The difference are equipment levels There are three major ones: the LX, LX 4WD, and EX. The LX comes pretty loaded with dual front airbags, power, windows,locks, mirrors, air conditioning w/ micron filtration system, tilt steering wheel, 4 speaker, AM-FM cassette CD audio system, steel styled wheels, rear wiper, picnic table, cruise control, etc. Not bad for an entry-level CR-V.LX 4WD: adds the Honda Real-Time 4 Wheel Drive system to the already well equipped LX.The EX adds to the LX 4WD: side impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels w/ matching spare,alarm system, 6 speaker AM-FM cassette w/ 6 disc CD changer, power moonroof, privacy tinted rear windows, color-keyed mirrors, and a few other minor upgrades.2005-2006 models offered an SE trim package that added to the EX model: leather upholstery, color-keyed bumpers, heated mirrors and seats, etc.Also, beginning in 2005, all CR-Vs came standard with anti-lock brakes,side impact air bags (both were formerly exclusive to the EX), and new curtain-side air bags. The headlights and taillights are also different on the 2005-2006 CR-Vs as well. Also, if you like manual transmissions, you have to get a 4WD model- meaning the base LX is out of the question since the other CR-Vs have 4WD.I hope this helps.