2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: Charting the Course for Your Family’s Electric Future
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of automotive technology in 20
25, families seeking the ultimate blend of sustainability, space, and modern convenience are increasingly turning to electric vehicles (EVs). This year, two distinct three-row offerings stand out, each presenting a compelling vision for family transportation: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already lauded 2024 Kia EV9. While one resurrects an iconic lineage with a futuristic twist and the other boldly defines the next generation of electric SUVs, both target the same discerning buyer: the family unit.
Having spent countless hours behind the wheel of virtually every new EV hitting the market over the past decade, I’ve developed a keen eye for what truly matters beyond the spec sheet. It’s not just about range or horsepower; it’s about the integrated experience, the practicalities of daily family life, and the long-term value proposition. These two electric contenders, despite their aesthetic differences, share a surprisingly similar pricing bracket, making a direct, in-depth comparison not just relevant, but essential for anyone considering a significant investment in a new family hauler. Let’s dive deep into which of these groundbreaking vehicles truly excels as the superior family EV for 2025.
The Contenders: A Glimpse into Their Electric DNA
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Modern Icon Reimagined
The arrival of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz marks a significant moment for the automotive world. This all-new, all-electric reincarnation of VW’s legendary Microbus is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus trim, boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles from its 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Powering this retro-futuristic van is a robust dual-motor powertrain, delivering a respectable 335 horsepower. Crucially for electric vehicle ownership, the ID. Buzz supports DC fast-charging at speeds up to 200 kilowatts, positioning it competitively within the premium electric minivan segment. With an as-tested price of $70,540 (including destination), it squarely targets buyers looking for a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge sustainable family transport.
The 2024 Kia EV9: The Future of the Family SUV
In stark contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9, our long-term test vehicle, exemplifies the bold, progressive future of the three-row electric SUV. This Land trim, also equipped with AWD, benefits from a larger 99.8-kWh battery, yielding a more generous EPA-estimated range of 280 miles. Its powertrain edges out the ID. Buzz with 379 horsepower, and its DC fast-charging capability is marginally quicker at up to 210 kW. Priced at $74,305 as tested (though slight adjustments for 2025 models may make it marginally more accessible), the EV9 stakes its claim as a formidable contender for families prioritizing a refined, feature-rich, luxury electric SUV. Its confident stance and modern aesthetics represent a distinct philosophy compared to the ID. Buzz, yet both vie for the top spot in the best 7-seater electric vehicle 2025 category.
Despite their divergent design philosophies – one a stylish electric van, the other a commanding electric SUV – at their core, these vehicles are sophisticated people-movers. Our comprehensive evaluation covered everything from interior ergonomics and comfort to real-world EV efficiency and dynamic driving characteristics.
Interior Space and Passenger Comfort: Where Families Truly Live
The Verdict: For sheer, unadulterated passenger volume across all three rows, the ID. Buzz reigns supreme.
From the vantage point of a driver with a decade of testing family vehicles, the ID. Buzz immediately impresses with its panoramic sense of space. While climbing into the driver’s seat might feel more akin to a delivery van than a traditional SUV, the elevated seating position offers excellent forward visibility. However, the distinctly upright windshield and extended roofline demand a slight head tilt to catch overhead traffic signals – a minor quirk, but one you quickly adapt to.
In terms of seating, the ID. Buzz’s seats, while not quite matching the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, are commendably comfortable for extended journeys. Where the ID. Buzz truly pulls ahead is in its unparalleled overall passenger volume, particularly in the third row. This isn’t just “usable” third-row space; it’s genuinely adult-friendly. Taller individuals will find ample headroom and legroom, a remarkable feat that sets it apart. It’s akin to the spaciousness typically found in a second row, making it ideal for families with older children or those frequently ferrying adult passengers.
The Kia EV9, conversely, offers a front-row experience that feels a touch more premium. Its seats provide better cushioning and a more ergonomic fit for a wider range of drivers. The second row in the EV9 is excellent, featuring luxurious ventilated captain’s chairs, integrated window sunshades, and an airy dual moonroof setup that enhances the open-cabin feel. Yet, even with these amenities, the EV9’s longer wheelbase becomes evident in the ID. Buzz’s second row, which simply offers more expansive legroom. In the third row, while the EV9’s two-person bench is accessible via a convenient one-touch folding and sliding mechanism, it’s best reserved for children or shorter trips for adults willing to make compromises on legroom. This segment is crucial for large family electric vehicles, and the ID. Buzz’s design prioritizes human capacity above all else.
In-Cabin Storage and Utility: Practicality on the Go
The Verdict: The EV9’s thoughtfully designed, larger storage compartments offer superior practicality for everyday family essentials.
When it comes to the myriad of items a family inevitably carries – from snacks and toys to tablets and charging cables – efficient in-cabin storage is paramount. The Kia EV9 truly shines here. Its front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering versatile spaces for drinks, smaller odds and ends, and even a sizable open lower storage area for larger bags or purses. This intentional design ensures everything has a designated home, minimizing clutter.
The ID. Buzz, despite its expansive interior volume, adopts a more minimalist approach to small-item storage. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and its integrated storage compartments are less capacious than those in the EV9. While it features a clever bin that opens from the backside, its overall utility for smaller items is limited. Charming touches like dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper are novel, but from an expert’s perspective, they offer more flair than true functionality. Furthermore, the nearly hidden wireless phone charger, while effective, proved too snug for my iPhone 12 with a protective case – a common real-world inconvenience for many users. The ID. Buzz’s openness means a backpack might sit on the floor, which can be less ideal for organization.
Ultimately, the EV9’s storage philosophy prioritizes practical usability, making it a more useful companion for the organized family. The Kia’s superior center console bin, expansive under-console space, and well-executed slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers simply outclass the ID. Buzz in this critical aspect of family-friendly electric cars.
User Interface and Technology Integration: A Digital Divide
The Verdict: The EV9’s balanced blend of intuitive touchscreen and essential physical controls offers a more user-friendly and less frustrating experience than the ID. Buzz’s touch-heavy approach.
As technology experts, we understand that an advanced vehicle is only as good as its interface. The Kia EV9 earns high marks for its intuitive touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a smart integration of physical buttons for frequently accessed features. Climate control temperature, heated and ventilated seats – these crucial functions remain tactile, allowing for quick, eyes-off-the-road adjustments. A minor critique involves the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard, which can be partially obscured by the steering wheel. However, the ability to expand these controls to the central touchscreen mitigates this. Kia’s innovative camera views, triggered by the turn signal and displayed on the digital dashboard, are excellent, though occasionally also partially blocked by the steering wheel. This thoughtful blend represents a strong approach to advanced EV technology.
The ID. Buzz, while featuring a visually appealing touchscreen with vibrant colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus, suffers from Volkswagen’s persistent reliance on touch-sensitive controls beyond the screen. This design choice, seen in other VW models, continues to be a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are particularly problematic; accidental swipes can inadvertently activate features like cruise control. Volume and temperature adjustments, handled by imprecise haptic sliders, further detract from the user experience, especially while driving. While the screen itself is responsive, unnecessary pauses when adjusting climate and occasional safety-related screen locks disrupt the flow. Many critical features are also buried deep within multiple menus, requiring multiple taps rather than a simple button press. This design can lead to driver distraction, a significant concern for safe family vehicle design.
The EV9’s approach demonstrates a clearer understanding of human-machine interface (HMI) principles, providing a more direct and less error-prone interaction, crucial for minimizing driver attention away from the road. The EV9’s slightly smaller (12.3 vs. 12.9 inches) but highly effective landscape-oriented screen, coupled with its array of dedicated physical buttons for climate, audio, camera, and drive mode, contributes to a safer and more satisfying overall experience.
Interior Quality and Material Aesthetics: Premium Price, Premium Feel?
The Verdict: The Kia EV9 nudges ahead in perceived interior quality, but neither vehicle fully delivers a $70,000+ interior experience in an unqualified sense.
At the price point these vehicles command, buyers rightly expect a premium cabin experience. The Kia EV9 generally delivers on this expectation with very good material quality, strategically placed soft-touch surfaces for armrests, and durable upholstery. Even after over 10,000 miles, our long-term EV9 shows minimal signs of wear or creaks, speaking to its robust construction. The primary aesthetic critique is its somewhat monochromatic, all-gray interior, which can feel a bit somber compared to the ID. Buzz’s more playful color palette.
The ID. Buzz, on the other hand, boasts solid build quality and visually engaging materials on certain surfaces. Its interior design is certainly more vibrant and visually interesting. However, it relies more heavily on hard plastics in common touchpoints than one might expect at this price. While not detracting from its overall solidity, it slightly undercuts the “premium” feel that the EV9 achieves with its more ubiquitous soft-touch trim. Both vehicles, while offering commendable quality, prompt the expert observation that a truly luxury electric family car interior might require an even more significant step up in material choice and finish.
Cargo Versatility: Hauling People or Gear?
The Verdict: While behind-third-row cargo space is similar, the ID. Buzz offers far greater overall cargo flexibility and cavernous utility when its third row is folded or removed.
For families, the ability to switch seamlessly between passenger hauling and cargo transport is vital. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer around 10 cubic feet of cargo space behind their third rows, a reasonable figure for brief errands. However, their approaches to maximizing utility diverge significantly.
The ID. Buzz features a clever, albeit slightly cumbersome, cargo shelf that creates a flat load floor when the third row is folded. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, which, while functional, might prove prone to getting dirty with active family use. When its third row is folded, the ID. Buzz offers an impressive 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space. But the real game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third row, unleashing a monumental 48.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This feature makes the ID. Buzz an incredibly versatile electric minivan option for larger hauling tasks. The trade-off? Each third-row section is heavy (around 60 pounds), requiring effort to remove and a dedicated storage space outside the vehicle. Notably, the ID. Buzz lacks a front trunk (frunk), a feature present in many modern EVs.
The Kia EV9, by comparison, offers a more conventional and user-friendly cargo area, similar to what you’d find in a well-designed gas-powered three-row SUV. It provides a respectable space with the third row up and a much larger one when folded flat, complemented by useful underfloor storage and a small frunk – a practical addition for charging cables or smaller items. The EV9’s design prioritizes ease of conversion, making it a strong contender for family EVs with flexible cargo.
Driving Dynamics and On-Road Refinement: The Journey Itself
The Verdict: The ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly refined, agile, and pleasant cruising experience, while the EV9 offers a more conventional, albeit firmer, SUV feel with greater long-range capability.
Having driven countless electric vehicles, I find the ID. Buzz’s driving experience to be a delightful surprise. Despite a heavier curb weight and slightly less horsepower (335 hp) than the EV9 (379 hp), the ID. Buzz feels remarkably responsive from a standstill. Its Comfort drive mode provides smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery, making city driving a joy.
The ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning, while firm, exhibits a level of refinement that outclasses the EV9. It feels more “buttoned up,” absorbing road imperfections with less noise and jarring than its competitor. Steering is light and precise, and the “B” mode on the gear selector offers a near one-pedal driving experience, requiring only a gentle brake application for a complete stop. The elevated seating and short nose create a unique visual perspective, but overall outward visibility is excellent, with no significant blind spots. This vehicle truly embodies the spirit of a pleasant cruiser, making it an appealing choice for EV performance and handling focused on comfort.
The Kia EV9, while a strong performer, feels like a more conventional SUV behind the wheel. Its suspension, though capable, is noticeably firmer and noisier over broken pavement, leading to a somewhat rattlier cabin experience compared to the ID. Buzz. Tire and wind noise are also more pronounced in the EV9. However, the EV9 offers more granular control over regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode that brings the vehicle to a complete stop – a feature missing from the ID. Buzz’s B mode. The EV9’s drive modes (Eco, Sport) also have a more distinct impact on the driving experience, making it the relatively sportier choice. Outward visibility in the EV9 is generally good, and it benefits from a rearview camera mirror and Kia’s excellent blind-spot camera views, adding significant confidence to lane changes.
Cold-Weather Efficiency and Range Realities: The Winter Test
The Verdict: The EV9’s superior battery capacity and slightly better efficiency make it a more tolerable choice for cold-weather driving, though neither is ideal for extensive winter road trips without frequent charging stops.
Cold weather is the nemesis of electric vehicle range, a critical consideration for families in colder climates. Our real-world cold-weather efficiency test involved a roughly 110-mile route of interstate highways and country roads, with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Both vehicles were driven normally with climate systems set to a comfortable temperature.
Before setting off, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of estimated range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles – both significantly lower than their EPA estimates, a typical occurrence in freezing conditions. At the journey’s end, the EV9 had traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving a respectable 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, covering 111 miles, consumed a more substantial 150 miles of range, leaving a concerning 48 miles remaining.
The results are clear: the EV9 proved marginally more efficient, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More importantly, the EV9’s larger battery pack and better EV charging infrastructure management in cold weather translated into significantly more usable range. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for a truly long EV long-range performance road trip in sub-freezing conditions due to the frequency of charging stops required, the EV9’s greater reserve capacity offers a crucial advantage in the demanding winter months, making it a better option for family-friendly electric cars with long range.
Deciphering Your Family’s Electric Future
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 is less about identifying a clear winner and more about aligning with your family’s unique priorities and lifestyle. Both represent monumental leaps in sustainable automotive solutions and offer distinct visions for the future of family transportation electric.
If your primary need is maximum occupant space across all three rows, uncompromised comfort for adults in the third row, and unparalleled cargo versatility when the third row is stowed or removed, the ID. Buzz is the undeniable choice. Its charming retro-futuristic style and surprisingly agile driving dynamics add to its appeal, making it perfect for families who appreciate unique design and practical volume.
However, if you prioritize a more conventional SUV driving experience, a longer EPA-estimated and real-world range (especially in cold weather), a more intuitive user interface with tactile controls, and a slightly more refined interior aesthetic, the Kia EV9 stands out. It offers a well-rounded package for families seeking a primary electric vehicle comparison 2025 that blends modern design with functional prowess.
Neither vehicle is a perfect long-distance EV road trip warrior in all conditions, but both redefine what a family EV can be. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether your family values the expansive, adaptable, and uniquely styled charm of the ID. Buzz, or the balanced, modern, and longer-legged utility of the EV9.
Ready to experience these groundbreaking family EVs firsthand and determine which truly resonates with your needs? We invite you to explore the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 at your local dealerships. Test drive them, evaluate their interiors, and imagine your family’s adventures in each. Making an informed choice is the first step toward embracing your electric future.
