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The Ultimate 2025 Family EV Showdown: Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. Kia EV9
As we navigate the increasingly electrified automotive landscape of 2025, family vehicles have truly entered a new era. The decision to go electric for a family hauler is no longer a niche choice but a mainstream consideration, driven by range improvements, charging infrastructure growth, and evolving design philosophies. Two standout contenders vying for the attention of American families are the all-new 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the highly-regarded 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different aesthetics – one a retro-futuristic van, the other a bold, contemporary SUV – their core mission as three-row electric people movers puts them in direct competition. With nearly a decade of experience dissecting the intricacies of family vehicles and emerging EV technology, I’ve had the unique opportunity to push these two formidable electric titans to their limits. The question isn’t just “which is better,” but “which is better for your family in the dynamic market of 2025?”
On paper, their as-tested pricing falls within a few thousand dollars, positioning both as premium offerings in the burgeoning three-row electric SUV and electric van segments. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, a loving homage to the iconic VW Microbus, arrives as a fresh face, our Pro S Plus AWD test model carrying an MSRP of $70,540. It boasts a dual-motor, 335-horsepower powertrain fed by a 91-kWh battery, delivering an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range. Its DC fast-charging capability peaks at a respectable 200 kW. The 2024 Kia EV9, a segment-defining electric SUV, enters this fray with a slight edge in power, offering 379 hp from its 99.8-kWh battery in its Land AWD trim, translating to a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. Charging slightly faster at up to 210 kW, our long-term EV9 test car was priced at $74,305, though minor spec changes for 2025 could see a slight adjustment.
These aren’t just vehicles; they’re statements about electric family travel. Let’s peel back the layers and see how these innovative electric vehicles stack up when it counts most for families in 2025.
Powertrain & Range Realities: Navigating the Electric Frontier
When discussing electric vehicle performance and range, it’s crucial to move beyond theoretical numbers to real-world applicability for busy families. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its heftier curb weight, surprised me with its immediate responsiveness. In Comfort mode, the accelerator pedal offers a delightful immediacy, making city driving and merging a smooth, quiet affair. The 335 horsepower feels more than adequate, delivering power in a predictable, linear fashion that’s reassuring for school drop-offs or highway cruising. Its 91-kWh battery and 231-mile range are competent, but for those contemplating frequent longer journeys, it demands a bit more planning.
The 2024 Kia EV9, with its robust 379 horsepower and larger 99.8-kWh battery, certainly holds the advantage in brute force and overall EPA-estimated range (280 miles). While the ID. Buzz feels quicker off the line, the EV9 will ultimately pull ahead, offering a sportier driving feel, especially in Sport mode. The Kia’s multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, offer a superior experience for maximizing efficiency and reducing driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic – a significant consideration for urban family transportation. Its quicker DC fast-charging capability is also a valuable asset for reducing EV charging times on longer trips.
From an expert perspective, while the ID. Buzz offers a perfectly capable electric powertrain, the EV9’s greater range and more refined one-pedal driving option make it the more versatile choice for a primary family vehicle, particularly for those with longer commutes or a penchant for spontaneous road trips. Both offer compelling sustainable automotive solutions, but the EV9 provides a little more breathing room in the range department, easing potential electric vehicle range anxiety.
Cabin Dynamics: Space, Comfort & The Third-Row Conundrum
For families, interior space and comfort are paramount, and this is where the distinct architectures of these two EVs truly differentiate them. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its van-like proportions and extended wheelbase, is an absolute masterclass in maximizing passenger volume. Climbing into the driver’s seat might feel like stepping into a delivery van due to its height, but once inside, the airy cabin is immediately apparent. The upright windshield can occasionally obscure overhead traffic lights, requiring a slight head tilt, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise spacious environment.
While the Kia EV9’s front seats offer superior cushioning and a more conventional SUV driving position, the ID. Buzz truly shines from the second row back. The sheer legroom and headroom in the second row are phenomenal, surpassing even the EV9’s already excellent accommodations. But it’s the third row of the ID. Buzz that truly sets a new benchmark for family electric cars. Where the EV9’s third row is best reserved for children or accommodating adults for short stints (with some negotiation for second-row legroom), the ID. Buzz comfortably swallows taller adults, offering genuine usability for an entire family, even on longer journeys. Its wider opening also simplifies access, despite the EV9’s convenient one-touch folding second-row seats. For families prioritizing maximum occupant comfort across all three rows, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner, making it an exceptional electric vehicle for large families.
Storage Solutions: Beyond the Basics for Busy Families
Every family knows the struggle of finding a place for all the “stuff” that comes along for the ride. From snacks and water bottles to tablets and toys, in-cabin storage is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of a family vehicle. Here, the 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrates a more pragmatic, user-centric approach. Its front center console is a well-engineered hub of practicality, featuring ample space for drinks, a dedicated bin for smaller items, and a cavernous open lower storage area that can easily swallow a small bag or purse. The slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers further enhance its utility, proving that Kia truly understands the needs of a modern family.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, feels surprisingly less optimized for small-item storage. The center console is relatively compact, and while there are fun, quirky touches like integrated bottle openers/ice scrapers, they don’t solve the fundamental need for versatile, accessible storage. While there’s plenty of floor space for a backpack, it lacks designated, secure spots for daily essentials. The wireless phone charger, tucked away near the steering wheel, is a thoughtful addition, but its inability to accommodate larger phones with cases (a common accessory in 2025) is a minor frustration from a usability standpoint. For real-world utility and organization, the EV9 edges out the ID. Buzz, proving that a clever design can maximize every cubic inch.
The Digital Dashboard & User Experience (UX): A Tale of Two Approaches
In 2025, a vehicle’s user interface is as critical as its engine (or motors, in this case). The battle between physical controls and touch-based systems continues, and these two EVs offer contrasting philosophies. The 2024 Kia EV9 largely embraces a traditional approach, skillfully integrating a responsive touchscreen infotainment system with essential physical buttons for frequently used functions like climate control temperature, heated/ventilated seats, and audio. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, ensuring that critical adjustments can be made quickly and intuitively, minimizing driver distraction – a vital safety consideration for family car technology. While the small climate panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, the option to expand controls to the main touchscreen mitigates this.
Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz leans heavily into touch-sensitive controls, an approach seen in other VW models that has historically generated mixed reviews. While the infotainment screen itself boasts excellent graphics, intuitive tile menus, and richer colors than the Kia, the reliance on haptic feedback for functions beyond the screen remains a source of frustration. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are prone to accidental inputs (like inadvertently engaging cruise control with a stray swipe), and the slider controls for volume and temperature, while responsive, lack the tactile precision of physical knobs or buttons. The system can also exhibit unnecessary pauses or lock itself for “safety reasons,” breaking the flow of interaction. From an expert perspective, while the ID. Buzz’s screen aesthetics are commendable, the EV9’s more balanced interface prioritizes intuitive vehicle controls and driver safety, making for a less distracting and more satisfying user experience in daily driving.
Craftsmanship & Material Choices: A $70k Question of Perceived Value
When a family is investing over $70,000 in an electric family vehicle, expectations for interior quality and craftsmanship are justifiably high. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer good overall quality, but neither quite delivers an interior that screams “premium luxury” at this price point.
The 2024 Kia EV9 takes a slight lead in this category. It features a greater abundance of soft-touch surfaces where occupants naturally rest their arms, and the upholstery feels a step above. Even after 10,000 miles on our long-term test vehicle, the interior exhibits remarkable durability, with no discernible creaks or signs of wear. Its primary drawback is an undeniably conservative, almost somber, all-gray color scheme, which can feel a bit uninspired for such a futuristic vehicle.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while solidly built with visually interesting and quality materials in certain areas, relies more heavily on hard plastics for common touchpoints. It does, however, offer a more playful and colorful interior aesthetic, which many will find refreshing compared to the EV9’s sobriety. While the Buzz’s whimsical design is appealing, the material choices might leave some desiring a bit more refinement for the investment. As an expert, I’d say both offer a good foundation, but there’s room for improvement in material tactility to truly match the price tag and market expectations for premium electric SUVs and vans in 2025.
Cargo Versatility: Hauling People vs. Hauling Gear
For families, the ability to effortlessly transition between carrying passengers and cargo is essential. Both the ID. Buzz and EV9 offer impressive cargo capacities, but their approaches and ultimate utility differ significantly. Behind the third row, both vehicles offer approximately 10 cubic feet of storage, which is useful for groceries or school bags.
However, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz truly comes alive when you need to haul larger items. With its third row folded, it expands to 30.8 cubic feet. But the game-changer is the ability to completely remove the third-row seats, unlocking a cavernous 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space – more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet with its third row stowed. This modularity is a massive advantage for families who frequently transport bulky gear, furniture, or sports equipment. The caveat: each third-row seat section is heavy (around 60 pounds), and you’ll need a place to store them when not in use. The ID. Buzz also features a removable cargo shelf that creates a flat load floor, with soft-sided bins underneath for smaller items, though these may require regular cleaning.
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a more conventional, yet highly practical, cargo area. With the third row folded, it provides a very usable space, complemented by underfloor storage and a small frunk (front trunk) – a feature notably absent in the ID. Buzz. The EV9’s cargo area is akin to what you’d find in a well-designed gasoline three-row SUV, requiring less effort to reconfigure for various hauling needs.
For pure volume and ultimate versatility in hauling things, the ID. Buzz’s ability to transform into a veritable cargo van is unmatched. For day-to-day flexibility without the hassle of seat removal, the EV9 offers a simpler, more integrated solution for family road trips and errands.
On the Road: Driving Dynamics & Daily Commute
The driving experience is where an EV can truly differentiate itself, offering a blend of quiet refinement and instant torque. Both vehicles provide a composed ride, but they deliver it with different flavors.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was a genuinely pleasant surprise. Despite its size and van-like demeanor, it displays remarkable agility and responsiveness. Steering is light and direct, and the vehicle feels remarkably nimble, defying any top-heavy expectations. The suspension tuning, while firm, is exceptionally refined, absorbing bumps with a quiet confidence that the Kia struggles to match. The “B” mode on the gear selector provides near-one-pedal driving, effectively slowing the vehicle almost to a stop, although a final brake press is needed. Outward visibility is generally good, though the unique windshield design and short nose create a different perspective for the driver. Wind noise can become noticeable at higher speeds, but overall, it’s a serene cruiser.
The 2024 Kia EV9, by contrast, feels more like a conventional SUV. Its driving position and outward visibility (aside from a somewhat thick B-pillar) are familiar. However, in this direct comparison, the EV9’s suspension felt noticeably less refined than the ID. Buzz’s, transmitting more road imperfections and generating more rattles on broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are also more prominent in the Kia cabin. While the EV9 offers a true one-pedal driving mode and a range of drive modes that noticeably alter the driving dynamics (Eco feels sedate, Sport feels energetic), its overall ride quality is slightly coarser than the VW’s. The Kia does gain points for its superior rear visibility (enhanced by a camera mirror option) and helpful blind-spot camera views, contributing to driver confidence, especially in challenging parking scenarios.
For sheer ride comfort and surprising nimbleness, the ID. Buzz steals the show. For those who prefer a more traditional SUV feel with distinct drive modes and advanced camera aids, the EV9 remains a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Conquering the Cold: Real-World Efficiency & Range Resilience
Cold weather presents a significant challenge for all electric vehicles, impacting both range and charging efficiency. Our expert cold-weather efficiency drive, spanning approximately 110 miles of mixed highway and country roads with temperatures hovering between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit, offered critical insights for families living in colder climates.
The 2024 Kia EV9 proved to be slightly more efficient, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More critically, the EV9’s greater overall range was a huge advantage. Starting with 249 miles of estimated range (down from its EPA 280-mile estimate due to the cold), the EV9 consumed 135 miles of range to cover 113 actual miles, leaving 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, starting with 198 miles (down from EPA 231), consumed 150 miles of range for 111 actual miles, leaving a mere 48 miles remaining.
This test highlights a crucial point for EV owners in colder regions: the colder the temperature, the faster your estimated range will deplete, and the more frequently you’ll need to charge. While neither vehicle would be my first choice for an extended cold-weather road trip without careful planning, the EV9’s larger battery and superior cold-weather efficiency provide a much-needed buffer, making it the more resilient option when temperatures dip below freezing. This directly impacts electric vehicle total cost of ownership and usability in diverse climates.
The Verdict: Tailoring Your Electric Family Journey in 2025
After extensive evaluation, it’s clear that both the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 are exceptional three-row electric vehicles, each carving out a distinct niche in the rapidly evolving 2025 automotive market. Your choice ultimately hinges on your family’s specific priorities and lifestyle.
If your primary need is an unparalleled ability to haul people – especially adults – in maximum comfort across all three rows, with cargo versatility that can transform into a moving van, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an undeniable standout. Its charming retro aesthetic, supremely comfortable ride, and surprising agility make it a joyous experience, particularly for daily family duties and urban adventures. It’s a lifestyle vehicle, a statement, and a supremely functional people-mover all rolled into one. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a modern electric version of the iconic VW Bus, and your budget allows for a premium electric addition to your garage, the ID. Buzz will spark immense joy.
However, if you’re looking for a more traditional SUV form factor, superior range for tackling longer journeys, a more conventional and intuitive user interface with physical controls, and slightly better cold-weather efficiency, the 2024 Kia EV9 makes a compelling case as the more well-rounded, primary family vehicle. It’s powerful, boasts a segment-leading design, and offers practical in-cabin storage solutions that cater directly to family needs. Its higher range means less frequent charging, which is a significant advantage for those with longer commutes or who desire greater spontaneity in their travels. The EV9 truly embodies the future of the electric family SUV.
Ultimately, neither of these top electric vehicles will disappoint in its core mission. As an expert who has seen the automotive industry evolve over a decade, I can confidently say that these two represent some of the most exciting, practical, and technologically advanced family EVs available in 2025.
Considering the diverse landscape of EV incentives 2025, exploring financing options for these advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) equipped vehicles is a smart move. Whether you prioritize maximal passenger space or extended range, a tailored test drive for your family is essential to determine which of these electric pioneers best fits your journey.
Ready to electrify your family’s adventures? Explore current offers and schedule a personalized test drive of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz or 2024 Kia EV9 at your local dealership today and discover the future of family mobility!
