2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: The Ultimate Family EV Showdown
As we navigate the increasingly electrified automotive landscape of 2025, families seekin
g a spacious, capable, and sustainable vehicle are presented with compelling choices. Two such contenders, while visually disparate, share a common mission: to move people and redefine expectations for three-row electric vehicles. On one side, we have the highly anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, a modern homage to an icon, ushering in a new era for electric minivans. On the other, the established 2024 Kia EV9, a bold statement in the electric SUV segment, which has rapidly become a benchmark for what a family EV can be.
Having spent over a decade deeply embedded in the electric vehicle market, evaluating countless models from concept to production, I’ve witnessed the rapid evolution of sustainable automotive technology. This head-to-head comparison isn’t just about specifications; it’s about real-world utility, comfort, and the driving experience that shapes daily life for busy families. Both vehicles are priced similarly, placing them firmly in the premium EV segment, yet their fundamental approaches to family transport are distinctly different.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz arrives as an all-new offering, an electric interpretation of VW’s legendary Bus. Our focus model, the Pro S Plus AWD, boasts an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles from its 91-kWh battery, driven by a robust 335-horsepower dual-motor powertrain. With DC fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kW, it promises efficient top-ups. Its as-tested price hovered around $70,540, including destination charges, reflecting its position as a cutting-edge family-friendly electric car.
In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9, a staple of our long-term fleet, represents Kia’s ambitious foray into the full-size electric SUV space. Our Land AWD trim, equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, delivers an impressive EPA-estimated 280 miles of range and a more potent 379 horsepower. Its quicker DC fast-charging at up to 210 kW further enhances its practicality. At an as-tested price of $74,305, it edges out the ID. Buzz, though minor cosmetic changes for 2025 might slightly adjust this figure.
While one exudes retro-futuristic charm and the other embodies a sleek, modern aesthetic, both are fundamentally engineered as sophisticated people-movers. Our comprehensive evaluation delves into every aspect, from the critical nuances of next-gen EV interior design and passenger comfort to real-world EV range degradation and overall EV performance review. Let’s discover which of these impressive long-range electric vehicles truly shines as the superior family choice for 2025.
Interior Space and Comfort: The ID. Buzz Dominates the Realm of Passenger Volume
Verdict: For families prioritizing expansive passenger room across all three rows, particularly for adult occupants, the 2025 ID. Buzz sets a new standard.
Stepping into the ID. Buzz, the commanding, elevated driving position immediately evokes a sense of spaciousness. It’s a bit of a climb, reminiscent of a utility van rather than a conventional minivan, suggesting that home EV charging solutions and comfortable ingress/egress are key considerations. While the upright windshield and extended roofline demand a slight head tilt to catch overhead traffic signals – a minor ergonomic quirk – the overall visibility is commendable.
The ID. Buzz’s seating, while not quite matching the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, is nonetheless very comfortable for extended journeys. However, where the ID. Buzz truly distinguishes itself is in its sheer passenger volume, especially in the third row. In my experience, this is often the most compromised area in three-row vehicles. The ID. Buzz’s third row offers adult-friendly dimensions, mirroring the generous space found in the EV9’s second row.
The Kia EV9, by comparison, provides a comfortable two-person third row, but it requires cooperation from second-row passengers to slide their seats forward to create adequate legroom for adults. It’s undeniably better suited for children or shorter trips for adults, whereas the ID. Buzz readily accommodates taller adults without complaint. This makes the ID. Buzz a compelling option for larger families or those who frequently transport multiple adults, highlighting its superior design for family-friendly electric cars.
From my perspective as a road test editor with extensive experience, the EV9 secures a slight edge in front-row comfort, its seats offering superior cushioning and contouring. Yet, the ID. Buzz is far from uncomfortable. The VW’s longer wheelbase becomes profoundly evident in the second row, delivering an unparalleled sense of roominess and comfort that even the EV9’s luxurious ventilated captain’s chairs, integrated window sunshades, and dual moonroof can’t quite match. For ultimate space, the ID. Buzz is simply unrivaled, particularly if you’re focusing on how well an electric minivan serves its primary purpose.
In-Cabin Storage: EV9’s Practicality Outshines ID. Buzz’s Openness
Verdict: The Kia EV9’s thoughtfully designed, larger bins and integrated storage solutions offer superior practicality for everyday items, making it the more functionally organized choice.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in organizational efficiency, providing dedicated spaces for both small essentials and larger items, thanks to its open lower storage area. It anticipates the needs of a modern family, offering accessible nooks for everything from smartphones to water bottles. This emphasis on smart storage solutions is a significant advantage.
While the ID. Buzz’s interior feels incredibly open and airy, its design aesthetic, perhaps prioritizing an uncluttered retro vibe, comes at the expense of practical small-item storage. The center console between the front seats is notably compact, and its integrated storage compartments are modest. While it features a clever small bin accessible from the rear, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s cavernous console. This is a common trade-off in design, where expansive cabin ergonomics sometimes sacrifice granular utility.
In my evaluations, I appreciate the novelty of the ID. Buzz’s unique storage spots, but the overall lack of total dedicated storage space is a drawback. You can certainly place larger items like backpacks or purses on the floor, but they lack secure, integrated compartments. The movable center console is a neat feature, but the absence of a dedicated console for second-row passengers feels like a missed opportunity for a vehicle so focused on people-hauling. Fun touches like the integrated bottle opener and ice scraper are charming but ultimately less practical than the EV9’s robust storage. Furthermore, the ID. Buzz’s wirelessly charging pad, while cleverly hidden, struggled to accommodate my iPhone 12 with a protective case, an oversight that can be frustrating for many users who prioritize device safety.
The EV9’s storage philosophy is decidedly more functional, if less “interesting” to discuss. Its larger console bin, spacious under-console storage, and well-executed slide-out bin and tray for second-row occupants underscore a commitment to everyday usability. For managing the myriad items a family carries, the EV9 demonstrates superior cargo management within the cabin.
User Interface: EV9’s Tactile Controls Win Over ID. Buzz’s Digital-First Approach
Verdict: The Kia EV9’s balanced approach, featuring an intuitive touchscreen complemented by essential physical controls, offers a more user-friendly experience than the ID. Buzz’s heavy reliance on touch-sensitive interfaces, which can detract from driver focus.
The EV9 consistently earns my vote in the interface department. Its touchscreen infotainment system is not only intuitive with crisp graphics but, crucially, Kia has wisely retained physical buttons for frequently accessed functions like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seats. This commitment to tactile controls enhances driver distraction mitigation, allowing for quick adjustments without eyes leaving the road. My only minor critique is the small climate touch panel on the dashboard, which can be partially obscured by the steering wheel; however, the option to expand these controls to the main screen provides a workaround. The steering wheel also slightly impedes the view of the digital dashboard, specifically the blind-spot camera feeds when the turn signal is active.
The ID. Buzz’s touchscreen, with its vibrant colors and reasonably intuitive tile menus, presents a visually engaging experience. Yet, its Achilles’ heel, a pervasive issue across several modern VW models, is the reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen itself. The haptic steering-wheel controls, in particular, are a constant source of frustration; I’ve inadvertently engaged cruise control simply by brushing them during a turn. Similar touch-sensitive sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and immediate feedback of a physical knob. This digital-first strategy, while futuristic, often falls short in real-world usability and can make adjusting key settings less straightforward. As an expert in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) EV and infotainment, I firmly believe that some controls benefit immensely from physical input.
The ID. Buzz’s UI, even in its “improved” iteration, can be a constant test of patience. The imprecise steering wheel controls are a prime example. Other controls can be difficult to discern in varying lighting conditions. While the infotainment screen boasts excellent graphics and responsiveness (when inputs are allowed), unnecessary pauses when adjusting the climate system and occasional safety-related screen locks disrupt the flow. Furthermore, crucial features are sometimes buried deep within multiple menus, a stark contrast to the EV9’s more direct access.
The EV9’s UI is far more straightforward, integrating a greater number of physical controls for climate, audio, camera views, and drive modes. Its 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen, though slightly smaller than the VW’s 12.9-inch unit, performs admirably. It’s not without its minor annoyances: the climate display is still somewhat obscured, and I initially found myself accidentally triggering the touch-sensitive controls below the screen when resting my hand. The drive mode selector combined with the start-stop button also remains a somewhat unintuitive design choice. Despite these minor quirks, the EV9’s interface offers superior user-friendliness and a more integrated digital cockpit experience for the driver.
Interior Quality: EV9 Edges Out with Enhanced Material Sophistication
Verdict: The Kia EV9 claims a narrow victory in interior quality, showcasing more refined materials and robust construction, though both vehicles prompt the question of whether their $70,000+ interiors truly deliver on the expected luxury EV standard.
The EV9’s interior quality is undeniably impressive, featuring soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where occupants’ arms naturally rest. The attention to detail in the material selection contributes to a high-quality feel. While its all-gray interior might strike some as somewhat monochromatic or subdued, it conveys a sense of understated elegance. Importantly, even after over 10,000 miles, our long-term EV9 shows minimal signs of wear or creakiness, a testament to its solid build quality and the reliability of its components, a crucial factor for electric vehicle reliability 2025.
The ID. Buzz also presents a well-built cabin with visually appealing and quality materials on certain surfaces. However, it leans more heavily on hard plastics for many common touchpoints, which, while durable, don’t quite match the tactile premium feel of the EV9. The ID. Buzz’s lighter and more colorful interior schemes are a welcome departure from traditional automotive palettes, contributing to its retro-chic persona, but a discerning eye will notice the differing material hierarchy.
From an expert’s standpoint, while the VW incorporates interesting textures and design elements, it often feels like it’s trying to elevate basic materials through clever design. The EV9, on the other hand, utilizes more genuinely high-quality upholstery and soft-touch trim, creating a slightly more upscale ambiance. Neither vehicle quite achieves the opulent feel one might expect from a true luxury electric SUV, a segment where benchmarks are constantly being redefined. However, the EV9’s cabin feels more consistently refined, demonstrating a robust design that holds up well to family life and daily use, contributing positively to its electric vehicle total cost of ownership (TCO) perception over time.
Cargo Space: ID. Buzz is the Undisputed Champion of Hauling Capacity
Verdict: While nominal cargo space behind the third row is similar, the ID. Buzz’s expansive and highly adaptable interior, particularly with its removable third row, makes it the unrivaled leader for maximizing cargo volume.
Initially, both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer approximately 10 cubic feet of cargo space behind their respective third rows, a decent figure for a three-row EV. However, this is where their similarities end. The ID. Buzz employs a clever cargo shelf system that creates a flat load floor when the third-row backrest is folded. Beneath this shelf, soft-sided bins provide additional storage, though I harbor concerns about their long-term durability and ease of cleaning. Critically, with the third row folded, the ID. Buzz boasts a generous 30.8 cubic feet of space. The game-changer, however, is the ability to entirely remove the third row, unleashing a monumental 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume by our measurements – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modularity transforms the ID. Buzz into a true utility EV, capable of handling substantial loads. The caveat: each third-row seat section is hefty, weighing around 60 pounds, and removing the cargo shelf is necessary for maximum space.
The EV9, in contrast, features a more conventional cargo area, akin to what you’d find in a traditional gas-powered three-row SUV. It offers ample space with the third row up and even more with it folded, complemented by practical underfloor storage and a small frunk. While the EV9’s cargo area is undoubtedly large and well-designed for electric SUV cargo capacity, it simply cannot rival the sheer cavernous volume provided by the ID. Buzz once its rear seats are removed.
As an expert, I’ve observed that the ID. Buzz’s design ethos clearly prioritizes maximum volumetric flexibility. The cargo shelf, while useful for creating a flat floor, does raise the load floor significantly, which can be an ergonomic consideration. But the ability to completely transform the interior for cargo duties is a distinct advantage for families with varied hauling needs, from furniture to camping gear. The EV9 is competent, but the ID. Buzz is exceptional in its flexible cargo configurations. For those who frequently need to carry large items alongside passengers, or convert their vehicle into a cargo mover, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner, solidifying its appeal as a versatile electric minivan performance vehicle.
Driving Experience: ID. Buzz Delivers Surprising Agility and Refinement
Verdict: The 2025 ID. Buzz offers a refreshingly refined and surprisingly nimble driving experience, contrasting with the EV9’s more conventional SUV feel, though its lower range could limit long-distance EV road trip capability for some.
Even in its Comfort drive mode, the ID. Buzz immediately impresses with a more responsive accelerator pedal and a sharper off-the-line feel compared to the EV9. Power delivery is consistently smooth, quiet, and utterly predictable, enhancing the overall sense of refinement. Both vehicles feature firm suspension tuning, but the ID. Buzz’s system is notably more sophisticated. It feels incredibly composed and “buttoned up,” with significantly less suspension noise intruding into the cabin than the Kia. The steering is light and precise, and the “B” mode on the gear selector provides a near-one-pedal driving experience, requiring only a slight brake application for a complete stop. Despite its elevated seating position and van-like stature, the ID. Buzz exhibits remarkable agility, dispelling any notions of a top-heavy or ponderous ride. It responds readily to steering inputs, making it a surprisingly engaging vehicle to pilot. The unique glass shape and short nose provide a different, yet clear, forward perspective, with no significant blind spots detracting from overall visibility.
The Kia EV9, in my professional assessment, delivers a driving experience closely aligned with a traditional three-row SUV. Its driving position and outward visibility (aside from a somewhat thick B-pillar on the left side) are familiar. However, when juxtaposed with the ID. Buzz, the EV9’s suspension feels less refined, generating more noise over broken pavement and exhibiting a generally “rattlier” demeanor. That said, the EV9 does offer more granular regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode that brings the vehicle to a complete stop, a feature many EV enthusiasts appreciate.
Despite its heavier curb weight and lower output (335 hp vs. 379 hp for the EV9), the ID. Buzz feels plenty quick for urban stop-and-go traffic and perfectly capable of highway merging and passing maneuvers. Its ride quality is well-composed and firm, and the cabin remains remarkably quiet, save for some wind noise at higher speeds. The ID. Buzz is designed to be a pleasant, effortless cruiser, and it excels in this role. The absence of a true one-pedal driving mode is a minor shortcoming, as its “B” mode requires a final brake application, which can sometimes lead to less-than-smooth stops. Outward visibility, somewhat counter-intuitively for a van, isn’t the ID. Buzz’s strongest suit. While forward visibility is decent, the unique windshield design and prominent A-pillars create a distinct sightline. Rear visibility, while fine with third-row headrests stowed, becomes limited with passengers or raised headrests, and the lack of a rearview camera mirror is a noticeable omission.
The Kia EV9, which I previously lauded for its comfort in comparison to a more rugged EV like the Rivian R1S, now feels comparatively noisier and harsher riding against the ID. Buzz. Tire and wind noise are more pronounced, and the suspension struggles more to isolate occupants from harsh road imperfections. While the ID. Buzz might feel more sprightly off the line, the EV9 eventually overtakes it in terms of raw power, offering a relatively sportier and more planted feel. Crucially, the EV9’s different drive modes (Eco, Sport) create more discernible changes in driving dynamics, providing a tangible shift in the vehicle’s character, unlike the more subtle adjustments in the VW. The EV9’s forward visibility is strong, potentially even surpassing the VW’s, and rear visibility is significantly better, enhanced by an available camera mirror and Kia’s excellent blind-spot camera views, which boost driver confidence.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: EV9’s Extended Range Proves Crucial
Verdict: The 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrates a slight edge in cold-weather efficiency and, more critically, its superior overall range provides a significant buffer for EV owners in colder climates, making it a more practical choice for extended winter journeys.
To thoroughly assess the cold-weather efficiency of these two contenders, we subjected them to an identical 110-mile test route, encompassing a mix of interstate highways and country roads. Our driving style replicated typical real-world use, with climate control set to Auto and a comfortable cabin temperature. External temperatures hovered consistently below freezing, ranging from 17 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions ideal for evaluating real-world EV range degradation.
Prior to our test, both vehicles were fully charged. The EV9 displayed an estimated 249 miles of range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles. Both figures represent approximately a 30-mile reduction from their EPA estimates, a common phenomenon in cold weather. The combination of sustained higher speeds on the interstate and the frigid temperatures rapidly consumed the available range.
At the culmination of our route, the Kia had covered 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving it with a remaining 114 miles. The ID. Buzz, having traveled 111 miles, consumed a more substantial 150 miles of its estimated range, concluding the drive with just 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, a notable difference in efficiency during challenging conditions.
From my perspective, neither vehicle would be my first choice for an ambitious, long-distance cold-weather road trip, primarily due to the increased frequency of charging stops. However, the EV9’s inherently greater long-range electric vehicles capability, combined with its marginally better efficiency in freezing conditions, makes it the more tolerable option. This highlights the importance of robust battery thermal management systems and ample battery capacity for dependable cold-weather EV road trip capability. For families living in regions prone to harsh winters, the EV9’s advantage here is a crucial consideration for daily usability and peace of mind regarding EV charging infrastructure availability.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family in 2025?
As the 2025 automotive landscape continues to evolve, both the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia EV9 present compelling, yet distinct, visions for the family EV. Your ideal choice hinges on how you envision integrating an electric vehicle into your lifestyle.
The Kia EV9, with its robust range and slightly superior cold-weather performance, stands out as a more well-rounded primary family vehicle. It offers a sophisticated, albeit somewhat firm, driving experience and a thoughtfully designed interior with excellent storage solutions, making it a pragmatic choice for families seeking a capable and practical electric SUV. Its greater range means less reliance on frequent charging stops, which translates to more flexibility for varied commutes and occasional longer journeys in favorable weather.
Conversely, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a specialist. If your primary need is an unparalleled ability to transport people, especially adult passengers, in supreme comfort across all three rows, the ID. Buzz is simply unmatched. Its cavernous and highly adaptable interior, particularly with the removable third row, also makes it an extraordinary utility vehicle for hauling large items. Beyond its practicality, the ID. Buzz offers an undeniable charm and a unique aesthetic. It’s a lifestyle vehicle, a statement, and for those who’ve always dreamed of a modern, futuristic interpretation of the iconic VW Bus – and who can allocate a premium budget for a truly distinctive vehicle – the ID. Buzz is an emotional and aspirational pick in the premium EV segment.
In the merits of their respective designs, neither vehicle will disappoint. However, their specific strengths cater to different priorities. The EV9 is the pragmatic, versatile, long-distance-capable family workhorse. The ID. Buzz is the supremely comfortable people-mover and cargo hauler, overflowing with personality, albeit with a more modest range that mandates careful planning for extended trips, especially in colder climes.
Ultimately, the best way to understand which of these groundbreaking three-row electric vehicles aligns with your family’s needs for 2025 is to experience them firsthand. Dive deeper into their specifications, explore their unique features, and arrange a test drive to feel the future of family transport.
Ready to electrify your family’s journey? Explore available 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9 models today and discover the perfect EV for your next adventure.
