2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2025 Kia EV9: A Deep Dive into the Ultimate Family EV Showdown
The automotive landscape for 2025 is electric, dynamic, and fiercely com
petitive, especially within the burgeoning three-row EV segment designed for families. As an industry veteran with over a decade immersed in automotive evaluations, I’ve seen countless contenders vie for the top spot. This year, two distinct philosophies converge in a head-to-head battle for your garage: the retro-futuristic charm of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the bold, contemporary utility of the 2025 Kia EV9. While one evokes nostalgia and the other screams innovation, both are engineered to shuttle your loved ones in an all-electric future. But which truly delivers the superior family EV experience?
These two electric powerhouses, though aesthetically divergent, surprisingly land in similar pricing territories, making the choice even more critical for discerning buyers. The ID. Buzz, a fresh face for 2025, reimagines VW’s iconic Microbus for the modern era, offering a unique blend of style and spaciousness. Our test model, a Pro S Plus AWD, boasted an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles from its 91-kWh battery, driven by a 335-horsepower dual-motor powertrain, retailing at an as-tested price of $70,540. It supports DC fast charging up to 200 kW, promising relatively quick top-ups.
On the other side of the ring, the Kia EV9, a relative newcomer itself, has already established a strong foothold in the market. Our long-term test vehicle, a Land trim with AWD, offers a more substantial 280 miles of EPA-estimated range from its larger 99.8-kWh battery. Its dual-motor setup churns out a robust 379 horsepower, marginally outpowering the Buzz, and its DC fast-charging capability hits 210 kW. With an as-tested price of $74,305, it edges out the Buzz in cost, though minor trim adjustments for 2025 may see slight variations in current pricing.
At their core, both are sophisticated people-movers, but their execution of this fundamental role varies significantly. We pushed them through real-world scenarios, from urban commutes to simulated road trips, assessing everything from practical family functionality to advanced electric vehicle technology. Let’s dissect the findings to help you navigate this pivotal 2025 electric family vehicle decision.
Interior Space and Comfort: Prioritizing Passenger Harmony
When it comes to ferrying a full complement of passengers, the ID. Buzz stands out. Its design, reminiscent of a classic van, translates into truly expansive interior dimensions, particularly for the often-neglected third row.
From the driver’s perch in the ID. Buzz, the commanding, upright seating position provides a panoramic view, akin to a well-appointed delivery vehicle rather than a conventional minivan. This height, however, can make ingress a slight climb for some, potentially prompting a desire for aftermarket running boards. The expansive, forward-sloping windshield, while contributing to the airy cabin feel, did present a minor ergonomic challenge: seeing overhead traffic lights sometimes required an awkward head tilt.
While the ID. Buzz’s seats might not possess the immediate plushness of the EV9’s, they are nevertheless well-designed and supportive for journeys of varying lengths. The sheer volume of passenger space is where the Buzz truly shines. Its third row is surprisingly accommodating, rivaling the second-row spaciousness of many SUVs, including the EV9. Taller adults will find genuine comfort back there, a rare feat in a three-row vehicle.
The Kia EV9, conversely, presents a more conventional SUV seating experience. Its front seats offer excellent cushioning and contouring, providing superior initial comfort, especially for longer stints behind the wheel. The second row of the EV9 is commendable, often lauded in its own right for comfort. However, when placed against the ID. Buzz’s cavernous interior, the Kia feels comparatively less expansive. Even with features like ventilated captain’s chairs, integrated window sunshades, and a dual moonroof, the raw space of the ID. Buzz is undeniable.
The EV9’s third row, while offering one-touch second-row folding for easier access, is undeniably tighter. It’s perfectly suitable for children or smaller adults on shorter trips, but sustained journeys might test the patience of larger occupants, even with some give-and-take on legroom from the second row. For families frequently utilizing all three rows, especially with teenagers or adult passengers, the ID. Buzz’s uncompromised third-row experience is a significant advantage. It truly redefines what a family-friendly electric car can offer in terms of occupant comfort.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for Daily Life
A family vehicle’s true test often lies in its ability to swallow the myriad items accompanying daily life, from snacks and drinks to phones and tablets. Here, the Kia EV9 demonstrates a clear advantage with its thoughtfully designed storage solutions.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering versatile compartments for everything from small personal items to larger bags. Its open lower storage area beneath the console provides an ideal spot for purses or backpacks, keeping the main cabin clutter-free.
The ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, offers a more minimalistic approach to small-item storage. The center console between the front seats is notably smaller, with less substantial compartments. While it features a unique bin accessible from the rear, its capacity doesn’t match the EV9’s generous provisions. One can easily place a backpack on the floor in the Buzz, but dedicated, secure storage for smaller items is less abundant. Some of the Buzz’s “fun” touches, like integrated bottle openers and ice scrapers in console dividers, are more novelty than practical utility. Furthermore, the wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked away, struggled to accommodate larger phones with robust cases, a common real-world scenario.
The EV9’s interior storage, while less “interesting” to describe, is profoundly more effective. Its larger main console bin, expansive lower console area, and superior implementation of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers all contribute to a more organized and stress-free cabin environment. For families who bring along a lot of gear, the EV9’s practical approach to in-cabin storage makes it a standout electric SUV for families that values everyday functionality.
User Interface: The Digital Divide
In the modern EV, the user interface (UI) is paramount, dictating daily interaction with the vehicle. This is where the 2025 Kia EV9 pulls ahead with a more balanced and intuitive approach, contrasting with the ID. Buzz’s reliance on touch-heavy controls.
The EV9’s infotainment system is commendable for its intuitive touchscreen, but its true strength lies in its intelligent integration of physical controls for frequently used features. Dedicated buttons for climate temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio ensure that critical functions are always accessible without diverting attention to a screen. A minor gripe is the small climate touch panel on the dashboard, partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, though its functions can be expanded onto the main touchscreen for easier access. The steering wheel can also block some digital dashboard views, particularly the blind-spot camera feeds.
The ID. Buzz’s touchscreen infotainment system boasts excellent graphics, vibrant colors, and generally intuitive tile menus. However, VW’s persistent adoption of touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen continues to be a point of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, while visually sleek, are prone to accidental activation – a quick swipe of a hand can inadvertently set cruise control. Similarly, volume and temperature adjustments are managed via imprecise haptic sliders, demanding more precision than physical buttons.
As an expert, I appreciate the aesthetics of minimalist design, but real-world driving demands tactile feedback and immediate responsiveness. The Buzz’s UI can lead to unnecessary pauses and even occasional screen lock-ups for safety reasons. Essential functions are sometimes buried deep within sub-menus, creating a steeper learning curve and potential distractions.
The EV9, while not flawless (its drive mode selector/start-stop button combo is less intuitive, and the touch-sensitive controls below the screen can be accidentally triggered by a resting hand), offers a more user-friendly experience overall. Its blend of a responsive, landscape-oriented 12.3-inch touchscreen with an array of physical controls provides a more confident and less distracting driving experience. For navigating the complexities of modern driving with a family in tow, the EV9’s UI is demonstrably superior, prioritizing safety and ease of use in its EV infotainment system review.
Interior Quality: The Premium Perception at 2025 Prices
Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 hover around the $70,000 mark, leading to high expectations for interior quality. While both deliver good standards, it’s worth noting that neither quite reaches the opulent levels one might expect from this price point in the traditional luxury segment. The EV9, however, edges out the Buzz in its overall execution.
The Kia EV9 presents a robust and well-appointed cabin. It utilizes soft-touch surfaces strategically where arms and hands typically rest, contributing to a premium feel. The upholstery quality is high, and even after significant mileage, our long-term tester shows minimal signs of wear, free from creaks or rattles. The primary criticism here might be its generally subdued, all-gray interior color scheme, which can feel a bit somber compared to the more vibrant offerings.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, in contrast, offers a more playful and colorful interior palette, injecting a much-needed dose of personality. While the build quality is solid, it leans more heavily on hard plastics for many common touchpoints. Visually, some surfaces are interesting, but the tactile experience is less consistently premium than the EV9. It feels built to last, but perhaps not quite designed to coddle to the same extent as its Korean rival.
Ultimately, the EV9 provides a slightly more consistent and upscale material experience across its cabin, even if its aesthetic is more understated. For the discerning buyer seeking a premium electric family car, the EV9’s interior quality feels a touch more aligned with its price tag.
Cargo Space: Utility Beyond Passengers
While both vehicles excel at passenger transport, their approaches to cargo versatility diverge significantly. The ID. Buzz, with its van DNA, offers unique advantages when the third row isn’t in use, especially for bulkier items.
Behind the third row, both EVs offer roughly 10 cubic feet of cargo space—adequate for a few grocery bags or small pieces of luggage. However, the ID. Buzz truly transforms when its rear seating is reconfigured. With the third row folded, it expands to 30.8 cubic feet. The real game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the ID. Buzz’s third-row sections. This liberates a colossal 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume by our measurements, effectively doubling the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This feature makes the ID. Buzz an incredibly versatile hauler for large items, furniture, or extensive gear.
However, removing the third row is not a trivial task; each section weighs approximately 60 pounds, and the optional cargo shelf also needs to be removed to achieve maximum space. This makes it a less spontaneous transformation than simply folding seats. The ID. Buzz also lacks a frunk, something the EV9 offers, albeit a small one.
The Kia EV9 presents a more conventional, gas-powered SUV-like cargo area. It’s spacious with the third row down, offers useful underfloor storage, and its smaller frunk can be handy for charging cables or small valuables. The EV9’s advantage lies in its simplicity: folding seats is quick and easy, providing ample space for most family needs without the need for heavy lifting or storage of removed components.
For families prioritizing occasional, massive cargo hauling over everyday versatility, the ID. Buzz’s adaptable design is unmatched. For those who need generous but easily reconfigurable space, the EV9’s more traditional approach to electric SUV cargo space might be more practical for daily use.
Driving Experience: Refinement Meets Performance
This is where personal preference significantly influences the verdict, but the ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly refined and engaging driving experience that belies its van silhouette.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a revelation on the road. Even in Comfort mode, its accelerator response feels immediate and precise, making for smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. The 335 hp might be less than the EV9, but it feels plenty potent for city sprints and highway merges. Its suspension tuning, while firm, is remarkably refined, absorbing road imperfections with a composure that belies its size. There’s less suspension noise filtering into the cabin compared to the Kia. The steering is light and direct, contributing to a nimble feel despite its substantial curb weight. While not true one-pedal driving, the “B” mode offers significant regenerative braking that approaches a single-pedal feel, requiring only a gentle brake application for a complete stop.
The high driving position offers excellent forward visibility, complemented by a unique windshield design and short nose. However, the multi-pillar design in the front quarter can create minor blind spots, and rear visibility can be compromised if third-row headrests are up or passengers are present, without a rearview camera mirror to compensate.
The Kia EV9, which felt comfortable and composed in previous comparisons, here reveals a firmer, noisier character when pitted against the ID. Buzz. Tire and wind noise are more pronounced, and rough pavement can introduce more harshness into the cabin. While its 379 hp offers more outright power, leading to a sportier feel in Sport mode, the overall ride refinement doesn’t quite match the ID. Buzz. The EV9 does offer more granular control over regenerative braking, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which some drivers prefer.
Outward visibility in the EV9 is generally good, perhaps even slightly better forward than the VW, and significantly better to the rear, aided by a camera mirror option. Kia’s blind-spot camera views are also a confidence-booster. For a driving experience focused on comfort, quietness, and a surprising nimbleness for its size, the ID. Buzz holds a distinct appeal, offering a different take on electric SUV performance and ride quality.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Winter Range Test
For any EV, cold weather significantly impacts range and charging. Our cold-weather efficiency test, simulating real-world winter conditions, revealed that while neither is ideal for long-haul cold-weather road trips, the EV9 offers a greater buffer due to its larger battery and slightly better efficiency.
On a roughly 110-mile route consisting of mixed interstate and country roads, with ambient temperatures ranging from 17 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit, both vehicles were driven with climate control set to a comfortable temperature. Before starting, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of range (approximately 31 miles less than its EPA estimate), while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles (33 miles below its EPA rating). The combination of higher speeds and freezing temperatures rapidly depleted available range.
At the route’s conclusion, the Kia EV9 had traveled 113 miles but consumed an estimated 135 miles of range, leaving 114 miles remaining. It averaged 2.1 miles per kWh. The ID. Buzz covered 111 miles but consumed 150 miles of range, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining. Its average was 1.8 miles per kWh.
This test underscores that for significant winter travel, frequent charging stops would be necessary for both. However, the EV9’s superior baseline range and slightly better cold-weather efficiency make it the marginally more tolerable option for long-range electric vehicles in sub-freezing conditions, reducing anxiety related to EV ownership costs 2025 through potentially less frequent charging.
The Verdict: Which Family EV Suits Your 2025 Lifestyle?
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2025 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s specific priorities and lifestyle. Both represent compelling advancements in sustainable family cars 2025, yet they carve out distinct niches.
If your primary need is maximum passenger comfort and space across all three rows, consistently accommodating adults in the rearmost seats, the ID. Buzz is your champion. Its unparalleled third-row room, combined with a surprisingly refined driving experience and undeniable stylistic charm, makes it a unique and delightful choice. For those who cherish uniqueness, practicality for large families, and a comfortable cruiser that redefines the “minivan” concept for the electric age, the ID. Buzz is an excellent fit. It’s perfect as a primary people-hauler or a stylish, secondary lifestyle vehicle that garners attention wherever it goes.
However, if you prioritize a more conventional, SUV-like driving feel, superior real-world range, more intuitive controls, and a slightly more premium interior experience for your electric three-row vehicle, the Kia EV9 stands as the more well-rounded proposition. Its robust range provides greater flexibility for daily commutes and less anxiety on medium-length trips, while its thoughtful cabin storage and user-friendly interface enhance the overall ownership experience. The EV9 truly delivers as a primary family vehicle, blending utility with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Neither of these electric pioneers is designed for extreme cold-weather road-tripping without diligent planning, but both are poised to transform how families move. The ID. Buzz offers an emotional connection and unmatched interior volume, while the EV9 delivers a highly competent, feature-rich, and practical electric SUV experience. Your ideal 2025 electric vehicle comparison winner awaits your personal assessment.
Ready to experience the future of family transportation? We invite you to explore our comprehensive inventory of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2025 Kia EV9 models today. Schedule a test drive and let our experts help you find the perfect electric vehicle to power your family’s next adventure.
