Compare the2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In HybridVS 2023 Rivian R1S

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and R1S have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The R1S’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The R1S doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has standard Parking Collision Avoidance-Rear that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The R1S doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and R1S have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The R1S’ Rear Cross-Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the R1S have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 175 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The R1S has not been tested, yet.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 2 years longer than Rivian covers the R1S. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the R1S ends after only 8 years.

On the EPA test cycle the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the R1S:

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 466 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The R1S’ range is only 260 to 321 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 41 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 11 hours and 44 minutes.

For better maneuverability, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s turning circle is 5.4 feet tighter than the R1S’ (37.9 feet vs. 43.3 feet).

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 2450 pounds less than the Rivian R1S.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is 11.4 inches shorter than the R1S, making the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is 7 inches narrower than the R1S, making the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is 10.7 inches shorter in height than the R1S, making the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

For excellent aerodynamics, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has standard flush composite headlights. The R1S has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has .7 inches more front hip room, 3.7 inches more rear legroom, .9 inches more rear hip room and 1.9 inches more third row shoulder room than the R1S.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The R1S doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The R1S doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The R1S’ tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The R1S doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The R1S doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The R1S doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Kia Sorento outsold the Rivian R1S by over 104 to one during 2022.