The Fuel Sipping Three Row | 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 гру 2020
- Toyota's Highlander Hybrid finally has some stiff competition. Or does it? That depends on what you're looking for in your next hybrid...
#Hybrid #HighlanderHybrid #KiaHybrid #SorentoHybrid
Buy Merch! aoamerch.com
Join Today: bit.ly/2WdCEwW
Our Other Channel: The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/ - Авто та транспорт
*Kia's design team has been killing it lately. Love the look of this.* 😀👍
@@fcex558 This is very exaggerated
Didn’t they hire the designer from Acura?
K5 , Seltos are similar grille too
Kia's design is so cool and nice lately
@William Arrington I love it.
I actually like that the second row has two seats, but it should be an option to have 3 for those who need or want 7 seat capability.
This is a bargain for the price and you get great mpgs awesome job Kia as always
The new sorento is a huge upgrade compared to the old one
The 2wd hybrid must be a U.S. only model. It is available in Canada as AWD. In fact all Sorentos are AWD here. No market for 2wd here I guess because of winter weather.
And this would be why I guess we can only get 2wd here... All the AWD supply being sent to N. America is being sent to Canada. Once the production is up and running at full capacity they’ll likely expand options down here, but when the supply chain is limited you send things where they make the most sense.
The other thought I had was that it had to do with marketing... Keeping that price at launch completely down below the Highlander Hybrid price. Then in a year once they’ve pushed that advertisement to exhaustion they’ll add more options and raise the price.
@@jaanfo3874 HA!!! The 2021 Hyundai Santa FE is available in both for the USA.!!!!!! and HEV also....
@@normgilbertson3975 The Santa Fe isn't 3-row (anymore).
@@geoffreyreuther5260 So, who says we need the Sorento to be a 3-row SUV? I personally would like a 3rd row delete option.
@@rcarde3377 I made no such statement. All I said is that the Santa Fe is 2 row only now, and the Sorento is 3 row only now. Trying to compare the two directly is a little bit apples to oranges.
Thanks for the video. It helped me decide to drive a Kia and we bought one. Only been a few days but we absolutely love everything about it!
Yay! I've been curious about this drivetrain (but in the Hyundai Santa Fe).
Alex, While another fuel efficient CUV is welcome, this has no AWD and less than half the tow rating of the Highlander Hybrid . That is a big price to pay for 1 mpg.
Bearing in mind it is at least 5K less than a FWD Highlander Hybrid...
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Let the debate begin about the dollar value of utility and adaptability .
Another honest review. That is what I like about this channel
I own a 1st gen kia soul and its still kicking without major breakdowns in its entire history. Im pretty sure kia/hyundai reliability is on par with toyota. I hate brand loyalty since it blinds people to good purchases. When i have to get a new vehicle ill shop around but this is looking awesome
Good ol' Alex is still rocking those Sketchers.
Merry Christmas Alex and crew!
I’m waiting for a good phev suv to come out. RAV4 prime is great but impossible to get. If Kia, Hyundai, Honda or anyone else can get one out within a year I will highly consider.
Yeah Toyota messed up the launch of the RAV4 Prime. In BC (Canada), if you order one today, you'll be lucky to see it in 2022. Kia, and maybe another company will probably steal the thunder.
You can always get the PHEV versions of the european brands you know
was this a kia sorento review or a toyota highlander review? I think you said Highlander more than you said Sorento.
Once again stunning video Alex, any possible dates on the plug in Sorento hybrid and will it qualify for the tax rebate?
Dude, ur really good at these videos. Keep it up!
Great review! Very helpful. Thank you.
In other markets you can get the hybrid with AWD. Not sure why Kia Motors America does weird things like this. They frequently decontent cars for the US.
The Telluride might not be offered in the markets where the Sorento has more features. Kia doesn't want too much overlap or people will just choose the cheaper option. And Kia has to find ways to reduce the cost of the vehicles sold in the US because the market is hyper-competitive.
No AWD deal breaker for most people here in Alberta, Canada.
@@pdd3 all well and good, but the Telluride is the answer to the Sorento's problem in that some people didn't find it big enough. I don't agree with the decontenting strategy, as it feels like a penalty for choosing the smaller CUV. Kia is still building their reputation, and odd omissions don't help with that, imo.
The content removal is really frustrating. The K5 in overseas markets has a 360 camera, the new digital instrument cluster with blind spot cameras. The North American version feels stripped by comparison.
@@Vpaid tell me about it with the altima overseas since 2019 has a dual panoramic roof cooled sets along with a heads up display and diamond quilted seats but you can't get it here in america!!!
If you really need a 3rd row, then a minivan is probably what you REALLY need .
If you think you really need 4WD/AWD, then there’s a good chance that FWD with winter tires is all you really need.
Fantastic review as always Alex. Good looking car, too bad about the lack of three seats in the second row. That would be an absolute deal killer.
While you can't put roller bags in the trunk with the third row up, you can definitely put grocery bags there and not have to worry about them sliding all over because of the smaller space. Then, when you're going to Costco and you want to buy 2 50 pound bags of rice, 20 boxes of facial tissue, and 32 rolls of your favorite Charmin, down goes the 3rd row and you're good to go! I'm liking this for my next car -- don't need to seat 7, but love the price and the utility for saltwater fishing trips.
Great review as always! I do hope the plug-in comes with 7 seats, awd and a better equipped model like they offer in other markers. When can we expect to see the PHEV?
I love the captain’s chairs second row. Much better for a family of 3 or 4 who would like to use this on long trips. And, if you really need more, you have the 3rd row. Also, most cars in this price point that have the bench seat are all 60/40 split so it’s hard to have 4 people and long items (skis, hockey sticks, etc…). I like this better. Can you do a video on regen braking and what the rates mean?
Awesome stuff. Waiting for the phev version
Just bought brand new 2022 Sorento Hybrid S FWD, Avg MPG is 34. So far my wife and I love it and is the perfect for our family of 4. My only complaint is no memory seats :(
This would be at the top of my list if it had a bench 2nd row
Your mother in law comment had me laugh out loud! :)
I think I would take a Highlander hybrid simply because Toyota has been building hybrids for over 20 years now, and their hybrid drivetrains have been proved to be bulletproof, I still see 15 year old Priuses on the road today,😂 plus it has AWD
If you think like that you will never buy a different brand and you will always stuck with the same brand .
@@juliocezar1132 It is a fair point he made. I am sure Kia's hybrid system will be reliable, but they are relatively fresh to it whereas Toyota has been at it for over 20 years.
How about 3 row seat?
GREAT VIDEO! So detailed! Best video comparison of Sorrento vs Hylander Ive found! Thank you so much! Ive never considered a Kia until now. I love the 6 seater! put 2 little kids in the captains chairs and the older kid in back. It seems perfect us: a family of 2 littles and possibly a 3rd in the future (but not there yet). And the fact that the Hylander has a wire phone charger (not wireless) and the Toyota warrantee is much less than Kia's...I test drove both....Im going for a Kia! The only thing I wish it had was a bigger drink holder for my huge water bottle (which is needed in FL).
OMG I just realize that I wasn’t a subscriber. I’m shocked! I watch so many videos of your Chanel! LOL Sorry about that. Now I’m totally in! Amazing reviews as always. I’m gonna wait a little bit to see if this car would be the right fit for me, I would like a reliable car and just time will tell.
Great Review. I do like the lower price tag on this. I was hoping it would offer a 5 pass two row variant. Oh well. I will see how the plug in version goes.
Agree. 3rd row on these size SUVs should be an option. Many people don't want the nearly useless 3rd row and want more room fit front 2 rows and more, lower cargo area.
Hyundai Santa Fe says hi. It comes only in 2 rows of seats, higher trims (excluding Caligraphy), and you get AWD without buying the plug-in.
Scotty Kilmer agrees.
@@JT-fq2bl they make a hybrid awd in the sorento
Wow! Alex you're absolutely on fire!!! I love the fantastic content!!! I just smashed the play button!!! Thanks guys!!!❤️
Great video!!!!! Deciding on the Sorento Hybrid vs CRV Hybrid. Really like the Rav 4 Hybrid but the front seats sit tooooo low even with the drive power seat.
Did you see the tucson.
Hey 👋🏾😊. You make really nice videos on vehicles. Nice and detailed. ☺️
Can I suggest that you add two things when describing the vehicles, could you add in the gas tank size and the maximum range of miles you can go on a full gas tank...when talking about ICE engine vehicles?
Adding those things would pretty much make your vehicles perfect. 😊🤗
I hope the phev comes in prestige trim and adds ambient lighting. I'm undecided whether I want this or to step up to gv80/MDX/QX60
I think you should get the gv80.
Make 2nd row a 60/40 bench; delete the 3rd row for extra storage; and provide e-AWD to take advantage of all that power/torque provided by both motors; and you will have a winner.
One odd thing I noticed. This lower level EX model has 2 Hood Struts, just like all versions of the last Sorento. The oddity is the upper level SX has a single Hood Prop on this latest Sorento.
I was certain that I would be replacing my 2018 Honda Accord 2.0 Touring with the Rav 4 Prime XSE next year until watching this. We need more space and I really want to maximize the 7,500 tax credit for a PHEV. Now I’ll just have to wait for Kia to release the Sorrento PHEV and for Alex to give it the thumbs up :)
Thank God!!! Finally a hybrid without CVT
There is no CVT in a hybrid. It’s a planetary gear set and a computer controlled system to simulate a CVT.
Well, some hybrids do actually use a CVT. Nissan and Honda have both had systems that used belt and pulley CVTs in the past.
@@kevinW826 it’s called “ECVT” now
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). My issue with cvt or ecvt is the Loud droning sound. I thougjt you could’ve easily figured that out when I said “thank god”
@@Warrior11117 you don’t hear the transmission drone in a hybrid as it is not a physical CVT. It’s a fake. Your talking about the craptastic one in Nissan’s lineup. Subaru has done a better job of quieting the drone so you don’t hear it. I have driven many CVTs, Subaru has the best. At least Toyota gave theirs a physical first gear.
@@kevinW826 The planetary gear CVTs drone just the same, because the drone is nothing more than the engine operating at fixed RPM, and that is the nature of a CVT no matter how they are implemented. We are more accustomed to engines running up in RPM, then dropping when the transmission shifts. The steady RPM of a CVT sounds like a drone. Some CVTs are operated to fake shifting in an attempt to minimize the drone. I find that even more annoying.
I got the Sorento EX Hybrid in this same color Saturday and I love it.
My hybrid is turbo though
Me too. Different color though: gravity blue
@@Infelsinave The blue is really nice. Unfortunately, my dealership only had one at the time and none of the others nearby had this car at all so red it is! LOL
@@amarie_07 True. Out of the 6 Kia dealerships close to me, they had a total of 3 Sorento hybrids: Gray, White, and Blue. I'm sick of gray, don't like dirty white... so blue it is. The salesperson said the hybrids come directly from Korea and they only send 200 to the US a month, so no dealership will have more than one 😯
@@Infelsinave oh wow. That makes sense as to why they didn't have more colors. I originally wanted white but the red has grown on me.
Very interested in this powertrain (with AWD) in the Hyundai Santa Fe, as we need only 2 seating rows.
great city SUV
Another excellent report.
Thank you for the caveats on the fuel economy, but at this level a couple mpgs here or there are inconsequential.
My 09 Sedona may need replacing soon, and this could be a good candidate. It gets double the fuel economy and can still tow.
For my needs, I wish this vehicle was only a 5-seater, so I would probably just fold the 3rd row down and enjoy the extra cargo area.
I do have concerns about driveability with the hybrid and the turbo - that's a lot going on. My former 13 Optima Hybrid had pretty awful driveability, so I hope Kia has improved upon that first attempt. The Niro I test drove once seemed pretty good.
AWD is a waste for most people, even here in the snow belt. I've never had it, and only wish for it about once a year, which is less than 1% of the time.
It’s fwd with Awd only on slip
I think you were pretty tough on that trunk comfort score. It looked pretty roomy!
Hey Alex will you be reviewing the 'refreshed' Hyundai Santa fe? I heard that it will be getting AWD on its hybrid version. would love to hear your thoughts on it
Would love to have this as my work vehicle. I'm currently using a Chevy HHR and it's tight, cramped and the MPG isn't that great.
When we can see the actual full view on this sorento Hybrid? I am still waiting....
If I would need a proper 7 seater, I would go for a minivan. I think this config can satisfy 85% of the buyers, the rest can still buy the Highlander ✌🏼
The rest can buy the palisade.
If Kia doesn’t want to give a sorento with the perks, them at least give us a telluride hybrid. I would go for that!
To me this is the best idea for a rotary knob. Also putting a turbo on a hybrid seems like you affect reliability
I had so many issues w my 2105 optima hybrid system. The techs at Kia could barely diagnose the issues I was having which was pretty annoying and scared me about going into another hybrid. I loved the car but it was impossible to fix easily. It was always an issue
Actually Alex, this Sorento comes with a V6 overseas, so it wasn't build for 4 cylinders only. Great content as usual
In this generation there is no overseas V6 currently. All markets that got the 3.3L before will get the available 2.5L turbo...
Checkout the Australian reviews for Sorento and Santa Fe for 2021, all comes with 3.5 V6 as standard in their 2021 generations -- ua-cam.com/video/mHxxZJ82kuQ/v-deo.html
@@diego9x Thanks for that! I need to rake Kia across the coals for such a statement...
Nice car,
But are the Kia’s just as reliable as the Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9? Thank you for your videos. Roger. PS have very Merry Christmas and New Year.
I used to sell New Kia's for 3 years from 2016 to 2019. I miss the last gen Sorentos that were 2018 and older where you could option without a 3rd row that actually gave you some extra under the floor space to store things. the 2019 and 2020 models had 3rd row standard. I would just like to have a decent sized and decent priced two row with good storage space and no third row.
The Honda Passport is your ticket then!
@@MIZUNOMP60 I’ve looked into it and it’s a cool suv. Although I’m not a big fan of Honda’s interior design tbh.
@@MIZUNOMP60 I still might consider especially since it’s got a V6.
Did anyone else think it was funny when Alex stated it’s only available in two trims: S,EX
Where’s the “Y” trim level? Someone rescue me from elementary school 🤣😂.
The hybrid is a stripper with no SX trim. Missing many features that the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited HEV has,,,,
You've entered Elon's brain.
Should've made third row optional across the lineup, would've been less confusing. Though I appreciate the captain's seats, I'dve prefer a big 5 seater hybrid with AWD though not as big as Telluride.
Agree. This should've been more like a Passport or Murano. The 3rd row essentially just gives the dealership another SUV to sell given the Telluride's shitty supply.
The Highlander lets you do that and is arguably better than the Sorrento in every way other than the 1 mpg
@@EpicLemonMusic A Highlander Hybrid LE starts at $39,500 MSRP after destination, $1500 more than a Sorento Hybrid EX. I'd hope the Highlander is better in everyway. Given the significant price delta, I doubt this Sorento and the Highlander will be cross-shopped.
I like it
I was very excited about the Sorento PHEV when it was announced. However, the limited hybrid trims, PHEV delay and, from what a local dealer (Omaha, NE area) is telling me will be almost no availability of the PHEV except for on the coasts, it’s starting to feel like Kia really has no interest in selling their hybrids or PHEVs in the US. Kia is probably hoping to have battery supply available for the EU market
I was super excited about the Hybrid model but the lack of the higher end Hybrid model really ruins it for me. :/ I absolutely love the Sorento this year too!
Game over Highlander hybrid
Is it me or does it seems like allot of added -inconveniences- on this specific model? Reminds me of Chrysler with PacHy launch wonder why they do that?
What a shame you cannot get the hybrid in the upper level trims
How's the comfort and noise compared to Highlander hybrid?
Is there a one pedal driving or any type of regen option not using the brake pedal?
(Takes a closer look of the Highlander)....... I guess we all have our opinion on looks, but I think the Sorento looks good, fairly masculine. I will need to see the Sorento in person.
That lack of bench seat in 2nd row actually is a deal breaker, to the extent that I will pass on this one and might actually get the 2021 Santa Fe Hybrid, even if that doesn't have a 3rd row.
I have the 2019 Niro Hybrid, and the dual clutch feels like a new driver is lugging a manual transmission if you feather the throttle from a start, otherwise once you learn to drive it right, it's fine. Also, the sport mode totally negates that problem. I love that I can go over 500 miles on 11.8 gallons
I also have a 2015 Sportage LX AWD with the 6 speed, and that transmission is great, so I would imagine that this is similar, if not the same transmission.
I think that this Sorento is only a 2WD & 6 passengers in order to lower costs, save weight and prevent loading it up with 7 passengers. That said, it would have been even better if a two row 5 passenger setup was in the base option, and the 6 passenger was in the upper trim, in my opinion.
I can't wait to see their PHEV with AWD, and hope it has more power that doesn't cap the torque at 195. These should not only save fuel when you need to, but also be able to tow 3500 lbs and pass slow transports up hills if you want to. Look at the RAV4 Prime, and that thing is a beast.
I'll still be going with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This is interesting but I have much more experience and confidence with Toyota's hybrid tech. I will eventually be getting a plug-in hybrid in the future but that'll most likely be a Volvo/Audi unless Toyota/Lexus jumps back in front. Until then, I'll stick to the non-plug in variant of the hybrids (nowhere to plug in atm)and that'll be the Highlander Platinum.
I am fine with 17 inch wheels, 20, 22 inch wheels are to much you can't drive over potholes without getting a flat.
Also 20" tires are normally focused more on performance and has a limited selection compared to 17" and 18" wider variety from eco, tour all-seasons, all terrain to winter tyres
I am STILLL a fan of the Kia Sorento....6 seater is just fine for me......I bought a 2017 Kia Sorento SX that was recently totaled, but it saved my life. Kia's are really REALLY great cars. So I am looking to buy another Kia Sorento, however, I think I will be buying the regular Kia Sorento again and staying away from the Hybrid. I am excited however that the Kia has come out with a hybrid. I think its cool
2021 Sorento is good. I liked everything about this car, except:
1. Higher trims and hybrid get Captains chair in 2nd row with no option to change to 3 seat bench. This is a bad assumption that people going for higher trim or hybrids will always prefer captains chair. At least for a car which is going to be part-time 3 row only. I don't think Sorento owners will be unfolding the 3rd row that frequently! There should at least be an option to configure separately. I really hope that PHEV will get this option.
2. Rotary dial shifter. Why cant they just throw in traditional shifter like the gas variant?
Alex, can you review on the EV model for this Sorento? Or any feedback to provide on this model? Thanks
Wow Kia Sorento goooood
In the UK we get four models. Three hybrid 4wd with different trims and a middle trim 4wd diesel, which is not a hybrid, with the eight speed DCT. All have seven seats. I've had the diesel for just over a week and I really like it even compared to my previous favourite, the Volvo XC90. Tyres on all but the top hybrid here are 235/55R19. The exception has 255/45R20. All UK versions are seven seaters and the top two trims have air-con controls and vents in the third row. The Sorento actually has more room in all three rows than the XC90.
Trim and equipment specification varies wildly depending on the country it is sold. For instance the ones sold in Ireland have a very different mix of equipment and model names to those available in the UK, including 2wd models. There is a 2wd V6 offering in some countries as well, but not in Europe or N. America.
I'm already getting 33 to 35mpg US from my diesel Sorento and I expect that to improve by two or three over the first 10,000 miles. It does use DEF also, but in the 350 miles I've covered so far, the gauge hasn't moved.
Let’s hope the plug in hybrid has some high end features. Coming from a ‘19 Sorento SXL, I don’t want to loose features & options 🤦🏼♂️
Lol as screwed up as Kia Marketing is with the HEV I hold no hopes for the PHEV
I think highlander is fugly. And subarus as well. This Sorento looks way better especially the sporty trim
We took the non-hybrid version for a test-drive the other day, absolutely loved it. Would be an instant-buy, if the hybrid was available in AWD (and preferably with more available trim levels or options). Great video, thanks for the detailed review!
first on an Alex review? Too bad no AWD variant; hunting for a hybrid crossover, and was waiting on this review (from Alex) before deciding. Hybrid CR-V it might be it (prefer a 2 over a 3 row).
Escape hybrid also has mechanical AWD
the santa fe is supposed to have awd with the hybrid.
Nice. I'll check out the techies on the z Escape and Santa Fe hybrids
Are you going to review 2022 Sorento hybrid AWD anytime soon?
I want to go shop the PHEV today, but how can I possibly buy it with no review from you?!
Kona hybrid is having problems with batteries over heating. I wouldn’t touch a hybrid anything from Kia until we hear more about this issue. I am assuming same technology in all their vehicles?
It isn't. Hyundai and Kia have been building hybrids for a while and the overseas market Kona hybrid is the only one to have had this issue in limited numbers, none of the N. American market models have had an issue.
Kia and Hyundai do not share the same batteries. Kia get its batteries from SK Innovations, and Hyundai get theirs from LG Chem. Any car that have LG Chem batteries need to be replaced.
What is to be said of the KIA hybrid powertrain reliability?
Wait for the Sorento plug-in for about 80 mpge daily! No Toyota can touch!
@DavidRC old farm tractors run forever. Just that Toyota will be recalled a couple of times during ownership. Even Toyota's old tractors get recalled.
@DavidRC those recalls are Toyota a characteristic.
@DavidRC just like the Kia recalls badge snob.
There are so many assumptions baked in to mpge that it is hard to make a blanket conclusion unless one car is better in (and feasible for) every use case
@@alanhorn8253 it does involve some math and is complicated to figure with ICE. But the PHEV could go 2,000-3,000 miles on a tank full! No Toyota Hybrid can match that.
They do now make an awd version of the hybrid as of 2022
Not sure how you give the trunk 3/10? Just because it’s smaller compared to it’s competition? I don’t need a car as big as the highlander and the others. This one is the perfect size with the perefect sized trunk area...so, I give it a 10! I’ve been loving Kias and just bought a Kia Niro PHEV, but that tablet in the Sorrento is hideous...looks out of of date already...too bad. That’s a deal breaker for me! Hopefully yet PHEV version does better. BTW, can you explain with the regen rate means? What does 49kw equate to? Does that mean it’s recharging 49kw per hour?
Alex - how do the mechanical AWD systems in plug-in hybrid Kia/Hyundai cars work when operating on battery power? Are they FWD only when running on battery power??
No, they are still AWD. The mechanical system doesn't care what drive mode the engine/motor are in.
I am getting no less than 44 MPG on my 2022 1.6T HYBRID EX combined...I do Uber 6 days a week.
Did you cover the driver's side door?
Real quickly
Still deciding red or white color
I'm waiting for the plug-in.
What happened to the full review with scores?
Same question, I want to hear the cabin noise score on the hybrid
I would grab this as my Uber vehicle if it just had 7 seats, my heavens, just stick one in there!
I can't get all three of my kids in the 2nd row? That's not going to work. I can't access the third row with a child car seat installed? Are they trying to not be good for families with small kids? Maybe the plug-in hybrid will be better.
I'm unhappy how Kia America offers its cars with less options compare to the cars in Korea...Korean sorento has a bigger wheel and full led front and tail lamps
Really hoping they eventually offer this in the SX trim level. No Ventilated seats, the smaller Infotainment, no digital instrument cluster are frankly deal breakers for me.
And there's no reason they couldn't offer all those features because all of these are made in Korea, where the hybrid gets all the options the gas model gets.
the lack of an AWD model is baffling, especially because the Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids, which both have the same powertrain, have standard AWD. The Sorento is pretty stupidly priced since feature-for-feature it is actually more expensive than the Telluride when you really look at it.
What happened to the Nissan Rogue review?
Living the Pacific Northwest where messy driving conditions and winding back roads are far more common than in, say, Florida or Texas, I and many of my fellow residents consider AWD in an SUV to more or less essential. So I, too, was somewhat surprised and disappointed to see that KIA is limiting the hybrid model to a front-wheel-drive configuration. But I think I know the answer. At least for the short term.
KIA obviously benchmarked the Highlander hybrid in the design of the Sorento hybrid. They aimed for equal or better fuel economy, better performance, and a lower price. Mission accomplished in part by saving 300-400 lbs in curb weight compared to the Highlander and limiting trim levels to those meant to appeal to a budget shopper. The price advantage of the Sorento is huge. Offering AWD would eliminate between $1800 and $2000 in MSRP savings.
Does the same logic hold for the plug-in hybrid? I don't think so. PHEVs compared to conventional hybrids, I think, are aimed at a somewhat higher income demographic and buyers for whom near cutting edge tech and other features are especially appealing. It will be interesting to see how KIA's trio of ICE, hybrid, and PHEV vehicles perform in the marketplace.
We shopped both and got the Sorento. Yes, the Highlander Hybrid is about 5K more trim for trim, and only 2K of that is accounted for by AWD. It's just more expensive. And since DC doesn't have these weather or terrain issues, AWD was not a deal breaker for us. If we lived up North, we would probably have done the gas-only AWD EX or SX, because it's still a much better deal than the comparable Highlanders, which are pushing 50K on upper trims (sorry polar bears).
We didn't wait for PHEV because as you say it's going to be the most costly and thus the most expensive Sorento period. From an environmental lifecycle or consumer economics perspective PHEV is actually worse than Hybrid. As you say, it's for people who "want it all."
Why does Kia always cheap out on the adaptive cruise control, Toyota offers it standard on almost every vehicle they sell.
I don't want to pay for a feature that I wouldn't use, so keeping it an option is plus for me.
That seems to be a US market thing. It's standard in just about every other market.
It's all about the greed here in the USA