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2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9: Decoding the Ultimate Family EV for the Modern American Home
The electric vehicle landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and for American families eyeing a sustainable yet practical mode of transport, 2025 presents two compelling, albeit distinct, options: the eagerly anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already lauded 2024 Kia EV9. As an automotive expert with a decade of navigating the intricate details of vehicle design, performance, and market trends, I can confidently say that these aren’t just cars; they represent differing philosophies in family mobility.
While one harks back to an iconic past with a futuristic twist and the other boldly forges a new path for electric SUVs, both aim to serve the dynamic needs of modern families. They share the common ground of being three-row, all-electric people-movers, and intriguingly, their as-tested pricing often falls within a surprisingly close range. But peel back the layers, and you’ll find a nuanced comparison crucial for making an informed investment in your family’s future transportation. Let’s dive deep into which of these sophisticated electric vehicles truly stands out as the superior family EV for 2025.
The Contenders: A Closer Look at Specifications and Market Positioning
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz arrives on the scene as a truly fresh face, an all-new electric van that reinterprets the legendary VW Bus for the digital age. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus trim, boasts a dual-motor powertrain delivering a robust 335 horsepower, fed by a 91-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It offers an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles, with DC fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kilowatts. Its as-tested price of $70,540 (including destination) positions it firmly in the premium 3-row EV segment. For families prioritizing a unique aesthetic and ample space, the ID. Buzz makes a vibrant statement.
In the other corner, we have the 2024 Kia EV9, a vehicle that has quickly cemented its place as a benchmark in the electric SUV category. Our long-term test vehicle, a Land trim with AWD, draws power from a larger 99.8-kWh battery, pushing out 379 horsepower. Critically, it delivers an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range and can DC fast-charge even quicker, up to 210 kW. Priced at $74,305 as tested, the EV9 sits slightly above the ID. Buzz, offering a more traditional SUV form factor blended with cutting-edge EV technology. For those seeking a more conventional, yet undeniably advanced, electric family car, the EV9 is a formidable contender.
While the price difference seems negligible, the subtle variations in range, power, and charging speed hold significant implications for daily usability and EV ownership experience. The market for premium electric vehicles in 2025 demands more than just zero emissions; it requires seamless integration into active family lifestyles.
Interior Space and Comfort: The Ultimate People Mover Test
When evaluating a family EV, the interior is paramount. It’s not just about raw dimensions but the entire sensory and functional experience for every occupant.
Winner: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz (for sheer passenger volume)
My verdict is clear: for maximum interior space EV across all three rows, particularly for adult passengers, the ID. Buzz is the undisputed champion. Stepping into the driver’s seat of the ID. Buzz, you immediately notice the elevated seating position, akin to a modern delivery van. While some drivers might appreciate running boards for easier ingress, once settled, the upright windshield and extended-forward roofline create a uniquely airy cabin. However, this unique design can make seeing overhead stoplights a minor ergonomic challenge, often requiring a slight head tilt.
The ID. Buzz’s seating, while not quite matching the plushness of the EV9’s first and second rows, is nevertheless exceptionally comfortable for extended journeys. Where the ID. Buzz truly shines is in its expansive passenger volume, especially in the third row. This isn’t merely “adequate”; the ID. Buzz’s rearmost seats are genuinely accommodating for taller adults, rivaling the spaciousness of many vehicles’ second rows. It transforms the often-cramped 3-row electric SUV experience into a truly inclusive one.
The EV9, while offering a respectable second row with features like ventilated captain’s chairs and integrated window sunshades, doesn’t quite match the sheer legroom and headroom of the ID. Buzz. Its two-person third row, though accessible via one-touch folding second-row seats, remains best suited for children or smaller adults willing to make compromises on legroom. For families regularly transporting multiple adults or growing teenagers, the ID. Buzz’s ability to comfortably seat a full complement of passengers is a significant differentiator. The open cabin feel, complemented by the dual moonroof setup in the EV9, is pleasant, but pure, unadulterated space triumphs for a dedicated people hauler.
In-Cabin Storage: Practicality for the Everyday Chaos
Family vehicles are often repositories for everything from snacks and devices to sports gear and emergency kits. Effective in-cabin storage EV solutions are non-negotiable.
Winner: 2024 Kia EV9
The EV9 takes the lead here with its thoughtfully designed, larger bins and versatile storage areas that cater more effectively to the myriad items accompanying daily family life. The EV9’s front center console is a masterclass in utility, offering ample space for smaller items, drinks, and a convenient open lower storage area perfect for larger bags or electronics.
The ID. Buzz, despite its overall spaciousness, offers less practical storage for smaller items. Its central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and the integrated storage compartments are somewhat limited in size and utility. While it features a small bin accessible from the rear, it pales in comparison to the EV9’s generous provisions. Creative touches in the VW, like console dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, are novel but don’t elevate overall functionality for serious family hauling. The nearly hidden wireless phone charger, while a neat idea, struggled to accommodate my iPhone 12 with an Otterbox case, a minor but recurring frustration for users who prioritize device protection.
Kia’s approach is simply more pragmatic. The EV9’s larger console bin, the expansive space beneath the center console, and the well-executed slide-out bin and tray for second-row passengers demonstrate a deeper understanding of real-world family needs. While the ID. Buzz’s open interior can accommodate larger items like backpacks on the floor, it lacks the integrated, organized solutions that the EV9 provides, making the Kia a more user-friendly environment for managing clutter on the go. This focus on intuitive storage contributes significantly to a less stressful EV ownership experience.
User Interface and Infotainment: The Digital vs. Tactile Debate
The interface is the nerve center of any modern vehicle, dictating how drivers interact with critical functions. In 2025, the balance between digital sleekness and tactile practicality is under constant scrutiny.
Winner: 2024 Kia EV9
The EV9 unequivocally wins the High-Tech EV Interior user interface battle, primarily due to its more traditional layout and the crucial inclusion of physical controls for key features. Kia’s infotainment system is intuitive, with a responsive touchscreen that complements a smart array of physical buttons for frequently used functions like climate control temperature and heated/ventilated seats. While the small climate system touch panel on the dashboard can be partially obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers, these controls can be expanded to the central touchscreen, offering greater accessibility. The steering wheel also occasionally blocks portions of the digital dashboard, impacting visibility of turn-signal camera views, a minor drawback in an otherwise excellent setup.
The ID. Buzz’s reliance on touch-sensitive controls, a trait seen in other Volkswagen models, remains a point of frustration. While its touchscreen infotainment system is visually appealing with intuitive tile menus and vibrant colors, the lack of haptic feedback for critical controls like volume, temperature, and steering wheel functions is a significant ergonomic misstep. Accidental activations, such as setting cruise control by inadvertently swiping the steering wheel, are common and detract from the driving experience. The imprecise nature of slider controls, though responsive, makes fine adjustments difficult, demanding more attention from the driver—a critical safety consideration in a family EV.
The EV9’s more straightforward UI, replete with dedicated physical controls for climate, audio, camera, and drive modes, ensures a safer and more intuitive interaction, especially when driving. While its 12.3-inch infotainment screen is slightly smaller than the ID. Buzz’s 12.9-inch display, its landscape orientation and functionality are superior. Even with its own minor quirks, like the climate display obstruction or the drive mode selector/start-stop button combo being less intuitive, the EV9’s blend of digital sophistication and tactile practicality sets a higher standard for electric car technology usability.
Interior Quality: Does Price Reflect Premium Experience?
At the $70,000-plus price point, consumers expect more than just functionality; they demand a sense of premium quality and robust construction.
Winner: 2024 Kia EV9
The EV9 narrowly takes the crown for interior quality EV, though both vehicles prompt the question: do these interiors truly feel like $70,000-plus cabins? Kia’s materials quality is consistently very good, with soft-touch surfaces strategically placed where arms and hands naturally rest. While our test car’s all-gray interior scheme might appear a tad somber compared to the ID. Buzz’s lighter, more colorful aesthetic, its durability and sophisticated feel are undeniable. Despite accumulating over 10,000 miles, the EV9’s interior exhibits no signs of wear or creakiness, a testament to its robust construction.
The ID. Buzz, conversely, offers a playful, visually interesting interior with quality materials on some surfaces, but it relies more heavily on hard plastics in frequently touched areas. While solidly built, it doesn’t exude the same consistent level of refinement as the EV9. Volkswagen has undoubtedly infused the ID. Buzz with character, leveraging its retro-futuristic charm to create a distinctive atmosphere. However, for sheer perceived value and the tactile experience expected from a premium electric vehicle, the EV9’s more extensive use of soft-touch materials and seemingly higher-quality upholstery gives it the edge.
As an expert, I look beyond mere aesthetics to the longevity and sensory experience. The EV9’s interior, while perhaps less exciting, feels engineered for enduring family use, embodying a quiet confidence in its quality. The ID. Buzz leans into its distinct personality, which may resonate with buyers seeking a less conventional luxury.
Cargo Space: The Hauler’s Test
For families, cargo space EV isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s often a deal-breaker. Strollers, sports equipment, groceries, and luggage all demand generous and adaptable storage solutions.
Winner: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz (especially with seats removed)
While measured cargo space behind the third row is similar for both EVs (around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com measurements), the ID. Buzz’s cavernous and highly adaptable interior ultimately benefits cargo hauling more significantly, particularly when its third row is folded, and especially when it’s removed entirely.
The ID. Buzz features a unique cargo shelf system that creates a flat load floor, aligning the rearmost cargo area with the folded third-row backrest. Below this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, useful but potentially prone to grime. Critically, with the third row folded, the ID. Buzz offers 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space. But the true game-changer is the ability to remove the third row entirely, unlocking a monumental 48.9 cubic feet of space by our measurements—more than double the EV9’s 23.4 cubic feet when its third row is down. This transformable capability makes the ID. Buzz an incredibly versatile hauler, whether for large shopping trips, home improvement projects, or moving college kids. The caveat, of course, is that each third-row section is heavy (around 60 pounds), requiring effort and a place to store them when not in use.
The EV9, by comparison, offers a more conventional cargo area, akin to a gasoline-powered three-row SUV. It provides substantial space with the third row up and even more when folded, complete with underfloor storage and a small frunk (front trunk). While practical, it lacks the sheer expansive volume and modularity of the ID. Buzz. The ID. Buzz’s design, despite the load floor being raised by the shelf, fundamentally allows for a greater utility in hauling truly bulky items. For families that occasionally need to move serious amounts of gear, the ID. Buzz provides an unmatched level of adaptability. This flexibility makes it a compelling electric van for active lifestyles.
Driving Experience: The Ride, The Handling, The Thrill
Beyond the practicalities, the way an EV drives profoundly impacts daily enjoyment and long-distance comfort.
Winner: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz (for refined composure)
The ID. Buzz’s driving experience was a pleasant surprise, showcasing remarkable agility and overall refinement for a vehicle of its size and type. Even in Comfort drive mode, the ID. Buzz feels more responsive off the line than the EV9, with an accelerator pedal that offers instant, predictable power delivery. The ride quality is where the ID. Buzz truly pulls ahead. Both vehicles have firm suspension tuning, but the ID. Buzz’s setup is significantly more refined and “buttoned up.” It absorbs road imperfections with greater composure, and its suspension operates with noticeably less noise than the Kia’s. The steering is light and precise, making the ID. Buzz feel nimble despite its dimensions. The “B” mode on the gear selector provides near-one-pedal driving, effectively bringing the van to an almost complete stop, enhancing urban driving efficiency. Despite its high seating position, the ID. Buzz never feels top-heavy, inspiring confidence through turns. Outward visibility is generally good, with minimal blind spots, though the unique front glass and short nose create a different visual perspective. This combination of comfort, agility, and refined dynamics makes the ID. Buzz a truly enjoyable EV driving experience.
The Kia EV9, while a competent performer, felt harsher and noisier in this direct comparison. Its suspension, while generally good, transmits more road noise and jostles occupants more on broken pavement. Tire and wind noise are also more noticeable in the EV9 compared to the serene cabin of the ID. Buzz. While the EV9 offers a more traditional SUV driving position and excellent forward visibility, its left-side B-pillar can obstruct views. The EV9 does offer more regenerative-braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, which some drivers prefer. In terms of power, the EV9’s 379 hp eventually outpaces the ID. Buzz’s 335 hp, making it the relatively sportier choice for outright acceleration. Its different drive modes also have a more pronounced effect on the driving dynamics. However, for overall refinement, composure, and a surprisingly engaging drive, the ID. Buzz edges it out. Kia’s excellent blind-spot camera views and superior rear visibility (including a camera mirror) are commendable safety features that aid in maneuvering.
Cold-Weather Efficiency: The Range Anxiety Test
For many American families, especially those in northern climates, cold-weather EV performance and range are critical concerns.
Winner: 2024 Kia EV9
The EV9 proved to be slightly more efficient in our rigorous cold-weather testing, averaging 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the ID. Buzz’s 1.8 miles per kWh. More significantly, the EV9’s greater inherent driving range is a substantial asset when temperatures drop below freezing, where battery performance is known to diminish.
Our cold-weather efficiency drive involved a 110-mile route primarily on interstate highways and country roads, with climate systems in Auto mode and cabin temperatures set reasonably. Outside temperatures hovered between 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Before starting, the EV9 displayed 249 miles of range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles—both approximately 30 miles less than their EPA estimates, as expected in freezing conditions.
At the route’s conclusion, the Kia had traveled 113 miles, consuming 135 miles of estimated range, leaving 114 miles remaining. The ID. Buzz, after traveling 111 miles, consumed 150 miles of range, with a mere 48 miles left. Neither vehicle would be our top choice for extensive long-range electric SUV road trips in sub-freezing conditions due to the increased frequency of charging stops required. However, the EV9’s superior starting range and better cold-weather efficiency make it significantly more tolerable for such scenarios, reducing EV range anxiety. The importance of robust battery thermal management systems and effective preconditioning cannot be overstated for sustainable family transport in varied climates.
ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is the Better Family EV for Your American Home?
The choice between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on your family’s specific priorities, lifestyle, and how you envision integrating an EV into your daily life. Both represent excellent strides in the electric vehicle market 2025, but they cater to distinct needs.
If your primary need is unparalleled passenger space, particularly for adult passengers across all three rows, and you appreciate a genuinely unique, retro-futuristic design that makes a statement, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is your answer. It’s the ultimate electric van for families who prioritize maximum interior volume, adaptable cargo hauling for large items, and a surprisingly refined driving experience. It’s a lifestyle vehicle, perhaps an ideal second family car for those with specific hauling needs, or for the buyer who has always dreamed of an electric VW Bus and has the budget for a standout premium electric vehicle. However, be prepared to navigate a user interface that can be frustrating and acknowledge its limitations in cold-weather range.
On the other hand, if you require a primary family vehicle that seamlessly blends into everyday life with superior practicality, better cold-weather range, and a more intuitive user interface, the 2024 Kia EV9 is the more well-rounded choice. It offers a more traditional SUV experience with robust interior quality, thoughtful storage solutions, and better efficiency, particularly for families living in areas with harsh winters. The EV9 is a sensible, sophisticated, and highly capable 3-row electric SUV that delivers an exceptional EV ownership experience without the steep learning curve of some cutting-edge interfaces. It’s built for the family that needs an EV to do everything, every day, reliably and comfortably.
Ultimately, both vehicles represent compelling options in the best family electric car conversation for 2025. You truly can’t go wrong with either in terms of fundamental quality and capability. However, understanding their core strengths—the ID. Buzz’s unparalleled space and unique charm versus the EV9’s superior range, intuitive design, and all-around practicality—will guide you to the perfect electric fit for your family’s journey into a sustainable future.
The future of family transport is electric, and the choice has never been more exciting. Why not take the next step? We invite you to experience these groundbreaking vehicles for yourself. Explore our extensive inventory of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9, schedule a test drive, and speak with our EV specialists to uncover exclusive electric car incentives 2025 that could make your transition to electric mobility even more rewarding. Your ideal sustainable family transport awaits.
