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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: Decoding the Ultimate Electric Family Hauler
In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable family transport, two electric titans are vying for the hearts and garages of American households: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the groundbreaking 2025 Kia EV9. As an expert who has spent over a decade navigating the intricacies of automotive technology and market shifts, I’m here to cut through the marketing jargon and deliver a candid, in-depth comparison. These aren’t just vehicles; they represent distinct philosophies on what a modern family EV should be. While one evokes nostalgic charm with a futuristic twist, the other defines luxury electric SUV utility from the ground up. Let’s delve into which of these premium electric people movers truly offers the better value and experience for your family in 2025.
The arrival of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz marks a pivotal moment, re-imagining VW’s iconic Microbus as an all-electric, three-row marvel. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus, boasted an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range and a sticker price of $70,540. Its dual-motor powertrain delivers a robust 335 horsepower, fed by a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack, supporting DC fast-charging up to 200 kW. This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement about electric lifestyle integration.
On the other side, the 2025 Kia EV9, building on the success of its 2024 predecessor, continues to impress as a flagship electric SUV. Our long-term AWD Land trim, with its 99.8-kWh battery, provides an impressive EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. More potent at 379 hp and capable of faster DC charging up to 210 kW, its slightly higher price tag (around $74,305 as tested for a 2024 equivalent, with minor adjustments for 2025 model year paint options) reflects its comprehensive feature set. The EV9 has quickly established itself as a benchmark for three-row electric SUV performance and advanced EV safety features.
While their aesthetic approaches diverge — one a retro-futuristic van, the other a bold, contemporary SUV — both are fundamentally designed to move people and their gear efficiently and sustainably. We’ve subjected them to rigorous real-world assessments, from optimizing EV interior space to evaluating real-world EV efficiency, to determine which one excels where it truly matters.
Interior Space and Comfort: The Battle for Family Serenity
When it comes to transporting precious cargo – your family – interior space and comfort are paramount. This is where the ID. Buzz truly shines, earning its stripes as a genuine electric family minivan alternative.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Cavernous Sanctuary
If your primary need is maximum occupant space across all three rows, the ID. Buzz is an undeniable winner. From an expert’s standpoint, VW has leveraged the van’s intrinsic design advantages and the electric skateboard platform to create an extraordinarily voluminous cabin. The elevated driving position, while requiring a slight climb, offers a commanding view, akin to a delivery van with premium amenities. While the upright windshield can sometimes obscure overhead traffic lights – a minor ergonomic quirk that often accompanies such a design – the overall sense of openness is profound.
The seating, while not as plush as the EV9’s initial rows, is commendably comfortable for extended journeys. Crucially, the ID. Buzz’s third row is a revelation. Unlike many competitors, it genuinely accommodates taller adults with ease, mirroring the spaciousness typically found in a second row. This makes it an ideal choice for larger families or those frequently carpooling. The modular EV interior design of the ID. Buzz means less compromise on passenger comfort, a key differentiator in the best 3-row electric vehicles category.
Kia EV9: SUV Comfort with Limitations
The EV9 offers a commendable front-row experience, with seats that are often described as more ergonomically supportive and better cushioned. Its traditional SUV driving position and outward visibility are reassuringly familiar to those transitioning from gasoline-powered luxury family SUVs. However, the B-pillar can present a blind spot, a common design challenge.
While the EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs are excellent, featuring ventilation and integrated window sunshades, they can’t quite match the sheer legroom and expansive feel of the ID. Buzz’s second row. This difference becomes even more pronounced in the third row. The EV9’s third row, while offering convenient one-touch folding and sliding for access, is best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. It’s functional, but less forgiving for full-sized adults, often requiring second-row passengers to concede some precious legroom. This distinction highlights the EV9’s electric SUV utility versus the ID. Buzz’s maximized passenger volume.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Modern Family
For families on the go, intelligent and ample in-cabin storage is a game-changer. Here, the electric SUV design of the EV9 pulls ahead.
Kia EV9: The Organizational Master
The EV9 truly excels in utilitarian storage solutions. Its front center console is a well-thought-out space, offering dedicated spots for smaller items, drinks, and a large, open lower storage area perfect for bags or bulkier essentials. This reflects a design philosophy focused on everyday EV practicality. The slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhance its organizational prowess, a significant advantage for families prone to clutter.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Openness Over Organization
The ID. Buzz’s interior, while remarkably open and airy, prioritizes aesthetic spaciousness over segmented storage. The center console between the front seats is relatively compact, and its integrated storage compartments are less expansive than the EV9’s. While it features some clever touches like a hidden bin and even a bottle opener/ice scraper combo in the console dividers – elements that speak to its retro-futuristic charm – these are more whimsical than genuinely practical for high-volume family use. You’ll find plenty of floor space for a backpack or purse, but without dedicated compartments, items are more likely to shift. This design choice, while contributing to the ID. Buzz’s unique ambiance, can be a minor inconvenience for families who appreciate dedicated storage solutions. The movable center console is a nice touch, but its singular presence means second-row passengers might feel short-changed.
User Interface: Navigating the Digital Dashboard
In 2025, a vehicle’s user interface (UI) is as critical as its powertrain. An intuitive EV infotainment system and responsive controls are essential for safety and convenience. Here, the EV9 demonstrates a more refined, user-friendly approach.
Kia EV9: The Balanced Approach
The EV9’s UI is a testament to blending digital sophistication with tactile practicality. Its touchscreen infotainment system is intuitively laid out, complemented by crucial physical controls for frequently accessed features like climate temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio. This hybrid approach significantly reduces driver distraction, a key aspect of safe EV operation. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel (a common complaint across various brands), the option to expand these controls to the central touchscreen mitigates this issue. The inclusion of physical buttons reflects a mature understanding of driver ergonomics, making it a strong contender for best EV user experience.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Touch-Heavy Frustration
The ID. Buzz’s touchscreen infotainment system boasts excellent graphics and intuitive tile menus, with vibrant colors that surpass the Kia’s display. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in the pervasive reliance on touch-sensitive controls extending beyond the screen. The haptic steering-wheel controls, prone to accidental activation (like inadvertently setting cruise control with a brush of the hand), are a persistent source of frustration, echoing similar critiques leveled at other modern VWs. The slider controls for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and immediate feedback of physical knobs.
Furthermore, critical functions are occasionally buried within multiple menus, requiring unnecessary screen taps that detract from safe driving. The system can also exhibit momentary pauses or safety-induced lockouts, which, while intended for safety, disrupt the seamless EV driving experience. While VW has iterated on these designs in other models, the ID. Buzz still presents a learning curve and potential ergonomic annoyances for users accustomed to more direct controls.
Interior Quality: Defining the Premium Electric Experience
When shelling out upwards of $70,000 for a luxury electric vehicle, interior quality is a non-negotiable. Both vehicles present a solid proposition, but the EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz in material richness.
Kia EV9: Subtly Superior Finishes
The EV9’s interior quality is very good, showcasing a thoughtful application of soft-touch surfaces where they matter most – on armrests and frequently touched points. The upholstery feels premium, and even after over 10,000 miles in our long-term tester, the cabin exhibits remarkable resilience, free from undue creaks or wear. While the all-gray interior scheme might be considered somewhat subdued or “boring” by some, it exudes a quiet sophistication and durability that underpins its premium EV credentials. This focus on sustainable interior materials without sacrificing feel is a strong point.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Visually Engaging, Materially Mixed
The ID. Buzz is undeniably well-built, with visually interesting materials that capture its unique personality. The lighter, more colorful interior palette is a refreshing departure from monochrome, contributing to its cheerful ambiance. However, a closer inspection reveals a greater reliance on hard plastics in common touchpoints compared to the EV9. While the design is engaging, some areas feel less premium to the touch, which might be a consideration for those expecting absolute luxury EV finishes at this price point. It’s a design that prioritizes character and visual flair, but perhaps at a slight expense of tactile opulence.
Cargo Space: Hauling What Matters Most
For family adventures and daily errands, adaptable cargo space is crucial. While both offer decent capacity, the ID. Buzz’s van architecture provides a significant advantage when seats are removed.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Cargo Champion
The ID. Buzz leverages its inherent van design to offer unparalleled cargo versatility. While measured cargo space behind the third row (around 10 cubic feet) is comparable to the EV9, its true strength lies in its ability to transform. With the third row folded, it expands to a generous 30.8 cubic feet. The real magic happens when the third row is entirely removed, unlocking a massive 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modular cargo system is excellent for moving large items, making it a fantastic electric utility vehicle.
However, this flexibility comes with practical considerations: each third-row seat section is heavy (around 60 pounds), requiring effort to remove and a dedicated storage space outside the vehicle. The cargo shelf, while creating a flat floor when seats are folded, also significantly raises the load floor. But for those who genuinely need to maximize EV cargo capacity, the ID. Buzz is hard to beat. Its lack of a frunk (front trunk) is a minor oversight, but understandable given the design.
Kia EV9: Practical, Conventional Cargo
The EV9 offers a large, conventional cargo area, similar to what you’d expect from a gas-powered three-row SUV. It provides ample space with the third row up and an even larger area when folded, along with useful underfloor storage and a modest frunk. This conventional approach makes it straightforward and easy to use for most family needs, without the added hassle of removing heavy seat sections. It’s a highly functional space for daily family hauling and weekend getaways, but it simply cannot match the sheer volume unleashed by the ID. Buzz’s removable seating when maximum capacity is needed.
Driving Experience: Navigating the Open Road
The driving experience in an electric vehicle is often characterized by instant torque and serene quietness. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 deliver, but with distinct personalities that cater to different preferences.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Surprising Agility and Refinement
The ID. Buzz truly surprises from behind the wheel. Despite its van-like stature and heavier curb weight, it feels remarkably nimble and responsive. Even in Comfort mode, the accelerator pedal offers immediate feedback, making for smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. The EV suspension tuning in the ID. Buzz is notably refined, absorbing road imperfections with less noise and a more “buttoned-up” feel than the Kia. Steering is light and precise, and its “B” mode offers near one-pedal driving, though a final brake tap is needed for a complete stop.
The elevated seating position and the unique glass-to-nose ratio create a different visual perspective, but overall visibility remains excellent, free of significant blind spots. It’s a genuine pleasure to drive, behaving like a pleasant, agile cruiser despite its size, making it a strong choice for urban electric commuters and suburban family drivers alike. Its only drawback here is the slightly lower overall range compared to the EV9, which can be a limiting factor for long-distance EV travel.
Kia EV9: Sporty and Familiar, but Noisier
The EV9 provides a driving experience akin to a conventional three-row SUV, offering a familiar feel for those transitioning from internal combustion engines. Its driving position and outward visibility are good, though the B-pillar can impede sightlines. While the EV9 is more powerful (379 hp vs. 335 hp for the ID. Buzz), and eventually pulls ahead in sheer acceleration, the ID. Buzz feels more immediately responsive off the line.
The Kia’s suspension, while competent, isn’t as refined as the VW’s. It tends to be noisier over broken pavement and exhibits a slightly harsher ride. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable at higher speeds. However, the EV9 offers more regenerative braking levels, including a full one-pedal driving mode, which is a convenience many EV owners appreciate. Its distinct drive modes (Eco, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics, allowing for a more customized experience. Forward visibility is good, and the available camera mirror significantly enhances rear visibility, compensating for passengers or cargo. Kia’s blind spot camera views further boost driver confidence.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Winter Range Test
Electric vehicle range anxiety is a real concern, particularly in colder climates. Our real-world cold-weather efficiency drive revealed important differences in how these two EVs handle freezing temperatures, a crucial consideration for all-weather EV ownership.
Kia EV9: The Winter Warrior
The EV9 demonstrated a slight advantage in our cold-weather efficiency test, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More significantly, its greater overall battery capacity and thus, superior driving range, prove to be a much larger asset when temperatures plummet. On our roughly 110-mile route in 17-21 degrees Fahrenheit, the EV9 started with 249 miles of estimated range and finished with 114 miles remaining, consuming 135 miles of estimated range for 113 miles traveled.
This performance, while still indicating a substantial drop from EPA estimates (common for all EVs in extreme cold), makes the EV9 the more tolerable choice for cold-weather road trips. Its EV battery thermal management system appears marginally more effective at maintaining efficiency in adverse conditions, offering better EV range reliability.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Range-Limited in the Chill
The ID. Buzz, with its smaller battery and lower EPA range, suffered more noticeably in the cold. It started our test with 198 miles of estimated range and, after traveling 111 miles, had just 48 miles remaining, consuming 150 miles of estimated range. This dramatic reduction means more frequent charging stops, which could be a significant inconvenience for long-distance EV travel in winter. While certainly capable for daily commutes, its cold-weather EV performance highlights the importance of battery capacity in range retention. Neither vehicle would be our top pick for extensive winter EV road trips without careful planning around EV charging infrastructure, but the Kia’s greater buffer is a clear advantage.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Electric Family Vehicle is Right for Your 2025 Lifestyle?
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 ultimately boils down to your family’s specific priorities and usage patterns. Both represent excellent family EV solutions and are cutting-edge electric vehicles for 2025, but they cater to slightly different needs.
If your life revolves around maximizing passenger comfort, particularly for adults in the third row, and you frequently need to haul voluminous cargo with the seats removed, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your unrivaled champion. Its retro-cool aesthetic combined with modern electric powertrain technology offers a unique blend of style, space, and surprising agility. It’s more than just a car; it’s a lifestyle statement, perfect for those who appreciate design individuality and ultimate interior flexibility, even if it means a slight compromise on conventional interior storage and a more touch-heavy interface. It’s an ideal electric family van for urban exploration and sustainable city living.
However, if you prioritize extended EV range, a more traditional and intuitive user interface with physical controls, and a slightly more conventional yet luxurious three-row SUV driving experience, the 2025 Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded choice. Its superior cold-weather efficiency and higher range make it a more versatile primary family vehicle, especially for those who might venture on longer trips or live in colder climates. It embodies practical EV luxury and advanced driver assistance systems in a package that feels familiar yet entirely modern. The EV9 is designed for families who demand both capability and sophisticated comfort from their daily driver EV.
On the merits, you really can’t make a poor decision here. Both vehicles push the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation for families. Your ideal electric family car awaits.
Embark on Your Electric Journey Today
The future of family mobility is electric, and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2025 Kia EV9 are at the forefront. To truly understand which next-generation family EV aligns with your family’s unique needs, the best step is to experience them firsthand. Don’t just read about these top-rated electric vehicles; feel the difference.
We invite you to schedule a personalized consultation and test drive at your nearest authorized dealership. Discover local EV purchase incentives and explore financing options that make owning a premium electric family vehicle more accessible than ever. Embrace the quiet power, innovative design, and sustainable future these vehicles promise. Your journey into the electric age begins now.
