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The Ultimate 2025 EV Showdown: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Battles Kia EV9 for Family Supremacy
As an automotive expert navigating the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape for over a decade, I’ve witnessed the transformation from niche offerings to mainstream contenders. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, with an exciting new wave of purpose-built electric vehicles hitting the market, challenging our preconceptions of family transport. Among the most anticipated arrivals is the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, a triumphant electric revival of the iconic VW Bus, ready to carve its own path. But it’s not entering an empty arena; the 2024 Kia EV9, a bold, three-row electric SUV, has already established itself as a formidable force.
On the surface, these two might appear to be vastly different creatures – one a retro-futuristic van, the other a sharp, modern SUV. Yet, beneath their distinctive skins lies a shared purpose: to move families efficiently, comfortably, and sustainably into the electric future. Both command a premium, with as-tested prices hovering within a few thousand dollars of each other, pushing them into the upper echelons of family-focused EVs. The question isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about which vehicle truly delivers on the promises of electric family mobility in 2025. Let’s dive deep into an expert comparison, dissecting every facet to determine which reigns supreme for your modern American family.
Interior Space & Comfort: The Battle for Cabin Dominance
When it comes to ferrying precious cargo – be it children, grandparents, or a mix of both – interior space and comfort are paramount. My experience tells me that while manufacturers often tout their numbers, real-world usability is where the truth lies.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its unmistakable van architecture, leverages its longer wheelbase and upright design to deliver a truly expansive cabin experience. Sliding into the driver’s seat of the ID. Buzz, you’re greeted with an elevated command position, reminiscent of classic utility vehicles. While some might find the initial climb a touch higher than a typical SUV, the panoramic view and upright windshield contribute to a sense of openness. However, this design quirk can sometimes make overhead traffic lights a neck-craning affair, requiring a slight lean forward to catch the green. The front seats, while not as plush as the Kia’s, offer solid support for longer journeys, a testament to thoughtful ergonomic design.
Where the ID. Buzz truly shines is in its ability to accommodate all occupants. The second row is generously proportioned, offering best-in-class legroom and headroom, making it a sanctuary for even taller teenagers. But it’s the third row that’s a game-changer. Unlike many three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are an afterthought, the ID. Buzz’s third row feels genuinely habitable for adults. It’s a full-fledged seating area, not a penalty box. This is crucial for larger families or those who frequently transport adult friends alongside their kids, a scenario where many SUVs fall short.
Conversely, the 2024 Kia EV9 presents a more conventional, albeit highly refined, SUV cabin. Its front seats are supremely comfortable, offering excellent cushioning and bolstering that hugs the body just right. This translates to reduced fatigue on extended drives, a critical factor for any family road warrior. The EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs are luxurious, offering ventilation and individual armrests, complemented by integrated window sunshades that are a godsend for napping toddlers. The dual moonroof adds to an airy cabin feel, preventing any sense of claustrophobia.
However, the EV9’s third row, while commendable for an SUV, doesn’t quite match the sheer volume of the ID. Buzz. It’s certainly more spacious than many compact crossovers, and adults can manage for shorter trips if the second-row passengers are willing to concede a bit of legroom by sliding their seats forward. But for continuous use with full-sized passengers, it remains best suited for children or smaller adults. Access to the EV9’s third row is facilitated by convenient one-touch folding and sliding second-row seats, a thoughtful touch for busy parents. While the ID. Buzz’s access is also straightforward, the Kia’s execution feels slightly more polished.
Verdict on Interior Space & Comfort: For maximum, uncompromising passenger space across all three rows, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner. If front and second-row luxury are higher priorities, and the third row is for occasional child use, the EV9 offers a more traditionally premium SUV experience.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for Daily Living
In the daily chaos of family life, an organized cabin is a peaceful cabin. From snack wrappers to charging cables, every item needs a home. My decade of evaluating family vehicles has taught me that clever, accessible storage can make or break the ownership experience.
The 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrates a clear understanding of modern family needs with its well-thought-out storage solutions. The front center console is a multi-functional hub, offering ample space for drinks, wallets, and smaller items. Crucially, it boasts an open lower storage area, perfect for larger handbags, small backpacks, or even a tablet. This kind of dedicated, accessible space is invaluable. The EV9 also shines with its second-row passengers benefiting from a versatile slide-out bin and tray, ensuring that rear occupants also have their organizational needs met without encroaching on foot space.
In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, offers a somewhat less practical approach to small-item storage. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller than the EV9’s, and the integrated storage compartments are less voluminous. While there’s a small, clever bin that opens from the backside, it pales in comparison to the Kia’s generous offerings. The vast, open floor space in the ID. Buzz is fantastic for larger items like a backpack or purse, but they’ll essentially just sit on the floor, lacking the secure, dedicated spot found in the EV9.
I appreciate the ID. Buzz’s quirky touches, like the dividers in the center console top bin that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper – undeniably fun, but perhaps less universally practical than sheer volume. The wirelessly charging pad, cleverly tucked near the steering wheel, is a great feature, but its size limitation (failing to accommodate my iPhone 12 with an Otterbox case) highlights a common design oversight that can frustrate users who rely on robust phone protection. The movable center console is a nice idea for flexibility, but I’d prefer a dedicated, robust storage solution for second-row passengers instead of requiring them to share the primary front one.
Verdict on In-Cabin Storage: The Kia EV9 takes the lead with its larger, more versatile, and thoughtfully designed storage bins, proving more useful for the myriad items families accumulate on the road.
User Interface: The Digital Gateway to Your Drive
In 2025, a car’s user interface is as critical as its engine (or motors, in this case). An intuitive, responsive system can elevate the driving experience, while a frustrating one can detract from it significantly. My expert opinion leans heavily towards systems that balance digital innovation with tactile familiarity.
The 2024 Kia EV9’s user interface largely strikes this balance, which is why it earns my vote. Its large touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, featuring logical menus and quick responsiveness. More importantly, Kia has wisely retained physical buttons for frequently accessed features. Climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio functions are precisely where you expect them, allowing for immediate, eyes-off-the-road adjustments. This blend of digital and analog is a huge win for driver safety and convenience. One minor ergonomic quibble is the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard; it can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, though the ability to expand these controls to the central touchscreen offers a workaround. The steering wheel also slightly obstructs the digital dashboard, making the blind-spot camera views a tad harder to see when the turn signal is active.
On the other hand, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring a vibrant and responsive touchscreen with appealing tile menus and rich colors, suffers from an over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen itself. This is a recurring issue in modern VWs, and it continues to be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental activation – I’ve inadvertently engaged cruise control simply by brushing my hand against them. Similarly, the touch sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and tactile feedback of a physical knob. This imprecision often requires multiple attempts to get the setting just right, diverting attention from the road. The infotainment system itself, despite its excellent graphics, occasionally exhibits unnecessary pauses when adjusting the climate system or locks itself for perceived “safety reasons,” which can disrupt the flow of interaction. Many essential functions are also deeply buried within sub-menus, demanding multiple taps when a dedicated button would suffice.
While the EV9 isn’t entirely without its UI quirks (the drive mode selector/start-stop button combo is less intuitive, and the climate display can be obscured), its commitment to physical controls for key features provides a more user-friendly and less distracting experience overall. The EV9’s slightly smaller (12.3 vs. 12.9 inches) and more landscape-oriented screen still functions exceptionally well.
Verdict on User Interface: The Kia EV9 takes the crown, thanks to its relatively traditional layout and inclusion of physical controls for key features, offering a more intuitive and less frustrating user experience than the touch-heavy ID. Buzz.
Interior Quality: Craftsmanship and Materials
In the $70,000 price bracket, expectations for interior quality are justifiably high. As an expert, I look beyond mere aesthetics to assess the choice of materials, assembly quality, and the overall tactile experience.
The 2024 Kia EV9 consistently impresses with its commitment to high-quality materials. Soft-touch surfaces are strategically placed where you naturally rest your arms, and the upholstery feels durable and premium. Despite our long-term test vehicle accumulating over 10,000 miles, the interior shows no signs of wear, creaks, or rattles, speaking volumes about its build integrity. While the all-gray interior color scheme of our test model was somewhat somber, Kia offers more vibrant options that inject personality. The overall impression is one of solid, well-engineered craftsmanship.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while boasting a commendable build quality and some visually interesting, quality materials, tends to rely more heavily on hard plastics in areas that the EV9 elevates with soft-touch trim. The design is playful and evokes its iconic heritage with a lighter, more colorful interior palette that adds charm and a sense of fun. However, when it comes to the tangible feel of common touchpoints, the ID. Buzz falls slightly short of the EV9’s more consistent use of premium surfaces. This isn’t to say the ID. Buzz feels cheap; rather, it makes different material choices that prioritize durability and perhaps a more utilitarian aesthetic, which might not universally satisfy the luxury expectations that come with its price tag.
My primary takeaway for both, however, is a strong call to action for the manufacturers: neither of these EVs, despite their significant price points, fully embodies what I consider a true $70,000-plus interior. While good, there’s still room for improvement to match the perceived luxury and material richness found in similarly priced combustion-engine vehicles or even some higher-end EV competitors.
Verdict on Interior Quality: The Kia EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz with a more consistent application of soft-touch materials and a feeling of slightly higher-grade upholstery, although both could elevate their game to truly match their premium price points.
Cargo Space: Hauling What Matters
For any family vehicle, cargo capacity is non-negotiable. Whether it’s groceries, sports gear, or luggage for a vacation, the ability to swallow various items efficiently is crucial. My measurements and real-world loading experiences reveal a clear distinction between these two electric haulers.
Behind their respective third rows, both EVs offer surprisingly similar measured cargo space, typically around 10 cubic feet. However, this is where the similarities end, and the unique architecture of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly shines. Its cavernous interior, a boon for passenger comfort, translates directly into massive cargo flexibility when the third row is folded down. With the third row stowed, the ID. Buzz offers a substantial 30.8 cubic feet of space. The real magic happens when you completely remove the third row – a process that, while requiring some effort due to the sections weighing around 60 pounds each, unlocks an enormous 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. This is more than double the EV9’s maximum space when its third row is folded (23.4 cubic feet). The ID. Buzz also features a clever shelf system that aligns the rearmost cargo area with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor. While the soft-sided storage bins beneath this shelf are useful, their long-term durability and cleanliness remain a question mark. Critically, to achieve maximum cargo space, this shelf must also be removed.
The 2024 Kia EV9, in contrast, offers a more conventional cargo area, similar to what you’d find in a traditional three-row gasoline SUV. It provides a generous cargo hold with the third row up and an even larger one when folded. It also benefits from underfloor cargo storage and a small “frunk” (front trunk) – a feature notably absent in the ID. Buzz due to its design. While the EV9’s cargo area is highly functional and easy to reconfigure, it simply cannot compete with the sheer volume available in the ID. Buzz once its third row is completely removed.
Verdict on Cargo Space: For maximum, game-changing cargo capacity and the ability to truly haul large, bulky items, the ID. Buzz is the undisputed champion, especially with its removable third row. The EV9 offers excellent, conventional SUV cargo utility, but it’s ultimately limited by its form factor.
Driving Experience: On the Road Performance
The driving experience is where an EV’s true character emerges. Beyond raw power, I assess the blend of ride comfort, handling dynamics, steering feel, and overall refinement.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a genuinely delightful and unexpected driving experience. From a standing start, even in its Comfort drive mode, the ID. Buzz feels remarkably responsive, with an accelerator pedal that translates intention into immediate, smooth, and predictable power delivery. Its dual-motor powertrain, generating 335 horsepower, provides ample motivation for city driving and highway merging. Despite its van-like stature and a heavier curb weight than the EV9, the ID. Buzz exhibits surprising agility. The steering is light and precise, and the vehicle feels incredibly nimble, responding readily to driver inputs. Critically, it doesn’t feel top-heavy, inspiring confidence through turns. The suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally refined, soaking up road imperfections with a sophistication that belies its category. The cabin remains impressively quiet, isolating occupants from road noise, with only some wind noise noticeable at higher speeds. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers a near one-pedal driving experience, effectively bringing the vehicle to an almost complete stop – though a final brake pedal press is required, leading to some jerky stops if not anticipated. Outward visibility is generally good, though the unique glass shape and short nose create a different perspective that takes some getting used to. Rear visibility is fine, provided the third-row head restraints are lowered; otherwise, it can be significantly obstructed, and the lack of a rearview camera mirror is a missed opportunity.
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a driving experience that aligns more closely with a traditional three-row SUV, albeit one infused with electric power. Its 379-horsepower powertrain is robust, offering strong acceleration that eventually outpaces the ID. Buzz. The EV9 feels relatively sportier, especially in its Sport drive mode, where the different drive modes have a more noticeable effect on the driving dynamics. However, compared to the ID. Buzz’s composed ride, the EV9’s suspension, while competent, feels less refined. It transmits more road noise and harshness into the cabin, particularly over broken pavement, leading to a somewhat rattlier impression. Tire and wind noise are also more prominent in the EV9. The steering is well-weighted, and the vehicle handles confidently, if not with the same surprising nimbleness as the ID. Buzz. The EV9 offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which is a significant convenience. Forward visibility is excellent, perhaps even slightly better than the ID. Buzz, and rear visibility is much clearer, complemented by a camera mirror feature and Kia’s excellent blind-spot camera views, which add a layer of confidence during lane changes.
Verdict on Driving Experience: The ID. Buzz surprises with its overall refinement, agility, and serene ride quality, making it a truly pleasant cruiser for daily commutes and longer journeys, though its lower range can be more limiting. The EV9 offers a more traditionally powerful and capable SUV feel, but with less cabin quietness and suspension refinement.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: Range Under Pressure
Electric vehicle range takes a hit in cold weather, a reality every EV owner understands. For families planning winter getaways or even just enduring colder climates, real-world cold-weather efficiency is a critical factor. My extensive testing in frigid conditions provides an unequivocal answer.
To put these two electric family haulers to the test, we subjected them to an identical 110-mile mixed route of interstate highways and country roads, with external temperatures hovering between a bracing 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Climate systems were set to Auto mode at a comfortable cabin temperature, simulating typical family use.
Before setting out, the 2024 Kia EV9 displayed an estimated 249 miles of range, while the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz showed 198 miles. Both figures were roughly 30 miles below their EPA estimates, a normal occurrence in cold weather. Over the course of the drive, the combination of higher speeds and freezing temperatures rapidly depleted available range.
At the conclusion of our 113-mile journey, the Kia EV9 had consumed 135 miles of its estimated range, leaving 114 miles still available. The ID. Buzz, after traveling 111 miles, had consumed a more substantial 150 miles of its estimated range, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. This stark difference highlights the impact of cold weather on both vehicles. The EV9’s larger 99.8-kWh battery (compared to the ID. Buzz’s 91-kWh pack) and slightly better efficiency (averaging 2.1 miles per kWh to the VW’s 1.8 miles per kWh) proved to be significant assets.
Neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extended cold-weather road trip, given the increased frequency of charging stops required. However, the EV9’s superior driving range and marginally better cold-weather efficiency make it the more tolerable option when temperatures plummet below freezing, offering a greater buffer against range anxiety.
Verdict on Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Kia EV9 is the more capable performer in cold conditions, thanks to its larger battery and slightly better efficiency, providing more peace of mind on chilly days.
The Expert’s Final Word: Which Electric Family Hauler Is Right For You?
In 2025, choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 isn’t just about picking an electric vehicle; it’s about aligning a vision of future mobility with your family’s unique lifestyle. Both are impressive feats of engineering, pushing the boundaries of what a family EV can be. My decade in this field tells me there’s no single “better” car, only the better fit.
If your primary need is an uncompromising people-mover, capable of comfortably transporting adults in all three rows, day in and day out, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an unparalleled choice. Its expansive, versatile interior and surprisingly refined driving dynamics make it a genuinely unique and joyful proposition. For those who prioritize maximum cargo hauling flexibility, especially with its removable third row, the ID. Buzz transforms into a veritable cavern on wheels. If you’ve always dreamt of owning a modern, stylish take on the iconic VW Bus – and have the budget for a premium “lifestyle” vehicle that might serve as a secondary family car or an ultimate adventure companion – the ID. Buzz will undoubtedly spark joy and turn heads everywhere it goes. Its character is undeniable.
However, if you require a more conventional, primary family vehicle that blends the familiar utility of an SUV with the benefits of electric propulsion, the 2024 Kia EV9 presents a compelling argument. Its superior range, particularly in colder climates, offers greater peace of mind for daily driving and occasional longer trips. The EV9’s more robust in-cabin storage, intuitive user interface with a better balance of physical controls, and a slightly more premium interior feel in key areas make it an incredibly well-rounded package. It delivers strong performance, a comfortable front and second-row experience, and a capable, if not cavernous, third row. It’s built for the family that needs an EV to do it all, reliably and with confidence, as their main mode of transport.
Ultimately, both vehicles stand as strong contenders in the burgeoning three-row EV segment. On their individual merits, neither will leave you disappointed, though their strengths lie in different areas. The choice hinges on your family’s specific priorities: maximum passenger and cargo volume with retro charm, or a more conventional, long-range SUV experience with intuitive tech.
Ready to electrify your family’s journeys and explore these groundbreaking vehicles firsthand? Visit your local dealership today to experience the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9, and let your family discover which truly ignites their electric future.
