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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: Charting the Course for Your Family’s Electric Future

As a veteran automotive expert with over a decade immersed in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation of family transportation. For 2025, two distinct yet equally compelling three-row electric vehicles are vying for the attention of American families: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already lauded 2024 Kia EV9. While one evokes nostalgic charm with a futuristic twist and the other embodies the cutting edge of modern SUV design, both promise to reshape how families travel sustainably.

On paper, these two EVs present an intriguing matchup, with as-tested pricing often landing within a few thousand dollars of each other, making the decision less about budget and more about philosophy. The ID. Buzz, a fresh take on VW’s iconic Microbus, arrives in 2025 as an all-new model, our AWD Pro S Plus test vehicle boasting an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range from its 91-kWh battery, powered by a 335-horsepower dual-motor setup. Its DC fast-charging capability reaches up to 200 kilowatts. The Kia EV9, a staple of our long-term fleet, is a Land trim AWD model, offering a superior EPA-estimated 280 miles from its larger 99.8-kWh battery and a robust 379 horsepower. The EV9 edges out the Buzz in charging speed too, hitting up to 210 kW. Despite these technical differences, their core mission is identical: efficiently moving people and their gear. Let’s delve into the nuances that will truly define which of these premier electric family vehicles best suits your lifestyle.

Interior Space and Comfort: Prioritizing Your Family’s Ride

When evaluating family vehicles, interior ergonomics and passenger comfort are paramount. The ID. Buzz and EV9 approach this critical aspect from strikingly different angles.

Stepping into the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, you’re immediately struck by its commanding, almost commercial-van-like driving position. It’s a bit of a climb, leading me to believe many drivers will appreciate the aftermarket addition of running boards. Once settled, the upright windshield and extended roofline offer an expansive view forward, though I did find myself tilting my head to catch overhead traffic lights – a minor quirk that becomes second nature. While the seats themselves, particularly in the first two rows, are comfortable enough for long hauls, it’s the sheer volumetric space that defines the Buzz’s appeal. Its third row is genuinely accommodating for taller adults, rivaling the second-row spaciousness of many SUVs, including the EV9. This is a significant distinction for families frequently shuttling teenagers or multiple adult passengers.

The 2024 Kia EV9, by contrast, offers a more conventional, albeit luxurious, SUV seating experience. The front seats are superbly cushioned and supportive, providing an edge in long-distance comfort for the driver and co-pilot. Its second-row captain’s chairs are excellent, featuring ventilation and integrated window shades, enhancing passenger amenity. However, the EV9’s third row, while accessible with one-touch folding second-row seats, remains best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter journeys. While adults can manage if second-row occupants are willing to concede some legroom, it doesn’t offer the uncompromised third-row comfort of the ID. Buzz. For those prioritizing absolute passenger volume and adult-friendly third-row seating, the ID. Buzz truly excels, making it an undeniable contender for spacious electric SUV honors.

Smart Storage Solutions: Keeping Chaos at Bay

Families accumulate stuff. From daily commutes to road trips, effective in-cabin storage can be the difference between a serene journey and a cluttered nightmare.

The 2024 Kia EV9 truly shines in its pragmatic approach to interior storage. Its front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering generous bins for both small items and beverages, complemented by an expansive open lower storage area perfect for larger bags or electronics. Thoughtful details like the slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further underscore Kia’s understanding of family needs. It’s a highly functional space designed to absorb the inevitable detritus of family life.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while outwardly capacious, falls short in organized small-item storage. Its minimalist center console between the front seats feels surprisingly small, and the accompanying storage compartments are similarly constrained. While a small bin opens from the backside, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s offerings. Fun, retro-inspired touches like built-in bottle openers/ice scrapers are charming but don’t substitute for genuinely practical storage. Furthermore, the wireless phone charger, while functional, struggled to accommodate my iPhone 12 with a robust Otterbox case, a common issue for many users. The Buzz’s open cabin allows for bags to sit on the floor, but without dedicated, secure spots, it can quickly devolve into disarray. For families prioritizing a well-organized interior and robust EV interior storage solutions, the EV9 holds a distinct advantage.

Navigating the Digital Cockpit: User Interface and Technology Integration

In 2025, an intuitive and responsive infotainment system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when managing family needs on the go. The user interface (UI) design in both these cutting-edge electric vehicles significantly impacts the daily driving experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9 largely earns my commendation for its balanced approach. Its touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, featuring clear menus and decent responsiveness. Crucially, Kia has retained a sensible array of physical controls for frequently accessed functions like climate temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio volume. This blend of digital and tactile interaction is a boon for driver safety and ease of use, allowing eyes to remain on the road. My primary criticism here is the placement of a small climate touch panel that can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, though these controls can be expanded to the main touchscreen. The integrated blind-spot camera views, activated with the turn signal, are excellent, though some digital dashboard elements were also occasionally obscured.

Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite having one of VW’s “better” modern UIs, remains a source of frustration due to its heavy reliance on touch-sensitive controls. While the 12.9-inch touchscreen itself boasts excellent graphics, vibrant colors, and reasonable responsiveness, the lack of haptic feedback on critical controls beyond the screen is a constant annoyance. Swiping inadvertently on the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls can accidentally activate cruise control, and adjusting volume or temperature via imprecise sliders requires more attention than it should. These controls, combined with occasional system pauses and features buried deep within multiple menus, undermine an otherwise visually appealing system. For those who value seamless interaction and a highly intuitive EV infotainment experience, the EV9’s more traditional, button-rich layout is a clear winner, reducing driver distraction and enhancing the overall electric vehicle user experience.

Interior Quality: Luxury Versus Practicality at $70,000+

When a family vehicle crosses the $70,000 threshold, expectations for interior fit, finish, and materials quality understandably rise. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9, while excellent in many regards, demonstrate a common challenge in the EV market: delivering a truly luxurious interior commensurate with their premium price points.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presents a commendable, if somewhat understated, interior. It features a good distribution of soft-touch surfaces where occupants naturally interact with the cabin, such as armrests and door panels. The upholstery feels durable, and after extensive use in our long-term fleet, the cabin shows minimal signs of wear or creaking, indicating solid build quality. My primary critique lies in the aesthetic – the all-gray color scheme, while practical, can feel a bit somber and lacks visual excitement compared to some competitors. It prioritizes durability and understated elegance.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, in contrast, offers a more visually dynamic and colorful cabin, leaning into its retro-futuristic persona. Its build quality is robust, and certain surfaces utilize interesting, high-quality materials. However, it also incorporates a greater amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin compared to the EV9, particularly on common touchpoints. While the overall execution is good, it doesn’t quite match the tactile refinement of the Kia. For buyers seeking a more vibrant and distinct interior, the Buzz delivers. For those prioritizing a slightly more premium feel and durable, soft-touch materials at this price point, the EV9 subtly edges ahead in premium EV interior quality, even if its design is less adventurous.

Cargo Versatility: Hauling Gear, Groceries, and More

Family life demands versatility, and cargo capacity is often a deal-breaker. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer substantial space, but their approaches to utility differ significantly.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly leverages its van-like architecture to deliver a cavernous EV cargo capacity. Behind the third row, measurements are similar to the EV9, around 10 cubic feet. However, with the third row folded, the Buzz expands to a generous 30.8 cubic feet. The real magic happens when you remove the third row entirely (each section weighs about 60 pounds, a minor inconvenience), unlocking a massive 48.9 cubic feet of space, more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. A clever cargo shelf aligns with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor, though it does raise the floor height. Soft-sided storage bins beneath this shelf add flexible space, albeit with potential long-term grime concerns. For families who regularly haul large items or need maximum flexible volume for sports gear, camping trips, or even light business use, the ID. Buzz is an unparalleled choice among electric vans for families.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more conventional, yet highly practical, cargo setup. It provides a large trunk area with the third row in use and expands considerably when folded. Crucially, the EV9 features useful underfloor cargo storage, perfect for keeping valuables out of sight or organizing smaller items. Furthermore, it boasts a modest but functional frunk (front trunk), a convenience the ID. Buzz lacks due to its packaging. The EV9’s third-row seats fold more conventionally, making transformations quicker and easier. For the average family who values convenience, easy adaptability, and a secure frunk for charging cables or groceries, the EV9’s more traditional 3-row electric SUV trunk space is highly effective.

Driving Dynamics: Performance, Refinement, and the Road Ahead

How these electric vehicles handle the road is not just about raw power, but about the overall refinement and suitability for family driving. My ten years in the driver’s seat of countless EVs provide a clear lens through which to assess these contenders.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a genuinely surprising and remarkably refined driving experience. Despite its larger footprint and curb weight, it feels remarkably nimble, almost agile, responding readily to steering inputs. Power delivery from its 335-horsepower dual-motor setup is smooth, quiet, and predictable, making city driving and highway merges effortless. Even in Comfort mode, the accelerator is responsive, giving it a sprightlier feel off the line than the EV9. The suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally well-composed and less noisy than the Kia’s, absorbing bumps with a confident, buttoned-up demeanor. The “B” mode on the gear selector provides near-one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle to a crawl before requiring a brake pedal press for a complete stop. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique glass shape and short nose creating a different perspective. Its lower overall range, however, makes it less ideal for longer, sustained highway journeys.

The 2024 Kia EV9, while more powerful at 379 horsepower, presents a more traditional SUV driving feel. Its suspension, while capable, is notably less refined than the Buzz’s. Traveling over broken pavement, the EV9 tends to transmit more noise and harshness into the cabin, feeling a bit rattly by comparison. Tire and wind noise are also more pronounced at highway speeds. However, the EV9 offers more granular control over regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts appreciate. The different drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) also have a more distinct impact on the driving experience, making it feel more adaptable to various moods. Forward visibility is excellent, potentially even better than the Buzz, and the rearview camera mirror is a significant asset when the third row is occupied or cargo loaded high. For those prioritizing a conventional SUV feel with ample power and robust EV driving performance, the EV9 delivers, though its refinement lags behind the surprisingly polished Buzz.

Cold-Weather Range Performance: The Real-World EV Challenge

For many American families, especially those in colder climates, an EV’s performance when temperatures plummet is a critical factor. Our rigorous cold-weather efficiency test, a roughly 110-mile route of interstate and country roads in well-below-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit), revealed significant real-world implications.

Before starting, both vehicles showed a substantial reduction from their EPA estimates – the EV9 at 249 miles (from 280), and the ID. Buzz at 198 miles (from 231). This immediate drop highlights the inherent challenge of EV cold weather range. Both vehicles were driven normally with climate systems set comfortably in Auto mode.

At the conclusion of the test, the 2024 Kia EV9 traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. It averaged a respectable 2.1 miles per kWh. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, traveling 111 miles, consumed a more significant 150 miles of estimated range, leaving just 48 miles remaining. Its efficiency dropped to 1.8 miles per kWh.

These results are stark. While neither would be my first choice for an extensive cold-weather road trip due to frequent charging stops, the Kia EV9’s superior efficiency and significantly greater remaining range make it the more tolerable option. For families needing reliable long-distance travel in winter, the EV9 mitigates EV range anxiety more effectively, a crucial consideration for electric vehicle suitability in diverse climates.

Making the Choice: Your Family’s Ideal Electric Companion

Deciding between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s specific priorities, lifestyle, and how you envision using your primary electric vehicle.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an extraordinary machine, a true statement piece that blends iconic heritage with future-forward technology. It’s the undeniable champion for maximum passenger and cargo volume, especially if you regularly need to transport adults in the third row or haul exceptionally large items with the seats removed. Its refined driving dynamics and unique, characterful design make it perfect for the lifestyle buyer, the enthusiast who’s always dreamed of a modern VW Bus, or the family whose daily routine demands unparalleled people-moving capability. It’s an experience more than just a car.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, emerges as the more well-rounded, practical, and versatile contender for most families seeking a primary electric vehicle. Its superior range, particularly in colder temperatures, provides greater peace of mind for longer journeys. The intuitive user interface, abundant and well-organized storage, and conventional SUV driving position make it an easier transition for many drivers. While its interior design is less flamboyant, its material quality and overall functionality are top-tier for its class. The EV9 is the pragmatic choice, the dependable workhorse of the electric family car segment.

Both of these groundbreaking vehicles represent the exciting future of family transportation, each bringing compelling arguments to the table. Neither is a perfect cross-country cold-weather road tripper, but for daily driving and regional adventures, they are superb.

Ready to Electrify Your Family’s Journey?

The future of family mobility is here, and it’s electric. Whether you’re drawn to the retro-futuristic charm and cavernous space of the ID. Buzz or the modern practicality and extended range of the EV9, the right choice for your family awaits. Don’t just read about these incredible machines – experience them firsthand.

Visit your nearest Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to schedule a test drive. Discover which of these innovative electric vehicles perfectly aligns with your family’s needs and powers your sustainable adventures into 2025 and beyond. Explore current inventory and personalized financing options to find your ideal electric companion. The road ahead is electric, and your family deserves to drive it.