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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: The Ultimate Family EV Showdown
The automotive landscape for family-focused electric vehicles has never been more exciting, or more diverse. As we roll into 2025, two distinct yet equally compelling contenders are vying for the attention of American households: the retro-futuristic 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the modern, assertive 2025 Kia EV9. From my decade of experience navigating the complexities of the EV market, I can tell you that these aren’t just vehicles; they represent different philosophies for sustainable family transport. While one harkens back to an iconic era with an electric twist, the other defines the cutting edge of electric SUV design. Both command a premium price tag, hovering in the $70,000 range as tested, signaling their intent to deliver a top-tier electric vehicle experience. But when it comes to being the “better family EV,” the answer is nuanced, deeply rooted in your family’s unique lifestyle and priorities.
Let’s dissect these two next-generation electric vehicles, moving beyond mere specifications to uncover their true character and capability in the real world. We’ll explore everything from their cabin ergonomics to their cold-weather fortitude, helping you make an informed decision on which electric powerhouse best suits your family’s journey into a greener future.
Interior Space and Comfort: Where Practicality Meets Persona
The moment you step inside either the ID. Buzz or the EV9, you’re greeted by distinct philosophies of interior design and spatial utilization. For families prioritizing maximum occupant space, particularly for multi-generational travel or carpooling with older children, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz emerges as the clear victor.
From the driver’s perch, the ID. Buzz offers an elevated seating position, reminiscent of a command center, though accessing it might have some drivers wishing for optional running boards. The upright windshield and expansive forward roofline create a unique perspective, a nod to its iconic predecessor, but can occasionally challenge visibility for overhead traffic lights. However, it’s in the passenger compartments where the ID. Buzz truly shines. Its generous wheelbase translates into an almost cavernous second row, surpassing the already commendable space in the EV9. But the real game-changer is the third row. Unlike many three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are often relegated to small children or short trips, the ID. Buzz’s third row comfortably accommodates taller adults, offering genuine legroom and headroom. This makes it an ideal choice for families who frequently need to transport five or more adults without compromise. The seats, while not as plush as the EV9’s initial rows, provide excellent support for extended periods.
Conversely, the 2025 Kia EV9 delivers a more traditional, yet still exceptionally comfortable, SUV experience. Its front seats are meticulously sculpted, offering superior cushioning and bolstering, a feature I consistently appreciate on longer hauls. The EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs, especially with their integrated ventilation and sunshades, enhance the luxury electric SUV feel. Paired with a dual moonroof setup that amplifies the cabin’s open ambiance, it’s a premium environment. However, the EV9’s third row, while perfectly adequate for children and teenagers, feels more constrained than the ID. Buzz. Adults can manage for shorter durations, but it often necessitates cooperation from second-row passengers to slide their seats forward. Access to the third row in the EV9 is facilitated by a convenient one-touch folding and sliding mechanism for the second row, making entry and exit relatively straightforward. The ID. Buzz also offers easy access, though with a larger aperture due to its van-like structure.
In essence, if your primary need is unparalleled passenger volume across all three rows, the ID. Buzz is an unrivaled contender in the electric van family segment. If your definition of comfort leans towards luxurious amenities and a more conventional SUV seating arrangement, the EV9 offers a compelling, albeit less spacious in the very back, premium experience.
In-Cabin Storage: Maximizing Utility vs. Open-Concept Design
The way these two EVs approach in-cabin storage highlights their divergent design philosophies. The 2025 Kia EV9 clearly prioritizes functional, well-organized storage, making it the more practical choice for daily essentials and larger items.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering generous compartments for drinks, small personal effects, and a large, open lower storage area ideal for purses, small bags, or even a tablet. This thoughtful design ensures that the everyday clutter that accumulates in a family vehicle has a designated, accessible home. The slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhance its utility, demonstrating Kia’s understanding of family needs.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while boasting an incredibly open and airy interior, takes a more minimalist approach to dedicated small-item storage. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller than the EV9’s, and its integrated storage areas are modest. While it does feature a unique bin accessible from the backside, its capacity pales in comparison to the EV9. The movable center console is a clever touch, offering flexibility, but it leaves the front floor largely open, inviting items to simply rest there rather than be securely stowed. Unique, fun features like bottle opener/ice scraper dividers in the console are charming but don’t significantly boost practical storage capacity for high-tech electric interiors. The wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked away, is functional but its limited size might frustrate users with bulkier phone cases, a minor but recurring annoyance in modern EVs.
From an expert’s perspective, the EV9’s storage solutions feel more intentional and better integrated into the overall cabin experience, catering to the realities of a busy family on the go. The ID. Buzz, by contrast, sacrifices some dedicated storage for its expansive, open aesthetic, making it feel less equipped for containing the myriad items a family might carry. If you’re a meticulous organizer or simply prefer your belongings to have a secure spot, the EV9 holds a distinct advantage.
User Interface: The Tangible vs. The Touch-Sensitive
The battle for user interface supremacy is a fascinating one, revealing fundamental differences in design philosophy. Here, the 2025 Kia EV9 pulls ahead by striking a more effective balance between modern digital displays and crucial physical controls.
The EV9’s infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a responsive touchscreen seamlessly integrated with an array of physical buttons for frequently accessed functions like climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio. This hybrid approach significantly reduces driver distraction, allowing for quick, tactile adjustments without having to delve into menu after menu. While there is a minor critique regarding the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard being partially obscured by the steering wheel, these controls can be expanded to the central touchscreen for better visibility. The overall layout fosters confidence and ease of use, making it a strong contender for best 3-row EV technology.
In stark contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz embraces a touch-heavy paradigm, a design choice seen in other contemporary VW models, and one that continues to be a source of frustration for many. While its touchscreen infotainment system boasts intuitive tile menus, a clean home screen, and vibrant, rich color displays that are arguably more visually appealing than the Kia’s, the over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen proves to be a significant ergonomic hurdle. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental inputs, such as inadvertently activating cruise control with a casual hand swipe. Similarly, the touch-sensitive sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and tactile feedback of physical knobs, making fine adjustments more challenging, especially while driving. The system can also suffer from unnecessary pauses or occasional safety-related screen locks, interrupting the flow of user interaction. Some essential features are buried deep within multiple menus, demanding more attention from the driver than is ideal.
From an expert user experience standpoint, the EV9’s system is a more refined and driver-friendly solution. Its thoughtful blend of digital sophistication and ergonomic practicality ultimately enhances safety and convenience. The ID. Buzz, while visually engaging, demands a steeper learning curve and can be less forgiving during dynamic driving scenarios, a critical consideration for any family EV.
Interior Quality: Premium Touches vs. Playful Durability
When evaluating interior quality in electric vehicles pushing the $70,000 mark, expectations are understandably high. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 deliver on solid construction, but their approaches to materials and aesthetics differ, with the 2025 Kia EV9 narrowly taking the lead in perceived premiumness.
The EV9 impresses with a pervasive use of soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where occupants typically rest their arms and hands. The upholstery, even after over 10,000 miles in our long-term test, exhibits remarkable durability without signs of wear or creaks, underscoring its robust build. However, the EV9’s interior color schemes, particularly the all-gray options, can feel somewhat conservative or subdued compared to the ID. Buzz’s more vibrant offerings. It’s a supremely well-built and high-quality cabin, but perhaps lacks a certain visual flair.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz counters with an interior that is visually engaging and undeniably well-built. It utilizes interesting textures and quality materials on select surfaces, contributing to its playful, retro-modern vibe. The lighter, more colorful interior palettes offered by VW provide a refreshing contrast to the often monochromatic EV interiors. However, the ID. Buzz does employ a greater proportion of hard plastics on less frequently touched surfaces compared to the EV9, which can slightly detract from the overall luxury feel when scrutinized up close. While it feels robust and designed to withstand the rigors of family life, it doesn’t quite match the EV9’s consistent application of premium soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.
Ultimately, neither vehicle delivers an interior that screams “super luxury” in the vein of a six-figure premium EV, but both offer excellent quality for their segment. The EV9 leans into understated elegance and material consistency, making it feel slightly more upscale for the sustainable automotive solutions shopper. The ID. Buzz, meanwhile, provides a more characterful and visually stimulating environment, trading some material softness for a unique personality.
Cargo Space: Utilitarian Flexibility vs. SUV Standard
For a family EV, cargo capacity and versatility are paramount. Both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 offer substantial space, but the ID. Buzz truly shines with its unparalleled flexibility and sheer volume, especially when its innovative seating is fully utilized.
Behind the third row, both EVs offer around 10 cubic feet of cargo space, a respectable figure for grocery runs or a few carry-on bags. However, the ID. Buzz’s design truly comes into its own when you need to haul more than just people. With its third row folded down, the ID. Buzz expands to an impressive 30.8 cubic feet. The unique cargo shelf system, which aligns the cargo floor with the folded third-row backrest, creates a flat, expansive surface. Beneath this shelf, soft-sided storage bins offer additional, albeit less robust, space. The real magic happens when you remove the third row entirely – a task that requires some effort due to the sections weighing around 60 pounds each – unlocking a colossal 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This is more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet when its third row is down, making the ID. Buzz a true champion for major hauling, whether it’s moving furniture, sports equipment, or copious luggage for a long trip. The trade-off, of course, is needing a place to store those removed seats.
The 2025 Kia EV9, on the other hand, offers a more conventional, yet highly practical, cargo area. With its third row up, it provides ample space for daily needs. Folding down the third row reveals a large, flat cargo floor, akin to what you’d expect from a gas-powered three-row SUV. The EV9 also boasts convenient underfloor storage and a useful “frunk” (front trunk), adding a layer of secure, hidden storage that the ID. Buzz, due to its design, lacks. While the EV9’s total volume can’t match the ID. Buzz’s maximum capacity, its cargo management system is simpler and requires no component removal for expansion.
As an expert, I see the ID. Buzz as the ultimate utilitarian choice for families who occasionally need to transform their people-mover into a genuine cargo van. Its sheer volume with the seats removed is a distinct advantage. The EV9 provides robust and user-friendly cargo capabilities for most family scenarios, with the added benefit of a frunk for charging cables or smaller items. Your choice here depends on whether you prioritize extreme, albeit modular, hauling capacity or convenient, consistent storage.
Driving Experience: Nimble Novelty vs. SUV Assertiveness
The driving dynamics of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2025 Kia EV9 are as distinct as their exteriors, each offering a unique take on the electric vehicle performance. My experience suggests that while both are refined, they cater to different driving preferences.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz provides a genuinely surprising and remarkably refined driving experience. Despite its van-like stature and heavier curb weight compared to the EV9, its agility is striking. The dual-motor AWD powertrain, producing 335 horsepower, delivers smooth, quiet, and predictable power, feeling more responsive from a standstill than the EV9, even in its Comfort drive mode. The ride quality is a standout feature; the ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally well-composed and less noisy than the Kia’s, absorbing road imperfections with impressive grace. Steering is light and precise, making the vehicle feel nimble and easy to maneuver in urban environments. The B mode on the gear selector offers a near-one-pedal driving experience, requiring only a light touch on the brake to come to a complete stop. Seated high, drivers have a commanding view, and despite the unique glass shape and short nose, overall visibility is excellent with minimal blind spots. It’s a pleasant cruiser, perfectly suited for comfortable family journeys.
The 2025 Kia EV9, with its more powerful 379 horsepower dual-motor setup, presents a more assertive, SUV-like driving character. It feels more like a conventional SUV in terms of driving position and outward visibility, though the sizable left-side B-pillar can obstruct some views. While it might eventually overpower the ID. Buzz in a drag race, its suspension tuning is firmer and can be noisier over broken pavement, transmitting more road imperfections into the cabin. Tire and wind noise are more noticeable in the EV9 compared to the serene ID. Buzz cabin. However, the EV9 offers more granular control over regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which enhances control and energy recovery. The different drive modes in the EV9 (Eco, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics, offering a more noticeable shift in responsiveness. Forward visibility is generally good, and rear visibility benefits from an optional camera mirror, a thoughtful addition when the view is obstructed by passengers or cargo.
In summary, if you seek a surprisingly nimble, exceptionally refined, and quiet driving experience in a unique electric van, the ID. Buzz excels. For those who prefer a more traditional, powerful SUV feel with distinct drive mode differentiation and advanced regenerative braking, the EV9 delivers. Both are excellent electric vehicle technology showcases, but they appeal to different driving sensibilities.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: Range Anxiety Solutions for the Real World
The reality of electric vehicle ownership, especially for families, often hinges on range and efficiency, a factor exacerbated by colder climates. Our real-world testing in freezing conditions highlighted a distinct advantage for the 2025 Kia EV9, making it a more robust choice for year-round utility and offering better range anxiety solutions.
On our rigorous 110-mile cold-weather efficiency drive, where temperatures hovered between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, the EV9 demonstrated superior performance. It averaged 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), outperforming the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More critically, the EV9’s larger 99.8 kWh battery, compared to the ID. Buzz’s 91 kWh pack, provided a greater buffer against range degradation in the cold. Starting with an estimated 249 miles of range (down from its EPA-estimated 280 miles), the EV9 consumed 135 miles of estimated range for 113 actual miles traveled, leaving a comfortable 114 miles remaining.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while still capable, was more impacted by the cold. Starting with 198 miles of estimated range (down from its EPA-estimated 231 miles), it consumed a significant 150 miles of range for 111 actual miles covered, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. This stark difference underscores the EV9’s advantage, particularly for those in colder regions or families planning longer trips where charging stops need to be minimized.
While neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extensive cold-weather road trip due to the increased frequency of charging stops required, the EV9’s superior efficiency and greater inherent range make it noticeably more tolerable. For families living in areas with harsh winters, this factor is not merely a technical detail; it’s a critical aspect of daily usability and peace of mind. Investing in a long-range electric car with robust cold-weather performance can significantly enhance the ownership experience.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family?
Deciding between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your specific family dynamics, priorities, and lifestyle. Both are exceptional next-generation electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of what a family EV can be, but they cater to different niches.
If your family frequently needs to transport five, six, or even seven adults in comfort, or if you regularly haul large, bulky items that would typically require a small moving van, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your unparalleled choice. Its cavernous interior, especially the adult-friendly third row and the ability to transform into an enormous cargo carrier, makes it the ultimate people and stuff mover. It offers a unique blend of iconic design, surprisingly refined driving dynamics, and a joyous, open cabin ambiance. While its in-cabin storage for small items is less organized and its user interface more reliant on touch controls, these are minor compromises for its unmatched spatial versatility. It’s a lifestyle vehicle that sparks joy, perfect for the family looking for an expressive, future-forward minivan alternative that makes a statement.
However, if your priority is a well-rounded, premium electric SUV experience that seamlessly integrates into daily family life, the 2025 Kia EV9 presents a compelling argument. With its more conventional SUV aesthetic, higher-quality interior materials, superior in-cabin storage solutions, and a more intuitive user interface that balances touch with physical controls, the EV9 offers a more traditional yet highly advanced package. Its greater range and better cold-weather efficiency make it a more versatile primary vehicle for families in diverse climates, providing added peace of mind for daily commutes and occasional road trips. It delivers stronger EV performance, a comfortable ride, and is arguably a more pragmatic choice for those seeking a stylish, high-tech electric interior that doesn’t compromise on everyday functionality.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of 2025 electric vehicles, both the ID. Buzz and EV9 represent compelling visions for the future of family transport. They are premium electric SUVs and vans that stand at the forefront of sustainable family transport. Neither is perfect for every long-range road trip, particularly in adverse weather, but both excel in their core propositions.
Your ideal choice isn’t about one being inherently “better” but rather which vehicle’s strengths align more perfectly with your family’s unique rhythm. We invite you to explore these incredible electric vehicles further, experience their unique attributes firsthand, and envision how each could elevate your family’s journey into an electric future. Discover your next sustainable automotive solution today.
