In the old days, it was pretty easy to spot the difference between the various trim levels of the sedans. Perhaps one of the easiest things to spot has historically been the wheel design. From the wheels alone, you could pretty much determine the trim level as well as engine (and in some cases, even the transmission). Things have changed for '08, but there are still enough cues to figure out what you're looking at, once you know what you're looking for.

This year, the Accord uses the same handsome 7-spoke 17" design on all EX trim levels, regardless of upholstery or engine choice. The new-for-'08 LX-P trim level gets a unique 16" wheel design, however, so this makes the LX-P and LX models easy to spot. We don't have a photo of the LX model's 16" wheels yet, but they should be pretty easy to pick out, since it's the only Accord trim level with steel wheels and plastic wheel covers.

Accord LX-P 16" alloy wheels

Accord EX/EX-L/V6 EX/V6 EX-L wheels

V6 or 4-cylinder?
Since the wheels are shared between 4-cylinder and V6-equipped Accords, a quick glance at the door handles should be the easiest tip-off. All 4-cylinder Accords feature body colored door handles, while V6 Accord door handles bear a chrome finish. Additionally, 4-cylinder Accords have a single exhaust outlet vs. the V6's dual exhaust setup (of course, if you can see the exhaust system configuration, you're also probably able to see the "V6" badge on the decklid of the V6 models). LX-P and EX 4-cylinder Accords have a chrome finisher on the exhaust, while LX Accords do not. If you can only see the front of the '08 Accord in question, all V6 sedans have standard foglights, while they are only offered as accessories on 4-cylinder-equipped models.

Accord 6-cylinder chrome door handles	Accord 4-cylinder (all) body colored door handles
Accord 6-cylinder dual exhaust	Accord LX-P and EX 4-cyl single outlet exhaust
Foglights are standard on V6 trim levels	No foglights on 4-cyl models

EX or EX-L?
The sole exterior differentiator between EX and EX-L trims (both in 4-cyl and 6-cyl) is the roof-mounted "fin" antenna for the XM radio/Navi system.

EX-L	Cloth-equipped Accord