The 2019 Accord lineup: trim levels and what changes between them
The 2019 Honda Accord comes in five trim levels — LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring — each adding features and comfort as you move up. All five use the same body and basic structure, but what you sit on, what controls you touch, and what safety systems watch the road change significantly between them. The real differences are in interior materials, convenience features like climate control and infotainment, and driver information technology.
Honda also offers you a choice between two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The engine you pick affects fuel economy, acceleration, and transmission type, and your choice narrows depending on which trim you choose. Not every engine pairs with every trim.
Key Takeaways
- The 2019 Accord comes in five trims (LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Touring), and each adds interior features, comfort upgrades, and safety technology as the price rises.
- You can choose between a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (better fuel economy, CVT transmission) or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (more power, traditional automatic), though not all trims offer both.
- The LX and Sport trims use the 1.5-liter engine exclusively, while EX and above can be ordered with either engine.
- Major feature jumps happen at EX (adds backup camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) and EX-L (adds leather, heated seats, sunroof), so your actual needs determine whether the jump in price is worth it.
- All 2019 Accords include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information, across every trim level.
Engine choice: 1.5T versus 2.0T and what each one means for driving
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has no traditional gears — instead it uses a belt and pulley system that adjusts smoothly as you accelerate. This setup prioritizes fuel economy; the EPA rates the 1.5T at 33 mpg combined (city and highway averaged together). The CVT is efficient but feels different from a conventional automatic: acceleration is smooth but can feel less responsive when you press the pedal hard, because the engine revs up before the transmission ratio catches up.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque — significantly more power. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission with traditional gears, which shifts between discrete steps rather than continuously. The EPA rates the 2.0T at 30 mpg combined, a 3 mpg penalty for the extra power. The 2.0T feels more responsive: when you accelerate, the engine and transmission work together more when ready, and you feel the gear shifts. If you tow, drive in mountains, or want noticeably quicker acceleration, the 2.0T is the meaningful difference. If you mostly drive city streets and highways at steady speeds, the 1.5T's fuel economy advantage and lower price matter more.
LX and Sport: the base and sport-focused entry points
The LX is the starting trim and uses only the 1.5-liter engine. It includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, and Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane-keeping information). It does not include a backup camera, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto — those come at EX and above. The interior is cloth, and the steering wheel is not heated. If you need basic reliable transportation and plan to keep the car a long time, the LX covers the essentials.
The Sport trim also uses only the 1.5-liter engine and sits between LX and EX in price. It adds a more aggressive front bumper, a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels (versus 17-inch on LX), and a sport-tuned suspension. The interior gains a 7-inch touchscreen (larger than LX's 5-inch), but still no backup camera or smartphone integration. The Sport appeals to buyers who want a sportier appearance and slightly sharper handling without paying for the comfort features that jump in at EX.
EX: where backup camera and smartphone integration arrive
The EX trim is where the Accord's feature set expands noticeably. It adds a backup camera, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. You can order EX with either the 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine, giving you a choice between fuel economy and power for the first time in the lineup.
The EX is often the trim where the value proposition shifts: you are paying more, but you are getting features that affect daily usability — the backup camera and smartphone integration are things you use every time you drive. If you spend significant time in parking lots or rely on navigation apps, the jump from Sport to EX is practical, not just cosmetic.
EX-L and Touring: leather, sunroof, and premium audio
The EX-L adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a power passenger seat with lumbar support. The steering wheel becomes heated. The infotainment system gains a 8-inch touchscreen and a premium audio system. Like EX, you can choose either engine. EX-L is the trim where the interior shifts from functional to comfortable — if you spend long hours driving or live somewhere cold, heated seats and leather matter. The sunroof adds light and a sense of openness, though it does reduce headroom slightly and adds weight that affects fuel economy marginally.
The Touring is the top trim and includes everything from EX-L plus a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen, a more advanced premium audio system, a power rear sunshade, and additional chrome trim. It also adds rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam headlights. The Touring is the most feature-rich version, but the jump in price from EX-L is substantial for features that are nice but not essential — the sunshade and larger screen are conveniences rather than things that change how the car drives or how safe it is.
Honda Sensing: the same safety suite across all trims
Every 2019 Accord, regardless of trim, includes Honda Sensing, a package of driver information and collision avoidance features. This includes adaptive cruise control (the car maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead), collision mitigation braking (the car can brake on its own if a collision is imminent), lane-keeping information (the car gently steers to keep you centered in your lane), and road departure mitigation (the car alerts you if you drift off the road). These systems are standard, not optional, which means you are not paying extra for the safety technology that prevents many accidents.
The presence of Honda Sensing across the entire lineup is significant because it means a base LX Accord has the same collision avoidance technology as a Touring. The difference between trims is comfort, convenience, and infotainment — not safety. This matters if you are budget-conscious: you do not have to move up to a higher trim to get the systems that actually prevent crashes.
Transmission and fuel economy by configuration
| Trim | Engine Options | Transmission | EPA Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 1.5T only | CVT | 33 |
| Sport | 1.5T only | CVT | 33 |
| EX | 1.5T or 2.0T | CVT (1.5T) or 10-speed automatic (2.0T) | 33 (1.5T) or 30 (2.0T) |
| EX-L | 1.5T or 2.0T | CVT (1.5T) or 10-speed automatic (2.0T) | 33 (1.5T) or 30 (2.0T) |
| Touring | 1.5T or 2.0T | CVT (1.5T) or 10-speed automatic (2.0T) | 33 (1.5T) or 30 (2.0T) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the 2.0-liter engine in a Sport trim?
No. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available only on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. If you want the extra power and the 10-speed automatic transmission, you must move up to at least an EX.
What is the real difference between the 1.5T CVT and the 2.0T 10-speed automatic?
The 1.5T with CVT feels smooth and efficient; the transmission adjusts continuously, so there are no gear shifts to feel. The 2.0T with the 10-speed feels more responsive and sporty; you can feel the gear changes, and acceleration is quicker. The 2.0T also produces 60 more horsepower, which matters if you drive mountains or want noticeably faster merging.
Is the backup camera worth upgrading to EX?
That depends on how much you park in tight spaces or reverse frequently. The backup camera shows what is directly behind you on the touchscreen, which reduces blind spots. If you parallel park often or drive in crowded parking lots, it is genuinely useful. If you mostly back out of your driveway, it is a convenience rather than a necessity.
Do all 2019 Accords have the same safety features?
Yes. Honda Sensing — which includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping information, and road departure mitigation — comes standard on every trim level. You do not pay extra for safety technology by choosing a higher trim.
What is the main reason to choose EX-L over EX?
Comfort features: leather seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a heated steering wheel. If you spend long hours driving or live in a cold climate, these matter. If you mostly drive short trips in mild weather, EX covers what you need and saves you money.