If you’re in the market for a reliable, stylish, and feature-packed sedan, you’ve likely landed on the Honda Accord – one of the most popular and trusted vehicles on the road today.
But here’s where things might get a tad confusing: the choice between Honda Accord Touring and EX-L trims. Both are fantastic, yet each serves a slightly different audience. Let’s unravel these options.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature/Aspect | EX-L | Touring |
| Interior & Comfort | Leather-trimmed | Leather-trimmed, Ventilated Front Seats, Ambient LED Lighting |
| Technology & Entertainment | 10-speaker system, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ | HUD, Wireless Charger, WiFi Hotspot, Advanced Navigation |
| Performance & Drive | 2.0L Turbocharged Engine, Eco Assist™ | Adaptive Damper, Paddle Shifters |
| Safety Features | BSI System, Cross Traffic Monitor | BSI, Cross Traffic Monitor, Low-Speed Braking, Parking Sensors |
The EX-L – Luxury and Comfort Rolled into One
Pros:
- Leather-trimmed interior:
The “L” in EX-L stands for leather. So, imagine sinking into luxurious leather seats every time you hit the road.
- Premium Audio System:
Music enthusiasts, rejoice! The 10-speaker system is a delight.
- Cost:
Generally, the EX-L is more budget-friendly than the Touring variant.
- Advanced Safety Features:
Equipped with Honda’s trademark Sensing Suite, it ensures safety isn’t compromised.
Cons:
- Limited Tech Features:
Though packed with many tech aspects, it lacks some of the advanced tech you find in the Touring variant.
- No Head-Up Display:
A feature found in Touring, and not in EX-L.
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The Touring – Premium Unleashed
Pros:
- All the Tech:
Wireless charging, WiFi hotspot capability, and even navigation – it’s the tech lover’s dream.
- Adaptive Suspension:
Offers a smoother ride, adjusting real-time to road conditions.
- Ventilated Front Seats & Heated Rear Seats:
Comfort on another level, be it summer or winter.
- Head-Up Display:
Important info, right in your line of sight.
Cons:
- Price:
Being a premium variant, it’s pricier than the EX-L.
- Fuel Efficiency:
With more tech and features, expect a slight dip in fuel economy compared to the EX-L.
When deciding between the Honda Accord Touring and EX-L, it boils down to priorities. If luxury, foundational tech, and a comfortable drive are your thing without breaking the bank too much, the EX-L should be your go-to.
But, if you’re about that premium life and want all the advanced tech goodies wrapped in a sophisticated package, the Touring is where your heart might settle.
Honda Accord Touring vs EX-L: Key Differences Detailed
When considering a Honda Accord, two trim levels that often stand out are the Touring and the EX-L. Both are shining examples of Honda’s commitment to quality, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Let’s dive deep into their differences.
- Interior & Comfort
EX-L:
The “L” in EX-L stands for leather, and that’s its promise. The EX-L prides itself on a leather-trimmed interior that exudes luxury and sophistication.
- Leather-Trimmed Interior: Slide into comfort with leather-trimmed seats. This doesn’t just give the car a luxurious feel, but it’s also super comfortable for long rides.
- Driver’s Seat Memory: This feature remembers the preferred seating position of two different drivers, a handy feature when you share the car.
Touring:
While the Touring includes the luxury of leather, it goes a step further in terms of comfort.
- Ventilated Front Seats & Heated Rear Seats: Stay cool during the summer and warm in the winter.
- Ambient LED Interior Lighting: Adds a touch of sophistication and style.
- Technology & Entertainment
EX-L:
The EX-L is no slouch in the tech department. It offers some commendable features for entertainment and convenience.
- Premium Audio System: Enjoy a crisp and clear audio experience with a 10-speaker system.
- Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Integration: Seamless smartphone integration ensures your favorite tunes and apps are always within reach.
Touring:
Touring takes tech up a notch. It’s ideal for tech aficionados.
- Head-Up Display (HUD): Essential information is projected onto the windshield. This means you don’t need to take your eyes off the road.
- Wireless Phone Charger: Say goodbye to tangled wires and hello to the convenience of wireless charging.
- WiFi Hotspot Capability: Stay connected even on the move, ensuring you’re never out of touch.
- Satellite-Linked Navigation System™: An advanced navigation system means you’re always on the right path.
- Performance & Drive
EX-L:
The EX-L offers a balanced drive, emphasizing comfort.
- 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Engine: Provides a good blend of power and fuel efficiency for daily commutes.
- Eco Assist™ System: Helps in enhancing fuel efficiency further.
Touring:
Touring, while not a sports car, focuses on a slightly sportier, more responsive drive.
- Adaptive Damper System: Adjusts suspension settings in real-time, offering a smoother ride regardless of road conditions.
- Paddle Shifters: For those who love manual control, paddle shifters give you that without needing a manual transmission.
- Safety Features
EX-L:
- Blind Spot Information (BSI) System: Provides an alert if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.
- Cross Traffic Monitor: Useful for reversing out of tight spots, especially in crowded areas.
Touring:
Includes all the safety features of the EX-L and adds:
- Low-Speed Braking Control: Adds an additional layer of safety during city driving.
- Parking Sensors (front/rear): Maneuvering tight spots becomes a breeze.
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FAQ Section
The primary difference lies in features and pricing. The Touring is a more premium version, offering additional tech features like wireless charging, a head-up display, and adaptive suspension, while the EX-L focuses on luxury with leather-trimmed interiors and a premium audio system.
Both trims are available in hybrid models. The differences remain similar to their non-hybrid counterparts – Touring has more tech upgrades, while the EX-L leans more towards luxury with a slightly lower price tag.
‘Touring’ is one of the highest trim levels offered by Honda. It signifies the car comes with most, if not all, luxury and tech features Honda can offer in the Accord line-up.
The EX-L is essentially an EX with additional luxury features, mainly leather-trimmed interiors. So, if leather and a more enhanced audio experience appeal to you, then EX-L wins. Otherwise, for budget considerations, the EX works great.
The Honda Accord Touring isn’t designed to be a sports car, but it does offer strong performance with its available engine options, ensuring a swift and responsive drive.
Yes, like most Honda vehicles, the Accord Touring holds its value well. Hondas are known for their longevity, reliability, and demand in the used car market, ensuring a decent resale value.
In Conclusion
The choice between Honda Accord Touring and EX-L boils down to what you prioritize more: top-tier tech or luxurious comfort at a slightly lower price. Whichever you pick, you’re bound to enjoy a driving experience that’s quintessentially Honda: Reliable, stylish, and always value for money.
However, if you’re after cutting-edge features and the best of what Honda Accord can offer, the Touring version awaits. Whatever you choose, both trims are testaments to Honda’s prowess in car manufacturing.
