2015 Honda Pilot line to get SE trim

Honda is spicing up its 2015 Pilot line by adding a model between the EX and EX-L trim levels. The LX model starts at $30,700--a bump of $200 over the previous year--and the two-wheel-drive SE model starts at $33,950.

The eight-passenger Pilot SE comes with pewter gray aluminum-alloy wheels, SE badging, a one-touch moonroof, satellite radio and a DVD player. Remote entry, a rearview camera and a trailer hitch are also standard. Adding four-wheel drive costs only $1,600.

The 2015 Pilot continues with a 3.5-liter V6 making 250 hp. The engine uses Variable Cylinder Management to save fuel, resulting in a 25-mpg highway rating. A five-speed automatic routs power to the wheels. Four-wheel-drive models come with Honda's Variable Torque Management system, featuring a lock mode to help in low-traction situations. The system also uses Grade Logic Control to keep climbs and descents in order.

The Pilot falls right in line with the pricing of the Dodge Durango and Chevy Traverse, its closest competitors. The Traverse seats eight; the Durango seats only seven, but it's also the only to offer a V8. The Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon would be a step up, size wise.

The 2015 Pilot is on sale now.

By Jake Lingeman