Charting the Electric Frontier: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Versus 2025 Kia EV9 – The Ultimate Family EV Showdown
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of 2025, the ele
ctric vehicle (EV) market has matured beyond its nascent stages, welcoming a new breed of family-centric offerings that blend innovation with everyday practicality. Two highly anticipated contenders have emerged as pivotal players in the three-row EV segment: the iconic rebirth, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and the boldly futuristic 2025 Kia EV9. From my decade-long immersion in automotive analysis, I can confidently state that these aren’t just vehicles; they represent distinct philosophies for the future of sustainable family transport.
On the surface, one exudes retro-cool charisma while the other projects an assertive, contemporary SUV presence. Yet, beneath their contrasting exteriors, both machines grapple with the same fundamental challenge: delivering compelling electric mobility solutions for discerning families. Having put both through their paces in real-world scenarios, including rigorous cold-weather testing and extensive family utility assessments, the nuances of their design and engineering philosophies become strikingly clear. This in-depth comparison goes beyond mere specifications, delving into the practicalities, the technological execution, and the ownership experience to help you make an informed electric vehicle investment for your family.
Core Propositions: Power, Range, and Market Positioning
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz arrives as a much-heralded successor to the beloved VW Bus, reimagined for the electric age. Our test model, an all-wheel-drive Pro S Plus trim, showcases a dual-motor powertrain generating a robust 335 horsepower, fueled by a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. With an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles on a full charge, the ID. Buzz offers a respectable, though not class-leading, endurance. Its DC fast-charging capability peaks at an impressive 200 kilowatts, positioning it well for future “long-range electric vehicles” infrastructure. Priced at an as-tested $70,540 (including destination), the ID. Buzz leverages its unique heritage and distinctive aesthetic to command a premium in the market. Its appeal lies not just in its performance, but in its profound cultural resonance, making it an emotional choice for many seeking a “premium electric van.”
In contrast, the 2025 Kia EV9, a relative newcomer, swiftly established itself as a formidable force in the “electric family SUV” category. Our long-term test vehicle, a Land trim with AWD, packs a larger 99.8-kWh battery, delivering a superior EPA-estimated range of 280 miles. Its more potent powertrain churns out 379 horsepower, providing a noticeable edge in raw acceleration. The EV9 also boasts a slightly quicker DC fast-charging rate of up to 210 kW, underscoring Kia’s commitment to cutting-edge EV battery technology. With an as-tested price of $74,305, the EV9 positions itself as a strong contender in the luxury electric SUV segment, offering a more traditional SUV form factor wrapped in a forward-thinking electric package. While these price points represent a significant “electric vehicle investment,” both models offer compelling value when considering their advanced features and sustainable auto options.
Interior Space and Ergonomics for the Modern Family
When it comes to ferrying the most precious cargo – your family – interior space and comfort are paramount. The ID. Buzz truly shines in this domain, embodying its spiritual minivan roots with unparalleled passenger volume. Stepping into the driver’s seat of the ID. Buzz is akin to entering a well-appointed command center, offering a commanding, upright view. While the initial climb might suggest the utility of a “delivery van,” its sheer openness quickly becomes apparent. The expansive glasshouse and extended-forward roofline, while occasionally necessitating a slight head tilt to catch overhead stoplights, contribute to an airy cabin feel that is genuinely refreshing.
The ID. Buzz’s seats, while perhaps not quite as plush as the EV9’s initial rows, provide excellent support for long journeys, crucial for a “family EV comfort” assessment. Its true triumph, however, lies in its third row. Here, the ID. Buzz redefines expectations for “three-row electric seating,” offering space that rivals the EV9’s second row. Taller adults can comfortably occupy the rearmost seats without contortion, making it a truly viable option for multi-generational trips.
The Kia EV9, while excellent in its own right, adopts a more conventional SUV approach to “EV interior design.” Its front seats offer superior cushioning and contouring, providing immediate comfort for the driver and co-pilot. The second row, especially with the optional ventilated captain’s chairs, is a delightful place to be, enhanced by integrated window sunshades and a panoramic dual moonroof that creates an open, inviting atmosphere. However, the EV9’s two-person third row, while accessible, is best reserved for children or smaller adults on shorter journeys. Accommodating larger passengers requires negotiation with second-row occupants to slide their seats forward, highlighting a practical limitation compared to the cavernous ID. Buzz. The EV9 does offer convenient one-touch second-row folding for easier access, a thoughtful touch, but the ID. Buzz’s naturally larger opening often makes entry less of a squeeze.
Smart Storage Solutions & Cabin Versatility
Beyond just seating, the ability to organize and stow daily essentials is a critical aspect of any “practical electric vehicle” designed for families. The Kia EV9 emerges as the clear victor in “EV interior storage” due to its well-thought-out and abundant compartments. Its front center console provides ample space for personal items and beverages, complemented by an open lower storage area ideal for larger bags or electronics. This functional design prioritizes utility without sacrificing aesthetics. The EV9’s intelligent implementation of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers further elevates its “family car organization” credentials, ensuring every occupant has a place for their belongings.
The ID. Buzz, while undeniably spacious, presents a paradox in terms of storage for smaller items. Its open and roomy interior, while contributing to a sense of freedom, lacks the dedicated, organized compartments found in the EV9. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and its integrated storage areas are less capacious. While it boasts unique “fun” touches like a movable center console with dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, these novelties often come at the expense of genuine practicality. My experience highlighted the challenge of finding a secure spot for everyday items like a smartphone; the nearly hidden wireless charger, while functional, couldn’t accommodate my phone with its protective case, a minor but irritating oversight for a “future of electric mobility” vehicle. Backpacks and purses often end up on the floor, indicating a missed opportunity for integrated solutions in such an otherwise innovative space.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Digital Experience
In 2025, the “EV infotainment systems” and overall “digital cockpit design” are central to the user experience. The Kia EV9 strikes a commendable balance between modern touch-based controls and essential physical switchgear, earning it high marks for usability. Its touchscreen infotainment system is intuitively laid out with logical menus, and crucially, it retains physical buttons for frequently accessed features like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seats. This hybrid approach significantly reduces driver distraction, an important “advanced EV safety features” consideration. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obstructed by the steering wheel for some drivers, these controls can be expanded to the main central touchscreen for better accessibility. The EV9’s camera views, activated by the turn signal, are a confidence-inspiring feature, although the steering wheel can sometimes obscure portions of the digital dashboard, a minor ergonomic quibble.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while boasting a visually impressive touchscreen with vibrant colors and intuitive tile menus, falls short in its reliance on haptic and touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen. This design philosophy, unfortunately, has been a recurring point of contention in other modern VWs. The touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, while designed for multifunctionality, are prone to accidental activation – I personally found myself inadvertently setting cruise control with an errant swipe. Similarly, the touch sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the tactile precision of physical knobs, making precise adjustments challenging on the move. The system itself, despite excellent graphics, occasionally suffers from unnecessary pauses during climate adjustments and can lock itself for safety reasons, hindering seamless interaction. Key features are sometimes buried within multiple menus, disrupting the flow of an “intuitive car controls” experience. This highlights a critical lesson in HMI design: sometimes, traditional physical interfaces still offer superior functionality and safety.
Interior Aesthetics and Material Palettes
Beyond pure functionality, the ambiance and material quality of an EV interior contribute significantly to its “premium EV interiors” appeal and overall “EV design trends.” The Kia EV9 offers a very good material quality, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where occupants’ arms naturally rest. The upholstery feels robust and well-appointed, and impressively, our long-term test vehicle, even after over 10,000 miles, exhibits no signs of wear or creaks, testifying to its solid build. However, the EV9’s predominantly all-gray interior color scheme, while practical, can feel a bit somber or utilitarian, lacking the visual dynamism that some buyers seek in a modern electric vehicle.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, on the other hand, embraces a more playful and visually engaging aesthetic. Its interior is often characterized by lighter, more colorful schemes that reflect its cheerful exterior design. While the ID. Buzz is solidly built, with visually interesting and quality materials on select surfaces, it does incorporate a greater proportion of hard plastics compared to the EV9, particularly on common touchpoints. This results in a cabin that, while charming, may not convey the same sense of uncompromised luxury as its price point might suggest. It’s a trade-off between distinctive design and pervasive “sustainable interior materials” that feel premium to the touch. The “build quality” is undoubtedly there, but the “perceived luxury” differs significantly between the two.
Cargo Flexibility and Utilitarian Capacity
For families, the ability to haul gear, groceries, and everything in between is as important as passenger space. Here, the ID. Buzz leverages its van-like architecture to deliver exceptional “electric SUV cargo space” and “family EV utility.” Behind its third row, measured cargo space is a respectable 10 cubic feet, similar to the EV9. However, the ID. Buzz truly pulls ahead when its third row is folded, expanding to 30.8 cubic feet. The game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third row, opening up a cavernous 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modularity makes the ID. Buzz an incredibly “versatile electric vehicle” for large hauls, from furniture to camping gear.
A unique feature of the ID. Buzz is its cargo shelf system, which aligns the rearmost cargo area with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor. While practical, it raises the load floor considerably. The third-row seats themselves are heavy, around 60 pounds per section, requiring effort to remove and a dedicated storage space outside the vehicle when maximum cargo volume is needed. The soft-sided storage bins beneath the shelf, while useful, raise questions about long-term durability and ease of cleaning.
The Kia EV9 offers a more conventional cargo area, similar to what you’d expect in a gasoline-powered three-row SUV. It provides generous space with the third row up and even more with it folded. Critically, the EV9 includes underfloor cargo storage and a small “frunk” (front trunk), a practical addition for stowing charging cables or small items, which the ID. Buzz, surprisingly, lacks. While the EV9’s total maximum cargo volume doesn’t match the ID. Buzz’s with its third row removed, its integrated and easily configurable cargo solutions often prove more practical for day-to-day family use, without the need to physically remove heavy seats.
Driving Dynamics and On-Road Sophistication
The driving experience of an EV goes beyond raw power; it encompasses ride quality, handling, and powertrain refinement. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivered a genuinely pleasant surprise in its “EV driving performance.” Even in its Comfort drive mode, the accelerator pedal proved remarkably responsive from a standstill, providing smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. Despite its heavier curb weight compared to the EV9, the ID. Buzz never feels ponderous. Its suspension tuning, while firm, exhibits a refined damping that translates to a “buttoned up” feel, absorbing road imperfections with greater composure and less noise than the Kia. The steering is light and direct, and the B mode on the gear selector offers a near-one-pedal driving experience, requiring only a final brake tap to come to a complete stop. For a larger vehicle, the ID. Buzz feels remarkably nimble, defying its size with responsive handling. Outward visibility is good, especially through the expansive front glass and short nose, creating a unique perspective without significant blind spots.
The Kia EV9, conversely, provides a driving experience more akin to a traditional SUV. Its “electric vehicle handling” is competent, and its conventional SUV driving position offers excellent forward visibility. However, compared to the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s ride feels notably harsher and noisier, particularly over broken pavement, with more tire and wind noise intruding into the cabin at higher speeds. While the EV9’s powertrain delivers more raw horsepower (379 hp), making it the “relatively sportier choice” for outright acceleration, the ID. Buzz often feels quicker off the line due to its accelerator tuning. The EV9 does offer more distinct drive modes, with Eco feeling genuinely sedate and Sport mode transforming its character. Its regenerative braking levels are more adjustable, including a full one-pedal driving mode, a feature the ID. Buzz notably lacks. Visibility is generally good, and Kia’s “ADAS features” are enhanced by useful blind spot camera views and an available camera mirror, compensating for any obstructed rear view.
Real-World Range and Cold-Weather Endurance
Perhaps the most critical consideration for any “electric vehicle investment” in 2025 is real-world range, especially under adverse conditions. Our cold-weather efficiency drive, undertaken at well-below-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit) over a 110-mile route, highlighted the intrinsic challenges EVs face in colder climates. Both vehicles saw their estimated range drop by approximately 30 miles compared to their EPA figures before we even started.
The 2025 Kia EV9 demonstrated a slight, but significant, advantage in “cold weather EV performance.” It averaged 2.1 miles per kWh, consuming 135 miles of estimated range to travel 113 actual miles. This left it with a more comfortable 114 miles of remaining range after the test. Its superior EPA range of 280 miles, combined with this better efficiency, makes it a more “tolerable” option for colder road trips, despite neither vehicle being ideal for extensive cold-weather touring without frequent charging stops. The EV9’s advanced “EV battery technology” clearly plays a role here.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its lower EPA range of 231 miles, naturally struggled more. It averaged 1.8 miles per kWh, consuming a substantial 150 miles of estimated range to cover 111 actual miles, leaving a mere 48 miles of remaining range. This performance underscores the reality of “EV range anxiety” in freezing conditions and positions the ID. Buzz more as a capable urban and suburban family hauler rather than a true “long-range electric vehicles” champion in harsh winters. While both could benefit from more robust thermal management systems for their batteries in extreme cold, the EV9’s larger battery pack and superior efficiency provide a crucial buffer.
The Verdict: Tailoring Your EV Choice for 2025 and Beyond
The decision between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s priorities, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Both represent significant strides in “sustainable auto options” for families, yet they cater to different needs.
If your primary need is maximum passenger capacity and unparalleled third-row comfort for adults on a daily basis, the ID. Buzz stands as the unrivaled champion. Its unique blend of retro charm and modern electric propulsion makes it a compelling “lifestyle vehicle” for those who appreciate distinctive design and crave a spacious, airy cabin for city cruising and suburban adventures. It’s a statement, a conversation starter, and an ode to a beloved past, re-engineered for the “future of electric mobility.” If you’re looking for a “premium electric van” that breaks the mold, the ID. Buzz is undeniably for you.
However, if you require a more versatile “primary vehicle” that blends conventional SUV practicality with superior electric range, better cold-weather endurance, and a more user-friendly interface for everyday driving, the Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded choice. Its higher power output, quicker charging, and greater utility in terms of integrated storage and frunk space make it a robust and adaptable “electric family SUV” ready for a wider array of challenges, from daily commutes to less extreme road trips. Its mature design and balanced approach to technology offer a confident step into the electric future.
On the merits, neither of these exceptional electric vehicles is a wrong choice. Both are exemplary representations of what 2025 has to offer in the evolving world of family EVs.
Considering the monumental shift towards electric mobility for your family? The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 isn’t just about specifications; it’s about aligning with your lifestyle, your values, and your vision for the road ahead. We encourage you to experience both firsthand to discover which electrifying option truly resonates with your family’s journey into the future.
