Navigating the Electric Family Frontier: 2025 VW ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9 Showdown
The automotive landscape of 2025 is electrifying, especially for families seeking sus
tainable yet spacious transport. Two formidable contenders have emerged to redefine the three-row electric vehicle segment: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already established 2024 Kia EV9. While strikingly different in their design philosophy, both command premium pricing and promise innovative solutions for modern family life. As an industry expert with a decade of experience tracking EV market trends and consumer needs, I’ve delved deep into what these vehicles truly offer beyond their spec sheets. This isn’t just a comparison of numbers; it’s an exploration of how these next-generation family EVs integrate into your daily rhythm, from school runs to cross-country adventures.
Design & First Impressions: Retro-Chic Meets Futuristic Utility
Stepping into 2025, design continues to be a crucial differentiator. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz immediately captivates with its nostalgic charm, a masterful modern reinterpretation of the iconic VW Bus. Its retro-futuristic aesthetic, characterized by a boxy silhouette, vibrant two-tone paint options, and prominent VW badging, makes it an undeniable head-turner. This isn’t just about looks; the van’s design maximizes interior volume, hinting at its primary mission: unparalleled passenger and cargo space. Our AWD Pro S Plus test vehicle, with an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range and a 91-kWh battery, clocked in at $70,540. It’s powered by a dual-motor setup delivering 335 horsepower, capable of DC fast-charging up to 200 kW. For those who prioritize unique style and a palpable sense of occasion, the ID. Buzz delivers.
In stark contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 embraces a bold, angular, and unapologetically futuristic SUV aesthetic. Its commanding presence, characterized by sharp lines, distinctive lighting signatures, and a robust stance, projects an image of modern ruggedness and technological advancement. Our long-term Land trim, also AWD, offered a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range from its 99.8-kWh battery. With 379 horsepower and a slightly quicker DC fast-charging capability of up to 210 kW, the EV9 pushes the boundaries of what an electric family SUV can be. Priced at $74,305 as tested (expect slight adjustments for 2025 models due to paint options), it positions itself as a premium, high-tech family hauler. While their forms are disparate, both vehicles stand as compelling statements in the three-row electric vehicle comparison, forcing buyers to weigh iconic charm against cutting-edge utility.
Interior Space & Comfort: The Family Command Center
When evaluating a family EV, interior space isn’t just a feature; it’s a foundation for comfort, harmony, and practicality. Here, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz interior features truly shine, often outclassing its SUV counterpart, particularly in the critical third row.
Sliding into the ID. Buzz’s driver’s seat, you’re greeted with an elevated, almost command-center-like driving position reminiscent of a classic delivery van, which some might find requires a bit of a climb. While the upright windshield and extended roofline can occasionally obscure overhead stoplights – a minor ergonomic quirk that requires a slight head tilt – the overall visibility is excellent thanks to its expansive glasshouse. The seats, while not as plush as the EV9’s, are supportive and comfortable enough for long hauls. But the real game-changer is the sheer volume of passenger space. The ID. Buzz’s third row is genuinely accommodating for taller adults, offering legroom and headroom that rivals many second rows. This is a significant advantage for families regularly transporting teenagers or adult friends, making it a true spacious electric vehicle for families.
The Kia EV9, while offering a highly comfortable and well-appointed cabin, concedes some ground in absolute third-row spaciousness. Its front seats are arguably superior in cushioning and contouring, providing excellent support for extended drives. The second row, especially with the optional ventilated captain’s chairs, is a fantastic place to be, offering integrated window sunshades and an airy feel thanks to a dual moonroof setup. However, the EV9’s two-person third row, while usable for adults in a pinch (with second-row occupants sliding forward), is undeniably tighter. It’s best reserved for children or shorter journeys. While Kia EV9 long-range EV comfort in the first two rows is top-tier, the ID. Buzz’s unparalleled third-row access and comfort make it the undeniable victor for maximum occupant space across all three rows, affirming its status as a superior people mover.
In-Cabin Storage & Practicality: Beyond the Cupholder
Daily family life demands intelligent storage solutions, not just ample space. In this crucial aspect, the Kia EV9 pulls ahead with its well-thought-out and highly functional cabin architecture, making it a standout for EV interior storage solutions.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering generous bins for small items, multiple cupholders, and a large, open lower storage area perfect for bags, tablets, or even a small backpack. Its slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers add another layer of convenience, showing a keen understanding of family needs. Every item seems to have a dedicated, easily accessible home.
The ID. Buzz, despite its overall cavernous interior, paradoxically offers less practical storage for smaller items. The center console between the front seats is notably smaller, with limited compartments. While there’s a movable center console, it’s a shared resource and doesn’t quite compensate for the lack of integrated smaller storage spots. Fun touches, like dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, are novel but don’t add significant utility for everyday family clutter. Even the wirelessly charging phone pad, cleverly placed, struggles to accommodate larger phones with protective cases, a common frustration in today’s market. While you can certainly toss a backpack onto the floor, the lack of secure, organized compartments means items tend to shift around. For families who rely on myriad small essentials, the EV9’s more traditional yet highly effective approach to electric vehicle storage makes it the more sensible choice.
User Interface & Tech Integration: Digital Dash or Physical Harmony?
The user interface (UI) in modern EVs can make or break the driving experience, balancing cutting-edge displays with intuitive control. In 2025, consumers expect seamless interaction, and here, the Kia EV9 largely delivers a more harmonious experience, particularly for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
The EV9’s infotainment system is commendable for its intuitive touchscreen and, crucially, its retention of physical buttons for frequently accessed features like climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio. This blend significantly reduces cognitive load while driving, allowing for quick adjustments without eyes constantly leaving the road. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel (a minor design oversight), its functions can be expanded to the central touchscreen for better access. The digital dashboard also presents camera views when the turn signal is activated, enhancing safety, though some drivers might find a portion blocked by the steering wheel.
Conversely, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz leans heavily into touch-sensitive controls, a trend we’ve seen in other modern VWs that continues to present challenges. While its touchscreen infotainment system boasts excellent graphics, intuitive tile menus, and richer colors than the Kia, the reliance on haptic feedback for steering-wheel controls, volume, and temperature can be frustrating. Accidental inputs, like inadvertently setting cruise control with a hand swipe, are common. The sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and immediate feedback of physical knobs. Furthermore, certain features are buried deep within multiple menus, demanding unnecessary attention from the driver. The ID. Buzz’s UI, while visually appealing and high-tech, introduces a steeper learning curve and can be less forgiving in dynamic driving situations. For families prioritizing ease of use and reduced driver distraction, the EV9’s balanced approach to integrated EV infotainment system and control, with its smart mix of digital and physical inputs, holds a clear advantage.
Interior Quality & Sustainable Luxury: Worth the Premium?
At the $70,000+ price point, expectations for interior quality are high, and both the ID. Buzz and EV9 strive to meet them with varying degrees of success. While neither delivers a full-blown luxury sedan experience, the Kia EV9 ekes out a win in perceived quality and material refinement.
The EV9 showcases very good material quality, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where arms rest and fingers interact. Its upholstery feels premium, and even after over 10,000 miles on our long-term tester, the cabin exhibits excellent durability with no signs of wear or creaks. While some might find its all-gray interior color scheme a bit understated or even somber compared to the ID. Buzz’s more vibrant options, the overall impression is one of solid construction and thoughtful material selection. Kia has clearly focused on creating a resilient and pleasant environment for family use.
The ID. Buzz, while solidly built with some visually interesting and tactile materials, relies more extensively on hard plastics in common touchpoints. While the design is engaging and the lighter, more colorful interior palette is visually appealing and exudes a sense of fun, the actual material quality doesn’t always justify the premium price tag. Volkswagen has integrated some sustainable materials, which is commendable and aligned with future sustainable family vehicle trends, but the overall haptic experience isn’t as consistently refined as in the EV9. Both vehicles, however, demonstrate a strong commitment to robust construction, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of family life. For a marginally more premium feel and proven long-term durability, the EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz in this segment.
Cargo Versatility: Hauling Humans or Hardware?
The ultimate utility of a family vehicle often boils down to its ability to adapt to varying cargo needs, from groceries to camping gear. Here, the cavernous design of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz provides it with an inherent advantage, particularly when maximum volume is required.
Behind the third row, both EVs offer similar cargo space, around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com measurements – enough for a few grocery bags or small duffels. However, the ID. Buzz truly shines with its unique approach to cargo management. When its third row is folded, it expands to 30.8 cubic feet. The real magic happens when the third row is removed entirely, transforming the van into a cavernous hauler with a staggering 48.9 cubic feet of space by our measurements. This is more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet when its third row is down. This feature is a boon for those who occasionally need to transport large items, like furniture, sports equipment, or even an unboxed appliance. The ID. Buzz also features a removable shelf that aligns with the folded third-row backrest, creating a flat load floor, though it raises the overall load height. The downside? Each third-row section is heavy (around 60 pounds), requiring effort to remove and a dedicated storage space outside the vehicle. The ID. Buzz lacks a frunk, a common EV feature.
The Kia EV9 offers a more conventional cargo area, akin to a traditional three-row SUV. It’s spacious with the third row folded and includes convenient underfloor storage and a small frunk. Its ease of third-row folding is simpler, designed for everyday versatility rather than extreme hauling. For most regular family needs, the EV9’s practicality is excellent. However, for those seeking unparalleled flexibility for larger hauls, or for businesses that occasionally need significant volumetric capacity, the ID. Buzz’s ultimate cargo potential, despite the effort required for third-row removal, makes it a standout for electric SUV cargo capacity.
Driving Dynamics & Performance: The Road Ahead
The driving experience of a family EV is a blend of power, refinement, and handling. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer compelling drives, but with distinct personalities. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz surprised us with its nimble agility and overall refinement, making it a surprisingly pleasant cruiser.
Despite its heavier curb weight and slightly lower output (335 hp AWD vs. EV9’s 379 hp), the ID. Buzz feels remarkably responsive from a standstill, with a finely tuned accelerator pedal. Power delivery is smooth, quiet, and predictable, making for effortless city driving and confident highway merging. The suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally refined, soaking up road imperfections with minimal noise or harshness. It feels remarkably buttoned-up, a testament to VW’s chassis engineering. Steering is light and precise, and its turning radius is surprisingly tight for a vehicle of its size. The B-mode on the gear selector offers near-one-pedal driving, though a full stop still requires brake pedal engagement, which takes some getting used to to avoid jerky halts. Outward visibility is generally good, despite the unique windshield design, providing a clear view of the road ahead. The ID. Buzz, in essence, drives smaller and more engaging than its footprint suggests.
The Kia EV9, while powerful and capable, presents a firmer, somewhat noisier ride in comparison. Its suspension, while competent, transmits more road imperfections and general chatter into the cabin, especially over broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable at highway speeds. However, the EV9’s increased horsepower allows it to eventually overpower the ID. Buzz in outright acceleration, positioning it as the relatively sportier choice. The EV9 also offers more distinct drive modes, where “Eco” noticeably conserves energy and “Sport” genuinely sharpens throttle response and steering. Its conventional SUV driving position and excellent forward visibility contribute to a familiar and confident feel. Rear visibility is also superior, aided by a available camera mirror and Kia’s excellent blind-spot camera views, which significantly boost driving confidence. For those prioritizing a refined, quiet, and surprisingly agile ride, the ID. Buzz impresses, while the EV9 offers a more traditional, potent SUV driving experience with advanced visual aids. Both deliver on high-performance electric family vehicles promises, but with different dynamic characteristics.
Real-World Efficiency & Cold Weather Performance: Range Anxiety’s Nemesis
In the evolving EV charging infrastructure 2025 landscape, real-world range, especially in adverse conditions, remains a top concern for buyers. Our cold-weather efficiency test underscored the Kia EV9’s slight edge in range and resilience.
On a challenging 110-mile route consisting of interstate highways and country roads, with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, both vehicles demonstrated the impact of cold weather on EV efficiency. With climate systems set to auto and cabin temperatures comfortable, the EV9 averaged 2.1 miles per kWh, while the ID. Buzz managed 1.8 miles per kWh.
Before the drive, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of estimated range, compared to the ID. Buzz’s 198 miles – both significant reductions from their EPA estimates, highlighting the practical realities of electric car cold weather range. By the end of the journey, the EV9 had traveled 113 miles, consuming 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, after 111 miles, consumed 150 miles of range, with only 48 miles left. This data is critical for understanding real-world EV range testing.
While neither would be our first choice for extensive cold-weather road trips due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the EV9’s larger 99.8-kWh battery and superior efficiency in these conditions give it a greater buffer and make it marginally more tolerable for longer journeys. Both vehicles offer competitive DC fast-charging speeds (200 kW for ID. Buzz, 210 kW for EV9), meaning that when a charger is available, replenishing the battery is relatively quick, roughly adding 60-80 miles in 10-15 minutes, depending on the charging curve. For families prioritizing extended range and better cold-weather performance in their premium electric family hauler, the EV9 holds a distinct advantage.
Which EV Reigns Supreme for Your 2025 Family Journey?
The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s specific lifestyle, priorities, and aesthetic preferences. Both represent compelling, high-tech options in the rapidly advancing future of electric vehicles for families.
If your primary need is unparalleled passenger space, especially in the third row, combined with a unique, charismatic design that harks back to an icon, the VW ID. Buzz is your undisputed champion. Its incredible cargo versatility (when the third row is removed), refined driving dynamics, and head-turning presence make it an emotional and practical choice for the ultimate people mover or a lifestyle vehicle that sparks joy. It’s for the family that embraces individuality and prioritizes sheer roominess above all else, even if it means navigating a more touch-centric interface or planning cold-weather trips more meticulously.
However, if you seek a more conventional, albeit futuristically styled, best electric family SUV 2025 that offers superior range, better cold-weather efficiency, more intuitive physical controls, and intelligent in-cabin storage for everyday family chaos, the Kia EV9 is arguably the more well-rounded primary vehicle. Its robust build quality, comfortable first and second rows, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) provide a sense of security and utility for daily commutes and moderately long journeys. It’s a practical powerhouse, designed to seamlessly integrate into demanding family routines.
Ultimately, both of these next-gen family EVs are exceptional, pushing the boundaries of electric mobility. Your decision will reflect whether you prioritize maximal space and retro charm over extended range and ergonomic refinement. We encourage you to experience both first-hand.
Ready to electrify your family’s journey and make an informed decision for 2025? Explore local inventories, schedule a test drive, and discover which of these groundbreaking electric vehicles best aligns with your family’s dynamic future.
