Decoding the Drive: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9 – The Ultimate Family EV Showdown
As an automotive expert with over a decade immersed in the rapidly e
volving electric vehicle landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation of family transport. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, with two highly anticipated three-row electric vehicles vying for the attention of discerning American families: the retro-chic 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the futuristic 2024 Kia EV9. While they present strikingly different aesthetics – one a nostalgic nod to an iconic past, the other a bold leap into tomorrow – both aim to redefine the family hauler for the electric age.
My extensive experience tells me that picking the “better” family EV isn’t about raw specs alone; it’s about how these vehicles integrate into the rhythm of daily life, from school runs and weekend adventures to long-distance road trips. Both of these premium electric vehicles command a significant investment, hovering around the $70,000 mark (including destination fees), making a detailed, expert-level comparison absolutely essential. The 2025 ID. Buzz Pro S Plus AWD, with its 335 horsepower, 91-kWh battery, 231-mile EPA estimated range, and an as-tested price of $70,540, brings a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge EV technology. Meanwhile, our long-term 2024 Kia EV9 Land AWD, boasting 379 horsepower, a larger 99.8-kWh battery for an EPA estimated 280 miles of range, and an as-tested price of $74,305, offers a more conventional, albeit highly advanced, SUV package. The question isn’t just about range or power; it’s about practicality, comfort, user experience, and ultimately, which offers superior value as a primary family vehicle in the competitive 2025 electric vehicle market.
Let’s dissect these two electric contenders across the critical metrics that matter most to modern families.
Interior Space and Comfort: The Battle for Passenger Serenity
When evaluating a family vehicle, interior space isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. In my opinion, based on years of testing, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz takes the crown here for sheer occupant volume, particularly where it counts most: the third row.
Stepping into the ID. Buzz, one immediately notices the elevated driving position. It’s akin to a classic van, offering a commanding view of the road, though the upright windshield and extended roofline can, admittedly, make overhead traffic lights a bit of a neck-craning affair. Despite this minor ergonomic quirk, the overall cabin feel is exceptionally open and airy. While the seats might not be as plush as the EV9’s first two rows, they offer ample support for long journeys, making them perfectly comfortable for adults.
The real revelation in the ID. Buzz, however, is its second and third rows. The longer wheelbase truly shines, creating a cavernous second row that dwarfs many full-size SUVs. But it’s the third row that genuinely impresses. Unlike most three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are best reserved for smaller children or short stints, the ID. Buzz’s third row is genuinely adult-friendly. Taller passengers can find legitimate comfort without feeling claustrophobic or compromising the legroom of those in the second row. Access is straightforward, with a wide opening that simplifies entry and exit, even for older kids or adults. For families frequently transporting multiple adults or growing teenagers, this is an undeniable advantage in the realm of sustainable transport.
The 2024 Kia EV9, by contrast, presents a more traditional SUV cabin, though a very well-executed one. Its front seats are arguably more sumptuously cushioned and offer a better fit for a wider range of body types. The second row, often configured with ventilated captain’s chairs, provides a premium experience with thoughtful touches like integrated window sunshades, enhancing comfort and privacy. The dual moonroof setup further amplifies the sense of spaciousness. However, the EV9’s two-person third row, while commendable for an electric SUV, remains inherently more compact than the ID. Buzz’s. While adults can manage short rides, it’s a compromise that requires second-row occupants to slide their seats forward. From an expert perspective, the EV9’s third row is optimally designed for younger children, leaving the ID. Buzz as the uncontested champion for maximum, consistent three-row adult comfort.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Modern Family
For any family vehicle, intelligent and ample in-cabin storage is paramount. Based on my comprehensive evaluations, the 2024 Kia EV9 generally offers more practical and thoughtfully designed storage solutions for everyday items, making it a highly functional choice for busy households.
The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in usability. It features dedicated spaces for drinks, smaller odds and ends, and crucially, an expansive open lower storage area that can easily accommodate larger bags, a small purse, or even a tablet. This multi-tiered approach ensures that items of various sizes have a designated, secure spot, preventing clutter and enhancing the overall premium electric vehicle experience.
The ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, offers a somewhat different take on storage. Its open and roomy interior concept, while aesthetically pleasing, results in less dedicated, easily accessible small-item storage upfront. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and its storage compartments are less generous. While it cleverly includes a small bin accessible from the rear, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s offerings. As someone who appreciates clever design, the ID. Buzz’s movable center console is a neat trick, but the absence of a secondary, dedicated console for second-row passengers means the front one often serves double duty, leading to potential contention over space. The novelty features, like integrated bottle openers and ice scrapers in console dividers, are fun but don’t significantly boost everyday practicality for a high-CPC keyword segment focused on family utility. Furthermore, the wireless phone charger, though discreetly placed, struggled to accommodate my common phone-and-case combination (an iPhone 12 with an Otterbox), a minor but frustrating detail for modern users.
The EV9’s conventional yet highly effective storage architecture, encompassing a larger console bin, the expansive under-console area, and better-integrated slide-out bins and trays for the second row, ultimately provides superior utility for real-world family needs.
User Interface: The Digital Gateway to Your Drive
In an age where vehicles are increasingly defined by their digital ecosystems, the user interface (UI) is a critical differentiator. Having spent thousands of hours interacting with various automotive UIs, I can confidently state that the 2024 Kia EV9 strikes a more balanced and user-friendly chord, especially for those accustomed to traditional controls.
The EV9’s infotainment system is commendably intuitive. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen, while slightly smaller than the VW’s, presents a logical menu structure and swift responsiveness. Crucially, Kia has retained a sensible array of physical buttons for frequently accessed functions, such as climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio. This hybrid approach allows drivers to adjust critical settings without diverting their gaze from the road, a significant safety and convenience advantage. My only minor gripe, a detail I’ve noted in several luxury electric SUV reviews, is the small climate touch panel that can be partially obscured by the steering wheel. However, the ability to expand these controls to the main touchscreen offers a workaround. The blind-spot camera views, integrated with the turn signals, are a highly valued ADAS EV feature, though the steering wheel can occasionally block the full view of the digital dashboard.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while featuring an attractive 12.9-inch touchscreen with rich colors and intuitive tile menus, continues VW’s controversial reliance on touch-sensitive controls for functions beyond the screen. This is a weakness I’ve highlighted in other VW models, and it persists here. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, for instance, are prone to accidental activation – I’ve inadvertently set cruise control by merely brushing them. Similarly, the haptic sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the tactile precision of physical knobs, making fine adjustments challenging on the move. The infotainment screen itself boasts excellent graphics and responsiveness, but unnecessary pauses when adjusting the climate system and occasional “safety-related” screen locks can disrupt the flow. Furthermore, some core features are buried deep within multiple menus, an ergonomic oversight that can detract from the premium electric vehicle experience. For a 2025 model, an evolution towards a more physical interface for critical controls would have been a welcome improvement.
Ultimately, the EV9’s commitment to a blend of digital and physical controls offers a less frustrating and more familiar experience for most drivers, prioritizing ease of use over minimalist design.
Interior Quality: Defining Premium in the Electric Era
The expectation for a vehicle in the $70,000 range is an interior that exudes quality, durability, and a sense of occasion. In this regard, the 2024 Kia EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz, though I must emphasize that neither fully delivers an interior feel that screams “luxury EV” at this price point, a common challenge for many new EV entrants focused on sustainable automotive technology.
The EV9’s cabin demonstrates very good materials quality. Soft-touch surfaces are strategically placed where occupants typically rest their arms, contributing to a premium feel. The upholstery, despite over 10,000 miles of real-world testing on our long-term model, has held up remarkably well, showing no significant wear or creaks – a testament to Kia’s manufacturing prowess. While some might find the all-gray interior color scheme a bit monochromatic, it’s undeniably well-assembled and robust. The attention to detail in areas like the dashboard and door panels reinforces a perception of solidity and lasting quality, which is crucial for families considering long-term electric vehicle ownership costs.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, conversely, presents a more visually engaging and colorful interior, breaking away from traditional automotive conservatism. It features intriguing textures and patterns on some surfaces, lending a unique, playful character. The build quality is solid, with panels fitting together snugly. However, the ID. Buzz relies more heavily on hard plastics throughout the cabin, especially on common touchpoints, which somewhat diminishes the perceived luxury when compared directly to the EV9. While the materials are certainly durable and well-suited to the ID. Buzz’s ethos, they don’t quite achieve the same tactile sophistication as the Kia. From an expert’s perspective, both vehicles could benefit from an uplift in certain material choices to truly justify their price tags in a competitive segment increasingly populated by high-end electric vehicles.
Cargo Space: The Ultimate Family Hauler Test
For families, cargo space is often the unsung hero, accommodating everything from weekly groceries to vacation luggage and sports gear. While their initial cargo measurements behind the third row are surprisingly similar – around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com’s measurements – the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly pulls ahead in sheer versatility and maximum hauling capacity when its rear seats are configured for cargo.
The ID. Buzz’s design, inherent to its van-like architecture, makes it a cargo champion. With the third row folded down, it offers an impressive 30.8 cubic feet of space. The true game-changer, however, is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats, unlocking a colossal 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. This is more than double the EV9’s capacity in a similar configuration and positions the ID. Buzz as an almost unparalleled cargo mover in the electric family car segment. The modular cargo shelf that aligns with the folded third-row backrest creates a flat load floor, though it does raise the load height. The soft-sided storage bins beneath the shelf are a thoughtful addition, perfect for stashing smaller items, albeit potentially prone to getting grimy over time. The only practical considerations are the weight of the individual third-row seat sections (around 60 pounds each) and the need for a place to store them when removed. It doesn’t feature a frunk (front trunk), which is common in many EVs, but its voluminous rear more than compensates.
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a much more conventional cargo area, similar to what you’d find in a well-designed gas-powered three-row SUV. With the third row down, it provides a respectable 23.4 cubic feet of space. It also boasts useful underfloor storage and a modest frunk, which is handy for charging cables or small bags, enhancing overall electric vehicle utility. The EV9’s strength lies in its simplicity; folding seats is a one-touch operation, and you don’t need to physically remove heavy components. While highly practical for everyday use and capable of swallowing a significant amount of luggage, it simply cannot match the sheer volume and flexibility of the ID. Buzz for those occasional, large-item hauling needs. For families prioritizing adaptable space for varying cargo demands, the ID. Buzz offers an advantage that is difficult for any SUV, electric or not, to replicate.
Driving Experience: Beyond the Buzz and the Bold
The way a vehicle drives is fundamental to its appeal, especially for a family car that needs to be both engaging for the driver and comfortable for passengers. After extensive road testing, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivered a surprisingly refined and agile driving experience, while the 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more traditional SUV feel, albeit with its own set of characteristics.
The ID. Buzz, despite its boxy appearance and heavier curb weight, felt remarkably responsive from a standstill, even in Comfort drive mode. Its 335 horsepower dual-motor powertrain provides smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. What truly impressed me was its suspension tuning; it’s firm but incredibly composed, absorbing road imperfections with a sophistication that belies its van-like heritage. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, with only a hint of wind noise at higher speeds, creating a pleasant cruiser ambiance. The steering is light and direct, contributing to a surprising nimbleness that makes city driving and maneuvering in tight spaces quite effortless. The B mode on the gear selector offers near one-pedal driving, effectively regenerating energy down to an almost complete stop, although a gentle tap of the brake is still needed for a full halt, which takes some getting used to. Visibility out of the front is generally good, despite the unique windshield geometry and short nose. From an expert’s perspective, the ID. Buzz truly feels “buttoned up,” offering a relaxed yet capable drive.
The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, delivers a driving experience that closely mirrors a conventional SUV, which is precisely what many buyers in this segment seek. Its 379 horsepower provides robust acceleration, and it feels relatively sportier than the ID. Buzz, with more noticeable differentiation between its Eco and Sport drive modes. However, in this direct comparison, the EV9’s suspension felt less refined than the VW’s. On bumpy or broken pavement, it transmitted more noise and harshness into the cabin, and tire and wind noise were more pronounced at highway speeds. While it offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, the overall ride quality felt less insulated than the ID. Buzz. Driver visibility is good, arguably even slightly better than the VW for forward views, and the rearview camera mirror is an excellent feature for when the rear view is obstructed by passengers or cargo, significantly enhancing safety. The B-pillar can be a bit chunky, impacting side visibility, but Kia’s blind spot camera views compensate effectively. For those prioritizing a conventional SUV driving position and a more assertive throttle response, the EV9 presents a compelling package within the premium electric vehicles segment.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Winter Range Test
The Achilles’ heel for many electric vehicles, especially larger family haulers, is cold-weather efficiency and its impact on range. My testing consistently shows a significant drop in range when temperatures plummet, and both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9 are subject to these physics. However, the EV9 demonstrated a clear advantage in our real-world cold-weather efficiency drive.
We conducted a rigorous, approximately 110-mile route, comprising interstate highways and country roads, with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Both vehicles had their climate systems set to Auto and a comfortable cabin temperature. Before starting, the EV9 showed 249 miles of estimated range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles – already a notable difference, reflecting a roughly 30-mile reduction from their respective EPA estimates due to the cold.
At the conclusion of our drive, the Kia EV9 traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. This translates to an average efficiency of 2.1 miles per kWh, which is commendable given the frigid conditions. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, over 111 miles, consumed a more substantial 150 miles of estimated range, leaving just 48 miles remaining. Its average efficiency was 1.8 miles per kWh. This difference is critical for family road trips, where range anxiety can quickly diminish the joy of travel. The EV9’s larger 99.8-kWh battery, combined with its slightly better cold-weather energy management, makes a tangible difference in real-world usability during winter months. While neither would be my first choice for extensive cold-weather road tripping due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the EV9’s superior range offers greater flexibility and peace of mind for zero-emission family transport. For sustainable transport enthusiasts living in colder climates, this is a vital consideration that impacts the true long-range electric vehicles experience.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 isn’t about one being definitively “better” overall; it’s about aligning their unique strengths with your family’s specific lifestyle and priorities. Both represent compelling advancements in the family EV segment, offering distinct propositions in the 2025 electric vehicle market.
If your primary need is an unparalleled people mover, capable of comfortably accommodating six or seven adults across all three rows for daily commutes or shuttle duties, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your undisputed champion. Its cavernous interior, adult-friendly third row, and exceptional cargo versatility when seats are removed make it the ultimate electric family car for those prioritizing maximum space and flexibility. For families who’ve always coveted a modern interpretation of the iconic VW Bus – a stylish, retro-futuristic statement piece that sparks joy and turns heads – and who might appreciate its refined driving dynamics, the ID. Buzz offers an emotional connection beyond mere utility. It’s a lifestyle vehicle, perhaps even a secondary “fun” vehicle for some, especially considering its pricing. Its range might be more limiting for extensive cold-weather journeys, but for local multi-passenger transport and unique design, it’s peerless.
However, if you require a more traditional, well-rounded primary family vehicle that offers a robust blend of SUV capabilities, superior range, and a slightly more conventional user experience, the 2024 Kia EV9 stands out. Its enhanced cold-weather efficiency, longer EPA estimated range, and more practical in-cabin storage make it a more adaptable choice for various family scenarios, including longer road trips in favorable temperatures. The EV9 provides a more conventional SUV driving position, a highly functional interior, and a sense of premium quality that, while not extravagant, feels substantial. For families seeking a capable, technologically advanced electric SUV that can serve as their primary mode of transport with confidence and convenience, the EV9 offers a more cohesive and less compromising package.
No matter which path you choose in your pursuit of the ideal family EV, both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 represent significant strides in electric mobility. They each offer compelling arguments, embodying the exciting future of family transport.
Ready to experience the future of family driving? Explore these innovative electric vehicles further and discover which truly aligns with your family’s aspirations. Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to schedule a test drive and begin your electric journey.
