Title: Navigating the 2025 Electric Family Frontier: Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9
As we accelerate into 2025, the automotive landscape is buzzing with electrific
ation, and for growing families, the choice of a capable, spacious electric vehicle (EV) has never been more diverse or exciting. No longer confined to sedans or compact SUVs, the market now offers compelling three-row electric options designed to redefine family transportation. At the forefront of this evolution stand two distinct contenders: the retro-futuristic 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the bold, contemporary 2024 Kia EV9. While they inhabit different segments – one a modern interpretation of an iconic van, the other a purpose-built electric SUV – both command significant attention as premium people-movers, prompting a vital question for discerning buyers: Which is the superior family EV for the demands of the mid-2020s?
Having navigated the intricacies of the automotive industry for over a decade, I’ve witnessed the rapid advancements in EV technology and the shifting paradigms of consumer expectations. These two vehicles, surprisingly close in their current market pricing, present a fascinating study in design philosophy, practical utility, and the driving experience within the nascent 3-row electric segment. Let’s delve deep into what each offers, examining their strengths and weaknesses from an expert perspective geared towards real-world family needs.
Powering Your Family’s Journey: Performance, Range, and Charging Dynamics
The foundation of any compelling electric vehicle lies in its powertrain and energy management. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, specifically in its Pro S Plus AWD configuration, brings a dual-motor setup delivering 335 horsepower, drawing energy from a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This combination provides an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles on a full charge. For rapid replenishment, the ID. Buzz supports DC fast-charging at up to 200 kilowatts, a competitive figure for its class that promises reasonable downtime at compatible charging stations. Its pricing, as tested, hovers around the $70,540 mark, reflecting its premium positioning and cutting-edge electric van lineage.
In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9, particularly our long-term Land AWD model, offers a slightly more robust 379 horsepower and is equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery. This translates to a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range, a significant advantage for families prioritizing longer journeys or those with limited access to frequent charging. The EV9 also edges out the ID. Buzz in peak DC fast-charging capability, reaching up to 210 kW, which, while marginally faster on paper, could translate to a few precious minutes saved on extended road trips. Its as-tested price of $74,305 places it slightly above the ID. Buzz, though Kia’s dynamic pricing in 2025 means minor variations are possible, especially with cosmetic choices. When evaluating long-range electric vehicles 2025 options, the EV9’s range immediately stands out.
From a pure specification standpoint, the EV9 presents a more powerful and longer-legged proposition. However, raw numbers don’t always tell the full story; the ID. Buzz’s power delivery is remarkably responsive and smooth, an attribute often highly valued in sustainable family transportation where comfortable, predictable acceleration is key. Both vehicles leverage advanced AWD electric powertrains, ensuring confident traction in various conditions, a critical feature for family EV safety.
Interior Architecture: Space and Comfort Redefined
When it comes to ferrying precious cargo – namely, your family – interior space and comfort are paramount. This is where the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly plays its trump card, leveraging its van-like architecture to deliver a cavernous cabin. From the elevated driver’s perch, reminiscent of classic VW Bus heritage but with modern ergonomics, the sense of airiness is immediate. While the upfront climb might suggest the utility of a delivery van, the generous visibility and unique forward-swept windshield design contribute to an expansive view, albeit sometimes requiring a slight head tilt to catch overhead traffic signals.
The ID. Buzz’s seating, while not as plush as the EV9’s front and second rows, is supportive and comfortable for extended periods. Its undeniable strength, however, lies in its third-row adult comfort EV. Unlike many 3-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are relegated to child-only use, the ID. Buzz genuinely accommodates taller adults with ample headroom and legroom, rivaling the spaciousness typically found in a second row. This transforms it into a true 7-seater (or 6-seater, depending on configuration), making it a powerhouse for spacious electric family car needs.
The 2024 Kia EV9, while an excellent premium electric SUV, adheres more closely to traditional SUV proportions. Its front seats offer superior cushioning and contouring, providing a slightly more cocooned feeling for the driver and front passenger. The second row, often configured with comfortable captain’s chairs, is also highly commendable, featuring amenities like ventilation and integrated sunshades. However, its two-person third row, while accessible with one-touch sliding second-row seats, remains best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Sharing legroom becomes a necessity, highlighting the fundamental difference in spatial philosophy between a van and an SUV. For families with older children or those frequently transporting adult passengers, the ID. Buzz’s dedication to passenger volume across all rows offers a compelling advantage.
Smart Storage Solutions: Keeping Chaos at Bay
In the life of a busy family, intelligent in-cabin storage is almost as crucial as passenger space. Here, the 2024 Kia EV9 tends to excel with its more conventional yet highly effective approach. Its front center console offers robust compartments for drinks and smaller items, complemented by an expansive open lower storage area – perfect for bags, tablets, or even a small purse. This emphasis on dedicated, larger bins makes it easier to keep the cabin organized and functional.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its overall roominess, adopts a more minimalist philosophy for small-item storage in the front. The center console is notably smaller, and while it features intriguing elements like a rear-opening bin and dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper (fun, but not always practical), it lacks the sheer volume and dedicated compartmentalization of the EV9. While there’s ample floor space to toss a backpack, it lacks the integrated solutions for securing smaller items. The movable center console is a neat trick, but sharing the sole one for front and second-row passengers might prove inconvenient on a long family road trip. The unique, nearly hidden wireless phone charger next to the steering wheel is a thoughtful touch, but its size limitations (as noted, not fitting all larger phone cases) can be a minor annoyance. For those who value a spot for everything, the EV9’s innovative EV interiors in terms of practicality largely outshine the ID. Buzz’s design-forward approach.
User Interface and Infotainment: The Digital Divide
The digital age has profoundly impacted automotive interiors, and the user interface (UI) is often a make-or-break aspect of the daily driving experience. The 2024 Kia EV9 generally takes the lead here, striking a more pragmatic balance between modern touchscreen technology and intuitive physical controls. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is highly intuitive with clear menus, and crucially, Kia retains physical buttons for frequently accessed features like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seats. While the small climate touch panel below the main screen can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, the option to expand these controls to the central touchscreen mitigates this. Kia’s integration of blind-spot camera views into the digital instrument cluster upon turn signal activation is also a confidence-inspiring advanced driver assistance systems EV feature.
Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring an attractive 12.9-inch touchscreen with rich colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus, leans heavily into touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen itself. This touch-heavy approach, seen in other modern VWs, can be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, which combine sliding and pressing functionality, are particularly prone to accidental activation, such as unintentionally engaging cruise control. Similarly, the slider controls for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the tactile precision of physical buttons, demanding more attention away from the road. Unnecessary pauses in climate adjustments and occasional screen locks for safety reasons further detract from the seamless experience. While the graphics are excellent and the screen is responsive when it allows inputs, the overall intuitive EV infotainment experience in the ID. Buzz feels less refined and more prone to user error compared to the EV9. This highlights a significant debate in electric vehicle technology trends: the optimal balance between sleek minimalism and practical usability.
Crafting the Cabin: Interior Quality and Material Selection
At a price point north of $70,000, buyers rightly expect a premium experience, and interior quality plays a significant role in perceived value. The 2024 Kia EV9 delivers a very good impression, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where arms and hands naturally rest. Its upholstery feels robust and durable, holding up remarkably well even after thousands of miles, resisting wear and creaks. While the all-gray interior in some configurations might be considered somewhat somber, its build quality and material choices are undeniably impressive for a premium electric SUV.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while undeniably solid in its construction, presents a mixed bag. It features visually interesting and high-quality materials on some surfaces, contributing to its charming, retro aesthetic. However, it also incorporates a considerable amount of hard plastic, particularly on common touchpoints where one might expect softer trim in a vehicle of this caliber. While the overall quality is good, and the lighter, more colorful interior schemes offer a vibrant alternative to the EV9’s restraint, the luxury electric family car feel isn’t quite as consistently delivered across all surfaces as in the Kia. Both vehicles demonstrate a commendable commitment to sustainable interior materials EV, aligning with contemporary eco-conscious consumer values, but the EV9 arguably offers a slightly more cohesive and tactilely pleasant premium environment.
Cargo Versatility: Hauling People, Gear, or Both
For families, the ability to adapt to varying cargo and passenger demands is crucial. Here, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly shines, demonstrating a remarkable level of versatility that leverages its van heritage. While measured cargo space behind the third row is similar to the EV9 at around 10 cubic feet, the ID. Buzz’s true magic unfolds when its third row is folded, or, more impressively, entirely removed. When folded, a clever cargo shelf aligns with the third-row backrest, creating a flat floor and offering 30.8 cubic feet of space. Remove the third-row seats (each section weighing about 60 pounds, requiring some effort), and the ID. Buzz transforms into a cavernous hauler, boasting a massive 48.9 cubic feet of space – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row down. While the absence of a frunk (front trunk) is notable, the sheer volume in the rear for oversized items is unparalleled in this comparison, making it an ideal choice for flexible cargo electric SUV alternatives.
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more conventional, yet still highly practical, cargo area. It provides a generous space with the third row up and even more with it folded flat. It also includes useful underfloor storage and a small frunk, perfect for charging cables or smaller valuables. While not matching the ID. Buzz’s ultimate volumetric capacity with seats removed, the EV9’s cargo area is easily configurable and doesn’t require the physical removal of heavy seats, making everyday flexibility simpler. For those who frequently need to carry large gear alongside passengers, the ID. Buzz’s modularity offers a distinct advantage, appealing to adventurers and those with active hobbies.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics and Experience
The driving experience of an EV is a unique blend of silent power and composed handling. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz proved to be a pleasant surprise in this regard, offering a refined and surprisingly agile ride for a vehicle of its stature. Even in its Comfort drive mode, the accelerator pedal is responsive, delivering smooth, quiet, and predictable power. The ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning, while firm, felt more refined and less noisy than the EV9’s, contributing to a more “buttoned-up” overall feel. Its light steering and nimble demeanor belie its size, making it surprisingly easy to maneuver in urban environments. The B mode on the gear selector provides near-one-pedal driving, effectively maximizing regenerative braking systems efficiency, though a full stop still requires brake pedal engagement. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique forward glass shape and short nose, creating a distinct but not problematic perspective.
The 2024 Kia EV9, while providing a confident and generally capable drive, presents a different character. It offers the familiar driving position and outward visibility of a conventional SUV, which can be comforting for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles. However, when directly compared to the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s suspension felt less refined, transmitting more noise and harshness from broken pavement into the cabin. Tire and wind noise were also more noticeable at higher speeds. While the EV9 offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, the overall ride quality isn’t quite as composed as the VW. Its different drive modes (Eco, Sport) offer a more distinct change in driving character, making it the relatively sportier choice, yet it doesn’t quite match the ID. Buzz’s comfortable cruiser aesthetic. Forward visibility is good, and rear visibility is superior, further enhanced by an available camera mirror and blind-spot camera views, all contributing to a safer and more confident drive, especially in dense traffic.
Real-World Efficiency: Tackling Cold-Weather Challenges
One of the persistent questions surrounding electric vehicles, especially for families planning longer excursions, revolves around real-world efficiency, particularly in challenging conditions. Our cold-weather efficiency drive, conducted in sub-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit) over a 110-mile route of highways and country roads, provided crucial insights into both vehicles.
The 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrated a slight edge, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. This translates directly to range. At the start of our test, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles – both roughly 30 miles shy of their EPA estimates, underscoring the impact of cold weather on EV battery performance. After traveling approximately 110 miles, the EV9 had consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, meanwhile, consumed 150 miles of range and was left with just 48 miles.
This data highlights a critical aspect of electric vehicle range anxiety, particularly for cold-weather efficiency EV scenarios. The EV9’s larger 99.8-kWh battery and slightly better efficiency translate into a more substantial buffer, making it the more tolerable option for longer trips when temperatures plummet. While neither vehicle would be our top choice for an extensive cold-weather road trip without careful charging planning, the Kia’s greater driving range is a considerable asset for families needing reliable mobility even when Mother Nature is at her iciest. Efficient thermal management electric cars and optimal electric powertrain efficiency are paramount here.
The Verdict: Which Electric Family Hauler Fits Your Life?
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 isn’t about finding a singular “winner”; it’s about aligning a vehicle’s unique strengths with your family’s specific lifestyle and priorities. Both represent compelling advancements in best electric vehicles 2025 for families, but they cater to distinct needs.
If your primary need is unparalleled passenger space across all three rows, capable of comfortably accommodating adults on a daily basis, and you value a truly distinctive, retro-futuristic aesthetic, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your champion. It’s an ideal choice for large families, carpool duties, or anyone who frequently transports multiple adult passengers. Its transformative cargo capability, particularly with the third row removed, also makes it a surprisingly versatile hauler for those with active lifestyles requiring immense internal volume. Its engaging, refined driving experience adds to its charm, making it more than just a novelty; it’s a truly competent electric van alternative.
However, if you prioritize a longer driving range, a more conventional SUV driving feel, a highly intuitive user interface with a blend of physical controls, and superior in-cabin storage solutions for daily organization, the 2024 Kia EV9 stands out. It’s a more well-rounded primary family vehicle, offering a robust blend of power, range, and practicality that makes it highly adaptable to a wider array of scenarios, including more frequent longer trips (especially in favorable temperatures). Its traditional SUV proportions, combined with its modern electric SUV capabilities, make it an excellent choice for families seeking a premium, technologically advanced, and highly functional daily driver that can handle most situations with grace.
No matter which path you choose in the dynamic 2025 EV market, both the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia EV9 represent significant leaps forward in family electrification. They underscore the industry’s commitment to delivering diverse, capable, and increasingly refined electric options. The future of family EV travel is here, and it’s full of exciting choices.
Ready to experience the future of family transportation? We invite you to explore these groundbreaking electric vehicles further. Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to schedule a test drive and discover which innovative electric family hauler truly resonates with your unique needs and aspirations.
