The 2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition, also known as the SE, is between the EX-L and Touring trims in price and standard features.

As you drive, the Honda Pilot i-VTM4® AWD system automatically senses the torque each wheel axle needs and continuously adjusts the power to each wheel to provide maximum traction.

All-wheel drive All-wheel drive (AWD) delivers power to all four wheels of your vehicle. This feature is designed to keep you safe by maintaining traction even when road conditions get challenging.

One question we field quite often here at Planet Honda is: “Does the Honda Pilot have AWD?” While the Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive, you can upgrade to Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to enjoy enhanced traction and control in all kinds of weather and road conditions.

While SE typically stands for Sport Edition, Special Edition or Special Equipment, the abbreviation also indentifies that the car delivers a higher class of trim than the model that is LE. Luxury Edition (LE) cars generally feature a base trim with standard features.

Sport Edition The end result is the LE means Luxury Edition, XLE means Executive Luxury Edition, and SE means Sport Edition. XE bucks the normal trend and actually stands for Extreme Sport Edition. Other common trims include the SR or Sport Rally and the SR5 or Sport Rally 5-speed.

Whether your Honda vehicle is trudging through a heavy snowfall or climbing a steep hill, the AWD system responds in real time (hence the name) by automatically sending power to the rear wheels, helping you better accelerate through unfavorable driving conditions.

Both full-time and part-time AWD systems usually operate without direction from the driver. All four wheels, instead of two, receive torque through a set of axles and spin at different speeds simultaneously. AWD vehicles are loved particularly by people who live in areas where the weather tends to be snowy and rainy.

As the name implies, all-wheel drive (AWD) can feed power to each corner. Depending on the system (designs vary), AWD can provide maximum forward traction during acceleration. It is especially helpful in sloppy road conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain.

It starts with a front-wheel-drive vehicle and adds a rear differential. When your Honda senses that it's losing traction, it engages the rear differential with a multi-plate clutch system. The rear wheels now drive the vehicle in addition to the front wheels, making it all-wheel drive.

Neither of the two options is specifically “better” than the other; it depends on what you need AWD or 4WD for. AWD and 4WD provide better handling, but you'd want AWD if you ride on rough roads during harsh weather, while 4WD is better for those who have heavy hauls on the job site or spend time off the pavement.

Similar to 4WD, vehicles with AWD provide power to all four wheels. The difference is that AWD varies the amount of power it sends to each wheel, which allows it to be better for everyday situations and conditions.