2025 Family EV Battle: Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9 – An Expert’s Deep Dive
For families navigating the rapidly expanding electric vehicle landscape in 2025, the
choices are becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse. Two prominent contenders have emerged, offering distinct propositions in the burgeoning three-row EV segment: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already lauded 2024 Kia EV9. As someone who has watched the EV market evolve over the past decade, I can tell you that these aren’t just vehicles; they represent different philosophies for family transportation. While one evokes nostalgic charm with a futuristic twist and the other embodies a sleek, modern SUV aesthetic, both aim to serve the same fundamental purpose: moving people and their cargo efficiently and sustainably.
On the surface, their appearances couldn’t be more different. The ID. Buzz, a vibrant, retro-futuristic van, rekindles the spirit of VW’s iconic Microbus, redesigned for the electric age. Its arrival marks a significant moment, injecting personality into a segment often dominated by practicality. The Kia EV9, conversely, presents a bold, angular, and undeniably modern SUV stance, solidifying Kia’s commitment to innovative electric design. Despite their visual contrasts, their as-tested pricing falls within a remarkably close range, typically within a few thousand dollars, positioning them as direct competitors for the discerning family buyer.
Let’s break down the core specifications that define these electric family haulers. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an all-new offering, arrived as a Pro S Plus trim with all-wheel drive for our evaluation. It delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles from its 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack, powered by a dual-motor setup generating a healthy 335 horsepower. Crucially for EV owners, it supports DC fast-charging at up to 200 kilowatts, ensuring relatively quick top-ups on the go. This is a robust package designed to offer ample power and decent range for daily family errands and weekend adventures.
The 2024 Kia EV9, our long-term test vehicle in the Land AWD trim, continues to impress with its 99.8-kWh battery, providing a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. It boasts slightly more power than the ID. Buzz, with 379 horsepower, and a marginally quicker DC fast-charging capability of up to 210 kW. While its initial as-tested price was slightly higher, Kia has continued to refine its offerings, making it a compelling option in the premium family EV space. Both vehicles are substantial investments, pushing into the $70,000 range, highlighting the premium associated with cutting-edge electric family transport.
Our objective here isn’t just to compare specs, but to delve into the real-world implications of owning and living with these vehicles. As expert users, we’ve put them through their paces, evaluating everything from their ability to swallow car seats and luggage to their dynamic performance on varied terrain. The question isn’t merely which is “better” but which is “better for your family.” Let’s explore the critical aspects that will shape your decision.
Interior Space and Comfort: The Ultimate People Mover
When it comes to the paramount concern for any family vehicle—interior space and comfort—the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly distinguishes itself. From my decade of evaluating family vehicles, I can confidently say that if maximum occupant space across all three rows is your non-negotiable priority, the ID. Buzz is engineered precisely for you.
Stepping into the ID. Buzz, drivers will notice a commanding, elevated seating position. It’s a departure from the typical SUV or minivan, feeling almost like a modern delivery van, which contributes to a unique perspective. Some drivers might appreciate the addition of running boards for easier ingress, especially for shorter individuals. Once settled, the upright windshield and extended roofline, while contributing to the vehicle’s airy feel, can occasionally make it a stretch to spot overhead traffic lights without a slight head tilt. It’s a minor quirk, but one worth noting for daily commutes.
While the ID. Buzz’s seats aren’t quite as plush as the Kia EV9’s first and second-row offerings, they remain supportive and comfortable for long stretches. The real magic, however, lies in its sheer volume of passenger space. The third row, in particular, is a revelation. Unlike many three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are best reserved for smaller children or short trips, the ID. Buzz’s third row can genuinely accommodate taller adults with surprising ease. It feels as expansive and comfortable as the EV9’s second row, a testament to its van-like architecture.
Conversely, the Kia EV9’s two-person third row, while respectable for an SUV, requires more compromise. Adults can manage, especially if second-row passengers are willing to slide their seats forward a bit, but it remains a tighter squeeze. It’s fundamentally better suited for younger passengers. While the EV9 offers practical features like one-touch second-row folding and sliding for easier third-row access, the ID. Buzz’s larger opening and inherently more spacious design make third-row entry and egress less of a contortion act.
In the front row, the EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz slightly in terms of immediate comfort, thanks to its better-cushioned and more ergonomically sculpted seats. However, the VW’s longer wheelbase truly pays dividends in the second row. While the EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs are excellent, offering ventilation and integrated window sunshades, the ID. Buzz simply provides more expansive legroom and overall spaciousness, further enhanced by its open cabin feel and dual moonroof setup. For families prioritizing uncompromised passenger comfort across all three rows, especially for growing teenagers or frequent adult passengers, the ID. Buzz delivers a superior experience. This makes the ID. Buzz a compelling choice for multi-generational families or those regularly carpooling.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Modern Family
For any family vehicle, especially an electric family hauler designed for daily living, intelligent in-cabin storage is just as critical as passenger space. Here, the 2024 Kia EV9 shines, offering more versatile and useful compartments for the myriad items families tend to accumulate on the road.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in utility. It provides ample space for drinks, small personal items, and even larger objects thanks to a clever open lower storage area beneath the console itself. This design ensures that everything from a tablet to a small purse has a dedicated, easily accessible spot.
The ID. Buzz, while undeniably open and roomy overall, falls short in providing well-thought-out small-item storage. Its center console between the front seats is notably smaller than the EV9’s, and the storage areas within it are not particularly capacious. While it does feature a unique small bin accessible from the backside, its size pales in comparison to the EV9’s offerings. This creates a situation where, despite the vastness of the cabin, smaller essentials often end up on the floor or precariously placed.
My experience with the ID. Buzz highlighted this practical gap. While there’s plenty of space to toss a backpack or handbag upfront, it often means it will simply rest on the floor, lacking a secure, integrated storage solution. The movable center console is a neat trick, but it feels like a single solution trying to serve both front and second-row passengers, rather than providing dedicated storage for each. While fun touches like dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper are charming, they don’t significantly enhance everyday practicality. Even the nearly hidden wireless phone charger, while functional, struggles to accommodate larger phones with protective cases – a minor but frustrating detail for someone who relies on a robust phone case.
The EV9’s approach is less flashy but undeniably more functional. Its larger console bin, the expansive lower storage area, and the thoughtful implementation of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers demonstrate a deeper understanding of real-world family needs. When you’re managing children, snacks, devices, and all the accouterments of family life, straightforward, capacious storage is invaluable. The EV9’s design prioritizes this fundamental utility, making it the more practical choice for keeping a tidy and organized cabin. For sustainable family transport, keeping the cabin clutter-free contributes to a more pleasant journey.
User Interface: Navigating the Digital Dashboard
In 2025, an intuitive user interface (UI) is non-negotiable for a modern vehicle, and this segment often highlights the tension between digital innovation and practical usability. The 2024 Kia EV9 takes a clear lead here, thanks to its more traditional layout that intelligently integrates physical controls for key features, putting it ahead of the ID. Buzz, which leans heavily into touch-based interaction.
The EV9’s infotainment system is generally intuitive, boasting an easy-to-navigate touchscreen. Crucially, it retains physical buttons for frequently used functions like climate control temperature and essential features such as heated and ventilated seats, which you want at your fingertips without delving into menus. One minor ergonomic quibble I’ve found is the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard, which can be partially obscured by the steering wheel. However, Kia offers the flexibility to expand these climate controls to the central touchscreen for better visibility, mitigating this issue. Another observation is that the steering wheel can occasionally block some digital dashboard elements, particularly the blind-spot camera views that activate with the turn signal.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring a touchscreen infotainment system with rich colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus, suffers from an over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen itself—a trait we’ve seen in other recent VW models that continues to be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental activation; I’ve inadvertently set the cruise control simply by swiping a hand across them. Volume and temperature are also managed via touch sliders, which, while responsive, lack the tactile precision of a physical knob. This lack of haptic feedback can be genuinely distracting when trying to make quick adjustments while driving, detracting from the overall driving dynamics and safety.
From an expert perspective, the ID. Buzz’s UI presents a learning curve that some drivers may find steep. While the screen graphics are excellent and highly responsive when they accept inputs, I’ve noticed unnecessary pauses when adjusting the climate system and occasional screen lock-ups, ostensibly for safety. Furthermore, some critical features are buried deep within multiple menus, a stark contrast to the EV9’s dedicated physical buttons. This can lead to frustration and increased cognitive load for the driver.
The EV9’s UI, despite its own minor quirks, is fundamentally more straightforward. It prioritizes driver focus by providing numerous physical controls for climate, audio, camera views, and drive modes. Its slightly smaller (12.3 vs. 12.9 inches) but well-executed landscape-oriented infotainment screen integrates seamlessly. While the EV9’s climate display can be obscured by the steering wheel, and accidental presses on the touch-sensitive controls below the screen can occur when resting a hand, these are less pervasive issues. Even the Kia’s drive mode selector/start-stop button combo, while initially unintuitive, becomes second nature with use. For long-term satisfaction and reduced driver distraction, the EV9’s balance of digital and physical controls offers a superior user experience, especially important for family electric vehicle ownership where ease of use is key.
Interior Quality: Perceived Value in a Premium Segment
When consumers are spending upwards of $70,000 on a luxury electric SUV comparison or a unique electric van, the interior quality needs to reflect that significant investment. While both the 2024 Kia EV9 and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz present compelling packages, neither interior entirely screams “luxury” in the traditional sense, though the EV9 subtly takes the lead in overall material refinement.
The Kia EV9 impresses with very good material quality, particularly in areas where occupants frequently interact, such as armrests and door panels, where soft-touch surfaces are prevalent. However, its all-gray interior color scheme, while practical, can feel a bit somber or utilitarian to some. It’s a pragmatic aesthetic that prioritizes durability and understated elegance over flamboyant design. Despite accumulating over 10,000 miles on our long-term test vehicle, the EV9’s interior has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and resisting creaks—a testament to its solid construction.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, on the other hand, leans into its distinctive personality with more visually interesting and often colorful materials. It’s solidly built, and certain surfaces exude quality, yet it also incorporates a considerable amount of hard plastic. While this might be a nod to its utilitarian roots, for a vehicle in this price bracket, the proliferation of plastic at common touchpoints might disappoint some buyers expecting a more premium feel throughout. The ID. Buzz’s lighter and more vibrant interior color schemes certainly add to its charm and feel more inviting than the EV9’s monochrome approach, but they don’t necessarily translate to superior material softness or perceived richness.
From an expert’s standpoint, the EV9’s upholstery feels of a slightly higher quality, and its overall fit and finish provide a more consistent sense of robustness. While the ID. Buzz is undeniably charming and offers a unique aesthetic, the EV9 provides a more conventional sense of premium quality through its material choices and execution. Neither vehicle sets a new benchmark for ultra-luxury at this price point, a common observation across many modern EVs, but the EV9 manages to deliver a slightly more refined and durable cabin experience, which is crucial for a family car meant to withstand years of active use. When considering EV cost of ownership, durability of interior materials contributes significantly to long-term satisfaction and resale value.
Cargo Space: Versatility for Family Adventures
Cargo capacity is a pivotal consideration for any family vehicle, and in this aspect, both the 2024 Kia EV9 and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz offer distinct advantages, though the ID. Buzz ultimately provides more cavernous and versatile hauling capabilities when its third row isn’t in use. Behind the third row, our Cars.com measurements showed similar figures of around 10 cubic feet for both EVs, which is standard for the segment.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz approaches cargo space with a unique, modular design. It features a clever shelf system that aligns the rearmost cargo area with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, which, while useful for specific items, might be prone to getting grimy over time, like reusable shopping bags. The real game-changer for the ID. Buzz comes when its third row is down, expanding to a substantial 30.8 cubic feet. However, its true potential is unlocked when the third row is removed entirely. This transforms the ID. Buzz into a veritable cargo van, opening up a massive 48.9 cubic feet of space by our measurements—more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet when its third row is down.
There’s a caveat, though: each section of the ID. Buzz’s third row is heavy, weighing around 60 pounds, making removal a two-person job or a challenge for one. You also need to remove the cargo area shelf to achieve maximum volume. This offers unparalleled flexibility for hauling large items, sports equipment, or even moving furniture, but requires storage for the seats when not in use.
The 2024 Kia EV9, by contrast, offers a much more conventional cargo area, akin to what you’d find in a gas-powered three-row SUV. It boasts a respectable cargo area with the third row up and an even larger one when folded flat. It also includes convenient underfloor cargo storage and a small “frunk” (front trunk) for charging cables or smaller items. While the ID. Buzz surprisingly lacks a frunk, its sheer volume in the rear, particularly with the third row removed, is unmatched. The EV9’s cargo area is simpler to reconfigure, without the heavy seat removal requirement, making it more user-friendly for everyday variations in cargo needs.
From an expert’s view, if you regularly need to transport truly bulky items and are willing to physically remove seats, the ID. Buzz offers unparalleled utility. It’s essentially a passenger van that can transform into a cargo hauler. If your needs are more typical for a family SUV—strollers, groceries, luggage for a road trip—the EV9’s integrated storage and easier reconfigurability make it a highly practical choice. The difference boils down to extreme versatility versus everyday convenience for electric minivan review perspectives.
Driving Experience: On the Road with Electric Power
The driving experience is where the character of these electric vehicle models truly comes alive, and both the 2024 Kia EV9 and the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz offer distinct personalities behind the wheel. The ID. Buzz, despite its van-like stature, proved to be a genuinely pleasant surprise with its surprising agility and overall refinement, though its lower range impacts long-distance viability.
Even in its Comfort drive mode, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz felt more responsive off the line than the EV9, with a more immediate accelerator pedal. Power delivery is consistently smooth, quiet, and predictable—exactly what you want in a family vehicle. Both EVs feature a firmer suspension tune, but the ID. Buzz’s suspension feels more refined and composed, absorbing road imperfections with less noise and jarring than the Kia. It steers with a light touch, making it remarkably nimble for its size. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, though you’ll still need to use the brake for a complete stop, which can lead to some jerky motions if not anticipated. Despite the high seating position, the ID. Buzz doesn’t feel top-heavy, responding readily to steering inputs. Outward visibility is generally good, with minimal blind spots, though the unique shape of the front glass and short nose create a different visual perspective. The ID. Buzz truly behaves like a pleasant cruiser, perfectly aligned with its intended purpose.
The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, delivers an experience closer to a conventional SUV, offering a familiar driving position and outward visibility (though the left-side B-pillar can be somewhat intrusive). Compared to the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s suspension, while competent, isn’t as refined; it tends to be noisier over rough pavement and can feel a bit more rattly. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable in the EV9 cabin at highway speeds. However, the EV9 offers more granular control over regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts appreciate. While the ID. Buzz might have an edge in immediate off-the-line responsiveness, the EV9 eventually overtakes it in sheer power (379 hp vs. 335 hp), making it the relatively sportier choice for those who occasionally want more aggressive acceleration. The Kia’s different drive modes (Eco, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics, offering a clearer distinction in feel.
Visibility in the EV9 is generally good, and arguably a bit better forward than the VW, particularly rearward. It also offers a convenient camera mirror if your view is obstructed by passengers or cargo, and Kia’s blind-spot camera views add a layer of confidence during lane changes. For families transitioning from gasoline SUVs, the EV9’s driving experience will feel more familiar, while the ID. Buzz offers a refreshingly unique, refined, and unexpectedly agile drive for a vehicle of its kind. Both offer compelling electric vehicle performance for family duties.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: Range Realities When Temperatures Drop
One of the most critical considerations for any electric vehicle purchase, particularly a family hauler, is its real-world efficiency and range, especially when facing adverse conditions like cold weather. Here, the 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrated a notable advantage over the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz during our rigorous cold-weather testing.
Our cold-weather efficiency drive involved taking both EVs on an identical, roughly 110-mile route, comprising mostly interstate highways and country roads. We operated both vehicles as any typical driver would, with climate control systems set to Auto and maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature. Outside temperatures were consistently well below freezing, ranging from 17 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the drive—conditions notorious for significantly impacting EV range.
Before starting, both batteries were fully topped up. The EV9 displayed an estimated range of 249 miles, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles. These figures were already approximately 30 miles less than their respective EPA estimates, highlighting the immediate impact of cold on available range. The combination of sustained higher speeds on the interstate sections and the frigid temperatures further accelerated range consumption.
At the conclusion of our demanding route, the Kia EV9 had traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of its estimated range, leaving it with a respectable 114 miles of remaining range. The ID. Buzz, after traveling 111 miles, consumed a more significant 150 miles of its estimated range, leaving it with a mere 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.
From an expert perspective, this difference is substantial for EV battery life and practical usability in colder climates. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extended cold-weather road trip due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the Kia EV9’s greater overall range and superior cold-weather efficiency make it considerably more tolerable for longer journeys in freezing temperatures. The necessity of frequent charging in cold weather underscores the importance of a robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure for all EV owners. For families living in colder regions or those planning winter road trips, the EV9’s extended range provides a crucial buffer and significantly reduces range anxiety. This makes the EV9 a more resilient and versatile primary family vehicle where cold weather is a regular factor, offering more peace of mind regarding electric vehicle range in challenging conditions.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family?
After a comprehensive deep dive into the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9, it’s clear that both are exceptional electric vehicles, but they cater to slightly different family needs and priorities. Your choice will ultimately hinge on how you envision using your next family EV.
If your primary need is an uncompromised people-hauler—a vehicle that can comfortably accommodate seven or even eight adults for extended periods, day in and day out—the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the undisputed champion. Its cavernous interior, particularly the adult-friendly third row, is unmatched in this comparison. It also offers a uniquely charming, retro-futuristic aesthetic and surprisingly refined driving dynamics that will undoubtedly spark joy. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a modern iteration of the iconic VW Bus, or if you’re seeking a stylish lifestyle vehicle to complement your existing fleet, the ID. Buzz delivers on that emotional appeal in spades. Its capacity for cargo, especially with the seats removed, also makes it incredibly versatile for large hauling tasks.
However, if you’re looking for a more well-rounded, primary family vehicle—an electric SUV that balances strong passenger capability with superior real-world range, more traditional SUV practicality, and a familiar driving experience—the 2024 Kia EV9 emerges as the more pragmatic and versatile choice. Its longer range, particularly its better cold-weather efficiency, makes it a more viable option for varied daily use and occasional longer trips, especially where charging infrastructure might be less dense. The EV9’s more conventional cargo area, while less expansive than the ID. Buzz’s maximum, is easier to reconfigure for everyday needs, and its more intuitive user interface prioritizes driver convenience. It’s a robust, stylish, and highly capable sustainable family transport solution that feels more like a direct, electric replacement for a traditional three-row SUV.
Neither of these vehicles is designed to be a marathon road-trip machine in extreme cold, but the EV9’s extended range provides a significant advantage when temperatures plummet. In favorable conditions, both can handle considerable distances. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either choice in terms of quality and innovation within the electric vehicle segment. Your decision comes down to whether you prioritize the ID. Buzz’s unique character and unparalleled third-row space, or the EV9’s all-around competence, superior range, and familiar SUV comfort.
Ready to electrify your family’s journeys? Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to experience these remarkable vehicles firsthand and determine which innovative EV best aligns with your family’s lifestyle and aspirations for the future.
