers seating for eight. The price increase also reflects additional safety and technology features on the EX that don’t come standard on the LX. But before you drive over to your local Honda dealer for a test drive, let’s look closer at these differences and a few key similarities.
Performance
models, there are several features that come standard on every Odyssey. All models come with a V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission capable of producing 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. This explains the Odyssey’s overall fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined.
Design
All Odyssey models feature the same 118.1-inch wheelbase and a combined 203.2-inch length. The LX stands at 68.3 inches while the EX stands taller at 69.6 inches. However, this height difference is caused by the fin antenna found on the roof of the EX trim, rather than by any actual differences in body size. While the EX does weigh in at 4,440 lbs instead of 4,358 lbs for the LX, that difference is the result of the additional features installed on the EX. So despite the differences in dimensions and weight, the interior measurements are effectively identical between the LX and EX models.
Inside, you will find plenty of headroom and legroom for all three rows. The headroom ranges from 40.7 inches up front to 38.3 inches in the rear. The legroom is particularly impressive, with 40.9 inches for both the first and second rows and 38.3 inches for the third row. Shoulder room in the Sedona is over 60 inches for all three rows, meaning that your passengers will not feel cramped. In all, these numbers represent a more spacious interior than even the largest SUVs.
The same is true when it comes to cargo space, with both the LX and EX offering a cavernous 144.9 cu ft of cargo room when both rows of rear seats are folded down. Even with the seats in place, you will not lack for storage room with the 32.8 cu ft that are available. However, there is a very slight difference in cargo space when only the rear row of seats are folded down. In that configuration, the LX offers 88.8 cu ft while the EX provides 89.2 cu ft. But in practice, there is no noticeable difference between the two trims.
Safety Features
Another big difference between the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX and EX trims are the standard safety features. Honda is known for its Honda Sensing safety suite that includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. But while all of these features are standard on the EX, they are not available on the LX.
The Collision Mitigation Braking System watches for potential frontal collisions and can automatically bring the Odyssey to a stop by applying brake pressure. The Road Departure Mitigation System ensures the Odyssey stays in its lane and doesn’t veer off the road. It activates if the vehicle veers into another lane without signaling and can provide steering assistance and braking to prevent the vehicle from accidentally driving off the road. Adaptive Cruise Control offers enhanced technology that helps drivers maintain speed without following too close to other vehicles on the road. The Lane Keeping Assist System is another excellent feature that automatically adjusts the steering wheel to ensure the vehicle is centered in its lane.
Although the LX does not include the Honda Sensing suite, it features plenty of active and passive safety features. Both the LX and EX models include vehicle stability assist with traction control, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist. The LX comes with standard daytime running lights while the EX comes with LED running lights. Both models also include a multi-angle rearview camera.
The LX and EX share the same passive safety features. Both models come standard with Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure and Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS). They also include front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. All seating positions include three-point seatbelts with the front seatbelts offering Honda’s automatic tensioning system. There are also lower anchors and tethers for children on all second and third-row seating.
Technology Features
Technology varies between the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX and EX models, with the most noticeable difference being the center dashboard screen. The LX features a 5-inch color LCD screen, but the EX offers an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. If you’re looking for advanced connectivity, the EX is your best bet since it offers HondaLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD radio. The EX also features Cabin Control remote capability.
Other Features
As the base model, the 2020 Odyssey LX comes standard with power front seats, push-button start technology, and a one-motion 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat. These options are also included on the EX in addition to the Magic Slide second-row seats, which make access to the third row even more convenient. The EX also includes remote engine start, smart entry with a walk away auto lock, power sliding doors, fog lights, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system.
Things to Consider
There are noticeable differences between the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX and EX models, as you’ll likely discover when you visit your local Honda dealer. The LX is the Odyssey’s base model and starts at $30,790. It shares the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the EX but pales in comparison in terms of seating, safety, and technology features. Even so, the base package is spacious enough to seat seven and features plenty of options that make driving the LX a pleasurable experience for families looking for adventure and comfort without spending a fortune.
In comparison, the EX is the next step up and starts at $34,790, which is still far less than the Odyssey’s high-end Elite trim that’s priced at $47,420. The $4,000 increase between the LX and EX is well worth it since the EX offers seating for eight as well as the state-of-the-art Honda Sensing safety suite. The EX also features advanced technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as remote engine start, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, power sliding doors, and more!
