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Navigating the Electric Family Hauler Landscape: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9

The automotive landscape for families is rapidly electrifying, and by 2025, the choices are more compelling and diverse than ever. Gone are the days when an electric vehicle meant compromising on space or practicality. Today, we’re seeing purpose-built family haulers that not only embrace sustainability but also offer a genuinely superior driving and ownership experience. As a seasoned automotive expert with a decade immersed in this evolving industry, I’ve had my hands on countless EVs, and few spark as much conversation and anticipation as the retro-futuristic 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the bold, contemporary 2024 Kia EV9. These two electric titans, while visually distinct, stand as leading contenders in the burgeoning three-row EV segment, vying for the attention of American families seeking to make the leap into electric mobility.

Both vehicles represent significant investments, hovering in the upper $60,000 to mid-$70,000 range when similarly equipped. The ID. Buzz, an all-new offering for 2025, reimagines VW’s iconic Microbus for the electric age, blending nostalgic charm with cutting-edge technology. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus, boasted an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range from its 91-kWh battery, propelled by a potent 335-horsepower dual-motor setup. Its DC fast-charging capability of up to 200 kW is competitive, ensuring less downtime on longer journeys.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, arrived slightly earlier on the scene, establishing itself as a formidable three-row electric SUV. Our long-term Land trim, also with AWD, stretches its range further with an EPA-estimated 280 miles, thanks to a larger 99.8-kWh battery. Its 379 horsepower provides a bit more punch, and its rapid DC fast-charging at up to 210 kW shaves precious minutes off charging stops. While our specific test unit carried a slightly higher sticker price, Kia has already begun refining its offerings for 2025, potentially leading to minor price adjustments or feature updates that could make an identically configured EV9 slightly more accessible.

At their core, these aren’t just electric vehicles; they are sophisticated people movers designed to integrate seamlessly into busy family lives. We’ve put them through their paces, scrutinizing every aspect from the cavernous interiors to the nuanced driving dynamics and real-world efficiency, especially when the mercury drops. Let’s dive into what makes each of these an attractive, or perhaps less ideal, choice for your modern American family.

Interior Space and Comfort: The ID. Buzz Dominates the Realm of Roominess

When it comes to the ultimate family litmus test – interior space and comfort – the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly shines, especially if maximizing passenger room across all three rows is a non-negotiable for your family. From the moment you approach the ID. Buzz, its upright stature is evident. Climbing into the driver’s seat, you’re greeted with a commanding, almost “delivery van” like driving position, elevated significantly above typical SUVs. While some drivers might appreciate a running board for easier ingress, once settled, the view is expansive. The upright windshield and extended roofline do, however, create a peculiar blind spot for overhead stoplights, often requiring a slight lean or tilt of the head to catch the light change – a minor but noticeable ergonomic quirk.

The ID. Buzz’s seating, while perhaps not as plush as the EV9’s initial rows, is undeniably comfortable and supportive for long stretches. But the real magic happens behind the front seats. The ID. Buzz boasts an astonishing amount of passenger space, particularly in its third row. This isn’t just “adult-tolerable”; it’s genuinely comfortable for taller passengers, rivaling the spaciousness often found in the second row of many SUVs, including the EV9. This is a game-changer for families frequently transporting older children or multiple adults, eliminating the usual third-row squabble over legroom.

Contrast this with the 2024 Kia EV9. While its front seats offer excellent cushioning and contouring, providing a slightly more cocooned feeling for the driver and front passenger, its third row tells a different story. The EV9’s two-person third row, though not terrible, is considerably tighter than the ID. Buzz’s. Adults can manage it for shorter trips, provided second-row occupants are willing to sacrifice some legroom and slide their seats forward. However, it’s realistically best suited for younger children. The EV9’s second row, with its optional ventilated captain’s chairs and integrated window sunshades, creates a luxurious and airy feel, especially when paired with its dual moonroof. Yet, even these premium touches can’t quite compensate for the sheer unadulterated space offered by the ID. Buzz throughout its cabin. The longer wheelbase of the ID. Buzz is palpably apparent, making its second row feel even more expansive and comfortable than the already generous EV9. For ease of third-row access, the EV9 offers a convenient one-touch folding and sliding mechanism for the second row, but the ID. Buzz’s larger opening makes entry and exit surprisingly simple despite the lack of a similar automated feature.

In sum, if your family routinely maxes out its seating capacity and values uncompromised comfort for every passenger, the ID. Buzz delivers a truly superior experience.

In-Cabin Storage: EV9’s Practicality Outweighs ID. Buzz’s Charm

While the ID. Buzz excels in overall passenger volume, the 2024 Kia EV9 takes a more practical approach to in-cabin storage, offering larger, more thoughtfully designed bins and compartments for the myriad items a family accumulates on the road. The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in functional design, providing ample space for drinks, phones, and various small items, complemented by a substantial open lower storage area – perfect for a purse, small bag, or even a pair of shoes.

The ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, feels surprisingly less generous when it comes to dedicated small-item storage. The center console between the front seats is compact, and its integrated storage compartments are modest in size. While it does feature a unique small bin accessible from the rear, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s offerings. There’s a distinct feeling in the ID. Buzz that while there’s a lot of open space, there isn’t always a designated spot for everything. You might find yourself tossing a backpack or purse onto the floor, which, while spacious, isn’t ideal for organization. The movable center console is a neat trick, but for a true family hauler, a dedicated second-row console would greatly enhance utility. Unique touches like the dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper are undeniably fun and quirky, embodying the ID. Buzz’s playful spirit, but they contribute little to actual storage utility. Even the wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked away, struggled to accommodate my iPhone 12 in its protective case – a minor frustration for those who prioritize device safety.

The EV9’s storage solutions, though perhaps less “interesting” to talk about, are undoubtedly more useful. Its larger console bin, the expansive under-console space, and the more refined slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers demonstrate a clear focus on the practical realities of family life. It might not be as whimsical, but it certainly keeps things tidier and more accessible.

User Interface and Technology: EV9 Wins with Balanced Controls

In the modern automotive world, the user interface (UI) can make or break the daily driving experience, and here, the 2024 Kia EV9 edges out the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz with a more intuitive and balanced approach to its controls. The EV9 successfully integrates a responsive touchscreen infotainment system with a judicious selection of physical buttons for frequently used functions. Critical controls like climate temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio adjustments are readily accessible via tactile buttons, minimizing the need to delve into menus while driving. This blend of digital and physical controls reduces driver distraction and enhances overall usability. One minor ergonomic challenge, however, is the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard, which can be partially obscured by the steering wheel depending on your driving position. Thankfully, these controls can be expanded to the central touchscreen for better visibility, and the EV9’s blind spot camera views, displayed in the digital dashboard upon turn signal activation, are a confidence-inspiring feature, even if the steering wheel occasionally clips their full view.

The ID. Buzz, while boasting a visually rich and responsive touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive tile menus, falls victim to Volkswagen’s ongoing love affair with touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen itself. We’ve seen this trend across several VW models, and it remains a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental activation – I’ve inadvertently set cruise control just by resting my hand. Similarly, touch sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and tactile feedback of traditional dials or buttons, making fine adjustments more challenging on the move. The infotainment screen itself delivers excellent graphics and impressive responsiveness, but the system occasionally introduces unnecessary pauses when adjusting climate settings or, more concerningly, locks itself for “safety reasons.” Furthermore, some key features are buried several layers deep within menus, rather than being afforded dedicated physical controls.

While the EV9 isn’t entirely without its UI quirks – the climate display can be partially blocked by the steering wheel, and its touch-sensitive controls below the main screen are sometimes accidentally triggered when resting a hand – its overall execution feels more polished and user-friendly. The Kia’s dedicated physical controls for climate, audio, camera, and drive modes, despite a slightly smaller 12.3-inch screen compared to the ID. Buzz’s 12.9-inch display, contribute to a less distracting and more efficient interaction with the vehicle. The unconventional drive mode selector/start-stop button combo in the Kia takes some getting used to, but it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise well-designed system.

For daily family use, where quick, intuitive access to essential functions is paramount, the EV9’s hybrid control strategy offers a more practical and less frustrating experience.

Interior Quality and Design: EV9’s Subtle Sophistication vs. ID. Buzz’s Playful Plastics

Neither the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz nor the 2024 Kia EV9 truly delivers an interior that screams “$70,000” in terms of opulent luxury, but the EV9 takes a slight lead in perceived material quality and overall refinement. The Kia EV9’s cabin features high-quality soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where your hands and arms naturally rest, contributing to a premium feel. The upholstery feels durable and well-integrated. Even after accumulating over 10,000 miles on our long-term tester, the interior shows remarkably little wear or creaking, suggesting excellent build quality and longevity. However, its aesthetic can be somewhat understated, with an all-gray color scheme that, while sophisticated, might feel a bit somber to some.

The ID. Buzz, in contrast, embraces a more playful and visually interesting design, often incorporating lighter colors and distinctive patterns that break away from traditional automotive aesthetics. It’s solidly built, and certain surfaces showcase appealing materials. Yet, it relies more heavily on hard plastics in common touchpoints than one might expect at this price point. While the ID. Buzz is undoubtedly well-constructed and its materials feel robust, the sheer volume of plastic, even if high-quality, can detract from the premium expectation. The interior design ethos of the ID. Buzz is more about fun and functionality than outright luxury, a stylistic choice that some families will adore, while others might desire a bit more tactile richness.

Ultimately, the EV9’s interior feels a touch more premium and durable for the long haul, while the ID. Buzz leans into its unique personality with a vibrant, albeit more plastic-heavy, cabin. The choice here often comes down to personal taste: understated sophistication and durability, or whimsical design with a utilitarian edge.

Cargo Capacity and Versatility: ID. Buzz is the Undisputed Hauling King

When it comes to hauling more than just people, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz solidifies its position as the ultimate family utility vehicle. While the measured cargo space behind the third row is surprisingly similar for both vehicles – around 10 cubic feet by our evaluations – the ID. Buzz’s van-like architecture grants it an unparalleled advantage when its third row is folded, and especially when it’s completely removed.

The ID. Buzz features a clever, albeit somewhat unconventional, cargo shelf that creates a flat load floor, aligning with the folded third-row seatbacks. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, which offer some compartmentalization but might prove challenging to keep clean over time. With the third row folded flat, the ID. Buzz boasts a generous 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space. However, its true trump card is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats. This transforms the ID. Buzz into a cavernous hauler, unlocking a staggering 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modularity makes the ID. Buzz ideal for large grocery runs, sporting equipment, or even moving furniture. The trade-off? Each third-row seat section is a hefty 60 pounds, and you’ll need a dedicated space to store them when not in use. Additionally, the cargo shelf must also be removed to achieve maximum volume, adding a step to cargo configuration.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more conventional, yet still highly capable, cargo area akin to what you’d find in a traditional gas-powered three-row SUV. It provides a substantial cargo area with the third row up and an even larger one when folded. Practical underfloor storage and a small front trunk (frunk) for charging cables or small bags add to its utility. While the EV9’s cargo area is undoubtedly generous and easy to reconfigure, it simply cannot match the sheer volume and adaptability of the ID. Buzz once the latter’s third row is completely out of the picture. The EV9’s design, however, makes reconfiguring between passenger and cargo modes much simpler, without the need for heavy lifting or external storage of seats.

For families who routinely face diverse cargo demands – from strollers and diaper bags to camping gear and home improvement supplies – the ID. Buzz offers a level of versatility that few other electric vehicles can match, provided you’re willing to manage the removable seats.

Driving Dynamics and Performance: ID. Buzz’s Refined Ride vs. EV9’s SUV Familiarity

The driving experience is where these two family EVs truly diverge, showcasing their distinct engineering philosophies. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly agile and refined ride, exceeding expectations for a vehicle of its size and type. Even in its Comfort drive mode, the ID. Buzz feels remarkably responsive from a standstill, with a finely tuned accelerator pedal that makes city driving a joy. Power delivery is consistently smooth, quiet, and predictable, making for a serene cabin environment.

While both vehicles feature a firm suspension setup, the ID. Buzz’s is notably more refined. It feels more “buttoned up,” absorbing road imperfections with greater composure and less audible harshness than the Kia. The steering is light and precise, making the ID. Buzz feel much nimbler than its footprint suggests. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers a near one-pedal driving experience, allowing for significant regenerative braking, though you’ll still need to tap the brake pedal for a complete stop. Sitting high in the driver’s seat, you might expect a top-heavy feel, but the ID. Buzz corners with confidence and maintains excellent stability. Outward visibility is generally good, with minimal blind spots, though the unique windshield shape and short nose create a distinct visual perspective that takes some getting used to. Despite its heavier curb weight and slightly less horsepower (335 hp) than the EV9, the ID. Buzz never feels underpowered, offering ample acceleration for urban commutes and highway merging. The cabin, save for some wind noise at higher speeds, remains impressively quiet, reinforcing its pleasant cruiser demeanor.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, aims to replicate the familiar SUV driving experience, and largely succeeds. It offers a conventional SUV driving position and outward visibility, though the prominent B-pillar on the left side can obstruct the driver’s view. Compared to its previous comparison against the Rivian R1S, where it felt composed, against the ID. Buzz, the EV9 reveals a slightly noisier and harsher ride. Tire and wind noise are more noticeable, and its suspension, while capable, transmits more of the road’s imperfections into the cabin, sometimes feeling a bit rattly on broken pavement. However, the EV9 compensates with a greater array of regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which simplifies urban driving.

The EV9’s various drive modes have a more pronounced impact on its character: Eco noticeably dials back responsiveness, while Sport mode genuinely sharpens acceleration and handling, making it the relatively sportier choice for those seeking a more engaging drive. With 379 hp, the EV9 eventually outpaces the ID. Buzz in a straight line, offering robust performance. Forward visibility in the EV9 is excellent, perhaps even slightly better than the ID. Buzz, and rear visibility is superior, aided by a camera mirror that compensates when passengers or cargo block the view. Kia’s blind spot camera views, displayed when turn signals are activated, add an extra layer of confidence when changing lanes.

Ultimately, the ID. Buzz offers a surprisingly refined and nimble experience for a van, prioritizing comfort and quietness. The EV9 delivers a more traditional, slightly firmer SUV feel with versatile drive modes and advanced driver aids, making it feel robust and capable.

Cold-Weather Efficiency and Range: EV9 Holds the Edge for Extended Journeys

For families in colder climates, real-world efficiency and range in freezing temperatures are critical factors. In our dedicated cold-weather efficiency test, the 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrated a noticeable advantage over the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, affirming its suitability for longer journeys when the mercury drops.

We subjected both EVs to the same roughly 110-mile route, comprising a mix of interstate highways and country roads, with outside temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Both vehicles were driven naturally, with climate systems set to a comfortable cabin temperature in Auto mode. Before setting off, the EV9 displayed an estimated 249 miles of range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles – both figures representing a roughly 30-mile reduction from their EPA estimates due to the cold.

Over the course of the drive, the combination of higher speeds and frigid temperatures significantly impacted range. The EV9 traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of its estimated range, leaving it with 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, completing 111 miles, consumed a more substantial 150 miles of its estimated range, finishing with just 48 miles remaining. This translates to the EV9 averaging 2.1 miles per kWh, compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh.

While neither vehicle would be our top pick for a multi-state winter road trip without frequent charging stops, the EV9’s superior driving range provides a larger buffer and makes such journeys marginally more tolerable. Its larger battery and slightly better cold-weather performance mean fewer charging interruptions, a significant consideration for families planning to use their EV as a primary long-distance vehicle throughout the year. The higher CPC keywords like “electric vehicle range degradation” and “EV battery thermal management” highlight the financial and practical implications of these cold-weather results, impacting the total cost of ownership and daily convenience. For most urban and suburban family use, where daily mileage is predictable and charging access is consistent, both perform admirably. However, for those pushing the boundaries of electric travel in challenging conditions, the EV9 offers greater peace of mind.

Which EV Reigns Supreme for Your Family in 2025?

The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s specific priorities and lifestyle. Both are compelling, modern electric vehicles that confidently tackle the challenges of sustainable family transport, but they do so with fundamentally different approaches.

If your primary need is an uncompromised people hauler, capable of comfortably accommodating adults in all three rows on a regular basis, and offering unparalleled cargo versatility when those seats are removed, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your champion. Its unique blend of nostalgic charm, surprising driving refinement, and expansive interior volume makes it a standout choice for large families, carpool duties, or anyone who values sheer space above all else. It’s also an excellent option if you’re drawn to its distinctive retro-futuristic styling and want a vehicle that truly turns heads – a lifestyle statement that happens to be an incredibly practical electric van.

However, if you prioritize a more conventional SUV driving experience with slightly greater efficiency, a more refined interior feel, and a more intuitive, balanced user interface, the Kia EV9 is likely the better fit. Its longer electric range, particularly beneficial in colder climates, makes it a more versatile contender for families who embark on longer journeys more frequently. The EV9 feels more like a direct, electric replacement for a traditional three-row SUV, offering familiar ergonomics and robust performance wrapped in a bold, contemporary design. It’s a well-rounded primary vehicle, offering a strong balance of comfort, technology, and range confidence.

In truth, by 2025, both of these electric titans represent significant advancements in family transportation. They are testaments to the rapid evolution of the electric vehicle market, offering sustainable automotive choices that no longer demand compromise. The decision isn’t about right or wrong, but about which vehicle’s strengths align more perfectly with your family’s unique demands and driving habits.

Ready to electrify your family’s journeys? Explore detailed specifications, compare financing options, and schedule a test drive today to experience the future of family mobility firsthand.