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The Ultimate Family EV Showdown: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9 – An Expert’s Perspective
The electric vehicle landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace, and for families seeking sustainable, spacious, and technologically advanced transport, 2025 presents some truly compelling options. Two standout contenders vying for the top spot in the family electric car comparison are the highly anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already established 2024 Kia EV9. While they hail from different segments – a retro-futuristic electric van versus a bold, futuristic three-row electric SUV – both are designed to move people and gear efficiently and comfortably. Having spent countless hours behind the wheel of myriad EVs over the past decade, observing market trends, and analyzing user needs, I’ve delved deep into what these two vehicles offer. This isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world utility, user experience, and the subtle nuances that make one a better fit than the other for specific lifestyles. With a keen eye on the electric SUV market 2025 and the burgeoning electric van segment, let’s explore which of these exceptional 7-seater EVs truly earns the title of the superior family vehicle.
Both the ID. Buzz and the EV9 command a premium price point, hovering within a few thousand dollars of each other, pushing them into the luxury electric SUV category for many. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus AWD, with its EPA-estimated 231 miles of range from a 91-kWh battery and 335 horsepower dual-motor powertrain, comes in around $70,540. It offers DC fast-charging up to 200 kW. The 2024 Kia EV9 Land AWD, equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery delivering 280 miles of range and a more potent 379 horsepower, can fast-charge even quicker at up to 210 kW, with an as-tested price of $74,305. These figures provide a starting point, but the true value lies in their execution and how they cater to the intricate demands of modern family life.
Interior Space and Comfort: Where Every Inch Counts
When evaluating a family-friendly EV design, interior space and comfort are paramount, particularly across all three rows. Here, the distinct body styles of the ID. Buzz and EV9 really differentiate their approaches.
The ID. Buzz, a modern homage to Volkswagen’s iconic Microbus, leans into its van lineage, offering a genuinely cavernous interior. From the driver’s seat, you’re greeted with a commanding, almost “delivery van” like upright posture. While some might find the initial climb in a bit high, the visibility forward is expansive, though the upright windshield and extended roofline can occasionally make it tricky to spot overhead stoplights without a slight lean. The real magic, however, unfolds in the second and third rows. The ID. Buzz’s longer wheelbase translates directly into unparalleled passenger room. Its second row is not just good; it’s exceptionally roomy and comfortable, easily surpassing the EV9’s already excellent accommodations. But it’s the third row that truly sets the ID. Buzz apart in the realm of spacious EV interiors. Unlike many three-row vehicles where the rearmost seats are best reserved for children, the ID. Buzz generously accommodates taller adults with genuine comfort, rivaling the space found in some vehicles’ second rows. This is a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently transport adult-sized groups. The seats themselves are supportive, if not quite as plush as the EV9’s initial rows, but the sheer volume of space negates minor cushioning differences.
The Kia EV9, conversely, presents a more conventional, yet undeniably premium, SUV cabin. Its front seats are arguably more ergonomically refined, offering superior cushioning and bolstering that hugs the occupant more effectively. The second row, especially with the ventilated captain’s chairs, integrated window sunshades, and dual moonroof, creates a pleasant and airy environment. It’s an excellent space, no doubt. However, its third row, while perfectly usable for children, requires adults to negotiate some legroom from the second-row passengers. It’s a space that works in a pinch but isn’t where most adults would choose to spend extended periods. Access to the third row in the EV9 is made easier with one-touch folding and sliding second-row seats, a thoughtful convenience. While the ID. Buzz’s access isn’t quite as automated, its wider opening and more generous third-row dimensions make entry and egress less of a squeeze.
For families prioritizing maximum occupant comfort across all three rows for adult passengers, the ID. Buzz undeniably takes the lead. If your third row is primarily for younger children or occasional use, and you prefer a more traditional SUV seating feel, the EV9 remains a stellar choice.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Daily Grind
Beyond passenger comfort, the ability to neatly stow away the detritus of family life – snacks, drinks, devices, bags – is a critical aspect of practical family car features. Here, the designs diverge once more.
The Kia EV9 adopts a highly functional, conventional approach to storage, which, while perhaps less visually exciting, proves incredibly useful in daily operation. Its front center console offers ample space for small items and beverages, complemented by a large, open lower storage area ideal for larger bags or purses. The integration of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers further enhances its utility, ensuring that everyone has a dedicated spot for their essentials. It’s a well-thought-out system designed for efficiency.
The ID. Buzz, with its retro-futuristic charm, offers a more unique, yet sometimes less practical, storage experience. The cabin feels incredibly open and airy, which is a definite plus for psychological space. However, dedicated small-item storage in the front is somewhat limited. The central console between the front seats is compact, and its compartments aren’t as expansive as the EV9’s. While the movable center console is an interesting feature, its primary function seems to be aesthetic flexibility rather than maximizing accessible storage volume. Ingenious touches like the bottle opener/ice scraper dividers are fun, but the expert eye quickly recognizes their limited practical utility for an everyday family hauler. Even the wireless phone charger, while functional, struggles to accommodate larger phones with robust cases – a minor annoyance that adds up for busy parents. While there’s plenty of floor space to toss a backpack, the absence of secure, contained storage for numerous smaller items can lead to a cluttered environment. The need for a second movable console for rear passengers, instead of having the sole one shared upfront, is a missed opportunity.
For raw storage utility and conventional, well-integrated compartments, the EV9’s design edges out the ID. Buzz. The Kia prioritizes practical family needs with its myriad bins and cubbies, making it easier to keep the cabin organized.
User Interface: The Digital Divide
The user interface (UI) and infotainment system are the nerve center of any modern vehicle, and in the world of EVs, they often dictate the overall user experience. This is an area where the philosophical approaches of Volkswagen and Kia diverge significantly, with considerable implications for daily usability and safety, a key consideration for connected car experience 2025.
The Kia EV9 earns high marks for its relatively balanced approach, combining an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with the reassuring presence of physical controls for frequently used functions. Important features like climate system temperature, heated/ventilated seats, audio, camera, and drive mode are readily accessible via dedicated buttons, minimizing the need to dive into sub-menus while driving. This hybrid strategy significantly reduces driver distraction, a critical safety benefit. While there are minor quirks – the small climate touch panel can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, and the drive mode selector/start-stop button combo is initially unintuitive – these are minor compared to the overall seamless experience. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is responsive and clear, even if its graphics are slightly less vibrant than the VW’s. Its commitment to user-friendly electric vehicle tech is clear.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring a visually appealing 12.9-inch touchscreen with rich colors and intuitive tile menus, falls into a familiar Volkswagen pitfall: an over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen. This includes critical steering-wheel controls and sliders for volume and temperature. From an expert perspective, this design choice is a constant source of frustration. The haptic feedback is often inconsistent, and accidental inputs (like activating cruise control by brushing the steering wheel) are too common. The lack of precise physical detents makes precise adjustments to volume or temperature difficult, especially on bumpy roads. While the screen itself boasts excellent graphics and responsiveness, unnecessary pauses when adjusting climate or occasional screen locks for “safety reasons” disrupt the flow. Furthermore, some essential features are buried deep within multiple menus, demanding more attention than should be necessary from the driver. Volkswagen’s ongoing struggle to balance modern aesthetics with practical ergonomics in their UI is evident here.
For a safer, more intuitive, and less distracting user experience, especially for a family vehicle where quick, precise control adjustments are often necessary, the Kia EV9’s interface is demonstrably superior. Its blend of physical controls vs. touchscreens strikes a much better balance.
Interior Quality: Value at a Premium Price Point
At the $70,000+ price point, discerning buyers expect a certain level of interior quality – a blend of attractive design, tactile materials, and robust construction. Both vehicles deliver “good” quality, but neither truly screams “luxury” in the way some traditional premium marques might, prompting a discussion on premium EV interiors and the evolving definition of automotive luxury.
The Kia EV9 takes a slight lead with its more extensive use of soft-touch surfaces where occupants typically interact, such as armrests and dashboard areas. The upholstery feels durable and high-quality, and even after considerable mileage in our long-term tester, the interior shows minimal wear and tear, remaining commendably creak-free. The overall fit-and-finish is excellent, conveying a sense of solidity and longevity. Its all-gray interior, however, can feel a bit monochromatic and understated compared to the more vibrant ID. Buzz. The EV9’s interior is more about understated refinement and long-term durability.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, true to its playful nature, features a more visually interesting and often colorful interior palette. It incorporates some quality materials and boasts solid construction, yet it relies heavily on hard plastics in numerous areas, which, at this price, feels like a compromise. While certain touchpoints might feature visually engaging textures, the overall impression isn’t quite as consistently premium as the EV9. It aims for a “fun and functional” aesthetic, but the material choices don’t always align with the premium cost.
If a more traditionally refined feel, greater use of soft-touch materials, and proven durability are priorities, the Kia EV9 holds a slight edge in interior quality. The ID. Buzz excels in visual interest and personality but could benefit from a more consistent application of premium materials to justify its price tag.
Cargo Space: Hauling What Matters Most
For families, a vehicle’s ability to swallow gear, groceries, and luggage is often as important as its ability to transport people. Comparing the EV cargo capacity of these two distinct vehicles reveals different strengths.
The ID. Buzz, benefiting from its van architecture, offers a uniquely versatile and ultimately massive cargo hold when configured appropriately. Behind the third row, both vehicles offer a similar, modest 10 cubic feet of space by Cars.com measurements. However, the ID. Buzz truly shines when the third row is folded down, expanding to 30.8 cubic feet. The game-changer is its fully removable third row, which, though heavy (around 60 pounds per section), unlocks a gargantuan 48.9 cubic feet of space – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. The ID. Buzz also features a removable cargo shelf that creates a flat load floor when the third row is folded, with soft-sided bins underneath. While these bins can get dirty, the shelf itself is ingenious. Removing both the shelf and the third row transforms the ID. Buzz into a truly cavernous hauler, ideal for large furniture, extensive sports equipment, or even small camping trips. Its versatile electric van storage is hard to beat.
The Kia EV9 offers a substantial and more conventional cargo area. With the third row up, it provides a decent amount of space for daily errands. Folding the third row down creates a large, flat load floor, similar to what you’d find in a traditional three-row SUV. It also includes useful underfloor storage and a small “frunk” (front trunk), which the ID. Buzz lacks. While the EV9’s frunk isn’t massive, it’s a convenient spot for charging cables or small bags. The EV9’s cargo area is highly functional and easy to reconfigure, fitting most family needs without the need for heavy seat removal.
For sheer volume and ultimate flexibility for truly massive loads, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner. However, for everyday cargo hauling, convenience, and a straightforward configurable space, the EV9’s more conventional approach with its frunk offers strong competition.
Driving Experience: On the Road with Electric Power
The driving experience in an EV is about more than just acceleration; it encompasses ride comfort, handling, steering feel, noise isolation, and the overall sense of refinement. My decade of testing has shown that even segment-defining EVs can offer vastly different behind-the-wheel sensations.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivered a surprising and genuinely pleasant driving experience. Despite its larger profile and higher curb weight than the EV9, it exhibits remarkable agility. The dual-motor AWD system provides a smooth, quiet, and predictably responsive power delivery, making it feel quicker off the line than its 335 hp might suggest, even in Comfort mode. The steering is light yet precise, and the van feels nimble, belying its size. The suspension tuning is a standout; while firm, it’s exceptionally refined, soaking up road imperfections with a confident, “buttoned-up” feel that’s noticeably quieter than the Kia’s. The cabin is serene, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle to a near stop with regenerative braking, though a final brake pedal press is required. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique forward glass shape and short nose, creating a distinctive perspective without significant blind spots. The ID. Buzz truly feels like the pleasant, sophisticated cruiser it’s designed to be, an exemplar of electric vehicle ride comfort and smooth handling.
The Kia EV9, while a very capable vehicle, presents a different character. It drives much like a conventional SUV, offering a familiar driving position and good forward visibility, though the thick B-pillar can obstruct the view to the left. Its more potent 379 hp powertrain delivers strong acceleration, eventually overpowering the ID. Buzz in sustained bursts, making it the relatively sportier choice for those seeking spirited driving dynamics. The EV9 offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which is a significant convenience. However, compared to the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s suspension, while competent, is less refined. It tends to be noisier over broken pavement and exhibits more general “rattliness.” Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable in the cabin at highway speeds, detracting slightly from the overall serenity. The different drive modes in the EV9 have a more pronounced effect on the driving experience, with Eco feeling decidedly slow and Sport truly waking up the powertrain. The Kia compensates for its B-pillar with excellent camera views for blind spots and a rearview camera mirror, enhancing confidence.
For a serene, refined, and surprisingly agile driving experience that prioritizes comfort and quietness, the ID. Buzz is the winner. For those who prefer a more traditional SUV feel, stronger performance, and true one-pedal driving, the EV9 delivers a highly competent, albeit slightly less refined, experience. Both showcase strong EV handling dynamics but cater to different preferences.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: A Critical EV Metric
For any long-range electric vehicles, particularly those serving as primary family transport, cold-weather efficiency is a non-negotiable metric. Sub-freezing temperatures notoriously impact battery performance and range, and our real-world testing illuminates these challenges.
On a roughly 110-mile mixed highway and country road route, conducted in bone-chilling 17-21 degree Fahrenheit weather with climate systems set to a reasonable cabin temperature, the Kia EV9 demonstrated a notable advantage. The EV9 averaged 2.1 miles per kWh, while the ID. Buzz returned 1.8 miles per kWh. More critically, the EV9 started with an estimated 249 miles of range (down from its 280 EPA rating due to cold), while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles (down from 231 EPA). After the drive, the EV9 had consumed 135 miles of estimated range for 113 miles traveled, leaving 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz consumed 150 miles of estimated range for 111 miles traveled, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining.
This cold-weather performance is stark. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extended cold-weather road trip due to the increased charging frequency, the EV9’s superior range and better electric car efficiency winter performance make it significantly more tolerable. Its larger battery pack and perhaps more efficient thermal management for the battery in cold conditions provide a greater buffer, reducing range anxiety and the stress of finding charging stations in challenging conditions. This is a crucial consideration for families in colder climates.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family?
After a decade immersed in automotive evaluations and with a deep understanding of the evolving EV battery technology and consumer expectations, the choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your specific family needs, priorities, and lifestyle. Both are exceptional electric family vehicles and represent significant strides in sustainable transport, but they cater to slightly different niches.
If your primary need is to transport people – especially adults – with maximum comfort across all three rows, day in and day out, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an unparalleled choice. Its cavernous, airy interior, comfortable third row, and surprisingly refined driving dynamics make it a joy for urban and suburban family hauling. It’s also a powerful lifestyle statement, a visually distinctive vehicle that turns heads and exudes a unique retro-futuristic charm. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a modern iteration of the iconic VW Bus and can afford a dedicated, stylish family cruiser, the ID. Buzz will spark joy every time you get behind the wheel. However, its shorter real-world range, particularly in cold weather, and less intuitive touch-heavy controls might make it less ideal as a sole, long-distance primary vehicle.
Conversely, the 2024 Kia EV9 shines as a more well-rounded, primary family vehicle. Its superior real-world range, especially in colder conditions, provides greater flexibility for longer journeys and reduces range anxiety. Its blend of traditional SUV utility, practical in-cabin storage, and a more intuitive user interface makes it incredibly user-friendly for daily life. The EV9 offers a more conventionally premium interior feel, robust construction, and a driving experience that balances comfort with capable performance. It’s a vehicle that seamlessly integrates into the demands of a busy family, proving itself as a highly practical electric SUV. While its third row is better suited for children, its overall balance of features, performance, and efficiency makes it a highly competent and reliable workhorse.
Ultimately, both vehicles are triumphs of modern electric mobility. Neither will disappoint in terms of core EV benefits – instant torque, quiet operation, and a reduced carbon footprint. But understanding their nuances, as highlighted by years of hands-on experience, is key to making the perfect choice for your family.
The electric future is here, and it’s never been more exciting. We invite you to explore these incredible vehicles further, schedule a test drive at your local dealership, and experience firsthand how they can elevate your family’s journey into a more sustainable and exhilarating tomorrow. Your ideal electric family vehicle awaits.
