2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: Navigating the Future of Family Electric Vehicles
As an automotive expert with a decade of navigating the evolving landsc
ape of family vehicles, I can confidently say that 2025 marks a pivotal year for electric mobility. The burgeoning market for three-row electric vehicles offers compelling choices for families seeking sustainable transportation without compromising on space or versatility. Two prominent contenders making waves are the all-new 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the highly anticipated 2025 Kia EV9. While they inhabit distinct design philosophies – one a nostalgic nod to the past, the other a bold leap into the future – both are engineered from the ground up to redefine what a family EV can be.
The decision between a retro-futuristic van and a cutting-edge electric SUV involves more than just aesthetics; it delves into practical considerations like interior volume, charging infrastructure compatibility, advanced driver assistance systems, and real-world efficiency. Both vehicles represent significant investments, hovering around the $70,000 mark (all prices including destination for comparable AWD trims), making a meticulous comparison essential for discerning buyers. Our aim here is to provide an in-depth, expert analysis to help you determine which of these innovative electric people-movers is the superior choice for your family’s dynamic needs in the rapidly advancing 2025 market.
The Electric People-Movers: Design Philosophy and First Impressions
The visual contrast between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 couldn’t be starker, yet both achieve a profound sense of presence. The ID. Buzz, a triumphant return of VW’s iconic Microbus, effortlessly blends vintage charm with modern EV performance. Its two-tone paint schemes, short overhangs, and unmistakable silhouette evoke a sense of joyous nostalgia, making it an instant head-turner. For families who appreciate a vehicle with character and a story, the ID. Buzz is an undeniable statement. It’s more than just an electric van; it’s a lifestyle choice, offering a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge electric car technology 2025.
In stark opposition, the Kia EV9 presents itself as a vision of the future. Its chiseled lines, robust stance, and distinctive “Digital Tiger Face” lighting signature scream contemporary design and innovation. The EV9 doesn’t shy away from its SUV identity, projecting an image of strength and sophistication. For families who prioritize a modern, assertive aesthetic and the commanding road presence typical of a premium electric SUV, the EV9 delivers. Its design language is forward-thinking, aligning perfectly with the evolving demands of sustainable family transportation.
Underneath their distinctive skins, both vehicles share the core mission of moving people efficiently and comfortably. The ID. Buzz, in its Pro S Plus AWD configuration, offers 335 horsepower from a dual-motor setup and an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles from its 91-kWh battery, with DC fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kW. The Kia EV9 Land AWD, our long-term test vehicle, counters with 379 horsepower, a more substantial 99.8-kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range, and slightly quicker DC fast-charging up to 210 kW. These figures set the stage for a performance comparison, but for families, the true test lies within the cabin and on the road.
Interior Sanctuary: Space and Comfort for Every Passenger
When it comes to the crucial aspect of EV interior space and passenger comfort, the van versus SUV debate truly comes alive. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz immediately asserts its dominance, particularly in the critical third row. Stepping into the ID. Buzz feels like entering a genuinely expansive space, a direct benefit of its van architecture and longer wheelbase. The elevated driving position, while requiring a slight climb, offers excellent outward visibility forward, though the upright windshield and extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead traffic lights – a minor quirk I’ve encountered in similar vehicles.
Crucially, the ID. Buzz’s seats, while not quite matching the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, are still remarkably comfortable and supportive for long journeys. However, where the ID. Buzz truly shines is its cavernous third row. As an expert who has spent countless hours assessing EVs with third-row seating, I can attest that the ID. Buzz offers legitimate adult-friendly accommodations. Tall adults will find ample head- and legroom, a rarity in this segment, making it a viable option for multi-generational trips or carpooling older children and their friends.
The 2025 Kia EV9, while offering a highly commendable interior, follows a more traditional SUV approach to its third row. Its second-row captain’s chairs are exquisitely cushioned and offer luxurious amenities like ventilation and integrated sunshades, creating a superb environment. However, the EV9’s third row, while accessible with one-touch folding second-row seats, is decidedly more compact. It’s perfectly suitable for younger children and teenagers for short to medium distances, but adults will find it a squeeze, requiring second-row occupants to slide their seats forward significantly. The EV9 offers excellent comfort in its primary seating positions, but if maximum occupant space across all three rows is your non-negotiable priority, the ID. Buzz holds a distinct advantage, proving itself as a true family-friendly electric vehicle.
Organized Chaos: Smart Storage Solutions for Family Life
For any family vehicle, in-cabin storage is paramount. From snacks and drinks to tablets, toys, and emergency kits, the sheer volume of items families carry demands thoughtful design. Here, the 2025 Kia EV9 pulls ahead with its more practical and readily accessible storage solutions. Its front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering a generous bin for smaller items, well-placed cupholders, and an open lower storage area perfect for larger bags or electronics. The integration of a slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhances its family credentials, making it easier to keep the cabin tidy and organized.
Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its outwardly capacious nature, suffers from a surprising lack of convenient small-item storage in the front. The center console is smaller, and its storage areas are less voluminous and versatile than the EV9’s. While its movable center console is a neat trick, it doesn’t fully compensate for the overall deficit. I found myself often placing backpacks or purses on the floor due to the lack of dedicated, secure spots. Novelties like the integrated bottle opener and ice scraper in the console are charming but ultimately less functional than the sheer capacity offered by the Kia. Even the wireless phone charger, while functional, struggled with larger phones in a protective case, an oversight for a modern high-tech family car. For families who value everyday utility and a place for everything, the EV9’s design is simply more robust.
Command Center: User Interface and Technology Integration
In the 2025 automotive landscape, a vehicle’s user experience electric vehicles is increasingly defined by its digital interface. This is a battleground where the 2025 Kia EV9 truly distinguishes itself. Kia’s approach wisely blends an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with a sensible array of physical controls for frequently accessed features. Climate control temperature, heated and ventilated seat functions, and essential audio controls are right where you’d expect them, reducing driver distraction. While the climate system’s touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, its functions are easily expanded to the main central touchscreen for better access. The digital dashboard also provides useful blind spot camera views when signaling, enhancing overall safety.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring a visually impressive 12.9-inch touchscreen with rich colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus, falls victim to VW’s persistent reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen. This design choice, seen in other VW models, continues to be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, which are prone to accidental activation (like setting cruise control inadvertently), detract from the driving experience. Volume and temperature sliders are responsive but lack the tactile precision of physical knobs, making precise adjustments challenging while on the move. Furthermore, some essential features are buried within multiple menus, demanding extra attention away from the road. While the graphics are excellent, the overall user interface of the ID. Buzz can feel less forgiving and more demanding than the EV9’s, especially for a busy family driver. The EV9’s slightly smaller (12.3-inch) but highly responsive touchscreen, coupled with its array of physical buttons, creates a more harmonious and less distracting environment for everyday operation, a critical advantage for a premium electric SUV designed for family duty.
Crafted Environment: Interior Quality and Materials
Evaluating the interior quality of vehicles priced in the $70,000 range demands scrutiny. Both the 2025 Kia EV9 and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz deliver well-built cabins, but the EV9 nudges ahead in material selection and overall refinement. The EV9 impresses with its extensive use of soft-touch surfaces where occupants naturally rest their arms, contributing to a premium feel. Its upholstery feels durable and high-quality, and even with over 10,000 miles on our long-term test vehicle, the interior shows minimal signs of wear or creaks, speaking to Kia’s robust assembly. While some might find its all-gray interior color scheme a bit conservative, its understated elegance aligns with a sophisticated SUV.
The ID. Buzz also offers a commendable level of interior quality, with solid construction and visually interesting materials on various surfaces. However, it leans more heavily on hard plastics in some common touchpoints. While the lighter, more colorful interior options in the ID. Buzz can feel more vibrant and playful – certainly fitting its personality – the sheer tactile quality and perceived durability of the EV9’s materials give it a slight edge. Neither vehicle, however, delivers an interior that feels unequivocally “luxury” in the traditional sense, but both provide comfortable, well-appointed, and arguably durable spaces designed to withstand the rigors of family life.
Hauling Everything: Cargo Versatility and Practicality
The ability to transport not just people, but also their gear, groceries, and recreational equipment, is a cornerstone of any family EV. In this arena, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz leverages its van lineage to offer truly exceptional cargo versatility, especially when its third row is manipulated or removed. Behind the third row, both EVs offer similar cargo capacity, roughly 10 cubic feet. However, when the ID. Buzz’s third row is folded, it opens up a substantial 30.8 cubic feet. The real game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats, transforming the ID. Buzz into a cavernous hauler with a massive 48.9 cubic feet of space – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This feature makes the ID. Buzz an incredibly practical choice for large hauls, furniture, or camping gear, establishing it as a strong electric minivan alternative. The caveat is that each third-row section is heavy (around 60 pounds), requiring effort to remove and store, and the optional cargo shelf also needs to be removed for maximum height.
The 2025 Kia EV9 adopts a more conventional SUV cargo area, similar to what you’d find in a gasoline-powered three-row SUV. It offers a large cargo area with the third row up and an even larger one with it folded flat, along with useful underfloor storage and a small “frunk” (front trunk). While the EV9’s cargo area is highly functional and easy to reconfigure without removing seats, it simply cannot match the sheer volume available in the ID. Buzz when its third row is completely out. The EV9’s frunk is a nice bonus for charging cables or small items, a feature notably absent in the ID. Buzz. For those needing occasional maximum hauling capacity and willing to put in the effort, the ID. Buzz is unparalleled; for everyday versatility and ease of use without heavy lifting, the EV9 remains highly competent.
The Drive: Dynamics, Refinement, and Daily Commute
How these electric three-row vehicles behave on the road is crucial for family comfort and driver enjoyment. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly delightful driving experience that belies its size and heritage. Its dual-motor powertrain, even with less horsepower than the EV9, feels remarkably responsive from a standstill, with smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. The ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning is notably refined, offering a composed and buttoned-up ride that absorbs bumps with grace and minimal cabin noise. It steers with a light touch, and its impressive agility makes it feel smaller and more nimble than its dimensions suggest. The B mode on the gear selector provides near-one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle without constant brake pedal modulation, though a full stop still requires driver input. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique front glass and short nose creating a different perspective. This vehicle is truly a pleasant cruiser, making daily commutes and family trips enjoyable.
The 2025 Kia EV9, while powerful and capable, presents a somewhat different character on the road. As an expert, I’ve noted that the EV9 feels more like a conventional SUV in its driving position and outward visibility (though its B-pillar can create a blind spot). Its suspension, while competent, isn’t quite as refined as the ID. Buzz’s, allowing more road noise and harsher impacts from broken pavement to intrude into the cabin. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable at highway speeds. However, the EV9 compensates with a more engaging range of regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode that brings the vehicle to a complete stop. Its different drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on the driving experience, offering a sportier feel in its most aggressive setting. With 379 horsepower, the EV9 ultimately feels more potent at higher speeds and during passing maneuvers. Forward visibility is strong, and excellent rear visibility is further aided by a camera mirror and Kia’s confident blind-spot camera views, adding an extra layer of electric vehicle safety features.
While the ID. Buzz provides a more refined and quieter ride, the EV9 offers a more assertive and customizable driving experience, better suiting drivers who prefer a more traditional SUV feel with enhanced power output. Both are capable, but their approaches to EV performance and efficiency in the driving dynamics department reflect their distinct personalities.
Range Anxiety vs. Real-World Efficiency: The Cold Hard Truth
For any long-range electric SUV or van, efficiency, especially in adverse conditions, is a critical factor for families planning journeys. Our cold-weather efficiency testing highlighted important distinctions between these two family electric cars. On a roughly 110-mile route with temperatures well below freezing (17-21 degrees Fahrenheit), the 2025 Kia EV9 demonstrated a slight edge, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh.
More significantly, the EV9’s larger 99.8-kWh battery provides a greater buffer against range degradation in cold weather. At the start of our drive, the EV9 showed 249 miles of estimated range (down from its 280-mile EPA rating), while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles (down from 231 miles). After our demanding cold-weather route, the EV9 had 114 miles remaining, having consumed 135 estimated miles to travel 113 actual miles. The ID. Buzz, however, was left with just 48 miles remaining, consuming 150 estimated miles to travel 111 actual miles.
This data underscores the EV9’s superior performance in challenging conditions, making its greater overall driving range an even bigger asset when temperatures dip. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for a true long-haul cold-weather EV road trip due to the necessity of frequent charging stops, the Kia’s extended range would certainly make such journeys less stressful for families. For daily commutes and local errands, both are perfectly capable, but for those facing colder climates or longer distances, the EV9 offers more peace of mind regarding cold weather EV range.
Charting Your Family’s Electric Future: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s unique priorities and lifestyle. Both are phenomenal advancements in the electric family car segment, pushing boundaries in different ways.
If your primary need is unparalleled passenger volume and comfort, particularly for adults in the third row, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner. Its expansive interior, combined with charming retro aesthetics and a surprisingly refined driving experience, makes it an ideal choice for families who frequently shuttle many people and appreciate a vehicle that exudes personality. For those seeking an innovative EV design that stands out from the crowd and offers ultimate cargo flexibility when the third row is removed, the ID. Buzz delivers. Think large families, active lifestyles with gear, or anyone who dreams of a modern, electric take on the classic VW Bus.
Conversely, if you prioritize a more traditional SUV form factor, superior real-world range, a user-friendly cabin interface with physical controls, and a slightly more assertive driving experience with greater power, the Kia EV9 is your champion. Its modern design, robust storage solutions, and better cold-weather efficiency position it as an exceptionally well-rounded premium electric SUV that can serve as a highly capable primary family vehicle. It’s for families who demand practicality, cutting-edge technology, and fewer charging stops, without sacrificing style or comfort.
No matter your choice, both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 represent excellent, albeit distinct, pathways into the electric future for families. Each offers a compelling blend of innovation, practicality, and forward-thinking design.
Ready to electrify your family’s journeys? Visit our comprehensive comparison guides and dealer listings to experience the future of family electric vehicles firsthand. Discover the perfect match for your sustainable adventures today!
