While I don’t disagree that
While I don’t disagree that the electric motor performance of the Sorento PHEV is underwhelming, that is specifically and appropriately because Kia is aiming for efficiency (and not power-performance) in this PHEV. Neither Toyota or Rivian are doing the same, as both are engineered more toward power-performance than efficiency-performance (not that I am saying either of those is inefficient). Consider it this way: the Rav 4 Prime has an additional 4.3 kWh of battery (which is essential for the Toyota to be able to supply the appropriate amount of energy to its more powerful electric motor, it wouldn’t be able to output as much power without the extra kWh). But this additional battery capacity only provides an additional 10 miles of estimated range. That’s actually kind of pathetic and means the Kia is more efficient than the Rav 4 in a crude sense; you’d have to look at how much of the battery is usable. Regardless, the Toyota uses more precious battery resources for I would say a “paltry” amount of additional range. It is wasteful, in my opinion, and though the Rav4 Prime is much more powerful, and the Rivian far more still, that snappy acceleration is extremely costly when you weigh what it costs (monetarily and environmentally). Don’t get me wrong, I also own a Tesla and very much enjoy the thrust a powerful electric motor can provide, but when your primary motivation is to use less fuel and resources, the Kia beats out both the Rav4 Prime and the Rivian. You might have to accept leisurely acceleration if you want to keep it in electric only mode, but if you require more thrust, I assure you the Sorento PHEV in hybrid mode, is as about as fast as most other non luxury/performance 3 row SUVs. Not saying it will win any drag races, but it does have more than adequate power when both power sources are engaged.