Power output of 3.8L. Why so low?

[chickdr]

Just picked up a 25 Telly and it is a great ride but I have to wonder how much better it would be with a higher output version of the 3.8L. I mean they have versions which go all the way to 348hp. I wonder why they put the lowest spec version in such a big, heavy car. Why not at least the 311hp, 293ft/lb version used in the 2013 Genesis sedan? Just seems strange Kia/Hyundai would pick the least powerful version of the 3.8 they could find.

 

[1 Alibi 2]

Not what you call great on MPG's as it is. Putting more hp on a 5400+ lb. vehicle would gain you what ??
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[chickdr]

It would get you better towing capacity potentially, better acceleration -especially when the car is loaded up and a more enjoyable driving experience. I don't think it would change MPG much at all to increase power to over 300hp and the torque increase would certainly be useful.

Same thing goes for the 27 ICE model. 274hp when the same engine in the Sorento has 281 and the Sonata N has 290? Why?

 

[1 Alibi 2]

5500 lb. towing isn't too shabby for an SUV, & you can always slip it into all wheel drive for better acceleration. I guess I didn't buy it for towing or speed..
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[chickdr]

So for you, 291hp is acceptable. Obviously, I bought one as well despite the power output, but that isn't my question. This car was released in 2020 and the Hyundai/Kia group had the same motor in several other cars with higher outputs many years before the Telluride was released. It is curious to me they would have put the base output version of the 3.8 in such a big/heavy car.