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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9: The Ultimate Family Electric Vehicle Showdown

As a veteran in the electric vehicle (EV) space with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve witnessed the electric revolution transform from niche enthusiasm to mainstream adoption. The year 2025 brings an exciting inflection point, especially for families seeking sustainable, spacious, and technologically advanced transportation. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on two formidable contenders vying for the title of the ultimate family electric vehicle: the long-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the compelling Kia EV9.

These aren’t just any EVs; they represent divergent philosophies in three-row electric vehicle design, yet both promise to deliver on the core needs of a modern family. The ID. Buzz, a vibrant, retro-futuristic electric van, conjures nostalgia while embracing cutting-edge EV technology. Meanwhile, the Kia EV9 stands as a bold, assertive luxury electric SUV, pushing boundaries with its futuristic aesthetic and sophisticated features. While their silhouettes are distinct, their mission to move people and gear efficiently and comfortably is shared.

Having put countless miles on various electric family cars and witnessed the evolution of EV charging infrastructure 2025, I understand the real-world considerations that go beyond spec sheets. Today, we’re diving deep into what truly matters when choosing between these two titans, dissecting everything from interior dynamics and driving experience to crucial cold-weather efficiency and the overall electric car operating costs. We’ll explore which of these groundbreaking vehicles offers the best electric family car 2025 experience for your household.

Design Philosophy and First Impressions: Iconic Charm vs. Modern Authority

Let’s be honest, the initial visual impact of these two vehicles couldn’t be more different. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz immediately captivates with its undeniable charm. It’s an homage to the legendary VW Bus, reimagined for the electric age. Its two-tone paint schemes, short overhangs, and friendly face evoke a sense of adventure and nostalgia. As an electric van, it’s more than just transportation; it’s a statement piece, a rolling conversation starter. For families who prioritize a unique aesthetic and a vehicle that sparks joy every time they see it in the driveway, the ID. Buzz delivers in spades. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes kids point and smile, a definite plus for family appeal.

In stark contrast, the Kia EV9 exudes modern authority. Its chiseled lines, bold “Digital Tiger Face,” and substantial road presence scream futuristic SUV. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and undeniably premium, aligning perfectly with the burgeoning luxury electric SUV segment. The EV9 doesn’t lean on retro appeal; it forges its own path, projecting an image of quiet confidence and advanced engineering. For families looking for a contemporary, upscale three-row electric SUV that commands respect without being overtly flashy, the EV9’s design language hits all the right notes. It looks ready for anything, from school runs to mountain getaways, embodying a robust and capable persona.

Interior Sanctuary: Space, Comfort, and Family Dynamics

Stepping inside these vehicles is where their core philosophies truly diverge. Both aim to be havens for families, but they approach the challenge of space and comfort from different angles.

First Row: In the ID. Buzz, the driving position is notably upright, reminiscent of its van heritage. This provides an excellent vantage point, offering a commanding view of the road, although the extended-forward roofline can occasionally obscure overhead stoplights. The seats, while comfortable, are perhaps not as plush as the EV9’s. However, the sheer openness of the cabin is remarkable, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. For drivers who appreciate a clear, unencumbered view and a feeling of spaciousness, the Buzz is a delight.

The Kia EV9’s front seats are undeniably a highlight. They are better cushioned, offering superior support and adjustability, making long journeys more comfortable. The cabin, while still generous, feels a bit more cocoon-like, in the traditional SUV sense. The intuitive layout of controls and the quality of materials create a premium environment for the driver and front passenger, fitting for a vehicle positioned as a luxury electric SUV.

Second Row: This is where the ID. Buzz truly begins to flex its van muscles. Thanks to its longer wheelbase and boxier profile, the second row is exceptionally roomy. Adults will find ample legroom and headroom, making it a genuinely comfortable space for longer trips. If you’re frequently hauling teenagers or adults, this expansive space is a significant advantage. The flexibility to slide and adjust seats further enhances comfort.

The EV9’s second row, often available with ventilated captain’s chairs, is still excellent. Integrated window sunshades and a dual moonroof contribute to an open and pleasant ambiance. However, even with these amenities, the sheer volume of space in the ID. Buzz’s second row gives it an edge for maximum occupant comfort, especially for larger families or those with growing children.

Third Row: This is arguably the most critical differentiator for three-row electric vehicles. The ID. Buzz shines here, offering a third row that is genuinely adult-friendly. Taller passengers won’t feel like an afterthought; they’ll find respectable legroom and headroom, making it usable for more than just short hops. The access to the third row is also generous, making ingress and egress less of a contortion act. This makes the ID. Buzz an exceptional choice for families who routinely need to transport six or seven people comfortably.

The Kia EV9’s third row, while commendable for an SUV, is ultimately smaller than the ID. Buzz’s. It can accommodate adults for shorter distances, especially if second-row passengers are willing to slide their seats forward. However, it’s realistically best suited for children or smaller adults over extended periods. The one-touch folding and sliding second-row mechanism does make access easier, a thoughtful touch in its design. For families where the third row is an occasional necessity rather than a daily requirement, the EV9 performs adequately.

Smart Storage & Practicality for the Modern Family

When it comes to the daily grind of family life, practical storage solutions are paramount. From snacks and water bottles to backpacks and electronic devices, a family EV needs to be a mobile command center.

The Kia EV9 excels in this regard with its thoughtful and voluminous storage. The front center console is well-designed, featuring ample space for various items, multiple cupholders, and a large, open lower storage area – perfect for bags or larger electronics. Its sliding tray and bin for second-row passengers are also highly practical, offering dedicated space for essentials. For a family constantly on the go, these larger, more conventional storage bins are incredibly useful. It’s clear Kia designed this cabin with the everyday clutter of family life in mind.

The ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, offers a different philosophy for in-cabin storage. The center console between the front seats is smaller, and while it’s movable, the dedicated storage bins are not as expansive as the EV9’s. There are some clever touches, like dividers in the top bin that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper – fun, but perhaps not the most practical for everyday family use. The wireless phone charger, while functional, might not accommodate larger phones with robust cases. While there’s plenty of floor space for bags, dedicated, secure cubbies for smaller items are somewhat lacking. The Buzz encourages a more minimalist approach to what you bring inside, or relies on owners to add organizers.

Intuitive Tech & User Experience: Navigating the Digital Dash

The user interface (UI) and technology integration are critical for a seamless family electric vehicle experience in 2025. Ease of use, responsiveness, and minimal distraction are key.

The Kia EV9 largely takes the win for its more traditional and intuitive layout. Its infotainment system is generally user-friendly, with logical menus. Crucially, Kia has retained a sensible number of physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions like climate control temperature, audio volume, and heated/ventilated seats. This blend of touchscreen and tactile controls reduces the need to dive into menus while driving, a significant safety advantage. While a small climate panel can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, its functions can be expanded to the main touchscreen for easier access. The integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) EV features is also well-executed, with clear displays and accessible controls.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, unfortunately, carries over some of VW’s more controversial UI choices. The touchscreen itself is responsive, with vibrant colors and intuitive tile menus. However, the heavy reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen—including steering wheel controls, volume, and temperature sliders—can be a source of frustration. In my experience, accidental inputs on the steering wheel controls are common, and the haptic sliders for climate and audio, while responsive, lack the precision and immediate feedback of physical controls. Some essential functions also feel buried within multiple menus, requiring more attention away from the road than ideal. While VW has made strides in UI development for other models, the Buzz’s implementation can still be a hurdle for some users.

Craftsmanship & Material Selection: A $70,000+ Interior Evaluation

Both vehicles hover around the $70,000+ price point, so expectations for interior quality are naturally high.

The Kia EV9 generally presents a higher-quality interior. It utilizes a greater proportion of soft-touch surfaces where occupants naturally rest their arms, and the upholstery feels robust and durable. Even after significant mileage, our long-term EV9 test car shows minimal signs of wear or creakiness, a testament to its solid construction. While some might find the all-gray interior color scheme a bit somber, its overall fit-and-finish justifies its positioning in the luxury electric SUV segment. The perceived quality feels consistent with its price.

The ID. Buzz also boasts solid build quality and visually interesting materials, particularly its unique upholstery options and colorful accents. However, it relies more heavily on hard plastics in certain areas, particularly for common touchpoints, compared to the EV9. While the overall impression is cheerful and durable, it perhaps doesn’t convey the same level of premium refinement as the Kia. It’s a well-built vehicle, but some expert drivers might question if its material choices fully align with a family electric vehicle cost exceeding $70,000, especially when compared to its direct competitor.

Cargo Versatility: Hauling People and Gear

For families, cargo space is almost as critical as passenger space. How well can these EVs swallow luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or even furniture?

The ID. Buzz truly shines in cargo versatility, especially when the third row is not in use. While measured cargo space behind the third row is similar to the EV9 (around 10 cubic feet), the Buzz’s cavernous interior truly comes alive when seats are folded or removed. With the third row folded, you get a substantial 30.8 cubic feet. The pièce de résistance is the ability to remove the entire third row, unlocking a massive 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space – more than double the EV9’s capacity with its third row down. This transforms the ID. Buzz into a legitimate cargo hauler, perfect for home improvement projects, camping gear, or even moving small furniture. The optional cargo shelf creates a flat load floor when the seats are folded, adding to its utility. The downside: those third-row sections are heavy (around 60 pounds each), and you need a place to store them when removed. Notably, the ID. Buzz lacks a frunk, which is a minor inconvenience for smaller items.

The Kia EV9, as an electric SUV, offers a more conventional cargo area. It provides a good amount of space behind the third row and a much larger area (23.4 cubic feet) with the third row folded down. It also features convenient underfloor storage and a modest frunk, useful for charging cables or small bags. For most family needs—groceries, strollers, vacation luggage—the EV9’s cargo capacity is more than sufficient. Its power liftgate and various tie-down points enhance its practicality. While not as ultimately capacious as the Buzz with its seats removed, the EV9’s cargo area is easier to reconfigure quickly without needing to physically remove heavy components.

Driving Dynamics & Everyday Performance: Power, Poise, and Pedal Feel

The driving experience in an EV is fundamentally different from an internal combustion engine vehicle, and both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer distinct personalities on the road.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, surprisingly, proved to be a delight to drive. Despite its van proportions and heavier curb weight, it feels remarkably agile and composed. The dual-motor AWD powertrain, with 335 horsepower, delivers smooth, quiet, and predictable acceleration. It feels more responsive off the line than the EV9, making city driving a breeze. The suspension tuning is refined, absorbing bumps with impressive poise and less noise than the Kia. Steering is light and direct, contributing to a sense of nimbleness that belies its size. The “B” mode for regenerative braking offers near one-pedal driving, a convenient feature, though a full stop still requires the brake pedal. While wind noise can be present at higher speeds, the cabin remains generally quiet, fostering a pleasant cruising experience. Outward visibility is good, despite its unique front-end design, with no significant blind spots.

The Kia EV9, with its 379 horsepower in the Land AWD trim, is undeniably more powerful. While the ID. Buzz might feel quicker from a standstill, the EV9 ultimately has more top-end power and offers a relatively sportier driving experience, particularly in its Sport drive mode. The different drive modes have a more noticeable effect on the EV9’s dynamics, allowing for a more tailored feel. However, compared to the refined composure of the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s suspension can feel firmer and noisier over broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are more pronounced, too, intruding into the cabin more readily. On the plus side, the EV9 offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts prefer. Forward visibility is excellent, and its blind-spot camera views add a layer of confidence during lane changes.

Range & Efficiency: The Cold Hard Truth (and Cold Weather Reality)

For long-range electric vehicles for families, range and efficiency are paramount, especially when considering electric vehicle range anxiety solutions and the evolving EV charging infrastructure 2025.

The Kia EV9, with its larger 99.8-kWh battery, boasts an EPA-estimated range of 280 miles for the AWD Land trim. Its DC fast-charging capability of up to 210 kW means quicker top-ups on road trips. On our rigorous cold-weather efficiency test (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit, 110 miles of highway and country roads), the EV9 averaged 2.1 miles per kWh. While cold weather significantly impacts range (showing 249 miles at start vs. EPA 280), the EV9 still managed 114 miles of remaining range after our test. Its superior range makes it a slightly more tolerable choice for extended cold-weather journeys, reducing the frequency of charging stops.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, equipped with a 91-kWh battery, has an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles for the AWD Pro S Plus. It supports DC fast-charging up to 200 kW, very competitive with the EV9. However, its smaller battery and potentially less aerodynamic profile translated to slightly lower efficiency in our cold-weather test, averaging 1.8 miles per kWh. Starting with 198 miles of estimated range, the ID. Buzz had just 48 miles remaining after the same 110-mile cold-weather drive. This demonstrates that while perfectly adequate for daily commutes and local family adventures, its more limited range, especially in adverse conditions, means more frequent charging stops on longer road trips. For families whose primary use includes regular long-distance travel in varied climates, addressing electric vehicle range anxiety might require more careful planning with the ID. Buzz.

Ownership Experience & Value Proposition in 2025

Beyond the driving and cabin experience, the broader ownership picture includes considerations like Federal EV tax credit 2025 eligibility, electric car operating costs, and potential EV resale value 2025. Both Kia and Volkswagen have robust dealer networks, offering peace of mind for servicing and support.

The Kia EV9, as a newer entry from a brand known for excellent warranties, presents a strong value proposition. Its broader appeal as a modern SUV might also contribute to a solid EV resale value 2025. The potential eligibility for federal tax credits, if it meets battery sourcing requirements, could further sweeten the deal for buyers concerned about the electric family vehicle cost. Its all-around capability makes it a versatile primary vehicle.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while undeniably charming, is a niche product. Its iconic status and unique appeal could also bolster its EV resale value 2025, particularly for enthusiasts. For some, the emotional connection to the “Bus” translates into a willingness to overlook minor practical shortcomings. Its operating costs will be similar to other large EVs, primarily electricity and minimal maintenance. Whether it qualifies for the Federal EV tax credit 2025 will be a key factor for many potential buyers.

The Verdict: Which Is Right for Your Family in 2025?

After logging extensive hours with both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia EV9, it’s clear that both are exceptional three-row electric vehicles, each with distinct strengths tailored to different family priorities.

If your family frequently hauls multiple people—especially taller adults or multiple children in car seats across all three rows—and you prioritize maximum interior space, comfort, and an utterly unique, joy-inducing design, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your undisputed champion. Its expansive interior, adult-friendly third row, and surprising driving dynamics make it a compelling choice. It’s a statement vehicle, a lifestyle choice that embraces fun and practicality in equal measure. While its UI can be frustrating and its range is more limited, particularly in cold weather, its ability to move people and large cargo is unmatched in this comparison.

However, if you’re seeking a more conventional yet undeniably modern, luxurious, and capable electric SUV that offers a more refined driving experience, superior in-cabin storage, and a longer range (especially crucial for those tackling electric vehicle range anxiety on road trips), the Kia EV9 is the stronger contender. Its user-friendly interface, premium interior quality, and better cold-weather efficiency make it a more well-rounded and versatile primary family electric vehicle. It seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with real-world practicality, making it a powerful force in the luxury electric SUV market.

Ultimately, the “better” family EV hinges on your specific needs and priorities. Neither will leave you disappointed, but their distinct personalities cater to different lifestyles.

Ready to electrify your family’s journeys?

The decision between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia EV9 is a significant one, reflecting your family’s unique style, needs, and priorities. To truly understand which of these groundbreaking three-row electric vehicles will best integrate into your life, I encourage you to experience them firsthand. Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership to take a test drive, explore the spacious interiors, and discover the innovative features that define the future of sustainable family transportation. Don’t just read about the revolution; be a part of it.