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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: Decoding the Ultimate Family EV for the Modern American Household

For over a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of automotive innovation, witnessing firsthand the dramatic shift towards electrification. As we push deeper into 2025, the electric vehicle (EV) segment for families is becoming increasingly competitive, moving beyond niche offerings to truly practical, stylish, and high-performance options. Two vehicles, in particular, are capturing significant attention and sparking lively debate: the much-anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already impactful 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different aesthetics – one a nostalgic, futuristic van, the other a bold, contemporary SUV – both lay claim to the coveted title of the “better family EV.”

Having spent extensive time behind the wheel, scrutinizing every detail from battery performance to third-row ingress, I can tell you this isn’t a simple choice. It’s a nuanced decision rooted in understanding your family’s unique lifestyle, priorities, and what you truly value in a modern electric people-mover. This comprehensive breakdown aims to cut through the marketing jargon, offering expert insights into which of these compelling electric three-row vehicles truly stands out for American families.

Market Positioning and Core Offerings in 2025

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz arrives as a breath of fresh air, a charming homage to the iconic VW Microbus, reimagined for the electric age. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement, embodying a blend of retro cool and cutting-edge electric car technology 2025. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus, commands an as-tested price of $70,540, delivering 335 horsepower from its 91-kWh battery, with an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles. Its DC fast-charging capability of up to 200 kW is respectable, aligning with current premium EV expectations. This is more than just a family van; it’s designed to evoke a feeling, an experience.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9, our long-term fleet vehicle, has quickly established itself as a formidable player in the luxury electric SUV segment. Its angular, avant-garde design sets it apart, signalling a clear break from traditional SUV aesthetics. Our Land AWD trim, with its larger 99.8-kWh battery, boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range of 280 miles and a more potent 379 horsepower. Priced at $74,305 as tested (though slight adjustments for 2025 models could mean minor price or feature variations, such as paint options), the EV9 offers slightly quicker DC fast-charging at up to 210 kW. It’s a testament to Kia’s aggressive push into the premium EV space, offering a refined, powerful, and technologically advanced package.

At their core, both are designed to move families efficiently and sustainably. But their approaches to achieving this goal, from interior execution to driving dynamics, diverge significantly, creating a fascinating head-to-head battle for your driveway.

Interior Space and Comfort: The Ultimate People-Mover Test

When you’re shelling out over $70,000 for a family EV, interior real estate and comfort aren’t just features; they’re foundational necessities. And this is where the ID. Buzz truly shines, delivering a masterclass in maximizing passenger volume.

From the driver’s perspective in the ID. Buzz, you’re afforded a commanding, almost “delivery van” like perch, which some might find takes getting used to. The upright windshield and extended roofline, while contributing to the van’s airy feel, can sometimes make spotting overhead traffic lights a bit of a neck-craning exercise – a minor quirk, but one worth noting. The seats, while not as plush as the EV9’s, provide excellent support for long hauls, proving that comfort can coexist with practicality.

The magic, however, unfolds behind the front row. The ID. Buzz’s longer wheelbase translates directly into an astonishing amount of passenger space. The second row is cavernous, easily accommodating three adults with ample legroom and shoulder room to spare. But it’s the third row that genuinely impresses. Unlike many three-row SUVs where the rearmost seats are best reserved for smaller children or short trips, the ID. Buzz’s third row is genuinely adult-friendly. Taller passengers can sit comfortably for extended periods, making it a true seven-seater without compromise. This capability is a significant draw for larger families or those who frequently carpool, offering a level of versatility often found only in traditional minivans, now with the added benefit of sustainable automotive choices.

The Kia EV9, on the other hand, offers a more conventional SUV seating experience. Its front seats are arguably more ergonomically sculpted and feature better cushioning, providing a slightly more luxurious feel for the driver and front passenger. The second row, often configured with captain’s chairs in higher trims, is undoubtedly comfortable, featuring thoughtful amenities like ventilation and integrated window sunshades that enhance the passenger experience. However, even with its generous dimensions, the EV9’s third row, while commendable for an SUV, remains best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter journeys. Access is facilitated by one-touch folding second-row seats, but the overall space can feel considerably more confined compared to the sprawling expanse of the ID. Buzz.

Verdict: ID. Buzz wins for maximum occupant space, especially in the crucial third row, making it the superior choice for large families or frequent multi-passenger transport.

In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for Daily Life

Modern family vehicles are essentially mobile command centers, requiring intelligent storage solutions for everything from sippy cups to tablets. This category reveals another divergence in design philosophy.

The EV9 adopts a highly practical, purpose-built approach to interior storage. Its front center console is a well-designed hub, offering dedicated spaces for drinks, smaller items, and a sizable open lower storage area perfect for bags or larger electronics. This conventional yet effective layout ensures that everything has its place, minimizing clutter. The slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers are thoughtful additions, enhancing the overall utility for everyone onboard. From a practical standpoint, the EV9 anticipates the varied needs of a busy family.

The ID. Buzz, while undeniably open and roomy, takes a more minimalist and somewhat less traditional approach to small-item storage. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and the storage cubbies integrated into it aren’t as generous or versatile as those in the EV9. While there’s an abundance of floor space to toss a backpack or purse, it lacks the designated, secure compartments that the EV9 provides. Some fun, quirky features, like integrated bottle openers and ice scrapers in console dividers, are charming but ultimately less practical than sheer volume and thoughtful organization. The wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked away, is functional but its size limitation (struggling with larger phones in cases) is a minor annoyance in an era where oversized smartphones are the norm.

Verdict: EV9 takes the lead with its larger, more intelligently designed bins and storage areas, proving more useful for the myriad items families carry.

User Interface and Technology: The Digital Divide

The user interface (UI) can make or break the daily driving experience, especially in a world where vehicle technology is increasingly sophisticated. In 2025, ease of use and intuitive controls are paramount for minimizing driver distraction.

The Kia EV9’s approach is a pragmatic blend of digital sophistication and traditional tactile controls. Its infotainment system is generally intuitive, boasting responsive touchscreens and clear graphics. Crucially, Kia retains a healthy array of physical buttons for frequently accessed features like climate control temperature, audio volume, and seat heating/ventilation. This hybrid approach significantly reduces the learning curve and allows for quicker, more confident adjustments while driving. While a small climate control touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, these controls can be mirrored or expanded on the central touchscreen for better accessibility. The presence of dedicated buttons for functions like drive mode and camera views further solidifies its user-friendly philosophy.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, unfortunately, falls into a common modern pitfall: an over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls. While its 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is visually impressive with vibrant colors and intuitive tile menus, the frustration begins with the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. These can be accidentally triggered with a swipe of the hand, leading to unintended actions like setting cruise control. The same touch-sensitive sliders for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the precision and tactile feedback of physical knobs, making fine adjustments more challenging, particularly on bumpy roads. Navigating certain climate system functions can involve unnecessary pauses or be buried in multiple menus, which adds friction to the user experience. For a family EV where quick, safe adjustments are crucial, this design choice proves less ideal.

Verdict: EV9 leads with its more balanced and intuitive user interface, incorporating essential physical controls that enhance safety and ease of use over the ID. Buzz’s touch-heavy approach.

Interior Quality and Materials: Craftsmanship vs. Cost

When you’re investing in a premium EV, the perceived and actual quality of the interior materials matter significantly. Both vehicles are in the $70,000 range, and customers expect a certain level of refinement.

The Kia EV9 impresses with its thoughtful material choices. Soft-touch surfaces are strategically placed where occupants typically rest their arms, contributing to a premium feel. The upholstery, even after 10,000 miles in our long-term tester, shows minimal wear and no noticeable creaks, a testament to its robust construction. While the all-gray interior color scheme of our test vehicle might be considered somewhat subdued or “boring” by some, its durability and sophisticated tactile qualities are undeniable. Kia has focused on creating a resilient yet upscale environment that feels built to last, aligning with what one expects from a top-tier electric vehicle interior design.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while solidly built, presents a different aesthetic and material philosophy. It uses a blend of visually interesting and quality materials on certain surfaces, often with a playful, colorful palette that contributes to its unique charm. However, it also incorporates a considerable amount of hard plastic, particularly in less visible areas. While this doesn’t detract from its robust build quality, it can feel less “premium” compared to the EV9, especially at similar price points. The ID. Buzz leans into its retro-futuristic vibe with unique textures and patterns, but in terms of sheer soft-touch real estate and perceived luxury, it slightly lags behind the EV9.

Verdict: EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz in terms of overall interior material quality and the prevalence of soft-touch surfaces, delivering a more consistently premium feel across the cabin.

Cargo Space Versatility: Hauling People or Gear?

The ability to transport both people and cargo efficiently is a cornerstone of any family vehicle. Here, the distinct body styles of the van and SUV play a significant role.

The ID. Buzz, by virtue of its van architecture, offers unparalleled versatility. Behind the third row, both vehicles offer similar cargo volume (around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com measurements). However, the ID. Buzz truly pulls ahead when its third row is folded, revealing a substantial 30.8 cubic feet of space. The game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats, unleashing a colossal 48.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modularity, while requiring some effort (each third-row section is heavy, around 60 pounds, and a cargo shelf also needs removal), transforms the ID. Buzz into an incredibly capable hauler, perfect for home improvement projects, camping gear, or even moving small furniture. The downside of the optional cargo shelf is that it raises the load floor, which can negate some of the van’s inherent low-floor advantage.

The Kia EV9 features a more conventional SUV cargo area. It offers a large space with the third row up and an even larger one when folded, along with practical underfloor storage. Crucially, it also boasts a small but useful “frunk” (front trunk), a feature the ID. Buzz lacks due to its packaging. The EV9’s cargo area is straightforward to reconfigure, mirroring the ease of use found in a traditional gas-powered three-row SUV. While it can’t match the sheer volumetric potential of the ID. Buzz with its seats removed, it offers a consistent, easily accessible, and generally sufficient amount of space for most family needs, without the heavy lifting.

Verdict: ID. Buzz reigns supreme for sheer maximum cargo volume and unparalleled versatility when the third row is removed, making it the better choice for those needing to haul substantial gear.

Driving Experience and Performance: Agility Meets Power

The driving dynamics of an EV are as varied as their designs. From power delivery to suspension tuning, the road feel can dramatically impact driver satisfaction.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly agile and refined driving experience for a vehicle of its size and type. Despite its listed curb weight being heavier than the EV9 and its AWD output slightly lower at 335 hp, the ID. Buzz feels remarkably responsive from a standing start. The accelerator pedal offers excellent modulation, contributing to smooth, quiet, and predictable power delivery. The suspension, while firm, is exceptionally well-composed and refined, absorbing road imperfections with a muted composure that feels distinctly European. Steering is light and precise, making the ID. Buzz feel nimble and easy to maneuver in urban environments. Its “B” mode offers near-one-pedal driving, though a full stop requires brake pedal input. Visibility is generally good, though the unique front glass and short nose create a different perspective that takes some adjustment. The ID. Buzz is undeniably a pleasant cruiser, designed for comfort and ease rather than outright performance.

The 2024 Kia EV9, while powerful at 379 hp, presents a different character. It aims to deliver an SUV-like driving experience, complete with a conventional driving position and outward visibility (though the large left-side B-pillar can obstruct some views). The EV9’s suspension, while competent, isn’t as refined as the ID. Buzz’s. It tends to be noisier over broken pavement and can transmit more road harshness into the cabin, leading to a slightly less serene ride. However, the EV9 offers a wider array of regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which many EV enthusiasts appreciate. Its various drive modes (Eco, Sport) also have a more pronounced effect on throttle response and steering feel, making it feel the relatively sportier choice, especially in Sport mode. Visibility is generally excellent, and Kia’s blind spot camera views provide added confidence, along with an optional camera rearview mirror.

Verdict: ID. Buzz offers a more refined, comfortable, and surprisingly agile driving experience for daily cruising, while the EV9 delivers more raw power and a sportier feel, albeit with a slightly less refined ride.

Cold-Weather Efficiency and Range: The Winter Test

For any electric vehicle, particularly in colder climates, real-world range and efficiency become critical factors. Our cold-weather test, simulating typical winter driving conditions, highlighted the inherent challenges.

On a roughly 110-mile route consisting of interstate highways and country roads, with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, both EVs performed admirably but demonstrated significant range degradation compared to their EPA estimates. The Kia EV9 started with an estimated 249 miles of range (down from its 280-mile EPA rating) and consumed 135 miles of estimated range to cover 113 actual miles, resulting in 114 miles remaining. Its efficiency averaged 2.1 miles per kWh.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its lower initial EPA rating of 231 miles, showed 198 miles of estimated range at the start of the drive. It consumed 150 miles of estimated range to cover 111 actual miles, leaving just 48 miles of range remaining. Its efficiency averaged 1.8 miles per kWh.

What these numbers reveal is crucial for EV range anxiety solutions. While neither vehicle is ideal for extensive cold-weather road trips due to the increased frequency of charging stops, the EV9’s larger battery and higher initial EPA range provide a more significant buffer. Its superior cold-weather efficiency, even if marginal, means fewer stops and greater peace of mind when temperatures plummet. This is a vital consideration for families in northern states or those planning winter excursions. Understanding EV charging infrastructure in cold regions becomes paramount for both.

Verdict: EV9 is the more capable cold-weather EV due to its superior range and slightly better efficiency in frigid conditions, offering a greater buffer against range reduction.

ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for Your Family in 2025?

After meticulously dissecting these two compelling best electric family car contenders, it’s clear there’s no single “better” choice; only the one that aligns most perfectly with your family’s specific needs and aspirations in 2025.

If your primary objective is to transport people—lots of them, comfortably, across all three rows—then the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your unrivaled champion. Its cavernous interior, genuinely adult-friendly third row, and surprisingly refined driving dynamics make it the ultimate electric people-mover. It’s an ideal choice for larger families, those who frequently carpool, or anyone needing maximum flexibility for varying passenger counts. The ID. Buzz isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement, appealing to those who appreciate its unique retro-futuristic charm and are looking for something truly distinctive in the burgeoning electric minivan space. If you envision urban adventures, quirky road trips, and making a stylish statement, and you’re comfortable with its slightly less intuitive UI and more limited cold-weather range, the ID. Buzz will spark immense joy.

However, if you prioritize a more conventional yet undeniably sophisticated SUV experience, coupled with impressive range, powerful performance, and a more user-friendly interior interface, the 2024 Kia EV9 stands out. Its bold, modern aesthetic, combined with a luxurious and practical cabin, makes it an excellent choice as a primary family vehicle. The EV9’s superior range, especially in challenging cold conditions, offers greater confidence for longer journeys and a more seamless transition from gasoline-powered vehicles. Its blend of power, refined materials, and intuitive controls cater to families who demand cutting-edge technology without sacrificing ease of use. If you seek a powerful, stylish, and highly capable electric three-row SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend excursions, and occasional longer trips with grace, the EV9 is a remarkably well-rounded and compelling proposition.

Both represent significant strides in the family EV segment, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They exemplify the exciting choices now available to American consumers committed to electrification. No matter which you lean towards, you’re investing in a future of quieter, cleaner, and exhilarating family mobility.

The decision truly comes down to what resonates with your family’s rhythm. Are you drawn to the nostalgic charm and unparalleled people-hauling capacity of the ID. Buzz, or the modern sophistication and robust practicality of the EV9?

We invite you to experience the future of family driving firsthand. Visit your local Volkswagen or Kia dealership today to test drive the 2025 ID. Buzz and the 2024 EV9. Discover which electric icon truly fits your family’s next adventure.