Navigating the Future: 2025 VW ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9 – The Ultimate Family Electric Vehicle Showdown
The automotive landscape is electrifying at an unprecedented pac
e, and for families seeking sustainable, spacious transport, the choices are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As a veteran in automotive evaluation with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve witnessed the rapid evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) from niche products to mainstream contenders. For 2025, two distinct yet equally compelling three-row electric vehicles stand out: the highly anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the established, yet refined, 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different philosophies in design and packaging, both aim to redefine family mobility in the electric era. The question isn’t just “Which is better?” but “Which perfectly aligns with your family’s unique lifestyle and needs?”
At first glance, the ID. Buzz, with its charismatic retro-futuristic van aesthetic, and the EV9, a bold statement in contemporary SUV design, appear to inhabit different universes. Yet, beneath their distinctive exteriors, they share a common purpose: to move people and cargo efficiently and sustainably. Their as-tested pricing often hovers within a few thousand dollars, placing them squarely in the premium electric vehicle segment. This isn’t merely a battle of specs; it’s a nuanced comparison of living with these advanced family EVs day in and day out, evaluating everything from interior comfort to real-world cold-weather efficiency, and the seamless integration of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology into daily life.
Redefining Family Transport: A Deep Dive into Design and Drivetrain
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz arrives as a breath of fresh air, a spiritual successor to the iconic VW Microbus, reimagined for the electric age. This all-new model brings a refreshing dose of personality to the often-conservative family vehicle segment. Our test variant, an AWD Pro S Plus trim, boasts a dual-motor powertrain delivering a robust 335 horsepower, drawing energy from a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Volkswagen states it can achieve DC fast-charging speeds up to 200 kilowatts, crucial for minimizing downtime on longer journeys. Its EPA-estimated range of 231 miles is competitive, though not class-leading, underscoring its primary appeal as a versatile city and suburban cruiser with occasional longer-haul capabilities. From an expert perspective, the ID. Buzz represents a significant investment in emotional design and thoughtful engineering, positioning it as more than just a car, but a lifestyle statement.
In contrast, the Kia EV9, our long-term test vehicle, exemplifies a more conventional, albeit thoroughly modern, approach to the three-row electric SUV. The Land trim with AWD is powered by a larger 99.8-kWh battery, offering an impressive EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. With 379 horsepower, it outmuscles the ID. Buzz on paper, and its DC fast-charging capability of up to 210 kW gives it a slight edge in replenishment speed. The EV9, having been on the market for some time, has proven itself as a reliable and high-performing option, evolving with subtle refinements for the 2025 model year, such as updated color palettes and minor software enhancements. It confidently carries the banner for mainstream luxury electric SUV features, promising practicality without compromising on futuristic appeal.
Interior Mastery: Space, Comfort, and Family Harmony
When it comes to family vehicles, the interior is where the magic truly happens. It’s not just about square footage, but how that space is utilized, the comfort it provides, and its ability to adapt to the unpredictable demands of daily family life.
Occupant Volume and Seating Dynamics:
From my perspective, the ID. Buzz is a revelation in maximizing interior volume. The elevated driving position, reminiscent of a classic van, offers a commanding view of the road, though the upright windshield and forward-extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead stoplights—a minor quirk that seasoned drivers will adapt to. While the VW’s seats, though good, don’t quite match the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, the sheer expansiveness of its cabin is undeniable. The third row, in particular, is where the ID. Buzz truly shines. It’s not just adult-friendly; it’s genuinely comfortable for taller adults, echoing the spaciousness one might expect from a second row in other vehicles. This is a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently ferry multiple adults.
The EV9, while boasting a commendable second row with optional ventilated captain’s chairs and integrated window sunshades—features that speak to its premium electric vehicle technology—struggles to match the ID. Buzz’s third-row generosity. Its two-person third row is better suited for children or shorter adults on brief trips, requiring some compromise from second-row passengers to free up legroom. While access is facilitated by a convenient one-touch second-row folding and sliding mechanism, the overall feeling is one of utility rather than expansive comfort. The EV9 delivers an excellent balance for many, but for ultimate passenger capacity and comfort in all three rows, the ID. Buzz is the clear victor, leveraging its van architecture to superb effect.
Ingenious Storage Solutions:
In-cabin storage is a critical, often underestimated, aspect of family vehicle utility. The EV9, with its thoughtful and ample storage solutions, takes the lead here. Its front center console offers generous space for drinks and various odds and ends, complemented by an expansive open lower storage area ideal for larger items like bags or tablets. This design philosophy prioritizes practical, accessible storage.
The ID. Buzz, while outwardly roomy, paradoxically offers less practical closed storage for smaller items. The center console between the front seats is compact, and its storage compartments are limited in size. While it features a unique rear-opening bin, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s larger, more conventional solutions. The ID. Buzz leans into its open-plan cabin, allowing for items like backpacks to be placed on the floor, but this lacks the organized containment many families prefer. Fun features, like the bottle opener/ice scraper dividers, are charming but not a substitute for substantial, secure storage. Even the wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked away, might not accommodate larger modern smartphones in their protective cases – a minor, but recurring, frustration for users of premium mobile devices. The EV9’s larger console bin and slide-out tray for second-row passengers simply offer superior, more intuitive functionality for daily use.
Digital Command Centers: User Interface and Connectivity in 2025
The user interface (UI) in modern EVs is more than just a screen; it’s the nerve center for vehicle control, entertainment, and connectivity. As an expert in the field, I’ve observed a clear trend towards more intuitive, less distracting interfaces in 2025 vehicles.
The Kia EV9 generally gets my vote for its balanced approach. Its touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, with responsive tile menus and a logical layout. Crucially, Kia retains a suite of physical buttons for frequently accessed functions like climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio adjustments. This blend of touch and tactile controls significantly enhances user experience, allowing drivers to make adjustments without diverting attention from the road. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, these controls can be mirrored on the central touchscreen for better visibility. The inclusion of physical controls aligns with best practices for driver safety and convenience in the evolving landscape of intelligent driver assistance systems.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, unfortunately, continues a trend seen in other VW models that prioritizes aesthetics over ergonomic practicality. While its touchscreen infotainment system boasts intuitive tile menus, a crisp home screen, and richer display colors than the Kia, its heavy reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen is a source of constant frustration. The touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls are particularly vexing; accidental swipes can inadvertently activate features like cruise control. Similarly, the haptic sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and tactile feedback of physical buttons. These design choices, while visually minimalist, can lead to unnecessary driver distraction, a critical consideration for any family vehicle. Despite excellent graphics and responsiveness from the main screen itself, issues like occasional freezes or safety-related lockouts, and features buried deep within multiple menus, detract from the overall user experience. This contrast highlights a fundamental difference in design philosophy regarding human-machine interface.
Craftsmanship and Durability: A Look at Interior Quality
In a segment where both vehicles hover around the $70,000 mark, expectations for interior quality are justifiably high. Neither vehicle, from my decade of evaluating premium models, truly delivers a full luxury experience that one might associate with such a price tag from traditional luxury brands, but both offer commendable quality for the segment.
The Kia EV9 slightly edges out the ID. Buzz in this category. It features a greater abundance of soft-touch surfaces in key areas where occupants’ arms and hands naturally rest. The upholstery feels of a higher quality, and despite accumulating over 10,000 miles on our long-term test vehicle, the interior shows remarkably little wear or creakiness. While its all-gray interior can feel somewhat subdued, it offers a sense of durable, understated elegance that is highly practical for family use.
The ID. Buzz, while solidly built and showcasing some visually interesting and tactile materials, relies more heavily on hard plastics in common touchpoints. Its lighter, more colorful interior palette is visually appealing and certainly makes a statement, contributing to its unique character. However, from a tactile perspective, the EV9’s more consistent application of soft-touch materials gives it a slight advantage in perceived quality and long-term comfort. Both are well-executed for a family hauler, but if an elevated sense of material luxury is a priority, the EV9 makes a stronger case.
Beyond Passengers: Maximizing Cargo Versatility
For families, a vehicle’s ability to swallow gear, groceries, and recreational equipment is almost as important as its ability to transport people. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer respectable cargo solutions, but with different approaches.
Behind the third row, both EVs offer similar cargo space, around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com measurements. However, the ID. Buzz’s minivan roots truly come to the fore when it’s time to maximize cargo. With its third row folded, the VW provides a generous 30.8 cubic feet of space. The real game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third row, which liberates an astounding 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. This makes the ID. Buzz a true cargo cavern, more than doubling the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. While the third-row sections are heavy (around 60 pounds each) and require a designated storage space when removed, this unparalleled flexibility is a huge advantage for those who frequently transport large items. The optional cargo shelf in the ID. Buzz, while useful for creating a flat load floor and offering soft-sided storage bins underneath, also raises the load floor, which can sometimes negate its volumetric advantage. The ID. Buzz lacks a front trunk (frunk), a feature increasingly common in electric vehicles, which might be a consideration for some.
The Kia EV9, by comparison, offers a more conventional cargo area, akin to a traditional three-row SUV. It provides a substantial cargo area with the third row up, and a large, flat space when folded. It also benefits from underfloor storage and a useful frunk, which is perfect for storing charging cables or smaller items. While less dramatically capacious than the ID. Buzz with its seats fully removed, the EV9’s cargo area is highly practical and easy to reconfigure for various needs without the hassle of removing heavy seat sections. It offers a robust and versatile solution for the majority of family cargo requirements.
The Road Ahead: Driving Dynamics and Performance
The driving experience in an EV is distinct, characterized by instant torque and often a serene quietness. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer engaging drives, but with unique personalities.
On-Road Presence and Handling:
The 2025 ID. Buzz truly surprised me with its refined driving dynamics. Even in its Comfort mode, the accelerator response is sharper and more immediate than the EV9’s, making it feel more sprightly from a standstill. Power delivery is consistently smooth and quiet, creating a remarkably calm cabin environment. Despite its van-like stature, the ID. Buzz feels exceptionally nimble, steering with a light touch and responding readily to driver inputs without feeling top-heavy. Its suspension tuning is notably sophisticated, providing a composed ride that effectively soaks up road imperfections without generating the same level of noise or harshness I experienced in the Kia. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near one-pedal driving, a desirable feature for maximizing regenerative braking, though a full stop still requires a brake pedal engagement. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique windshield design and short nose, creating a slightly different, yet unencumbered, perspective.
The Kia EV9, while a competent driver, adopts a more conventional SUV feel. Its driving position and outward visibility are familiar to SUV owners, though its substantial left-side B-pillar can create a blind spot for some. While the EV9’s suspension is firm, it doesn’t quite match the ID. Buzz’s refinement, transmitting more noise and harshness into the cabin over broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable in the EV9 compared to the quieter Buzz. However, the EV9 offers multiple levels of regenerative braking, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which is a significant convenience. Its different drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport—also offer a more distinct change in driving character, from a relaxed cruiser to a relatively sporty performer, providing a more versatile driving personality. Forward visibility is excellent, and the inclusion of camera-based blind spot views and an optional rearview camera mirror significantly enhance driver confidence and safety.
Range Realities and Charging Prowess:
In 2025, real-world range and advanced EV charging infrastructure are paramount for the EV ownership experience. While EPA estimates provide a baseline, my experience emphasizes the nuances of actual driving conditions. The EV9’s 280-mile EPA range consistently provides more breathing room than the ID. Buzz’s 231 miles, particularly important for those who undertake longer family road trips or have fewer convenient charging options. Both vehicles offer impressive DC fast-charging capabilities (200 kW for the Buzz, 210 kW for the EV9), allowing for rapid top-ups on compatible charging networks. The continued expansion of high-speed charging stations across America further enhances the practicality of these long-range electric vehicles. However, it’s critical for prospective buyers to consider their daily commute, typical travel distances, and access to home and public charging when evaluating the true utility of these ranges.
Conquering the Cold: Winter Efficiency and Practicality
Cold weather significantly impacts EV range and performance, a factor often overlooked by first-time buyers. Our cold-weather efficiency test, conducted in frigid 17-21 degree Fahrenheit conditions, revealed tangible differences. On a 110-mile route of mixed interstate and country roads, the EV9 demonstrated superior cold-weather efficiency, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh.
Before the drive, the EV9 showed 249 miles of estimated range (a typical reduction from its EPA 280-mile rating in cold), while the ID. Buzz displayed 198 miles (down from its 231-mile EPA rating). The combination of higher speeds and low temperatures rapidly consumed available range. At the end of our journey, having traveled 113 miles, the Kia had consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles. The ID. Buzz, after 111 miles, consumed 150 miles of estimated range, with only 48 miles remaining.
This stark difference highlights the strategic importance of greater initial range in adverse conditions. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extended cold-weather road trip due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the EV9’s superior range offers a distinct advantage, making it a more tolerable option for winter travel. This underscores that while both represent advanced electric vehicle battery technology, the larger capacity of the EV9’s battery provides a crucial buffer in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Charting Your Course for the Electric Future
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 isn’t about one being definitively “better,” but rather which electric vehicle best aligns with your family’s unique priorities and intended use. Both represent significant strides in sustainable family transport, offering distinct paths to the electric future.
If your primary need is maximum occupant space across all three rows, particularly for adult passengers, and a truly unique, character-filled vehicle that stands out from the crowd, the ID. Buzz is an unparalleled choice. Its impressive cargo versatility with the third row removed further enhances its appeal for those who need occasional massive hauling capability. It’s ideal for families who embrace its retro-futuristic charm and desire a refined, agile city cruiser that can also handle people-moving duties with aplomb. It’s also a compelling option as a stylish lifestyle vehicle for those who can accommodate a premium electric vehicle in their fleet.
However, if you prioritize a more conventional SUV driving experience, superior cold-weather range and efficiency, a highly intuitive user interface with ample physical controls, and generous in-cabin storage for daily practicality, the Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded primary family vehicle. Its strong performance, sophisticated driver assistance systems, and proven reliability make it a formidable contender for those seeking a practical, yet stylish, everyday electric SUV. The EV9 offers a blend of capability and range that makes it a more versatile choice for a wider array of family needs, including longer journeys in favorable weather.
Ultimately, both vehicles represent the pinnacle of current family EV innovation, offering distinct value propositions in the rapidly evolving market for long-range electric vehicles. No matter which you choose, you’re investing in a sophisticated, advanced piece of engineering designed for the future.
Ready to electrify your family’s journey? We invite you to explore the unparalleled character of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz or experience the sophisticated practicality of the 2024 Kia EV9 firsthand. Visit our showroom or schedule a personalized consultation to discover which of these exceptional electric vehicles truly fits your family’s dynamic lifestyle.
