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The Ultimate Electric Family Haulers of 2025: Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9 – An Expert Deep Dive
As a seasoned automotive expert with over a decade in the field, I’ve witnessed the electric vehicle revolution transform from a niche concept to a mainstream reality. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, with a burgeoning market for family-focused EVs that blend practicality with cutting-edge technology. Among the most anticipated contenders for your garage are the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different aesthetics – one a retro-futuristic homage to an icon, the other a bold, contemporary SUV – both are engineered from the ground up to redefine family transportation in the electric age.
Having spent countless hours behind the wheel, scrutinizing every detail, and putting these vehicles through their paces in real-world scenarios, I can tell you that choosing between them isn’t as simple as van versus SUV. Both hover around the premium EV price point, making the decision even more critical for discerning buyers. This isn’t just a comparison of specifications; it’s an examination of how these electric giants integrate into the demanding rhythm of family life, from school runs to road trips. We’ll delve into everything from the intricacies of cabin ergonomics to the nuances of their charging capabilities and real-world efficiency, giving you the unvarnished truth from an expert perspective.
Interior Space and Comfort: Prioritizing People
When it comes to ferrying your loved ones, space and comfort are paramount. In the ongoing debate between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9, the ID. Buzz unequivocally claims victory for sheer occupant volume, especially in its third row.
Stepping into the ID. Buzz, you immediately appreciate its expansive, airy cabin. The driving position, while elevated and reminiscent of a commercial van, offers a commanding view. While some drivers might find themselves craning slightly to catch overhead traffic lights due to the upright windshield and extended roofline – a minor ergonomic quirk that becomes second nature – the overall comfort for long hauls is commendable. The seats, while not as plush as the EV9’s opulent first and second rows, provide excellent support and are perfectly suitable for extended journeys. Where the ID. Buzz truly shines is its astounding passenger capacity. The third row isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a genuinely usable space for adults. I’ve comfortably seated individuals over six feet tall back there, a feat few three-row vehicles, let alone electric ones, can boast. This unparalleled third-row accommodation makes the ID. Buzz a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently transport multiple adults.
The Kia EV9, conversely, offers a more traditional SUV seating experience. Its front seats are exceptionally well-cushioned and supportive, offering a slightly more ergonomic embrace for the driver. The second-row captain’s chairs in the EV9 are luxurious, featuring ventilation and integrated window sunshades that enhance passenger comfort. However, despite its overall spaciousness, the EV9’s third row is notably more constrained. While it’s certainly functional for children or smaller adults on shorter trips, asking full-sized adults to endure it for long distances would be a stretch. Access to the third row in the EV9 is facilitated by a convenient one-touch folding and sliding second row, but the ID. Buzz’s wider, more accessible opening makes ingress and egress to the rear even smoother. For families where maximum multi-generational comfort is a non-negotiable, the ID. Buzz’s generous proportions across all three rows make it the clear frontrunner. The inherent minivan architecture of the ID. Buzz simply allows for a more versatile and comfortable people-carrying experience.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for Daily Life
Beyond seating, effective storage for everyday essentials is crucial in any family vehicle. In this category, the 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrates a more thoughtful and practical approach to in-cabin organization compared to the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
The EV9’s interior is a masterclass in functional design. The front center console provides ample space for drinks, phones, and smaller items, but it’s the expansive open lower storage area beneath the console that truly stands out. This cavernous space is perfect for stashing larger bags, tablets, or even a small cooler, keeping the cabin tidy and clutter-free. The slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhance the EV9’s utility, providing dedicated spots for their belongings. It feels like every inch of the EV9’s interior has been optimized for the diverse array of items families typically carry.
The ID. Buzz, while outwardly spacious, surprises with a somewhat less practical approach to small-item storage. Its open-plan cabin, while visually appealing, lacks the dedicated cubbies and bins that make the EV9 so functional. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and its storage areas are less accommodating for the myriad of items a family accumulates. While it features a clever small bin that opens from the backside, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s offerings. I appreciate the unique touches in the ID. Buzz, such as the dividers in the center console bin that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper – charming, but ultimately less practical than pure storage volume. Even the wireless phone charger, while well-integrated, struggled to accommodate my iPhone 12 with a robust Otterbox case, a common accessory for many users. The ID. Buzz’s design aesthetic, while prioritizing openness and retro charm, compromises slightly on the pragmatic, organized storage solutions that the EV9 delivers in spades. For families who value dedicated spots for everything, the EV9’s interior storage design is simply more effective and user-friendly.
User Interface: Intuition vs. Innovation
The user interface (UI) in modern EVs can make or break the daily driving experience. Here, the 2024 Kia EV9 edges out the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz by balancing advanced digital screens with indispensable physical controls, a design philosophy that resonates strongly with a decade of user feedback.
The EV9’s infotainment system is a testament to intuitive design. Its touchscreen is responsive and logically laid out, but critically, Kia hasn’t abandoned tactile feedback. Key functions like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seat controls are managed by physical buttons, strategically placed for immediate access. This hybrid approach significantly reduces driver distraction, allowing for quick adjustments without diverting attention from the road. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, the option to expand these controls to the main central touchscreen offers a flexible workaround. The minor annoyance of the steering wheel occasionally blocking digital dashboard elements, like blind-spot camera views, is a small trade-off for an otherwise user-friendly system.
In contrast, the ID. Buzz, while boasting a visually rich and responsive touchscreen with appealing tile menus and vibrant colors, falls victim to Volkswagen’s ongoing over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen itself. From touch-sensitive steering wheel controls that can be accidentally triggered – I’ve inadvertently engaged cruise control with a simple swipe of my hand – to haptic sliders for volume and temperature, the lack of physical buttons creates a frustrating user experience. These sliders, while responsive, lack the precision of a traditional knob, making fine adjustments more cumbersome. Furthermore, the ID. Buzz’s UI can suffer from occasional, inexplicable pauses when adjusting climate settings, and the screen sometimes locks for “safety reasons,” interrupting crucial interactions. Essential features are often buried several layers deep within menus, a stark contrast to the EV9’s more direct access. While the ID. Buzz’s screen itself is gorgeous, the surrounding control architecture feels like a step backward in usability, prioritizing minimalist aesthetics over practical functionality. As an expert, I constantly advocate for user safety and ease of use, and in this regard, the EV9’s more traditional, button-inclusive approach is a clear winner for everyday driving.
Interior Quality: Premium Aspirations, Real-World Execution
For vehicles commanding a $70,000+ price tag in 2025, interior quality is a significant expectation. Both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 deliver good quality, but the EV9 slightly surpasses its competitor with a more premium feel, although neither fully justifies their top-tier luxury pricing.
The Kia EV9 presents an interior that feels robust and well-appointed. Soft-touch materials are strategically placed where occupants’ arms and hands naturally rest, contributing to a sense of thoughtful design. The upholstery feels of a higher caliber, and even after significant mileage (our long-term test EV9 accumulated over 10,000 miles), the cabin exhibits no signs of wear, creaking, or undue noise. This durability speaks volumes about Kia’s commitment to build quality. My primary critique here is aesthetic: the all-gray interior color scheme, while functional, can feel a bit monotonous and less inspiring than the ID. Buzz’s more vibrant options.
The ID. Buzz, on the other hand, embraces a more playful and colorful interior aesthetic, which is refreshing. The build quality is solid, and there are visually interesting materials on certain surfaces, lending to its unique character. However, the ID. Buzz relies more heavily on hard plastics in areas that are frequently touched, which, while durable, don’t quite convey the same sense of premium craftsmanship as the EV9. While the design is captivating, the tactile experience of the materials doesn’t consistently align with its elevated price point. Both vehicles are well-assembled and lack egregious flaws, but the EV9’s subtle use of superior materials and a more consistent soft-touch presence gives it a slight edge in perceived luxury and long-term comfort. Neither, however, manages to fully transcend the segment and deliver a truly “luxury car” interior experience that some might expect for this price.
Cargo Space: Hauling What Matters Most
When it comes to the practicalities of hauling gear, luggage, or whatever life throws at you, cargo space is a critical differentiator. While both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 offer respectable capacities, the ID. Buzz’s design provides a fundamentally more versatile and cavernous cargo solution, particularly when its seating is reconfigured.
Behind the third row, both EVs offer similar cargo volumes, around 10 cubic feet by our measurements – enough for a few grocery bags or small suitcases. However, the ID. Buzz truly distinguishes itself when its third row is folded, and especially when it’s completely removed. With the third row down, the ID. Buzz expands to a generous 30.8 cubic feet. The optional cargo shelf, while useful for creating a flat load floor that aligns with the folded third-row backrest, does raise the load floor considerably. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, which, while functional, raise concerns about long-term cleanliness and durability, potentially becoming grimy over time.
The real magic of the ID. Buzz unfolds when its third row is entirely removed. This operation, while requiring some effort due to the sections weighing around 60 pounds each, transforms the vehicle into a vast cargo hauler with a staggering 48.9 cubic feet of space. This is more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This exceptional capacity makes the ID. Buzz akin to a small cargo van, perfect for DIY projects, moving furniture, or transporting large sports equipment. The caveat, of course, is having a place to store those heavy third-row seats when not in use.
The Kia EV9, while more conventional, still offers a highly functional cargo area. With the third row up, it’s practical, and with it folded, it provides a substantial, easily accessible space. It also boasts useful underfloor storage and a small front trunk (frunk), which the ID. Buzz surprisingly lacks. While the EV9’s frunk is small, it’s handy for charging cables or emergency kits. Ultimately, for those who prioritize maximum, adaptable cargo volume for large items, the ID. Buzz, despite the physical effort required for seat removal, offers unparalleled capability. The EV9 is excellent for typical family cargo needs, but the ID. Buzz opens up a world of possibilities for utility.
Driving Experience: Nimble Van vs. Refined SUV
The driving experience is often where an EV truly reveals its character, and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9 offer distinct personalities. While the EV9 provides a more conventional SUV feel, the ID. Buzz surprises with its agility and refined composure, making it a genuinely pleasant drive.
From a standing start, the ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly responsive acceleration, even in its Comfort drive mode. Its 335 horsepower dual-motor AWD powertrain, while less potent than the EV9’s 379 hp, feels more immediate and eager off the line. Power delivery is consistently smooth, quiet, and predictable, making for effortless city driving. What truly sets the ID. Buzz apart is its suspension tuning. Despite its van-like stature, it feels remarkably buttoned-up and refined. The suspension effectively soaks up road imperfections without harshness, and crucially, it’s significantly quieter than the Kia’s, which can exhibit more rattling and road noise on broken pavement. The steering is light and precise, contributing to a nimble feel that belies its size. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle to an almost complete stop, requiring only a final brake tap. Visibility out the front is generally good, with a unique perspective due to the short nose, though the A-pillars can be a bit chunky.
The Kia EV9, on the other hand, delivers a driving experience akin to a conventional three-row SUV, albeit an electric one. Its powerful 379 horsepower provides strong acceleration, and its different drive modes (Eco, Sport) offer a more discernible impact on performance, truly transforming its character from relaxed cruiser to sporty hauler. The EV9 offers multiple levels of regenerative braking, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts appreciate. However, the EV9’s suspension, while competent, lacks the refinement of the ID. Buzz. It transmits more road imperfections into the cabin, and tire and wind noise are noticeably more pronounced, particularly at highway speeds. Outward visibility is generally good, and Kia’s blind-spot camera views are an excellent safety feature, but the chunky B-pillar on the driver’s side can obstruct the view. While the EV9 is a capable and powerful performer, the ID. Buzz provides a more composed, quieter, and surprisingly agile ride, making it the more refined daily driver despite its unique form factor.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Real-World Range Challenge
One of the most critical considerations for any electric vehicle, especially a family hauler, is its real-world range, particularly in challenging conditions like cold weather. Our extensive testing of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9 revealed that while both experienced range degradation, the EV9’s larger battery and slightly better efficiency ultimately give it a significant edge.
Our controlled cold-weather efficiency drive, spanning approximately 110 miles of mixed highway and country roads in sub-freezing temperatures (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit), put both vehicles to the test. Both EVs started with a notably reduced estimated range compared to their EPA figures – the EV9 at 249 miles (from 280 EPA) and the ID. Buzz at 198 miles (from 231 EPA). This initial drop is a common characteristic of EVs in cold weather, where battery chemistry and cabin heating demands increase energy consumption.
During the drive, the Kia EV9 demonstrated slightly superior efficiency, averaging 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. This difference, while seemingly small, compounds over longer distances. At the conclusion of our 113-mile route, the EV9 had consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving a comfortable 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, having traveled 111 miles, consumed a more substantial 150 miles of range, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. This stark contrast highlights the impact of both efficiency and initial battery capacity.
While neither vehicle would be our top recommendation for extensive cold-weather road trips due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the EV9’s greater initial range and superior cold-weather efficiency make it significantly more tolerable for winter travel. Its larger 99.8 kWh battery, compared to the ID. Buzz’s 91 kWh pack, provides a crucial buffer against range anxiety when temperatures plummet. For families living in colder climates or those planning winter excursions, the EV9 offers a more robust and dependable performance in the efficiency department, a critical factor for long-term EV ownership.
Which Is Right for Your Family in 2025?
After an exhaustive expert analysis spanning design, comfort, practicality, driving dynamics, and real-world efficiency, the choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your specific family needs and lifestyle priorities. Both are groundbreaking electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of what family transportation can be, but they cater to slightly different niches within the discerning 2025 EV market.
If your primary requirement is maximum passenger space and comfort across all three rows, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your undisputed champion. Its cavernous third row genuinely accommodates adults, making it an ideal choice for larger families, carpooling, or those who frequently transport multiple generations. The ID. Buzz also excels in cargo flexibility, transforming into a formidable hauler when its third row is removed, perfect for adventurous lifestyles or serious DIYers. Its surprisingly refined and agile driving experience, combined with its iconic, retro-futuristic styling, makes it a true head-turner and a lifestyle statement. For those seeking a unique, incredibly spacious, and comfortable electric van that sparks joy and conversation, the ID. Buzz offers an unparalleled proposition. Think of it as your primary, super-functional people-mover or that aspirational, fun-to-own third vehicle for families with the means.
Conversely, if you’re seeking a more well-rounded, conventional electric SUV experience with superior long-range capability and practical everyday utility, the 2024 Kia EV9 steps forward as the stronger contender. Its excellent real-world range, particularly in colder conditions, makes it a more viable primary family vehicle that can tackle longer journeys with less charging anxiety. The EV9’s interior delivers a more premium feel with better small-item storage and a user interface that expertly balances digital sophistication with crucial physical controls, leading to a less frustrating daily experience. While its third row is better suited for children, its overall package of comfort, technology, and robust build quality makes it an incredibly competent and versatile family SUV. It’s the EV for those who want to transition to electric without compromising on the familiar SUV form factor and dependable performance.
Ultimately, both the ID. Buzz and EV9 represent significant strides in the electric family vehicle segment for 2025. You truly can’t make a “bad” choice here, but understanding their distinct strengths will guide you to the one that perfectly aligns with your family’s dynamic and expectations for an electric future.
Ready to electrify your family’s journey and experience the future of driving? Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to test drive these remarkable vehicles and discover which innovative EV is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
