The WORST Way to Act at the Airport

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Unveiling the Future of Family EVs: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs. 2024 Kia EV9 – An Expert Comparison

The automotive landscape of 2025 is electric, dynamic, and fiercely competitive, especially within the burgeoning three-row family EV segment. As a seasoned expert navigating the electric vehicle market for over a decade, I’ve witnessed the evolution from niche curiosities to mainstream powerhouses. Today, we’re dissecting two pivotal contenders that embody this shift: the highly anticipated 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the already established 2024 Kia EV9. While they present vastly different aesthetics – one a nostalgic nod to an icon, the other a bold leap into futurism – both promise to redefine family mobility. The question isn’t just “Which is better?” but “Which perfectly aligns with your family’s 2025 lifestyle and long-term electric vehicle investment goals?”

These vehicles, despite their visual disparity, frequently land on the same consumer shortlists, often within a few thousand dollars of each other on the showroom floor. The ID. Buzz, an all-new interpretation of VW’s legendary Type 2 Microbus, bursts onto the scene for 2025, offering a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge advanced EV technology. Our test model, an AWD Pro S Plus, boasted an EPA-estimated 231 miles of range from its 91-kWh battery, driven by a 335-horsepower dual-motor powertrain. Priced at $70,540 (including destination), it’s positioned as a compelling, sustainable alternative to traditional minivans. Its DC fast-charging capability tops out at an impressive 200 kilowatts, ensuring that brief stops get you back on the road swiftly.

The Kia EV9, our long-term fleet vehicle for nearly a year, represents Kia’s ambitious foray into the premium electric SUV space. Our AWD Land trim, with its larger 99.8-kWh battery, delivers a more generous EPA-estimated 280 miles of range. Its 379-horsepower output offers a slight edge in power, and its DC fast-charging peaks even higher at 210 kW. With an as-tested price of $74,305, the EV9 positions itself as a robust, long-range electric performance choice. It’s important to note that while our specific vehicle carries a slightly higher historical price, the 2025 model year adjustments might see minor fluctuations, potentially even making comparable new units slightly more accessible due to streamlining of certain cosmetic options like the matte paint.

At their core, both are sophisticated people-movers engineered for the electric age. My extensive testing involved a deep dive into every facet of their design and performance, evaluating how each translates into real-world family utility. From the intricacies of smart cabin technology to the practicalities of cargo hauling, let’s explore which one truly excels.

Interior Space and Comfort: The ID. Buzz Dominates for Max Capacity

When it comes to the paramount concern for any family vehicle – occupant space and comfort – the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz unequivocally takes the lead, especially for those requiring maximum room across all three rows. My initial impression behind the wheel of the ID. Buzz is its elevated driving position. It’s a genuine climb, reminiscent of commercial vans, suggesting that some drivers might appreciate the addition of running boards for easier ingress. Once settled, the upright windshield and significantly extended roofline create a unique, almost panoramic forward view, though it can make spotting overhead traffic lights a minor ergonomic challenge, often requiring a slight lean forward.

While the ID. Buzz’s seating might not offer the same plush, contoured embrace as the EV9’s initial two rows, they are exceptionally well-designed for long-term practicality and support. The real revelation, however, lies in its sheer volume of passenger space. The second row is expansive, rivaling the most generous offerings in the segment, but it’s the third row where the ID. Buzz truly shines. This isn’t a penalty box; it’s a genuinely accommodating space for taller adults, echoing the spaciousness found in the EV9’s second row.

In contrast, the Kia EV9’s third row, while impressive for an SUV, is ultimately a two-person affair and considerably more compact than the ID. Buzz’s. Adults can manage it for shorter durations, provided second-row passengers are willing to slide their captain’s chairs forward. For sustained journeys, the EV9’s rearmost seats are optimally suited for children or smaller teenagers. The ID. Buzz fundamentally redefines what a third row can be in an EV, providing unparalleled legroom, headroom, and shoulder room that easily accommodates full-sized adults without compromise. This is a critical distinction for larger families or those frequently transporting adults in all positions.

From a driver’s perspective, the EV9’s front seats offer a slightly more sculpted and cushioned experience, which some might find marginally superior for individual comfort. However, the overall sense of airiness and unencumbered spaciousness within the ID. Buzz’s cabin is a constant delight, a testament to its purpose-built minivan-esque architecture. Even with the Kia’s luxurious ventilated captain’s chairs, integrated window sunshades, and dual moonroof contributing to an open ambiance, the sheer, unadulterated room of the ID. Buzz, particularly in the second and third rows, makes it the victor in this crucial category. For families prioritizing maximum interior volume and genuine three-row adult comfort, the ID. Buzz is the clear winner.

In-Cabin Storage: EV9’s Practicality Outweighs Buzz’s Charm

While the ID. Buzz boasts impressive overall interior volume, the Kia EV9 pulls ahead in the critical category of in-cabin storage, offering more thoughtful and functionally useful compartments for the paraphernalia that inevitably accompanies family travel. From the perspective of a user who has lived with countless vehicles, the Kia’s design philosophy prioritizes practical, accessible storage solutions.

The EV9’s front center console is a well-engineered hub, providing ample space for small items, multiple cupholders, and critically, an open lower storage area beneath the floating console. This cavernous under-console space is perfect for larger bags, purses, or even a small backpack, keeping the main cabin floor clear.

The ID. Buzz, while undeniably spacious, adopts a more minimalist approach to small-item storage. The central console between the front seats is notably smaller, and its integrated storage compartments lack the sheer volume and versatility of the EV9’s. While there’s a small bin accessible from the rear of the console, it’s significantly less capacious than what the Kia offers. The ID. Buzz’s wide-open floorplan, while contributing to its airy feel, means that larger items like bags often end up simply resting on the floor, potentially shifting during dynamic driving.

Volkswagen has integrated some clever, if ultimately less practical, “fun touches” such as console dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper. While these contribute to the vehicle’s unique personality, they don’t solve the fundamental need for ample, accessible storage. The wireless phone charger, cleverly tucked beside the steering wheel, is a neat idea but its restrictive size (it didn’t accommodate my iPhone 12 in an Otterbox case) underscores a common design oversight: premium features must integrate seamlessly with real-world user habits.

The EV9’s storage strategy, though less overtly “charming,” is simply more effective. Its larger main console bin, the expansive under-console area, and the more effective integration of slide-out bins and trays for second-row passengers demonstrate a deeper understanding of family needs. In an age where every passenger carries multiple devices and necessities, the Kia’s superior ability to organize and secure these items makes it the more practical choice for daily living and those essential road trips. This is a clear case where utility triumphs over novelty in the daily user experience.

User Interface: EV9’s Balance of Touch and Tactile Wins

In the increasingly complex world of automotive user interfaces, the Kia EV9 emerges as the more user-friendly champion, primarily due to its thoughtful blend of intuitive touchscreen infotainment and judicious retention of physical controls for critical functions. The 2025 market demands a seamless, frustration-free interaction, and the EV9 largely delivers on this promise.

The EV9’s widescreen infotainment system is generally intuitive, with logical menus and a responsive display. Crucially, Kia understands the enduring value of haptic feedback. Dedicated buttons for frequently accessed features such as climate control temperature, fan speed, and seat heating/ventilation mean drivers can make adjustments without diverting significant attention from the road – a paramount family EV safety feature in 2025. One minor design quirk is a small, touch-sensitive climate panel on the dashboard that can be partially obscured by the steering wheel. However, the system allows for an expansion of these controls onto the central touchscreen, mitigating the issue. Similarly, while the steering wheel can occasionally block portions of the digital dashboard, impacting visibility of turn signal camera views, this is a minor annoyance compared to the ID. Buzz’s challenges.

The ID. Buzz, unfortunately, falls victim to Volkswagen’s persistent over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls, a design philosophy that has drawn criticism across several of their recent models. While its infotainment screen itself boasts excellent graphics, vibrant colors, and generally intuitive tile menus, the frustrating experience begins outside the main display. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are a particular pain point. I’ve inadvertently activated cruise control by merely brushing them, highlighting a significant ergonomic flaw. Volume and temperature adjustments, handled by imprecise haptic sliders rather than physical knobs, contribute to a less precise and often more distracting user experience.

Even for an expert who spends countless hours adapting to various interfaces, the ID. Buzz’s UI presents a constant source of mild exasperation. The system can exhibit unnecessary pauses when processing climate adjustments, and occasionally, for perceived safety reasons, the screen will lock, requiring an extra step to regain control. Key features are sometimes buried within multiple sub-menus, contrasting sharply with the EV9’s more direct access.

While the EV9 isn’t entirely without its UI quirks – the climate display visibility issue and the occasional accidental activation of touch-sensitive controls below the screen (when using it as a hand rest) are notable – its overall approach is superior. The Kia’s dedicated physical controls for climate, audio, camera, and drive mode, combined with a well-executed (if slightly smaller at 12.3 vs. 12.9 inches) touchscreen, make for a far less distracting and more satisfying daily interaction. For advanced EV technology that prioritizes driver focus and ease of use, the EV9 takes the crown.

Interior Quality: EV9 Edges Out with Thoughtful Refinement

In the quest for a premium electric SUV or a sustainable minivan alternative, interior quality plays a pivotal role in perceived value. While both the ID. Buzz and EV9 inhabit the challenging $70,000 price point – a territory where expectations for interior refinement are justifiably high – neither entirely delivers a luxury experience comparable to dedicated high-end offerings. However, the Kia EV9 slightly surpasses the ID. Buzz with its more consistent application of soft-touch materials and an overall sense of refined durability.

The EV9’s cabin is characterized by very good material quality, particularly where occupants frequently interact with surfaces. Soft-touch materials are strategically placed on armrests, door panels, and dashboard elements, enhancing the tactile experience. Despite its all-gray interior color scheme, which can feel somewhat subdued, the quality of the upholstery and panel fitment is commendable. Even after clocking over 10,000 miles in our long-term tester, the interior shows minimal signs of wear and remains commendably free of squeaks or rattles, speaking to its robust construction – a crucial aspect of long-term electric vehicle ownership.

The ID. Buzz, while undeniably well-built and charming with its visually engaging, often two-tone color schemes and unique patterns, relies more heavily on hard plastics in areas that one might expect softer materials at this price point. While there are some interesting textures and quality finishes, the overall proportion of hard plastic surfaces is higher than in the EV9. This isn’t to say the ID. Buzz feels cheap; rather, it suggests a greater emphasis on durability and playful aesthetics over overt luxury. The lighter and more colorful interior of the ID. Buzz certainly injects personality, but the EV9’s subtle quality often feels more substantial and sophisticated in its execution.

For families, the EV9’s choice of seemingly higher-quality upholstery and more resilient soft-touch surfaces likely translates to better long-term resistance against daily wear and tear from kids and cargo. While the ID. Buzz offers a delightful retro-futuristic ambiance, the EV9’s more traditional approach to interior materials ultimately feels a touch more premium and, perhaps, more aligned with the expectations of a discerning buyer in the 2025 market who is making a significant electric vehicle investment.

Cargo Space: ID. Buzz is the Undisputed Hauler

When it comes to hauling capacity, particularly with seats stowed or removed, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz leverages its van-like architecture to become the undeniable champion. While behind the third row, both EVs offer surprisingly similar, somewhat modest cargo space – around 10 cubic feet by Cars.com’s measurements – the ID. Buzz truly pulls away when maximum utility is required.

The ID. Buzz features a clever, multi-level cargo system. A removable shelf aligns the rearmost cargo area with the folded third-row seatbacks, creating a flat load floor. Beneath this shelf are soft-sided storage bins, which, while useful for small, loose items, are prone to getting dirty quickly. With its third row folded flat, the ID. Buzz opens up an impressive 30.8 cubic feet of cargo room. However, the real game-changer is the ability to entirely remove the third-row seats. This transforms the ID. Buzz into a cavernous utility vehicle, boasting an astounding 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 those who occasionally need to transport large items or significant amounts of gear. It’s a testament to its design as a truly versatile sustainable family car that can double as a capable cargo mover.

The caveat for the ID. Buzz, however, is the weight of those individual third-row seat sections, each weighing approximately 60 pounds. Removing them requires some effort, and you’ll need a place to store them when not in use. Additionally, the cargo shelf must also be removed to achieve maximum volume, which slightly complicates the process. Notably, the ID. Buzz lacks a frunk (front trunk), a feature increasingly common in EVs.

The Kia EV9, in contrast, offers a more conventional cargo experience, akin to a gasoline-powered three-row SUV. It provides a good amount of space behind the third row and a much larger area when the third row is folded flat. The EV9 also offers convenient underfloor cargo storage and a small but functional frunk – a handy spot for charging cables or smaller items. While its cargo area is well-designed and easy to use, it simply cannot match the sheer volume and versatility that the ID. Buzz unlocks with its removable third row.

For families who regularly transport large items – be it sports equipment, flat-pack furniture, or camping gear – the ID. Buzz’s unparalleled cargo flexibility makes it the superior choice. Its unique design sacrifices the frunk for an exponentially larger, highly configurable rear cargo area, cementing its status as the ultimate electric family vehicle investment for cargo-focused users.

Driving Experience: ID. Buzz’s Refined Agility Surprises

The driving experience of an EV is often defined by its powertrain, but for family haulers, suspension tuning, steering feel, and overall refinement are equally critical. In this crucial aspect, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a surprisingly agile and remarkably refined ride, ultimately making it the more pleasant daily driver, despite the Kia EV9’s higher power figures. This unexpected poise reinforces its credentials as a leading future-proof mobility solution.

From a standstill, the ID. Buzz, even in its standard Comfort drive mode, feels more immediately responsive than the EV9. Its accelerator pedal provides a more direct and satisfying connection to its 335-horsepower dual-motor powertrain. Power delivery is consistently smooth, exceptionally quiet, and utterly predictable, making city driving a breeze and highway merging confident. The ID. Buzz’s suspension tuning is a revelation. While both vehicles exhibit a firmer ride, the VW’s suspension is demonstrably more refined. It feels tightly buttoned-up, absorbing road imperfections with a sophisticated dampening that translates into a quieter cabin and a more composed ride. Crucially, the ID. Buzz’s suspension operates with significantly less noise than the Kia’s, which can sometimes sound a bit rattly over broken pavement.

Steering in the ID. Buzz is light but precise, making the vehicle feel nimble despite its size. The “B” mode on the gear selector offers a near-one-pedal driving experience, allowing for significant regenerative braking that can almost bring the van to a complete stop, requiring only a final brake pedal press. This nuanced regenerative braking system is a hallmark of optimized battery management and efficient driving. The high seating position combined with a low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack) means the ID. Buzz, surprisingly, doesn’t feel top-heavy, but rather responsive and engaging when navigating turns. Forward visibility is excellent due to the expansive glass and short nose, creating a unique but effective perspective with minimal blind spots.

The Kia EV9, while providing a driving experience akin to a conventional three-row SUV – a comfortable, familiar sensation for many – doesn’t quite match the ID. Buzz’s finesse. Its suspension, while generally competent, transmits more road noise and harshness into the cabin, particularly over rougher surfaces. Tire and wind noise are more pronounced in the EV9 compared to the impressively quiet ID. Buzz. While the EV9 offers multiple regenerative braking levels, including a true one-pedal driving mode, its overall ride quality feels less composed in direct comparison. The EV9’s 379-horsepower powertrain provides robust acceleration, and its distinct drive modes (Eco, Sport) offer a more noticeable alteration to the driving dynamics. However, the ID. Buzz’s inherent refinement makes it the more pleasant vehicle for daily commutes and long journeys.

Visibility in the EV9 is good forward, though the thick B-pillar on the left side can create a blind spot. Rear visibility is generally better than in the ID. Buzz, especially with its rearview camera mirror and integrated blind-spot camera views, which add a layer of confidence. Ultimately, for a vehicle designed to transport families, the ID. Buzz’s surprising agility, superior suspension refinement, and hushed cabin create a more premium and enjoyable driving experience.

Cold-Weather Efficiency: EV9’s Range Advantage Is Key

The performance of electric vehicles in sub-freezing temperatures remains a critical consideration for many consumers, and our rigorous cold-weather testing revealed some important distinctions between these two family haulers. While the Kia EV9 demonstrated a marginal edge in real-world efficiency, its significantly greater EPA-estimated range truly solidifies its advantage as a more capable option for colder climates. This is a vital aspect of long-range electric comfort and practical ownership.

To accurately assess their cold-weather efficiency, we subjected both EVs to the same approximately 110-mile route, comprising a mix of interstate highways and country roads. Conditions were undeniably harsh, with temperatures hovering between a frigid 17 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit. We drove both vehicles as any normal consumer would, with climate control set to auto and maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature – demanding tasks for any EV battery.

Before embarking, both vehicles were fully charged. The EV9 displayed an estimated 249 miles of range, while the ID. Buzz showed 198 miles. Both figures were roughly 30 miles below their respective EPA estimates, illustrating the immediate impact of cold on battery performance and range prediction. As expected, the combination of higher speeds and freezing temperatures rapidly depleted available range.

At the end of our 110-mile test, the Kia EV9 had traveled 113 miles but consumed 135 miles of its estimated range, leaving a healthy 114 miles remaining. Its efficiency averaged 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The ID. Buzz, after traveling 111 miles, had consumed a more substantial 150 miles of its estimated range, concluding the drive with a mere 48 miles remaining. Its average efficiency was 1.8 miles per kWh.

These results are illuminating. While the EV9’s 0.3 miles per kWh efficiency advantage is notable, the larger impact stems from its superior initial range. In cold weather, where charging infrastructure can be more spread out or less reliable, that extra buffer is invaluable. Neither vehicle, based on these findings, would be my top recommendation for a long-distance, cold-weather road trip, due to the increased frequency of charging stops required. However, if forced to choose for such a scenario, the Kia EV9’s more generous range would undoubtedly make the journey less stressful and more feasible.

This test underscores the importance of optimized battery management systems and the critical role of battery size in mitigating range anxiety in adverse conditions. For consumers in colder regions or those planning winter excursions, the EV9’s extended range provides a practical advantage, offering greater peace of mind and reducing the frequency of rapid EV charging stops.

ID. Buzz or EV9: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the 2024 Kia EV9 ultimately hinges on a precise alignment with your family’s unique needs, priorities, and lifestyle in the dynamic 2025 market. Both represent exceptional electric family vehicle investments, yet they cater to slightly different user profiles.

If your primary need is an unparalleled people-hauler, a truly spacious and accommodating vehicle for six or seven adults on a regular basis, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the undisputed champion. Its third row is genuinely adult-friendly, a rarity in the EV segment, making it the perfect choice for larger families, multi-generational households, or those who frequently carpool. Furthermore, if you’re captivated by its iconic design, appreciate a refined and surprisingly agile driving experience, and envision it as a stylish, retro-futuristic addition to your garage – perhaps even as a secondary, specialized vehicle – the ID. Buzz will undoubtedly spark joy. It’s a statement, a lifestyle choice, and a highly capable, sustainable minivan alternative that delivers on its unique aesthetic.

However, if you’re seeking a more well-rounded, primary family vehicle that effortlessly blends utility, long-range electric performance, and a familiar SUV driving dynamic, the 2024 Kia EV9 stands out. Its superior range, particularly in colder climates, positions it as a more versatile choice for longer commutes and occasional road trips, reducing range anxiety. The EV9’s interior storage solutions are more thoughtfully executed for everyday clutter, and its user interface strikes a better balance between modern touchscreens and essential physical controls, contributing to a less distracting driving experience. It feels more akin to a conventional SUV in its ergonomics and driving position, making the transition to electric less dramatic for some. For those prioritizing a sophisticated, yet highly practical premium electric SUV that can comfortably serve as the main family transporter, the EV9’s added capabilities and greater overall range make it a compelling and future-proof mobility solution.

Neither of these groundbreaking EVs is perfect, particularly when pushing the limits of cold-weather road trips. But what they both offer is a compelling vision of sustainable family transport.

The Verdict for Your Family:

Choose the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz if:
You need the absolute maximum passenger space across all three rows, comfortably seating adults.
You frequently haul large cargo and appreciate the flexibility of a removable third row.
You desire a unique, stylish, and iconic vehicle that makes a statement.
You prioritize a surprisingly refined and quiet driving experience.

Choose the 2024 Kia EV9 if:
You need a longer range, especially if you live in colder climates or undertake more frequent, longer journeys.
You prefer a more conventional, SUV-like driving feel and outward visibility.
You value a highly practical interior with superior small-item storage and a more user-friendly interface with physical controls.
You seek a well-rounded, primary family EV that balances comfort, utility, and modern technology.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, shaped by the rhythm of your daily life and your vision for next-generation electric powertrain family mobility.

Embark on Your Electric Journey Today!

Ready to discover which of these remarkable electric family vehicles truly resonates with your needs? We invite you to explore our comprehensive inventory of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 2024 Kia EV9 models available near you. Schedule a personalized test drive and experience firsthand the future of family transportation. Our team of EV specialists is standing by to answer your questions and help you navigate the exciting world of electric vehicle investment to find your perfect match. Don’t just read about the future – drive it!